Indian cruise line Cordelia offering major deals on first ever Sri Lanka voyages

Cordelia Cruises has unveiled a new “Mega Savings on Sri Lanka Sailings” promotion as its embarks on its first-ever international cruises.

The limited-time promotion offers passengers discounted fares, exclusive onboard amenities and immersive shore excursions as the Indian cruise line sails the shores of its island neighbour.

Cordelia Cruises only cruise ship, Empress, departed Chennai on June 5th on its first cruise to Sri Lanka, visiting Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Jaffna, before returning to Chennai.

Empress has sailed several identical 5-day itineraries to Sri Lanka, and is scheduled to operate four more until mid-September.

Cordelia Cruises  was launched just prior to the pandemic and quickly established itself as a popular domestic cruise operator, sailing roundtrip from Chennai to Goa, Kochi and Mumbai, but these are its first international voyages.

“We, at Cordelia Cruises, are committed to providing unparalleled luxury, hospitality, and exploration experiences that have garnered admiration both within India and on the global stage,” said Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Cordelia Cruises.

“With our exciting offers, we strive to make every moment on board accessible, unforgettable, offering unmatched savings and benefits,” he added. “As India’s pride in the global cruise industry, we embrace the spirit of India and extend warm hospitality to our guests at sea always.”

Cordelia Cruises is India’s only mainstream domestic cruise line, after its main competitor Angriya Cruises ceased operations during the pandemic and gave its single ship, Angriya, over to Sri Lankan authorities on a long-term lease as a quarantine facility for sailors.

The cruise line’s website remains operational, but has not been updated since 2020, while AIS tracking website Marine Traffic shows Angriya berthed in Mumbai from at least 2022.

Angriya Cruises was a more budget-oriented cruise experience, however, while Cordelia has positioned itself as a domestic alternative to Costa Cruises, which also homeports annually in Mumbai during the winter cruise season.

The cruise line offers a range of dining experiences and entertainment infused with Indian hospitality and the varied cultures of the country. Empress offers sleek bars and lounges, several pools, a gym, spa, full-scale multi-deck theatre, casino and more.

The ship formerly sailed as Empress of the Seas for Royal Caribbean, but was acquired by Cordelia Cruises in 2020. Empress of the Seas previously homeported in Dubai annually for the winter cruise season.