Blue Dream Cruises has confirmed the acquisition of the former AIDA cruise ship AIDAvita, which will undergo rebranding and renaming as Blue Dream Melody before setting sail for China in spring 2024.
The agreement for the acquisition was finalized with Beta Marine Ltd, the previous owner and manager of the 42,289-ton vessel, which had been in lay-up in Tallinn, Estonia. The ship's delivery was officially completed on January 12, 2024.
The vessel is scheduled to begin its journey to China in early March, where it will undergo comprehensive refurbishments at a domestic shipyard before commencing operations.
Established in 2016 by Fujian China Transport Investment Group Co., Ltd., Blue Dream Cruises aims to integrate Chinese culture, embody national characteristics, challenge conventional norms, and establish new industry standards. In 2020, the Chinese cruise line acquired its inaugural vessel, Blue Dream Star (formerly Celestyal Odyssey), positioning it as a "National Cruise" brand to promote national culture and values. Following the crisis, Blue Dream Star became the first cruise ship to resume domestic sailings in China on May 26, 2023, successfully operating 42 voyages and accommodating 57,000+ cruise passengers.
Blue Dream Melody is set to commence Chinese domestic cruises from Shanghai, Qingdao, and Tianjin in spring and summer of the current year, presenting a refreshed appearance and new sailing opportunities for passengers in the region.