KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 14): Disney has emerged as the front runner in the negotiations to acquire Genting Hong Kong’s incomplete cruise ship Global Dream.
In a report on Tuesday (Oct 11), shipping industry magazine The Maritime Executive (TME) said efforts are also underway for the sale of the company’s remaining cruise ships and its hotel assets.
TME cited German lawyer Christoph Morgen as saying that negotiations are proceeding for the sale of the Global Dream, a 208,000-gross ton cruise ship that was 75% complete when MV Werften ceased operations at the beginning of 2022.
It said German media outlet NDR reported that Disney has emerged as the front runner in the negotiations for the cruise ship, with speculation that Disney Cruise Line might use the vessel in Asia.
The cruise ship, which measures 1,122ft (342m) in length, is designed to accommodate approximately 9,500 passengers and more than 2,000 crew members.
Morgen has only confirmed that they are speaking with several bidders and hope to conclude a deal shortly.
Quoting the lawyer, TME said the ship was designed for the Asian market with larger cabins to accommodate four people and connecting cabins for families.
It said Genting’s Dream Cruises also planned the largest roller coaster at sea and other amusements as well as a large casino.
By passenger capacity, the ship will be the world's largest cruise ship, although its gross tonnage is smaller than Royal Caribbean International's Oasis class.
The Bermuda Court on Oct 7 approved the petitions for the liquidation to proceed for both Genting Hong Kong and Dream Cruises.
The liquidators based in Hong Kong are working to sell the remaining cruise ships, all of which remain under arrest for the banks that financed their construction.
The group also holds an equity interest in Resorts World Manila and in residential and hotel properties in China for which the liquidators are seeking buyers.