New Delhi, 23 October (H.S.): Cordelia Cruises, a premium cruise operator in India, has launched its new vessel, Cordelia Sky, with its first commercial sailing commencing on Friday. The launch event was attended by more than 1,500 people, including business partners, media representatives and prominent figures from the cruise and tourism industries.

Featuring music, lighting effects and modern technology, the event marked a significant expansion for the company. Five years after beginning operations, Cordelia Cruises is moving from a single-ship operation to a two-vessel fleet with the addition of Cordelia Sky.

The company also announced plans to introduce a third cruise ship, Cordelia Sun, in 2027.

Speaking at a press conference, Cordelia Cruises President and Chief Executive Officer Jurgen Bailom said the company had been founded five years ago with the vision of making cruise holidays a preferred vacation option for Indians.

Since commencing operations in 2021, the company has carried more than 800,000 passengers, Bailom said. The addition of Cordelia Sky has significantly expanded its passenger capacity.

According to the CEO, Cordelia Sky and Cordelia Empress together offer 1,798 staterooms. Based on double occupancy, the two ships can accommodate up to 3,596 passengers at a time, representing an increase of approximately 126 per cent in the company's overall passenger capacity.

Bailom said Cordelia Sky had been designed to cater to the preferences and requirements of Indian travellers, with facilities ranging from dining and entertainment to fitness and leisure activities.

The ship offers a variety of dining options, including Indian, Italian and other international cuisines. Special meal arrangements are also available for vegetarian passengers and members of the Jain community.

Passengers can enjoy live performances, theatrical shows, fitness and wellness facilities, recreational areas and a dedicated play zone for children. These amenities are intended to provide a comprehensive holiday experience while travelling at sea.

Routes and itineraries

Cordelia Sky's first commercial sailing commenced from Mumbai on October 23, 2026. The company has introduced a range of itineraries, from short sea breaks to longer domestic and international voyages.

The available options include:

Short-break cruises: Two-night sailings designed for passengers seeking a brief getaway at sea.

Goa cruises:Three-night and other short-duration itineraries connecting Mumbai and Goa.

Lakshadweep cruises: Four-night sailings, along with shorter and longer options.

Goa and Lakshadweep cruises: A five-night itinerary combining visits to Goa and Lakshadweep.

The company has also outlined plans to expand operations from southern India. Following Cordelia Sky's arrival in Mumbai, Cordelia Empress is scheduled to operate from Kochi, which will serve as its new homeport.

The move is expected to offer travellers from Kerala and other parts of southern India additional cruise holiday options. Sailings from Kochi are intended to include weekend getaways, visits to Lakshadweep islands such as Minicoy and Kavaratti, and international itineraries.

Cordelia Cruises: Estimated fares per person

The cost of a Cordelia cruise depends on the route, duration, sailing date and cabin category selected. According to the fare estimates provided in the report, the starting price for a two- to three-night cruise under twin-sharing arrangements generally ranges from approximately Rs 19,999 to Rs 29,200 per person.

Indicative fares for a two- to three-night cruise are as follows:

Cabin category | Estimated fare per person

Interior cabin, without a window | Rs 19,999–Rs 35,000

Ocean-view cabin, with a sea-facing window | Rs 35,000–Rs 45,000

Balcony cabin, with a private balcony | Rs 52,000–Rs 65,000

Suite or Chairman's Suite | Rs 90,000 to over Rs 2 lakh |

For longer itineraries, such as five-night Goa and Lakshadweep cruises or international voyages to destinations such as the Maldives and Sri Lanka, the report estimates starting fares at approximately Rs 53,999 to Rs 75,000 per person.

These figures are indicative estimates rather than guaranteed prices. Actual fares may vary according to the sailing date, cabin availability, promotional offers and booking conditions. Applicable taxes and port charges may also affect the final amount payable; travellers should confirm the complete fare breakdown before booking.

What is included in the ticket price?

The base fare generally covers several onboard facilities and services, although inclusions may vary by package and sailing.

Accommodation: Passengers receive access to the cabin category selected at the time of booking.

Meals:Dining options include food-court facilities and the Starlight Restaurant, with multiple meals served daily. Vegetarian and Jain food options are also available.

Entertainment: Onboard activities include theatrical performances at the Marquee Theatre, live music, DJ and pool-party events, and children's activities through Cordelia Academy.

Recreational facilities: Access to facilities such as swimming pools, jacuzzis and the fitness centre is generally available, subject to the ship's operating policies.

Some services may incur additional charges. These can include casino tokens, spa and salon treatments, Wi-Fi packages, alcoholic beverages and premium drinks served at bars. Expenses for excursions and activities at ports of call, including Goa and Lakshadweep, may also be charged separately.

Passengers are advised to check the terms of their selected package to determine which services are included and which require additional payment.

Key features of Cordelia Sky

Cordelia Sky is the second vessel in the Cordelia Cruises fleet and is being positioned as the company's largest cruise ship. Its maiden commercial voyage from Mumbai introduces passengers to a floating holiday experience combining accommodation, dining, entertainment and leisure facilities.

The vessel measures approximately 258 metres (848 feet) in length and has 12 decks. It features 1,002 cabins and 11 bars and lounges. Its passenger capacity is reported to range from approximately 2,004 to 2,404, depending on the occupancy configuration.

With the addition of Cordelia Sky, the company is expanding its cruise offerings and seeking to broaden access to domestic and international sea holidays for Indian travellers. The planned arrival of Cordelia Sun in 2027 is expected to mark the next stage of this expansion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar