It's The Ship is Asia's largest festival at sea, and here's how we celebrated their 5th year.
Onboard The Genting Dream of Dream Cruises, It’s The Ship is an annual EDM festival at sea. For their 5th year anniversary, the destination is Phuket, Thailand and the journey starts from Marina Bay Cruise Center here in Singapore. I invited my friend Paolo of The Wknd Travel to come with me because who wants to go solo on a freaking party ship? Don’t get me wrong, I love traveling solo but there are times when it’s better when you have a companion and this is one of them!
Day One – Getting Familiar
The process of boarding was pretty smooth. Just like with any other port, they ask for the passport first and check you in, and scan our bags and luggages for security purposes. We were given a guide that contained a map, the details of the events and side activities for each day, policies, etc.; our room keycard; and some other stuff. We were then called by our group number to go through the immigration. Being employed here in Singapore, I did the automated one and Paolo had to do the manual and get his passport stamped. The crew welcomed us on board, and we had to surrender our passport to them before heading to our room.
The Room
Our Balcony Stateroom on Deck 10 was amazing and it is of decent size for two people. The best part was of course the view of the sea! I could sit by the balcony the whole day and appreciate its beauty and tranquility.
Dream Dining Room
Our first activity – get our face stuffed at the Dream Dining Room. I mean it’s only right to energize ourselves before going crazy with partying. We were served with a set menu which included frog legs… eek! It was my first time to eat such, and it tasted like chicken as what many people would say.
The Crown Stage
Right after having our dinner, we stepped out to the main pool deck on Deck 16. We partied and drunk the night away, and oh boy, it was a lot of fun! I had never seen such a big party, much less on a ship!
Day Two – Whole Day of Activities
Buffet at The Lido
On the second day, we tried the buffet breakfast at The Lido for the first time. It’s basically a whole day bonanza as they also serve lunch and dinner. Who doesn’t love free flow of food and drinks?!
Foam Party
Prior to the foam party, I was supposed to join a group interview with the main act of this EDM festival – Big Shaq – but it was cancelled last minute. I headed back to our room to change my outfit, and I was ready to get wet in no time!
Side Activities
There were lots of side activities and pop-up parties, so wherever you may be on the ship you would not miss on the fun! And did I mention that the DJ’s also took part in some of them? Definitely made things more exciting!
Exploring the inside of the ship
And while everybody was busy partying outdoors, we also explored the inside of the ship. First, there’s Crystal Life Fitness gym that you can access for free if you want to get some last minute gainzzz. Believe it or not, I actually was working out to next Big Shaq at some point.
And then there’s the Bridge Viewing Room where the real shipmates are. You can also find a scale model of the Genting Dream ship on display.
Visiting Phuket, Thailand
On the second night, we reached our destination – Phuket, Thailand! But the stop at this place was very short, only from 08:00 PM to 10:30 PM. There was also a Gala Dinner which happened at the same time as the stop, but ultimately we chose to hop off the ship because: 1.) We didn’t have a mask and formal attire to wear to the gala. 2.) It would be my first time in Phuket. 3.) I wanted more stamps on my passport.
What could we possibly do in such a short time? Nothing else but to eat some scrumptious Thai food! We thought it would be nice to take a break from the food on the ship.
Before heading back to the port to catch our boat that will send us back to the big ship, we also checked out the vibrant Patong Beach.
Day Three – The Last Day
At this point, we were already taking things slow as we pretty much had seen every corner of the ship. After a late breakfast, we chilled by the poolside and did some people watching.
Meeting DJ Maddix
In the afternoon, I was set to interview DJ Maddix. They gave me the chance to choose any DJ and I chose him because he is my friend Paolo’s fave! Too bad I couldn’t bring Paolo with me to the interview, but we met Maddix at his set on the first night so all good!
Last chance to party
We partied and drank as much as we could on the last night. Did you know that they have their own Zouk Club on this ship?! One of the side activities there for the last night was a beer pong match with EDM group Cash Cash.
Day Four – Back to Singapore
Overall, I really enjoyed my first cruise ever; it was so much more fun than I had expected! Add the fact that it was also an EDM festival, so that’s ticking two things off my bucket list. Paolo headed back to Manila after reaching Singapore, and I’m glad I shared this really amazing experience with him.
Here’s one final look at The Genting Dream.
It’s The Ship 2019
It’s The Ship will sail again from Singapore on 13-15 November 2019, and the destinations this time will be China and Japan! Cabins will be available soon. If you want to be on the wait list, visit ItsTheShip.com.