New Beginnings for Blue Dream Star and Melody
The fleet of Blue Dream Cruises is on the brink of transformative changes following the company's shutdown. Both the Blue Dream Star and Blue Dream Melody are set to embark on new journeys after spending several months idle.
Blue Dream Star Sold to Turkish Owner
Earlier this year, the Blue Dream Star was successfully sold to a Turkish shipping company. Although details surrounding the agreement remain scarce, information from the maritime platform Equasis indicates that the new owner is a firm called Exodus Ships, based in Istanbul.
Perla Gemi Liman Isletmeciligi is rumored to be managing both the commercial and operational aspects for this vessel. The Blue Dream Star departed from China in September, beginning a long repositioning voyage. The ship navigated through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, eventually reaching the Mediterranean by early November.
This vessel has a storied history; originally constructed for Royal Olympic Cruises in 2001, it had been out of operation since being supplanted by the Blue Dream Melody in late 2024.
Blue Dream Melody Gears Up for Auction
Meanwhile, the fate of the Blue Dream Melody appears to be shifting as well. This 1,218-passenger ship, which has been docked at the Chinese city of Beihai since early 2026, is anticipated to be auctioned off soon, according to multiple industry insiders.
Previously known as AIDAvita, the ship was originally built for AIDA Cruises in 2002. Blue Dream Cruises acquired it in early 2024, and it has been on the market since March. The Beihai Maritime Court had previously detained the ship due to an outstanding fuel bill totaling around $599,000.
The Closure of Blue Dream Cruises
Blue Dream Cruises faced significant turmoil leading to its operations ceasing in late December 2025. The company launched in early 2023 and acquired the Blue Dream Star from Diamond Cruises in 2020, but ultimately could not overcome mounting legal and operational challenges in the cruise industry.
As these vessels embark on new adventures under new ownership, the cruise community watches closely to see how these transitions will unfold.
Tag: Cruises