Former Costa Magica’s Transition Toward a New Era of Cruising in China and Greece

Published on November 22, 2025

A significant chapter in the global cruise industry has been reopened as the former Costa Magica begins a transformative journey toward renewed purpose across China, Greece, and broader Asian and European waters. In its current stage of transition, the vessel has been repositioned under a new operator, marking a fresh phase in its long maritime history. The ship, now operating under the name Vision, has departed Greece with a clear objective: to undergo a new round of enhancements before reentering the travel and tourism market. Considerable attention has been drawn to this development as the ship is expected to be renamed Ideal, setting the stage for a future deployment out of Tianjin, where it will operate alongside the Dream. The change in ownership, combined with a planned comprehensive upgrade, has placed the vessel at the center of renewed regional cruising interest. Its evolution reflects how older ships are being actively repurposed to meet rising travel demand, especially in Asia’s rapidly expanding tourism landscape. This transition has also highlighted the role of Seajets, whose earlier ownership and operational plans contributed to the vessel’s complex and multifaceted recent history.

A Vessel Embarking on a New Direction

The former Costa Magica has been placed on a new course after its acquisition by Tianjin Oriental International Cruises. This shift has been viewed as a strategic move within China’s growing tourism and cruise sector, where demand for mid-sized ships remains strong. After several years without commercial deployment, the vessel has been prepared for repositioning, signaling the beginning of a long-anticipated revival.

Its departure from Greece on November 19 under the temporary name Vision has marked the start of its journey toward the Asian market. The ship is expected to undergo a final renaming process before being introduced to travelers in China as Ideal. This rebranding initiative has been presented as part of a broader market repositioning strategy intended to strengthen the cruise line’s presence in Tianjin.

Prepared Deployment in Tianjin, China

Plans for the ship’s summer deployment out of Tianjin have been framed around supporting China’s ongoing efforts to expand its domestic and outbound tourism sectors. The ship has been scheduled to sail alongside the Dream, providing additional passenger capacity during peak travel months. This pairing has been designed to contribute to the growth of cruise tourism along China’s northeastern coast, where interest in short-duration international sailings has steadily increased.

The presence of two vessels operating from Tianjin is expected to present travelers with greater itinerary choices, potentially linking China with destinations across East Asia. This development has also been positioned to support regional ports that have continued recovering from the impact of extended travel suspensions during the pandemic years.

A Ship Awaiting a Comprehensive Upgrade

The 2004-built ship has not carried passengers since the years preceding the pandemic, resulting in a long period of lay-up. To prepare it for renewed service in China, a comprehensive upgrade has been planned by its new operator. This upgrade is expected to include updates to public areas, cabins, entertainment spaces, and key operational systems.

Such refurbishments are commonly carried out on vessels of this age to meet modern traveler expectations, including improvements in dining experiences, onboard activities, and technological enhancements. By implementing these changes, the new operator aims to ensure that the ship aligns with contemporary standards expected by international cruise guests.

The Seajets Phase in Greece

Before its recent sale to Tianjin Oriental International Cruises, the vessel had been part of the Seajets fleet in Greece. Seajets acquired the ship from Costa in 2023 during a period when several cruise vessels were purchased by the company following the pandemic. This acquisition formed part of a broader expansion strategy by the Greek ferry operator, which sought to enter the cruise market through selective vessel purchases.

During its ownership period, Seajets chartered the ship to a government entity in 2024. The vessel served as temporary accommodation for a major summit held in Italy, providing additional housing capacity at a time when increased visitor numbers required supplemental infrastructure. This short-term charter highlighted the vessel’s versatility and ability to support large-scale events even while not actively engaged in commercial cruising.

Neonyx Cruises and the Unrealized Plans in Greece

Seajets later sought to launch its own cruise brand under the name Neonyx Cruises. As part of this initiative, the ship was renamed Mykons Magic, with plans to operate short cruise itineraries around Greece beginning in summer 2024. These itineraries were expected to attract regional travelers and international visitors seeking short, leisure-focused getaways in the Aegean.

However, the new cruise brand was unable to establish itself in the market, and operations never commenced. Despite these unrealized plans, this phase remained an essential part of the ship’s modern narrative, demonstrating the shifting operational strategies that mid-sized vessels often experience during periods of global travel industry recovery.

The Remaining Seajets Fleet

Seajets had acquired several cruise ships during the pandemic, but only three vessels now remain in its laid-up fleet: the former Majesty of the Seas from Royal Caribbean, the former Oceana from P&O, and the former Veendam. These vessels continue to represent a segment of the company’s long-term investment strategy, although their future deployment remains undecided.

This reduction in the Seajets cruise inventory illustrates the broader restructuring that has occurred across the global cruise market, where companies have adjusted their holdings in accordance with shifting travel trends and renewed operational focus.

A Renewed Chapter for the Global Cruise Industry

The journey of the former Costa Magica toward its new life in China symbolizes a broader revival within international cruise tourism. With renewed investment, strategic repositioning, and targeted upgrades, the ship is being prepared to welcome passengers once again, contributing to both China’s expanding tourism infrastructure and the continued evolution of global maritime travel.

Its movement between Greece, Italy, and China reflects how cruise vessels continue to serve as dynamic assets that can adapt to changing markets and travel demands. The vessel’s new chapter under Tianjin Oriental International Cruises is anticipated to reinforce regional tourism and offer travelers enhanced opportunities to explore destinations across Asia.