Cordelia Cruises Launches Cordelia Sky, Expanding Fleet to Two Ships

Mumbai-headquartered Cordelia Cruises has launched its largest cruise vessel, Cordelia Sky, with commercial sailings commencing on Friday, October 23, 2026. The launch marks the company’s transition from a single-ship operator to a two-ship fleet operator.

Addressing the media at the launch event, Cordelia Cruises President and CEO Jurgen Bailom stated that the company has carried more than eight lakh passengers since commencing operations. He noted that the company was founded with the vision of making cruising a preferred travel option for Indian consumers.

As part of its ongoing expansion strategy, the company’s next vessel, Cordelia Sun, is scheduled to be launched in 2027. Additionally, Cordelia Cruises, a subsidiary of Waterways Leisure Tourism Ltd, plans to create 20,000 additional jobs over the next three years. Workforce development initiatives currently underway include a cadet programme and preparations to welcome the company's first female captain.

Looking ahead, the company has outlined plans for a 34-day cruise from Mumbai to Sydney during the 2028 monsoon season, covering seven countries and 16 ports. Commenting on the broader business environment, Bailom highlighted that while rising costs of food and fuel present ongoing challenges due to geopolitical developments, the company continues to manage operations effectively.

Measuring approximately 260 metres in length, Cordelia Sky spans 12 decks and has a gross tonnage of 77,104. The vessel features 1,002 cabins across multiple categories, ranging from interior staterooms and ocean-view cabins to balcony mini-suites and suites, including the Chairman’s Suite. Originally built in 1999 and previously sailed as Norwegian Sky and Pride of Aloha, the ship has been equipped with updated technology.

The vessel offers extensive dining, entertainment, and recreational amenities, housing approximately 10 restaurants, 11 bars and lounges, a pool deck with two swimming pools and five hot tubs, a fitness centre, spa, casino, and the 930-seat Marquee Theatre. Complimentary dining is available at spaces such as the Palace Restaurant, The Crossings, and The Great Outdoor Cafe, while speciality dining options include La Cucina, The Great Sushi Bar, and Spice Route.

Cordelia Sky’s initial sailing schedule features short cruises departing from Mumbai, including a five-night Goa and Lakshadweep cruise, a four-night Lakshadweep itinerary, a three-night Goa itinerary, and a two-night short getaway at sea. In 2027, the vessel is set to offer seven-night Southeast Asian cruises sailing between Chennai and Singapore, with planned visits to ports in Malaysia and Thailand such as Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, and Phuket. Cruise fares vary according to the route, duration, sailing period, and cabin category.

Concurrently, the company’s existing vessel, Cordelia Empress, will now operate from Kochi, serving as its new homeport. Cordelia Cruises also introduced The Chairman’s Club loyalty programme to reward members as part of its customer engagement initiatives.

"The expansion of Cordelia Cruises from a single-ship operator to a two-ship fleet marks a significant milestone for the leisure and tourism sector in India. Scaling capital-intensive assets like cruise liners requires careful operational management, especially when navigating rising fuel and food costs driven by geopolitical factors. By focusing on domestic demand, regional homeports, and job creation, the company is demonstrating a structured approach to scaling its business model in a niche travel market." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes