Yesterday I had the opportunity to have dinner on the ‘hype of the town’ Dubai Dream Cruises. Before I begin, I would like to issue a disclaimer more so to make you aware of the frame of mind I had while walking up the gangplank to enter the Gulf Dream Cruise vessel. I have previously taken a cruise to the Caribbean upon the Celebrity vessel managed by Carnival Cruise Liners, it was a superb experience with excellent food and amazing entertainment. At the same time many Pakistanis have been relating the ship to the amazing footage they saw in the movie Titanic which in its time captured the heart of millions. Despite my experience, and the splendor of the Titanic I will attempt to review this experience with neutrality leaving my own critique to the end.
The ship was located on a berth at the West Wharf and one could easily see the ship in the distance if you were to drive on the Keamari Bridge and gaze in the general direction of the West Wharf, the ship was well lit in the darkness with a stream of fairy lights. Directional signs led us to the KPT yard from where we were shuttled to the berth. We were dropped on the aft of the ship and walked our way to midship where a gangplank extended upwards about four stories high, during the walk alongside, the ship was a mid-size vessel and apparently a little old with as the hull condition showed signs of many adventures in the high seas around the globe. The walkway I assume was provided by the KPT as it was a flimsy staircase of thin metal sheets unsteady on each step for those who dared to walk the plank, all concerns were put to ease as we reached the entrance of the ship where the boarding party greeted us with amazing smiles and the tornado draft of much needed air conditioning to soak up the dampness that was lingering in the Karachi air.
Once inside the ship we were free to walk and explore the vessel without any restrictions, the maze of corridors and passageways was confusing to say the least and everyone around was lost, occasionally in the maze you would bump into someone you happened to know and have a few words then commence into the never ending maze of corridors, it was fun. The crew, predominantly Indonesian and Russian was stationed around in strategic locations to help the ‘very lost souls’ on board. Communication with the crew would have to be predominantly be in rustic English (as the Indonesians and Russians cant be said to have impeccable pronunciation so as they say tooti-phooti english chaal jayie gee) even then there should be a sizable crew to cater to our Urdu speaking community also, which I think might be a problem
Of all the luck, the first place we walked into was the Casino (maybe the casino Gods were at work though I have never gambled) which was lined with slot machines enough to satisfy the gambling urge in all Pakistanis, generally I saw a noticeable absence of Black Jack, Roulette or even Poker tables, which are an essential component of a casino but in a cruise ship man power is generally kept to a bare minimum with many multi tasking individuals on board. Casino is probably the main entertainment available for the five-day cruise, for many it could very well be the sole purpose to spend 35,000 for a room (consider it as an entrance fee to heaven [or hell]). Be it a poker room or a casino room the credit goes to the entrepreneur will to pitch in the money and take this tour
Walking through the casino we entered the main dining restaurant called ‘King & I’ where a wide selection of buffet awaited us to be served a little later in the evening, the restaurant was impressive to be able to cater easily for two seatings (early and late) with some elegant table settings bringing the overall dining experience comparable to a buffet at PC or Sheraton. The close proximity to the casino served a very interesting purpose if I might add, strategically positioned to attract customers while they take a casual stroll to the restaurant every lunch or dinner.
Beyond the dining area was the spacious entertainment auditorium called ‘My Fair Lady Salon’ located towards the extreme front of the ship, where a musical band entertained the guest on stage in front of a with a brightly lit dance floor while waitresses scurried around to serve drinks luckily todays menu was limited to only fizzy drinks on the house, but later the cork popping alcoholic beverages await the open seas
The other end of the ship was a cinema which at this time was playing an Indian flick starring Shahrukh Khan, the overall seating seemed to comfortable but I feel the projector could have been better as during the day it would easily be drowned in the sunlight despite heavy drapery. The cruise faring passengers can enjoy a few outings to the big screen as an added entertainment value on this cruise.
