Tianjin Orient International Cruise Line’s Dream has emerged from a drydock at the Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry shipyard in Qingdao, China. The 77,000-ton vessel went in for the maintenance visit at the end of June and is now able to carry out vital repairs and renovations.

The Dream, which sailed for Princess Cruises as the Sea Princess, wasn’t just subjected to routine checks during its time in the drydock — it also received some substantial upgrades and a brand-new appearance. Eleven days later, the ship was back in service and resumed the normal pattern of its short cruises from Tianjin.

What Happened During the Drydock?

While in the yard, the Dream got some serious technical loving. The hull was re-painted, rusty parts were cleared and the engines were rebuilt. The oil pumps systems were also overhauled to operate at maximum efficiency for the ship’s service.

Aesthetically, the Dream is now dressed in a new livery and has been painted with stylish waves across its hull and bold new colors on its main mast. These renewals add a modern twist that makes it anything but old-fashioned whenever it sails again.

Dream Reborn: Back to Service

In early July, after the drydock work was done, the Dream once again sailed from Tianjin to begin its cruise program. The ship will continue its series of short cruises from Tianjin, China that feature ports like Sasebo, Nagasaki and Fukuoka, all in Japan – and the South Korean island of Jeju. The Dream’s return also represents a significant milestone in the cruise line’s return to business once again opening its doors to guests for leisure cruising.

A History of Transformation

The Dream, constructed in 1998 in Italy at the shipyard of Fincantieri, has undergone several incarnations in its lifetime. Returning to focus on ‘her’ Princess Cruises, it served cruise guests for more than 2 decades and was retired from the fleet in 2020, as part of the global pandemic. Ship transferred initially to Sanya International Cruise Development departed Singapore for the Bahamas as Charming.

But the ship was delayed because of pandemic-related travel restrictions in China and spent months in layup. In 2023, the Dream was sold to Tianjin Orient International Cruise Line and she began service with them. The ship received a significant refurbishment during a three-month drydock in 2023, which included updates to public spaces and staterooms, as well as technical enhancements.

The Importance of the Dream in the Fleet

The Dream, a ship in Princess Cruises Sun Class, was added in 1998, as the number three in its class. Sister ships The series includes 1995-built Pacific World (now operated by Peace Boat) and 1997-built Star Voyager, now sailing under the StarCruises brand. The long history of the Dream, and improvements that have been made in recent years mean it will still be an integral part of the cruise line’s output.

What’s Next for the Dream?

With modifications and a new livery, the Dream is now in shape for more years of service. Continuing to provide travelers with an extraordinary vacation experience, the renovated ship will offer a variety of itineraries exploring some of the most incredible destinations across the globe and will also feature brand new stateroom options, as well as new dining, entertainment and retail experiences.

So if you’ve been itching to plan your next cruise (or just wondering about these upgrades), the Dream’s return couldn’t come at a better time for the cruise industry—and there couldn’t be a better time to experience the newly renovated ship for yourself.