Chinese-funded cruise ship Blue Dream Melody embarked on its maiden voyage from Qingdao, Shandong province, marking a significant milestone for the city's cruise industry. The seven-day journey will take passengers to three Japanese ports: Yatsushiro, Aburatsu, and Sasebo. This voyage represents the longest route since the resumption of cruise operations in Qingdao.

The Chinese-funded cruise ship Blue Dream Melody set sail from Qingdao on Aug 20, embarking on a seven-day voyage. [Photo/Guanhai News]

The Blue Dream Melody, a 203-meter-long vessel with a gross tonnage of 42,000 tons, is equipped to offer a luxurious experience. The ship features 12 decks, 609 cabins, and can accommodate up to 1,580 passengers. Onboard amenities include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, duty-free shops, a theater, a café, and a sports court.

Qingdao has been actively working to enhance its cruise industry since the maiden voyage of the Blue Dream Star on Sept 29 last year. The city's efforts to transform and upgrade the sector are already yielding results.

From January to July of this year, Qingdao welcomed 11 cruise ships, with a total of 28,000 passengers embarking or disembarking, achieving a record-breaking 99 percent boarding rate. By the end of the year, the city is expected to host 21 cruise voyages and accommodate 50,000 passengers.