The new year began with news for numerous secondhand cruise ship transactions.
Cruise Industry News highlights some of the key transactions and developments that occurred in the first weeks of 2026.
For a complete overview of the market, see the Secondhand Market Report from Cruise Industry News.
Blue Zephyr (former Caledonian Sky)
Company: Kalama Shipping
Capacity: 114 guests
Tonnage: 4,200
Year built: 1991
Move: To be operated by Blue Zephyr Cruises
Date: January 2026
The former Caledonian Sky will sail for Blue Zephyr Cruises after being sold to Greece-based Kalama Shipping in late 2025.
According to a recent announcement, the 114-guest ship will be renamed Blue Zephyr for boutique cruising in the Greek Isles starting in late April 2026.
Exploris One
Company: Exploris
Capacity: 132 guests
Tonnage: 6,130
Year built: 1989
Move: Sold at auction for 4.5 million euros
Date: January 2026
The Exploris One was sold at auction in late January as part of Exploris Expeditions & Cruises’ liquidation process.
As Cruise Industry News informed, while further details of the operation were not disclosed, the ship was reportedly acquired by a new operator for 4.5 million euros.
German media reported Nordic Hamburg Group as the buyer. Requests for comment went unreturned. The company has involved with both Polar Latitudes Expeditions as well as Heritage Expeditions.
Alaskan Dream Fleet
Ships: Alaskan Dream, Baranof Dream, Chichagof Dream and Admiralty Dream
Company: Alaskan Dream Cruises
Capacity: 223 guests including all vessels
Tonnage: 40 to 76
Year built: 1979 to 1986
Move: Laid up in Alaska after the company’s shutdown
Date: February 2026
The Alaskan Dream Cruises fleet is facing an uncertain future after the company’s sudden shutdown, which was announced earlier this month.
Currently laid up in Sitka, the four coastal ships were built between the late 1970s and the mid-1980s and were scheduled to offer summer cruises in Alaska.
Ocean Endeavour
Company: SunStone Maritime Group
Capacity: 199 guests
Tonnage: 13,000
Year built: 1981
Move: Chartered to the Danish Defense
Date: January 2026
SunStone Maritime Group has chartered the Ocean Endeavour to Danish Defense in January 2026.
Last operated by Adventure Canada in the Arctic, the 1981-built vessel will accommodate Danish and international soldiers participating in a military exercise in Nuuk, Greenland.
Blue Dream Melody
Company: Blue Dream Cruises
Capacity: 1,218 guests
Tonnage: 42,200
Year built: 2002
Move: Laid up in China
Date: January 2026
The Blue Dream Melody was placed in lay up in the Chinese port of Beihai earlier this year after completing a final cruise for Blue Dream Cruises.
The Chinese cruise line announced the ship would be withdrawn from service for updates and maintenance, but operations are suspended indefinitely.
