Former Costa Magica Prepares for China Service After Refit

The former Costa Magica has arrived in China as it prepares to begin operations with Tianjin Oriental International Cruise Line.

Purchased by the Chinese operator in November, the ship, which was built in 2004, is scheduled to undergo refurbishment work before welcoming passengers in the region. Sources in Asia indicate that the vessel is expected to enter service with Tianjin Oriental International in mid-February.

Currently sailing under the interim name Ideal, the ship departed the port of Astakos on November 19, 2025. After transiting the Suez Canal and continuing through Southeast Asian waters, the 103,000-ton vessel reached the Qingdao Beihai Heavy Industry Shipyard on December 24, 2025.

The ship is expected to remain at the yard for approximately five to six weeks. During this period, it will undergo technical maintenance and modifications to align with its new brand.

Originally constructed in Italy for Costa Cruises, the vessel will be officially renamed Vision prior to entering service for its new Chinese owner. Further details regarding its deployment are expected to be announced later.

The former Costa Magica has been out of service since early 2020 and spent the past five years laid up in Europe. Initially sidelined due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ship was sold by Carnival Corporation in early 2023.

It was subsequently acquired by Seajets, renamed Mykonos Magic, and repositioned to Greece, although it never returned to service. The Greek ferry operator had planned to deploy the vessel for a new cruise brand, Neonyx Cruises, offering short itineraries in the Greek Islands and Turkey with a focus on nightlife. Although the inaugural season was originally planned for summer 2024, the project was first delayed to 2025 and ultimately canceled.