
From Cruise Ship to Luxury Liner: The Transformation of a Former German Vessel in Southeast Asia
A former German cruise ship, Dream Goddess, long inactive and nearly forgotten, is preparing to resume service under new ownership in Malaysia. Now named Berlin Oceanis, the vessel, originally constructed in 1980, underwent a significant transformation after being sold by Berlin Capital Group (BCG).
After leaving its lay-up site near Piraeus, Greece in late 2024, the ship sailed to a shipyard in Ningde, China. There, it has been undergoing an extensive refit to become a luxury cruise ship based in Penang, Malaysia.
BCG plans to operate short cruises to various Southeast Asian ports with the Berlin Oceanis, focusing on the upscale cruise market. Updates shared by the company on social media demonstrate the transformation of the ship from a dilapidated, rusted vessel into a refined, white-hulled cruise liner. The interiors have been completely renovated, and new accommodations are under construction.
The name "Berlin Oceanis" pays homage to the ship’s history as the Berlin, which served as the flagship for Peter Deilmann Cruises and was well-known as the star of the German TV series "Das Traumschiff." This new identity highlights the vessel’s storied past and its revival in Asia.
Previously owned by Dreamliner Cruises, a subsidiary of Royalton Investments, the ship was purchased in September 2020 from FTI Cruises with plans to transform it into a mega-yacht for wealthy clients. However, due to geopolitical situations including the Ukraine invasion and sanctions affecting key players in the luxury yacht sector, these plans fell through. As a result, the vessel was laid up on the island of Salamina, Greece, alongside other aging ships, with many believing it would be scrapped.
Now, with BCG’s acquisition and investment, the Berlin Oceanis is set to make a comeback, aiming to deliver a luxurious cruising experience while contributing to the expanding cruise market in Southeast Asia.
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