Cordelia Cruises launches Cordelia Sky, expands fleet to two ships

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The 848 feet vessel began commercial sailings from Mumbai, with itineraries covering domestic destinations and Southeast Asia planned for 2027

By Madhu Balaji

Updated - October 24, 2026 at 05:12 PM. | Bengaluru

File photo: Cordelia Sky, Cordelia Cruises’ largest vessel, commences commercial sailings

Mumbai-headquartered Cordelia Cruises has launched Cordelia Sky, its largest cruise vessel, and commenced commercial sailings on Friday, October 23, 2026. The launch event was attended by representatives from the media and tourism industry.

The launch marks the company’s transition from a single-ship operator to a two-ship fleet operator. Its next vessel, Cordelia Sun, is scheduled to be launched in 2027.

Company targets global cruise market growth

Addressing the media at the launch, Cordelia Cruises President and CEO Jurgen Bailom said the company had carried more than eight lakh passengers since commencing operations. He said the company was founded with a vision of making cruising a preferred travel option for Indians.

“Our goal is, by 2032, to be the top five largest cruise market in the world,” Bailom said.

The company, a subsidiary of Waterways Leisure Tourism Ltd, also plans to create 20,000 additional jobs over the next three years. As part of its workforce development initiatives, Cordelia Cruises has started a cadet programme and is moving closer to having its first female captain.

Bailom also mentioned about the launch of The Chairman’s Club, a loyalty programme rewarding members.

Looking ahead, the company has planned a 34-day cruise from Mumbai to Sydney during the 2028 monsoon season. The itinerary is expected to cover seven countries and 16 ports.

Geopolitical developments pose cost challenges

Commenting on the impact of geopolitical developments on the cruise business, Bailom highlighted the rising costs of food and fuel.

“However, we are still able to manage. But it can’t get worse than it is right now, so we all hope that everything is going to get better soon,” he said.

A 12-deck vessel with over 1,000 cabins

Measuring approximately 260 metres in length (848 feet approximately), Cordelia Sky spans 12 decks and has a gross tonnage of 77,104. The vessel has 1,002 cabins (with double occupancy) across multiple categories, ranging from interior staterooms and ocean-view cabins to balcony mini-suites and suites.

The accommodation options include the Chairman’s Suite, described as the largest stateroom onboard.

Dining, entertainment and leisure onboard

Cordelia Sky offers a range of dining, entertainment and recreational facilities, including a fitness centre, spa and salon, entertainment shows, casinos, a gaming arcade and the 930-seat Marquee Theatre.

Casino, poker and more

Video arcade, fun gaming for kids and teens

The ship houses approximately 10 restaurants, 11 bars and lounges, a pool deck with two swimming pools and five hot tubs, a sports court, meeting rooms and a library.

Dining options

Spaces such as Palace Restaurant, The Crossings and The Great Outdoor Cafe offer complimentary dining. Meanwhile, speciality dining venues include La Cucina, The Great Sushi Bar, The Local Bar & Grill, Topsiders Bar & Grill, Garden Cafe and Spice Route.

Lounges, bars and shopping

The Chairman’s Club, Connexions and The Dome lounges. The Sky Bar, Atrium Bar and Just Beans offer additional spaces for relaxation.

The ship also features gift shops selling souvenirs, branded merchandise and travel essentials.

Library - the reading lounge

Shows and entertainment

The pool deck and Marquee Theatre serve as venues for large gatherings, celebrations and entertainment programmes. The onboard entertainment schedule includes performances and events such as the skit Tu Aashiqui Hai, the Burlesque! After Midnight party and the Atrium Flashmob.

Domestic cruises from Mumbai

The vessel’s sailing schedule includes several short cruises departing from Mumbai. These include 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, Cordelia Sky is also set to offer seven-night Southeast Asian cruises sailing between Chennai and Singapore, with visits to ports in Malaysia and Thailand. The planned destinations include Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur and Phuket.

Cruise fares vary according to the route, duration, sailing period and cabin category.

With the launch of Cordelia Sky, Cordelia Cruises is expanding its fleet and itinerary offerings as it pursues its ambition of making cruising a more widely preferred travel option among Indians.

The vessel previously sailed as Norwegian Sky and Pride of Aloha for Norwegian Cruise Line. Originally built in 1999, the ship has been equipped with updated technology aimed at providing modern comforts.

The company’s Cordelia Empress will now operate from Kochi, its new homeport.

Published on October 24, 2026

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