Heading upwards we landed on to the pool deck, ample to accommodating a good evening crowd which can take it easy on the abundant deck chairs around the pool. The pool sadly would not & should not be called a swimming pool at all, I would compare it to any paddle pool with one shallow end and the deep end measuring 2 meters the hilarious part was the unsuspecting pool had a sign plastered on the side warning stating ‘No Diving’ brilliant I thought, I’d be lucky to get a place even if 7-10 people decided to jump in. The pool had nothing for the over-tanned brown-skin Pakistanis who are not sun bathing freaks so I think the sun deck will generally remain deserted during the day with a few sparing individuals who may choose to brave the winter sun fully drenched in SPF-100.
We wandered around a bit more to discover that there was another bar cum dance floor to the aft of the ship, along with a few scattered massage parlors, a gym and a baby sitting center somewhere in the two happening decks of the cruise liner. The evening hosted by Geo and Jang was supposed to end with a concert by Sukhbir on the Sun Deck after a buffet diner at King & I. We did not stay long after our tour as the buffet paled against a tempting offer for dinner at Sakura (PC).
The only part we were unable to inspect were the staterooms which were closed to the public, but a look around in the corridor gave an impression of neatness comparable to a hotel room but a little cramped for space. The Rs. 55,000 suites are located on the Main Deck, within easy access to all amenities, the lower classification of rooms were situated on the floors beneath with a small pot hole offering a breath taking view of the ocean. One important aspect to even the pricey suites was the apparent absence of a private balcony which can be an added advantage to the long hours between ports. With or without balconies, this cruise can be great for honeymooners who may avail the services before its last sailing date scheduled for February 27, 2007.
Critique: Apparently it appeared to be a neat and clean ship but was undoubtedly an old vessel, it was considerably small as to the one we used to tour the Caribbeans. The cleanliness was decent but found lacking in certain areas specially a very strange smell around the casino areas.
If you happen to have no qualms with drinking and the quick get-rich temptation of slot machines then five days may seem too short for the crore-patti within you, but if you are far from these temptations then plan accordingly, take books and the works, I assure you TV entertainment is usually nothing to write home about, and once on the ship the only way off is to take the Leonardo de’Caprio route in the Titanic.
Bottom line is that for a ticketed price of Rs.35,000- Rs 55,000 I feel its not a bad deal, the overall experience can be comparable to entering a three-star hotel like Carlton or Reagent Plaza (in Karachi), as they say ‘you get what you paid for’ and being the first modern-day cruise out of Pakistan its not bad to start as the economics of a higher price tag would have kept the majority away.
The biggest problem I see if that the 8-10 hours stay in Dubai is too short for our Dubai-crazy Pakistani people. A day or so in port at Dubai would have been the icing, as one could enjoy two days on the ship going into UAE, relax while enjoying the sights and sounds of Dubai and return home with the fanfare of Dubai Dream Cruise. Maybe another venture capitalist could plan along these lines maybe next winter and again become the star attraction for Pakistan more on a permanent basis. Should be a great experience for those who have not been on a cruise, report back here and update us on where I was wrong, as my 2 hours on board will surely be different to actually living the five days. ALL ABOARD
Comments
30 responses to “Karachi – Dubai Dream Cruise – A Review”
that was a great review about the cruise ship. i would never go to dubai on a cruise. i would prefer a cruise on the carribean as well. well at least its an eye opener for those who think that every cruise ship is like the titanic. (yeah sure there are loads of heiresses roaming around with necklaces waiting for some romeo to seduce them.there are also plenty of icebergs in the “Warm” sea.) i can bet our ppl will be spending most of their time in the casino. my take on it: “i think the craze will die down soon when the standards arent met and its passe”.
Great review Awab! enjoyed it immensely. I might do my own review if I ever chance to get the board the damn thing here in Dubai. Knowing my luck I might even get sea-sick when she is in port.
Hey Awab, excellent review I must say, but trust me this 5-day cruise would be nothing but boring. With this I mean one has a much better way out to actually fly to Dubai stay at a good 3-4 star and enjoy everything that’s onboard and it would cost almost the same if not equal to spending 35,000. The Gulf Cruise is simply here for getting cash of the super-duper rich Pakistani’s who could boast of being on a cruise…the actual cruise may actually take decades to come to this part of the world!
Interesting as always Dr. Sahib!
As they say; something is better than nothing. I guess we will have to live with this until something better comes along.
oh puhleeze. the super duper rich have better taste and wont waste their money going on a five day cruise to dubai. i can bet that all the hoi polloi will make a beeline for it and the novelty will wear off soon.
