The Blue Dream Star became the third ship to leave mainland China this year after being reportedly sold to Turkish owners.

Last operated by Blue Dream Cruises, the 836-passenger ship spent several years sailing from ports in the region before entering an extended layup in mid-2024.

While additional details of the deal are still to be announced, Cruise Industry News understands that the deal represents the ship’s withdrawal from the Chinese market.

Travel agencies in different markets are currently selling packages that include three- and four-night cruises onboard the vessel in the Eastern Mediterranean starting in 2027.

The Piano Land is also leaving the Chinese market after approximately seven years sailing for Astro Ocean Cruises.

As reported by Cruise Industry News in early September, the company confirmed a deal with Corazul Cruceros which will see the 1995-built vessel offering cruises aimed at the national market in Brazil.

The 1,862-passenger ship has already departed Hong Kong and is on its way to South America after being renamed the Buenavista.

Earlier this year, the former Zhao Shang Yi Dun also wrapped up its deployment in China, repositioning to the Mediterranean.

The vessel had been sailing in the Far East since 2021 as part of a joint venture between Viking Cruises and China Merchants.

Unlike the Blue Dream Star and the Buenavista, the 922-passenger vessel will continue to serve the Chinese market in Europe.

Returning to Viking’s main fleet, the ship was renamed Viking Yi Dun and is currently offering itineraries in the Mediterranean customized for Chinese guests.

A fourth vessel is also leaving the Asian market later this year, as the Costa Serena wraps up a decade-long deployment in the region.

With a history of operations in China and other local markets, the 3,000-passenger ship will reposition to South America before returning to Europe in 2027.