Cordelia Cruises has expanded its Indian operations with the launch of Cordelia Sky from Mumbai, enabling the cruise line to operate two ships simultaneously from two Indian homeports for the first time.
The ship commenced its inaugural guest sailing on October 23, 2026, coinciding with the start of the season for the company’s other vessel, Cordelia Empress, from Kochi. The expansion significantly increases the company’s passenger capacity and widens its domestic and international cruise offerings.
With operations from Mumbai and Kochi, Cordelia Cruises is offering itineraries covering Goa and Lakshadweep, weekend sailings, and international destinations including the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Addressing the media on board Cordelia Sky ahead of its commercial sailing, Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Cordelia Cruises, said the addition of the new vessel would provide travellers with more destinations and itinerary choices.
“Five years ago, we began with a vision to make cruising a holiday choice for more Indians. Cordelia Cruises currently operates Cordelia Empress and Cordelia Sky, with several more ships in the pipeline. We expect to expand in line with the development of India’s cruise infrastructure,” Bailom said.
He added that the company was preparing to cater to the growing number of cruise ports planned in India, expressing confidence that its fleet expansion would support the country’s emerging cruise tourism infrastructure.
Cordelia Sky will offer a range of itineraries, including two-night cruises at sea and to Goa, three-night Goa sailings, four-night voyages to Lakshadweep, and five-night itineraries combining Goa and Lakshadweep.
The vessel can accommodate 2,280 guests at full occupancy across 1,002 staterooms. Its accommodation includes 245 Mini Suites, 11 Penthouse Suites and four Chairman’s Suites. Onboard amenities include multiple dining venues, production shows, live entertainment, sports and wellness facilities, and outdoor recreational spaces.
Nishikant Upadhyay, Chief Financial Officer of Cordelia Cruises, highlighted the growing demand for premium accommodation categories. He noted that Cordelia Empress, with around 800 cabins, had limited premium-category inventory, whereas Cordelia Sky offers approximately 1,000 cabins, including around 260 premium-category cabins.
The company also expects its fleet expansion to generate significant employment opportunities. According to Bailom, Cordelia Cruises currently employs approximately 2,500 people directly across shipboard and shore-based operations, with a target of increasing its direct workforce to 25,000 over the next five years.
Beyond leisure travel, corporate travel, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), and weddings are emerging as important business segments. Bailom said corporate and MICE travel currently accounts for around 30–35 per cent of the company’s market, underlining the growing role of cruises in India’s corporate and event tourism sectors.
Since commencing operations in 2021, Cordelia Cruises, operated by Leisure Tourism Limited, has welcomed more than 800,000 guests, contributing to the growing popularity of cruise holidays among Indian travellers.
The introduction of Cordelia Sky marks another step in the expansion of India’s domestic cruise sector, strengthening Mumbai and Kochi as cruise homeports while supporting the country’s broader ambitions to develop cruise tourism and maritime infrastructure.