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Dream Cruises’ Cycling Tour: Ride And Enjoy A Relaxing Holiday

From 13 to 20 October, Sportsin Cycling was invited to participate in Dream Cruise’s Inaugural Cycling Cruise Tour. This trip provided travellers with the experience of cycling in different countries, while at the same time, enjoy a relaxing holiday at sea.

Unlike other Genting Cruises which departs from Harbourfront in Singapore, for this trip, however, you have to take a flight to Hong Kong, as Dream Cruise departs from Kai Tak Ferry Terminal. 

Dream Cruise brought us to three different destinations: Hong Kong, Naha and Miyakojima in Okinawa, Japan. 

For those who want to save the hassle of packing their bike over, you can rent your bikes at an affordable fee of S$120 for the entire tour. While on board the cruise, all the bikes were kept in a separate cabin, so you do not have to bring it up to your room.

 

Ride #1: Hong Kong Cyclothon (50km)

Cycling Technique Assessment 

All cyclists were required to attend a cycling technique assessment at Ma On Shan Velodrome before the race. Only those with proof of racing experience were exempted. It can be in the form of your UCI licence, or a race certificate.  
 
 
 

Event day (14th October 2018)

Hong Kong Cyclothon 50km route Source: www.discoverhongkong.com

Distance: 50km 

Elevation: 300m 

 

Huge crowd eagerly waiting for the 5.30am early start for the 50km cyclothon.

 

 

Together with 5,400 participants from all around the world, we participated in the 50km Hong Kong Cyclothon 2018, which brought us over bridges and under tunnels. Right after we completed our ride, we boarded the Dream Cruise ship at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. 

 

Ride #2: Naha, Okinawa 

On Day 4 of cruising, we stopped over at Naha, Okinawa.

In our group of 18 cyclists, we had a mixture of cyclists: the amateurs, the seasoned, the novices, and the newbies who have never been on a road bike before. There was a mixture of mountain bikers, road cyclists, and casual cyclists.

Due to the different levels and disciplines of cyclists, the group was notified that it would be more of a casual ride, and not a race. We rode together in a pack, most of the time in a single file, and the rolling speed was controlled at 20-25km/h.

There were two support vehicles taking care of us; one at the front and one at the back. The tour leaders had walkie-talkies to communicate to make sure that the whole cycling pack stays together and nobody gets left behind. Having this support was crucial as there were some cyclists who might need to take a break when they are tired. 

 

Our cycling route in Naha, Okinawa

Distance: 37.9km

Highest elevation: 20m 

 

Hokusai shopping district
 
 
Starting from Naha Cruise Terminal, we cycled up along the Western Coast to Sunset Basin. We stopped at Mihama, an American village, 17km away from the port. Streets were narrow, and traffic was busy as we were riding during after office hours. 

 

Ride #3: Miyakojima, Okinawa (58km)

Our third and final stop was at Miyakojima, an island South of mainland Okinawa. Most tourists associate this island with the likes of Hawaii because of its clear blue waters and sandy beaches.

 

Our cycling route in Miyakojima.

Distance: 63.4km

Highest elevation: 80m

 

Map of Okinawa

 

This ride was considered to be more challenging because of the rolling terrain. It does not matter if you are unable to complete the route, the support vehicle will be following you and you can drop out of the ride whenever you are tired. 

 

Sunayama Beach, not the ideal weather we would have hoped for

 

We started our ride in the rain, but the foul weather did not dampen our spirits. We were rewarded with amazing weather and scenery as we arrived at Higashi-Henna-Zaki lighthouse. 

 

Lighthouse at Higashi-henna-zaki. Photo by: Seth Tan 
Higashi-henna-zaki
Inky Marine. Photo by: Shi Yun
We were supposed to stop by the German Village but we ran out of time. So we could only view it from a distance. 

 

About World Dream 

Measuring 335m long and 40m wide, Dream Cruises’ flagship World Dream has 19 decks and can accommodate 3,376 passengers in total.

 

Picture taken while we were on a tendering boat towards Miyakojima, Okinawa.

 

We spent a total of 5 nights on board World Dream. There are plenty of activities that you can do on the ship. You can either soak up in the sun while being outdoors, build up your fitness in the gym, catch a movie either indoors or outdoors, or relax at a spa. 

*Do note that you have to purchase Wi-Fi on board the ship. You have an option of choosing a standard or premium package. You can do so via the Dreamcruise App.  

 

Bar 360 on deck 6, 7 and 8, where you can enjoy live performances. Photo by: Seth Tan

 

There are several room options that you can choose from, depending on your budget.

Source: www.dreamcruiseline.com

 

The cruise ride was very smooth, and seasickness wasn’t an issue. Most of the time, you’ll feel as if you’re on land with no sign of movement at all.

Outdoor facilities include a rock climbing wall, ropes course, water slides, a mini golf course, and table tennis. 

 

Outdoor rock climbing wall.
Outdoor obstacle ropes course on deck 17.
Gym facilities on deck 15
On deck 15, at the fore of the ship, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the sailors at work.

 

 

Dream Cruises’ Cycling Cruise happens once every year. Stay tuned to their Facebook page or website to be updated on their next cycling cruise. 

SportsIN Cycling would like to thank Dream Cruises for having us on board the Inaugural Dream Cruise Cycling Tour 2018. It was a dream come true to be able to enjoy a relaxing holiday at sea and enjoy our passion for cycling with fellow travellers.

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