WHEN you think of vacationing on board a cruise ship, the images that come to mind are all the fun activities on board that you can enjoy.
From lounging by the swimming pool to the fun games and sports, you can truly enjoy your vacation to your heart’s content throughout the voyage. These, on top of the entertainment and dining options that a cruise ship offers its guests.
However, if you are looking for more than just having fun while on vacation, Genting Cruise Lines has just the package for you.
CRUISE VOLUNTOURISM
As part of Genting Group’s year-long 25th anniversary celebration, Genting Cruise Lines launched its first regional Cruise Voluntourism campaign in Asia through its Dream Cruises.
“These Cruise Voluntourism activities will be an ideal way for guests to enjoy a cruise together and also help make a difference to the communities in need throughout the region,” said Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines.
“We also encourage our crew and staff to be part of this campaign by donating their time to engage in various voluntary work at the different destinations,” he added.
Thatcher Brown, president of Dream Cruises, said it was a pleasure to initiate the campaign in Southeast Asia with Genting Dream. “The region is where it all began 25 years ago for our company as a group and it is only fitting that we launch the campaign here, in the region, as part of our ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility commitment to the communities we serve,” he says.
Guests looking forward to taking a cruise with Dream Cruises and Star Cruises can explore the new Cruise Voluntourism options which are available on selected departure dates have itineraries that offer at least one Cruise Voluntourism opportunity at a designated destination on a complimentary basis.
The itineraries offer a wide variety of activities for guests to volunteer their time to, including environmental conservation, cultural preservation and supporting various institutions such as local schools, orphanages, seniors’ homes, handicapped centres and poverty relief efforts.
VOLUNTEERING MODE ON
The 4D3N voyage takes passengers from Singapore to Penang and Phuket in Thailand before returning to Singapore. The first stop under the voluntourism campaign during the voyage is The Eden Handicap Service Centre in Penang, a charitable non-profit organisation providing practical training and support for the disabled.
The participants are welcomed by general manager Bertie Tye. There are 160 residents living at the centre at the moment. During the visit, participants interact and get to know the residents as well as engage in activities, including carrying out light maintenance around the facility, and other fun activities.
Among the cruise guests is accountant Ninad Pabe, 30, and his bride Rakhi Thakkar, 28, from Mumbai, India. The couple, who are on the cruise for their honeymoon, heard about the programme while on board and immediately signed up for it.
“We think it is a very good idea and something different. Rather than just enjoying ourselves with the various entertainment options, why not do some good at the same time,” says Ninad.
He adds that it’s a good experience to do voluntary work and at the same time, visit the beautiful island.
Participants spend about two hours at the centre. Before leaving, Genting Cruise Lines presented the centre with a contribution of food and daily essentials.
The following day, the Genting Dream arrives in Phuket and participants make an early start for Baan Kalim School that was rebuilt after a tsunami hit the area in December 2004.
At the school, participants are divided into two groups with one group tasked with repainting several classrooms, the library and the meeting room. Participants are split into smaller groups with each responsible for one room. They spend about two hours painting the rooms, brightening the otherwise plain-looking room.
The other group, meanwhile, spend their time engaging in various entertaining and educational activities with the students.
Singaporean Muhammad Hameem, 21, who is on the cruise with his parents, says they are glad to be taking part in the campaign.
“It is a memorable way to spend our vacation together and doing some good as well ,” he remarks.
Jeanette Madina-Lim, 70, and her husband Amos Madina, 71, are looking for something unique to do on the cruise and are excited to learn about the voluntary activity option.
“We feel that it is a positive step to help those in need and it is something different while cruising to various destinations. We truly enjoyed ourselves interacting with the children and seeing their happy faces,” she says.
As part of the inaugural voluntourism cruise, Genting Cruise Lines also donated children’s books to the school’s library.