You forgot to mention Poseidon. You’ll have to pay the price of this major ignorance.
Dr. Sahib.
the maiden voyage was a total disaster. The shipa sailed without air conditioning and yesterday, when it left port rashid (dubai), A/C was still not functioning. The majaority of passengers were denied visa at entry and they had to stay oer board the ship in scrotching heat of dubai. further, the sship was docked at cargo vessels birth.
whey no bad news appeared on the news, b coz, the whole dubai dream cruise line is partner ship between, Mr. Khalil of geo tv and mr. babr ghauri of karachi.
All that glitters ……… may not be gold…..
i knew that this cruise was too good to be true. its just an attempt by enterprising people to con people out of their money. why am i not surprised?
umm yeah exactly my point. read my first and second comment.
Guy we cant expect more , this is No Uk or US , this is Pakistan 😀
i agree with Hasnanin .. this stupid cruise is for people who need an excuse to brag about their “cruise” at the committee parties pffttt.. wat a major dissapointment man … and yeah this fad will die sooner or later .. ahah im actually surprised this ship made it to Dubai safely .. and backk lol …
Dear Dr Sahib
your report is marvelous but be in mind that this is a begging of Cruise industry in Pakistan and a warm well come from the people of Pakistan is shows their interest on this type of service, which may attract other players to think about it, sooner or later the original players will survive and all non genuine are gone to “Hell” as their service. So be positive and hope for the better future.
i am saddened by the low mentality of our people…this is a first hand experience.i was on the cruise with my husband and my friends.its so sad to c that most of these people who pasted their comments on this page must have done alot more things in their lives that they wouldnt be proud of, or are ethically wrong …but these very people were so quick to point fingers at a very innocent attempt of somebody tryin to bring pakistan into the bigger picture..i will not name sources but may i tell u all, that this was indeed a very pure and innocent attempt by a pakistani, who has lived abroad most of his life, and whos wife and sisters were on the cruise themselves..
to spread rumours like these are not just vicious but also very harmful to the very image of our country which is still developing in every way. this my dears is a part of that development…nothing takes place overnight. one the cruise went brilliantly well.yes, there was a delay.but thats because the permission to sail came in later than expected. yes the ac’s were off, but thats because the water was so dirty that the suctions of that ship were blocked.it took the management an entire day to clean that up.no, the ac’s were NOT switched off through out the trip, as i know myself. no , the cabins were not mixed up.yes , there were people who had paid for a regular cabin but upon arrival, demanded a suite.i am a witness to how some of our so called ‘elite’ crowd treated the lady receptionist, who was almost in tears coz of their attitudes.yes, the waitresses were foreigners, but what else did u expect from a foreign cruise. they possibly couldnt have hired anyone from our “pious” land. besides anyone who has ever lived or even been abroad knows that this is a more than common sight there. i didnt realize that they also had to provide their clients with “desi-urdu speakin waitresses”. the casino was open to all, except underage customers.the health facilities were provided all day, i know as i went to the gym thrice myself. the spa room was open during its time. serving alcohol is not allowed in pakistan, but is allowed everywehre else. we were sailing in international waters. these very people drink at thier homes here. are you telling me that this was a problem there…absolutely not sir.if anyone has a problem with alcohol being served, i wonder how they survive when they travel abroad. they shouldv stayed clear of the bar area then…there was alot more to do.yes, there was a serious mishap with the visas, but in the mangements defense, this confusion was created by none other than the UAE officials who informed the management at the very last minute that they need to get visas for everyone of its passengers before they enter dubai..im a witness to the havoc created by these officials and how the management was trying desperately to sort this out.my husband was one of the passengers who did not get a visa and yes i was disappointed, but i would not be unreasonable and direct my anger towards the management of this cruise.as in all honesty, it was not their fault. that night, because the crowd was getting rowdy and demanded some kind of entertainment and suggested belly dancers, that these dancers were brought on board.it was entertainment that everyone participated in, at thier own wish. if anyone was uncomfortable, they should have left the hall.as somebody mentioned already, belly dancing is a very common