The former AIDAvita ship (currently docked in Tallinn Estonia) has undergone a significant name change, marking a potential shift in ownership. Previously known as Avitak, the vessel is now named Blue Dream Melody, indicating her potential acquisition by the Chinese company Blue Dream Cruises. While an official statement from Blue Dream Cruises is pending, the Liberia-flagged (Monrovia-registered) vessel is poised for a new chapter in the Chinese travel market.
Originally under the ownership of Carnival Corporation, the ship changed hands to Beta Marine and underwent a name change to Avitak in June 2022 after bidding farewell to AIDA Cruises. This latest transformation suggests a strategic move by Blue Dream Cruises to enter the Chinese cruise industry.
To prepare for its future endeavors in China, the Blue Dream Melody is expected to undergo substantial modifications. Catering to the preferences of Chinese guests, the cruise ship will undergo a comprehensive overhaul. Having last hosted guests in February 2020, the vessel requires extensive renovation and maintenance work. Since 2020, AIDAvita has been docked in various ports, including Dubai, Marseille, and her current location in Tallinn.
Blue Dream Cruises, the potential new owner, currently operates the Blue Dream Star, constructed in 2001 by Blohm+Voss in Hamburg Germany. The newly rebranded Blue Dream Melody (ex AIDAvita) is slightly bigger than the fleetmate Blue Dream Star, featuring a ship structure that aligns with Blue Dream Cruises' operational standards.