Cordelia Cruises eyes Dubai expansion after success of first cruise ship in India

Cordelia Cruises is considering adding more international destinations to its itineraries, and is in the process of adding two new cruise ships to its fleet as it looks to capitalise on the success of its first cruise ship in India, according to The Hindu.

The cruise line’s second vessel is scheduled to arrive in India mid-2025, with the third expected to be delivered by 2026. Both vessels are second-hand acquisitions, but details about the ships were not revealed.

The line’s current vessel, Empress, will continue to sail roundtrip voyages from Mumbai to Kochi, Goa and other Indian destinations, while the second ship will sail between Mumbai and Dubai. When the third vessel is acquired, it will offer Mumbai to Sydney cruises.

“We have placed orders for two more vessels. Everything is in the pipeline. They are delayed because of the closure of Red Sea -Suez Canal for cruise vessels,” said Jurgen Bailom, President, Waterways Leisure Tourism, which owns the Cordlia brand. 

Cordelia Cruises currently operates during nine months of the year on the West coast between Mumbai to Goa, Kochi and Lakshadweep, and on the east coast of India from July to September, sailing from Chennai to ports in Sri Lanka.

“We are adding more international destinations from next year. The vessel will leave from Mumbai to Chennai enroute Goa and Kochi. Later, it will touch the ports in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Sydney,” said Bailom.

The grand voyage being considered will be a one way sailing from Mumbai to Sydney with guests then flying back. Alternatively, a two-month roundtrip itinerary might also be offered. 

Cordelia is also planning to add Vizag and Puducherry to its list on the east coast itinerary. 

“The first few sailings will happen between Chennai-Vizag-high seas, Chennai-Puducherry and then we will go to Sri Lanka. Plans are on to add Diu, Porbandar and Maldvies in the future,” he said.

Bailom said the expansion of Cordelia’s fleet was a response to local cruise demand in India.

“My ship is 100% full. That’s why we are purchasing a second vessel,” he said. “We are getting bookings from Indian as well as from international tourists. In January, Cordelia Empress sailed to Dubai to complete a technical survey.”