The stylish Chinese-owned Blue Dream Melody cruise liner – revamped at a cost of nearly 200 million yuan ($27.6 million) over 81 days – embarked on its maiden voyage on June 6 from East China's Shanghai to Fukuoka, the second-largest port city in Japan after Yokohama.

Having joined a fleet of cruise ships departing from Shanghai – including China's first domestically made cruise liner the Adora Magic City – the Blue Dream Melody aims to offer a range of great cruise packages and help boost the city's cruise ship economy.

The Chinese cruise liner operator is understood to be extremely committed to innovating routes that are especially tailored to various destinations.

Its inaugural journey is taking passengers on a 5-day, 4-night trip from the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal – located in the north Bund area of the Hongkou district – to Fukuoka, where they will explore a host of local attractions before returning.

Future voyages promise special experiences, such as traditional Chinese music concerts, sea boxing matches and maple appreciation trips in Hokkaido.

The most-anticipated upcoming voyage for the Blue Dream Melody – the 33-Night Asian and Pacific Tour – will depart on Nov 26, covering 15 ports in 10 countries and regions, retracing the maritime journey of great Chinese mariner and explorer Zheng He.

Zheng – who was also a diplomat and was one of the greatest fleet admirals the country has ever seen – lived during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

The passengers on the voyage will have the opportunity to delve into the cultural and scenic splendor of seven ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

A waiter inspects a wine glass at a restaurant on the Blue Dream Melody cruise liner. [Photo/eastday.com]

A sumptuous reading area awaits passengers in the Blue Dream Melody. [Photo/eastday.com]