Blue Dream Cruises recently revealed plans to offer cruises departing from the port of Shenzhen starting in September.
According to the Chinese cruise company, the Blue Dream Melody will move to its new homeport for a series of two- to five-night itineraries.
The program extends from autumn to winter, the company said, and features ports of call in Vietnam, Japan and Southern China, such as Da Nang, Naha and Hong Kong.
The itineraries also include stops on the islands of Ishigaki and Miyako-jima, as well as an overnight visit to Okinawa.
According to a report in local media, the Blue Dream Melody is set to undergo a “product update” ahead of the new season.
Repositioning from Shanghai, the 2002-built ship is set to arrive at the Shenzhen International Cruise Port on September 26, 2024.
The new program aims to source passengers in Southern China, focusing on the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area, the report added.
According to Blue Dream Cruises’ website, the schedule includes departures extending through November 21, 2024.
Formerly operated by AIDA Cruises as the AIDAvita, the Blue Dream Melody was introduced by Blue Dream Cruises in June 2023.
Following a major refit in a local shipyard, the 1,218-guest ship initially offered short cruises departing from Shanghai.
Currently sailing from Qingdao, the vessel is also scheduled to offer a 33-day voyage starting on November 26, 2024.
One of the largest cruises currently being offered in the Chinese market, the itinerary sails from Shanghai and features visits to destinations in the Far East and Southeast Asia.
Blue Dream Cruises’ fleet also includes the Blue Dream Star, which is reportedly laid up in a shipyard in Zhoushan.
Originally built for Royal Olympia Cruises, the 836-guest ship sailed for the Chinese cruise line between mid-2023 and early 2024.