thing in the UAE, and we have all heard of, or seen it happen. my disgust aroused at a comment made by this man who wrote the article, when he commented on mujras taking place on the ship in the name of dance parties…..im so sorry…but im really very disgusted…do u realize that the females you are calling prostitues and dancing girls were actually somebodys wives and daughters and sisters. and were there on the dance floor with their guardian’s consent. not all of us have the same life style and not all of us think this is morally wrong. yes, you might think that a few girls having a dancing party with either thier husbands or brothers or friends, was wrong, but im sorry, nobody asked you for your opinion on that. the ones with them had no problems with that. i know that every time these girls went to the dancing floor, they would first make sure that not toomany strangers were around, because they wanted to enjoy as much as anyone else, but as pathetic as our people’s mentality is, within no time, you would see a whole mob forming, sitting right infront of the dance floor , staring at these very girls like they had never seen a girl before that. to the point that they would drive these girls away from the floor. it was upsetting to see that their attitude was such.not one night did i see a ‘mujra” or any sign or prostitution. yes there were alot of passengers who wanted to know the “nightly rate” of these girls workin at the bar and in the restaurant. the staff was exceedingly cordial and polite. our shame was that the lat day when tips envelopes were left at every table for this staff, some people were obnoxious enough to put scoops of ice cream into these envelopes…
my question is, how do u ever expect that the world should look upon us differently than plain thugs and backward law breakers, who have not made a name in anything else in this world but people who get caught doing all the wrong things.im not talkin about exceptions, mind you. but in general, this is what we have done to “us’. are all of you seriously tellin me that you can be so stupid as to believe eveything you hear and comment so viciously on it.without getting your facts together.if yes, then i myself would suggest all those who try and do something different for pakistan in the smallest of ways even.i know, you all will ask, whynot build schools, why not provide clean water. but my dears, everything is an industry..hospitality is an industry as well. everyone does different things for different industries and departments. this was a humble try at boosting up pakistans hospitality industry.we all have to support people who do any such things. this was someone who had put a hand into something for the very first time in pakistan, and we have all, put together as a nation, scared them off. disappointed them with these silly and baseless rumours.critisim is not bad, as long as its constructive, not destructive. plz realize that. do all of you know how much harm you have done to somebody with these comments on this page.and that also without any first hand knowledge. last but not the least. i dont know BG, but let me tell you one thing…this could have been the least profitable project for him..because rizwan and him put together most definitely have gone into a loss with this….if you all only knew the amount of money it takes just to dock this ship on this port and leave it standing here for days.with no customers on board, the amount of money they have to pay to maintain it, pay its employees…whilst all of you sit comfortably at home, making such vile comments about thier intentions and scandalizing other people’s sisters , wives, and mothers.
time for you all to think….think really hard.do they really deserve this harsh a treatment. or an encouragement to do better the next time round.if you dont agree, then plz, be nobody to complain about the backwardness of your country.
Posted by: tanya at November 18, 2006
dear friends,
my comments written above were picked up and pasted onto this page (which is relatively decent compared to the one i just visited) so that i could share my experience with you all….there were alot of rumours spread amongst people regarding this first cruise trip and i was deeply offended that some went to the extent of calling other people’s sisters,wives and daughters who had danced on one or two of the cruise nights (in their group) “mujra girls”.
this review was much more decent and fair than the vulgar comments made by some people on this other site…plz people.where is our patience and acceptance??? why has such an attempt become such a big deal that we have not called these people nothing but thugs and rip offs, when all that was done was done with good intentions. im seriously amazed and disappointed at our people’s response. i , like many others, had thought this to be the begining of a new trend in pakistan.i knew it would take time to sink in and be accepted but i swear, i never knew the response would put the best of us to shame at being negative minded.
