Think you know cruising? ‘Tis the sea-son to do holidays differently.
Forget the usual holiday routine. Imagine lacing up ice skates and gliding across a rink above water, stepping into the world of a favourite K-Pop series or waking up to a new destination without packing and unpacking along the way. This festive season, Dream Cruises and StarCruises are bringing together winter-themed fun, pop-culture encounters and new routes around Asia for travellers looking for something beyond the expected.
The K-wave hits the high seas with KPop Demon Hunters-themed encounters aboard Genting Dream.
Winter wonderlands at sea
Who says a winter wonderland needs snow-covered streets and freezing temperatures?
Aboard Genting Dream, the holiday season takes an unexpected turn with an ice-skating rink debuting this December. Set on the outdoor Zouk Beach Club on Deck 17, the rink invites guests to glide across the ice above the water, with the night sky as their backdrop. It is a different take on the traditional festive escape, bringing a classic winter activity to tropical waters.
Winter Wonderland sets sail on the Genting Dream and Star Voyager ships this holiday season.
Over on Star Voyager, the holiday spirit takes a more playful turn. From 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, a series of winter-themed activities and entertainment will bring the holiday cheer to sea, which include the Jingle and Mingle sing-alongs at the Atrium to festive bingo nights at Zodiac Theatre and a Christmas Eve party at the Main Pool. In addition, guests of all ages can have a splashing great time with Happy Fish, a limited-time complimentary programme available by pre-registration, were they can learn breath-holding and safe diving techniques in a fun and accessible way.
Guests make a splash with Happy Fish, learning breath-holding techniques and safe, confident diving.
All aboard the K-wave
From music and fashion to television and film, Korean pop culture has become a global phenomenon. Now, fans can step into one of its latest hits while at sea.
Riding in on the K-wave, Genting Dream is introducing the K-Pop Demon Hunters Universe experience, bringing the hit animated film to life through meet-and-greet sessions with Rumi, Zoey and Mira cosplayers, coinciding with the year-end festivities and Dream Cruises’ 10th anniversary celebrations.
Beyond immersive experiences, a themed pop-up store running from 25 October to 29 December 2026, adds another stop for fans, with merchandise and gifts inspired by the film. To sweeten the deal, guests booking a balcony cabin or Palace Suite are offered a S$50 voucher for retail merchandise purchases at the store.
Fresh itineraries offer an easier way for guests to experience South Bali and Lombok (pictured).
A different stop on the map
Novelty goes beyond new onboard attractions – and Southeast Asia’s waters and islands offer plenty of scope for discovery.
Star Voyager is adding Pulau Pangkor, an island off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as a new port of call. Sailings range from two to five nights:
- Two-night Pulau Pangkor: 1 and 23 January 2027
- Three-night Pulau Pangkor–Penang: 12 December 2026
- Four-night Langkawi–Pulau Pangkor–Kuala Lumpur: 26 December 2026
- Five-night Phuket–Krabi–Pulau Pangkor: 7 and 21 November 2026
Genting Dream is also introducing new voyages to Bali, Lombok, Bangkok and Ko Samui, letting guests wake up in a new destination without packing and unpacking between stops:
- Five-night South Bali–Lombok: 13 December 2026, 18 July 2027 and 19 December 2027
- Five-night Bangkok–Ko Samui: 20 June and 26 September 2027
StarDream Cruises introduces a new port-of-call, Pangkor, taking guests off-the-beaten path without the hassle.
A season of new possibilities
The appeal of a cruise can lie in the little surprises as much as the destinations themselves. And oftentimes, the most memorable escapes are not the ones taking guests farthest from home; but the ones that take them far from familiar routines.
Whether that means ice skating above the ocean, stepping into a K-Pop universe or discovering less-travelled corners of Asia, ‘tis the season for fresh experiences and new holiday memories.
Explore StarDream Cruises’ holiday experiences and itineraries here.
This article is brought to you by StarDream Cruises.