The long-anticipated return of international cruises has graced Guangzhou's shores. On June 25th, the "Blue Dream Melody" cruise ship made its grand arrival at the Nansha International Cruise Homeport, ushering in a new era of maritime travel. Local travel agencies seized the opportunity, organizing an exclusive cruise tasting tour that allowed Guangzhou residents to rediscover the joy of embarking on a cruise right from their "front door."
The "Blue Dream Melody," with its exclusive schedule, embarks on a four-night, five-day itinerary from Guangzhou Nansha to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, offering passengers a visa-free Vietnamese adventure. Passengers on this voyage can indulge in an array of onboard amenities, including diverse dining options, shopping venues, and leisure activities.
This refurbished cruise ship, weighing in at 42,289 tons and boasting 609 cabins, first set sail from Shanghai on June 6th under the theme of a "Seaside Town of Joy."
Following the current journey, the "Blue Dream Melody" is scheduled to return to the Greater Bay Area in late November. Departing from Hong Kong's Harbour City Pier, it will embark on a 30-day circumnavigation of Asia, visiting 15 cities across the region, including Hong Kong, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Bangkok and Pattaya in Thailand, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Malacca in Malaysia, Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei, Manila in the Philippines, Okinawa in Japan, Jeju in the ROK, and Shanghai in China. This voyage will include a special tribute to the 620th anniversary of Zheng He's maritime expeditions, with in-depth lectures by experts and scholars on the historical significance of his journeys.
In July, the excitement continues with the launch of another major international cruise from the GBA. Starting from July 1st, the MSC Bellissima will set off from the Shenzhen Shekou Port, offering five voyages, with specific products divided into three options: a five-night, six-day trip to Okinawa with an overnight stay in port, a four-night, five-day journey to the Yaeyama Islands, and another five-night, six-day voyage to Okinawa Naha Miyako Island.
It is learned that the cruise industry in the GBA is thrilled to see the resurgence of these floating resorts as a popular choice for travelers. Tourism products related to these cruises are now widely available and have quickly become bestsellers.
Zhao Wenzhi, Chairman and President of Guangzhou Tourism, views the "Blue Dream Melody's" return to the Nansha International Cruise Homeport as a significant test of the port's facilities and operational capabilities. It serves to reignite the interest of travelers in South China in the cruise travel experience.
"As the cruise industry continues to gain momentum, we are confident that more international cruise ships will make the GBA and Guangzhou Nansha their ports of call," Zhao stated. He added that travel agencies are committed to expanding partnerships with renowned cruise lines to offer a wider array of cruise options, thereby supporting the high-quality development of the inbound and outbound tourism market.
Source: Yangcheng Evening News