p.s these remarks in the above article refer only to the comments made by people on the other site..incase any one of you has read it, you will know what i mean…but i pasted it here just incase any of you have similar questions or have heard any such nonsene. no offense intended towards anyone
Dear who ever wrote this article…Sometimes it is very sad that people are so intimidated by Pakistani Americans……all the bad talk and cruel judgements that you have made about the owners was harsh and unnecessary. This was something that Pakstanis had to expirience. Not all of us can afford to go out to the carribeans like yourself. Jealousy is such a poor characteristic that shows so much about yourself. This goes for all the losers who have responded to this site, you dont realize to go on a five star cruise sweetheart cost around $700 American Dollars. Be happy with the opportunity that has been given to the Pakistanis and be proud that many jobs were given to many Pakistanis. There will always be negative feedback from people such as yourself. Go check yourself before you comment on someone who actually wanted good for the Pakistani economy. If the owners wanted money sweety they wouldnt have ventured into Pakistan waters..but instead sailed from Goa to Dubai where people have more money to offer………….think about chic! Oh btw all the negativity towards the appearance of the ship…..do u know of any Pakistani that actually owns a cruiseliner….u should feel damn proud wierdo!
Hi can u please specify me the original site of this cruise ship……..i want to apply for a job if i could…..or mybe as a travel agent…thanx
Well, I hope it is not too late to comment. I was on the first voyage of Dream Cruise along with my family. I fully endorse the views of Tanya Adam (19th November 2006). We enjoyed the trip. For any first-timer, teething problems are bound to develop. This trip was not an exception. However, non-issuance of visa by UAE authorities was unexpected. I believe, nowhere in the world, assurance is given about grant of visa by immigration authorities of a country. Operators of Dream Cruise, indeed, compensated all those who were denied visa by offering another free trip. Everyone on board behaved decently. The crew was very courteous to all its guests and friendly with children. Whoever has invested in this project should be encouraged. I would strongly recommend anyone to experience this cruise along with their family and/or friends.
Thank God for tanya adam!!! Otehrwise I would have almost believed everything said in the stupid article. Yes, these fanatic Islamic shitheads will do anything to be mainstream. We are proud of Pakistan and Dream Cruise is a step forward. All you mullahs… BURN IN HELL!!!
I think it is good start.
I myself enjoyed being on Costa atlantica this year a ship having 2450 passangers, it was more then fun, but I think you have to Educate our fellow countrymen first, 20% Asians having on the Board from all the Passangers are more then one can affort, not more.
Imti
dear sir/madam,
thanks for comming to Pakistan to Dubai.
I want to also join to cruise. but very limited booking & date.
Riaz Momin
It good to see people with such amazing service coming to pakistan,where most part of the nation is in red zone of poverty line like any other developing or third world country.i believe a new culture coming ,a new addition to the economic and cultural dimention of pakistan.we very long coast line but people have least knowledge about the sentinentals of sea.most of us go to karachi ,stand at seaview and watch the world at sea .the cruise will give an opportunity to go beyond the dreams.Old or new ship doesn,t really matter people will certainly enjoy their trips.
Dear all
I must appeciate tanya adam’s comments and views, and ya i hold the same view of appreciating someone’s attempt to start start a certain activity in house that may be said to be a dream for many! There are problems, rather critisizing, it myte have better if suggestions of approvement have been posted ! We are called backwordies cuz we r stucked that way, we should all rather try to be forward thinking !
CheErz !!
I need jobs about tht cruise if it possible plz help me for tht.
Respected Sir
Good Day
Please tell me the process of visa thanks
Faisal
We would like to travel Karachi by ship 10 person , 1st weak of AUG. PLS provide us all information.
Regards
zamir
For gods sake people. Stop giving excuses. How can you accept such ‘mistakes’ from the management of a cruise?
Arent these things supposed to be tested first?
Arent they supposed to test the water suction before their first trip?
Arent they supposed to test the whole cruise out a few times before making the first trip with customers?
please, this is not the way good businesses are run. And stop supporting them just because they tried something new. Lack of preparation is no excuse.
some people might come here and say that their trip was enjoyable. Well, maybe most of the other people hated it.
Call me backward, or fundamentalist, but shame on the govt. for allowing a Pakistani company to have a cruise with a casino and serving ‘drinks’. Why don’t they allow casinos and pubs to open up in the cities too then. Whats the difference?
Peace.
Hey fellas i would like to know the contact number of this company or if there is any crew to Karachi from Dubai thank you!
hyper878@hotmail.com
looks to be a amazing place..
hi
it is my dream to go dubai by cruise, that will obiviouly be comes true Inshallah
i did't have seen the rates or the charges of such cruise here, plz provide me
0345-7697717
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