The Chinese-funded cruise ship Blue Dream Melody set sail from the International Cruise Terminal on the North Bund in Shanghai's Hongkou district on Thursday, embarking on a 5-day maiden voyage to Fukuoka, Japan.

"The maiden voyage of the Blue Dream Melody in Shanghai not only carries our people's beautiful expectations for 'poetry and world', but also reflects the confidence and determination of all cruise industry parties for the thriving cruise economy," said Gu Jinshan, Party Secretary and Chairman of Shanghai International Port (Group) Co Ltd.

"The Shanghai International Port Group's International Passenger Center will strengthen cooperation with cruise companies such as Blue Dream Cruises to help build Shanghai's international cruise hub port, work with all parties in the cruise industry to promote the deep integration of cruise tourism and cultural communication, and make new contributions to the construction of Shanghai as a world-renowned tourist city," Gu added.

Having a total tonnage of 42,000 tons and a maximum passenger capacity of 1,580 people, Blue Dream Melody launched the Shanghai home port route under the name of Blue Dream Star in May 2023, becoming the first outbound cruise from China since the onset of the pandemic.