A major Mumbai port turnaround sees nearly 6,000 guests embark and disembark across Cordelia SKY and Cordelia Empress as the cruise line expands operations to two homeports
Cordelia Cruises has entered a new phase of expansion in India, with Cordelia SKY now sailing from Mumbai and Cordelia Empress beginning its season from Kochi. The development marks the first time the cruise line is operating two ships simultaneously from two Indian homeports.
The expansion increases Cordelia Cruises’ deployed capacity and widens its domestic and international itinerary network. Travellers can choose from weekend sailings, cruises to Goa and Lakshadweep, and international itineraries connecting destinations in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, with departures available from Mumbai and Kochi.
Nearly 6,000 Guests During a Major Mumbai Turnaround
The scale of Cordelia Cruises’ expanded operations was visible in Mumbai on 23rd October, when Cordelia Sky and Cordelia Empress were both handled at the port on the same day. Across the two ships, nearly 6,000 guests embarked and disembarked.
Cordelia Sky departed Mumbai on her inaugural guest sailing, while Cordelia Empress commenced her onward journey towards her new homeport in Kochi.
The milestone was captured at sea as Cordelia Sky and Cordelia Empress sailed together off India’s western coast before continuing on their respective journeys. The image of both ships sailing side by side marks a defining moment in Cordelia Cruises’ evolution from a single-ship operation to a two-ship fleet operating across Mumbai and Kochi.
Cordelia SKY: New Cruise Experiences from Mumbai
Cordelia SKY, the cruise line’s newest addition, began guest sailings from Mumbai on 23 October 2026. Its itinerary options include two- and three-night weekend cruises, four-night Lakshadweep sailings, and five-night itineraries combining destinations such as Goa and Lakshadweep.
At full occupancy, the ship can accommodate 2,280 guests across 1,002 staterooms. These include 245 Mini Suites, 11 Penthouse Suites and four Chairman’s Suites.
Onboard offerings include new dining concepts, large-scale production shows, live entertainment, sports, wellness facilities and open-air experiences throughout the day and evening. The range is designed to give guests different ways to spend their time at sea, whether they are looking for entertainment, relaxation or a short holiday.
Ahead of its inaugural guest sailing, guests, officers and crew gathered on the pool deck for the Cordelia SKY Welcome Ceremony. The gathering brought together an Indian tradition of blessing the ship and everyone who would sail aboard it, marking an important milestone in the vessel’s entry into service.
Cordelia SKY’s arrival in India, its cruise premiere and its first guest sailing form part of the series of milestones leading up to the launch of the new ship.
Cordelia Empress Begins Its Kochi Season
With Cordelia Empress now sailing from Kochi, the cruise line is expanding access to cruise holidays for travellers in South India. The Kochi programme includes two-night weekend sailings, three- and four-night Lakshadweep cruises, and a five-night international itinerary connecting Kochi with Malé in the Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka.
The Lakshadweep itineraries also provide access to islands including Kavaratti and Minicoy, adding further destination choices to the cruise line’s expanding network.
With Mumbai and Kochi serving as homeports, Cordelia Cruises is offering a broader mix of cruise durations and destinations, with options spanning short weekend breaks, longer domestic sailings and international journeys.
Jurgen Bailom on Cordelia Cruises’ Expansion
Commenting on the milestone, Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Cordelia Cruises, said:
“Seeing Cordelia Sky and Cordelia Empress sailing together was a very special moment for all of us. Five years ago, we began with a vision to make cruising a holiday choice for more Indians. Today, we have two ships sailing from two homeports, giving our guests more destinations, more itineraries and more ways to experience a holiday at sea. Mumbai has been central to our journey from the beginning, and adding Kochi as a homeport allows us to take cruising closer to many more travellers across India.”
Since commencing operations in 2021, Cordelia Cruises has welcomed more than 800,000 guests. The addition of a second ship operating from a separate Indian homeport represents another step in the company’s efforts to make cruise holidays accessible to a wider range of travellers.
Cordelia Sun Expected to Join in 2027
Looking ahead, Cordelia Sun is scheduled to join the fleet in 2027, signalling the cruise line’s continued plans for expansion.
With Cordelia SKY operating from Mumbai and Cordelia Empress from Kochi, the company is broadening its presence across two key Indian departure points while offering travellers more choices in cruise duration, destinations and onboard experiences.
About Cordelia Cruises
Cordelia Cruises is India’s premium cruise line, with a vision to make cruising a preferred holiday choice for Indians. Its itineraries cover domestic and international destinations, combining Indian hospitality with onboard service and experiences.
Cordelia Cruises is operated by Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited, which offers accommodation, dining, entertainment, wellness, gaming, retail, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), weddings and group travel experiences.
Waterways Leisure Tourism Limited is listed on the BSE under code 544802 and on the NSE under the symbol CORDELIA.
