Read Authentic Ratings for the Blue-Dream-Melody

In a significant development for the maritime industry, the closure of Blue Dream Cruises has led to the sale of two of its prominent vessels, the 'Blue Dream Melody' and 'Blue Dream Star' (IMO: 9183518). The decision to cease operations stems from persistent financial challenges faced by the company. Reports indicate that the Beihai Maritime Court ordered the payment of crew salaries and compensation for shore-based staff following an unpaid fuel bill amounting to approximately $599,000. As Blue Dream Cruises exits the market, interested buyers now have the opportunity to acquire these cruise ships.

On February 11, 2025, the cruise ship 'Blue Dream Melody,' previously operated by Aida, was detained in Beihai, China, amid a dispute regarding unpaid bunker fuel fees. The action was initiated by Island Oil Limited, a fuel supplier that had secured a court order after the vessel defaulted on payments for diesel fuel. In October 2025, the 'Blue Dream Melody' had taken on a significant quantity of high-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) totaling 391.5 metric tons and 260.1 metric tons of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). The lack of payment triggered Island Oil Ltd. to petition the Beihai Maritime Court for the ship's arrest, which the court granted. The ship is now being held at Beihai Port with a required bond of US$599,393 for its release. Furthermore, the court has mandated that Island Oil Ltd. must initiate arbitration or engage in legal proceedings against any involved parties within 30 days. This incident follows Blue Dream Cruises' announcement on January 4, 2025, regarding the temporary suspension of the ship's operations, which they attributed to necessary hardware upgrades and routine maintenance.

Blue Dream Cruises, the Chinese cruise operator, has officially declared that it will halt its operations effective January 4, 2026. The company cited necessary hardware updates and maintenance as the primary reasons for this decision. The cruise line's flagship, the 'Blue Dream Melody'—formerly known as the 'AIDAvita'—is currently docked in Shanghai. This vessel was reintroduced to the Blue Dream Cruises fleet in 2024 following a significant restructuring due to the impacts of the pandemic. Unfortunately, recent booking figures for upcoming cruises to South Korea have fallen short, making profitable operations unfeasible. Originally scheduled itineraries to Japan were abruptly canceled, a trend witnessed by other cruise lines operating in China, leading to a last-minute pivot towards shorter voyages to South Korea in early 2025. The final voyage is set for December 28 and was heavily promoted through various travel agencies just one week prior to departure. Prices for this three-day round trip from Beihai to Halong Bay in Vietnam began at 698 RMB per person, roughly equivalent to $99. Blue Dream Cruises has assured its customers that all reservations will be fully refunded, while also admitting they currently lack information regarding any potential resumption of services in the future.

Blue Dream Cruises, the new operator of the former 'AIDAvita', is currently navigating the 'Blue Dream Melody' through the perilous waters of the Red Sea. This move comes despite the heightened security concerns in the region. As part of its strategic plans, the cruise ship is en route to China, being transported without passengers for conversion to serve the Chinese shipping company. The vessel began its journey on the night of February 12, 2024, successfully passing through the Suez Canal and entering the northern Red Sea. To deter potential threats, the AIS has labeled the ship’s destination as 'Chinese Ship&Crew,' signaling that it does not represent Western interests amidst ongoing Houthi rebel threats. Despite the risks, Blue Dream Cruises appears confident in the vessel's safety as it proceeds toward an area where ships have recently faced attacks. The 'Blue Dream Melody' is expected to reach Colombo on February 21, where it will make its next stop on the way to its final destination in China.

The former cruise liner 'AIDAvita', which departed from the German AIDA cruise line a few months back, is set to embark on a new chapter in its maritime journey as it begins operations in China. After its final departure from AIDA, the vessel docked at the port of Tallinn on November 29, 2023, marking the end of its tenure with the well-known cruise company. Since then, speculation has circulated regarding its future prospects. In an exciting development, the ship has been acquired by Blue Dream, and on January 17, 2024, it was officially renamed 'Blue Dream Melody'. In the coming days, this vessel will make its way to China, where it will undergo significant refurbishment to prepare for its new role in the Asian cruise market.

Beta Marine, a newly established maritime company registered in the Marshall Islands, has taken ownership of the previously laid-up vessel known as 'Aidavita', which was docked in Tallinn. The ship has now undergone a reflagging process and is officially registered under the Liberian flag, adopting the new name 'Avitak'. In preparation for its upcoming summer schedule with reserved berths in Piraeus, a Turkish crewing agency has commenced the search for qualified personnel to man the vessel. This marks an exciting new chapter for Beta Marine as it gears up for operations.