Cruise Industry News highlights some of the key transactions and developments that occurred within the secondhand cruise ship market between February and the first weeks of March 2026.
Lumina (ex-Seven Seas Navigator)
Company: Avora Residences
Capacity: 490 guests
Tonnage: 28,550
Year built: 1999
Move: To sail for Avora as part of a charter agreement
Date: March 2026
Avora Residences has acquired the Seven Seas Navigator from the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet. Set to be renamed Avora Lumina, the vessel will make its debut for the upscale residential cruising brand in early 2028.
As reported by Cruise Industry News, the 1999-built ship was acquired on a nine-year charter deal with a nominal purchase option.
Heritage Discoverer (ex-Exploris One)
Company: Heritage Expeditions
Capacity: 132 guests
Tonnage: 6,130
Year built: 1989
Move: To sail for Heritage following auction; operations to start in 2027
Date: February 2026
Heritage Expeditions will operate the former Exploris One following an auction that took place earlier this year.
Joining the Heritage Adventurer, the 1989-built vessel will make its debut for the New Zealand-based cruise line in May 2027.
Blue Dream Melody
Company: Blue Dream Cruises
Capacity: 1,218 guests
Tonnage: 42,200
Year built: 2002
Move: Arrested in Beihai, China
Date: February 2026
The Blue Dream Melody was arrested by local authorities in Beihai, China, by order of the Beihai Maritime Court.
The ship was detained due to an unpaid $599,000 bill owed for fuel. The company had suspended operations earlier this year.
Costa Serena
Company: Costa Cruises
Capacity: 3,000 guests
Tonnage: 112,000
Year built: 2007
Move: Chartered to the Organizing Committee of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
Date: February 2026
The Costa Serena was chartered by the Organizing Committee of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to serve as a floating Olympic Village.
The 2,770-guest ship will house athletes during both the Asian Games and the Asian Pan Games, which are scheduled to take place between late September and early October 2026.
