Mumbai’s skyline lit up on Sunday evening as Cordelia Cruises celebrated the arrival of its second ship, Cordelia Sky, with a spectacular aerial show featuring 1,500 drones above Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The event marked a significant milestone for India’s cruise industry, signalling the company’s expansion and ambitions to make cruise holidays more accessible to Indian travellers.&nbsp;The choreographed spectacle combined light, music, and movement with formations inspired by India, Mumbai, and the new vessel, culminating in a large-scale depiction of Cordelia Sky. The celebration also highlighted the company’s future plans, including the proposed addition of its third ship, Cordelia Sun, in 2027.&nbsp;“We set out to make cruising a holiday choice for more Indians,” said Jurgen Bailom, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cordelia Cruises. He said the arrival of the second ship is a major milestone, and the expansion reflects the company’s ambition to make cruise holidays an increasingly popular way for Indians to travel and explore.&nbsp;Cordelia Cruises has welcomed more than 800,000 guests since starting its operations in 2021. Cordelia Sky will increase the company’s capacity to 1,798 staterooms and approximately 3,596 guests at double occupancy across its two ships, representing a reported 126 per cent increase in guest capacity compared with its previous single-ship operation.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cordelia-cruises-unveils-second-ship-drone-formations-depict-mumbai-india-the-new-ship-1791735615885/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cordelia-cruises-unveils-second-ship-drone-formations-depict-mumbai-india-the-new-ship-1791735615885/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Measuring 258 metres in length, the 77,104-tonne Cordelia Sky can accommodate 2,004 guests at double occupancy across 1,002 staterooms, including 245 mini suites. It has 10 dining venues, 11 bars and lounges, a 930-seat theatre, two swimming pools, five hot tubs, and more than 30,000 square feet of open deck space.&nbsp;The ship will offer Indian and international cuisines, live entertainment, wellness facilities, and activities for families and younger travellers. Pure vegetarian and Jain meal options will also be available.&nbsp;Cordelia Sky is scheduled to begin commercial operations from Mumbai on October 23, offering two-night cruises at sea, three-night Goa trips, four-night Lakshadweep cruises, and five-night itineraries covering Goa and Lakshadweep. Seven-night Southeast Asian voyages from Chennai are also planned, with Phuket, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore being among the destinations.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Cordelia Empress will establish Kochi as its new homeport, beginning commercial sailings on October 25. The itineraries will include weekend getaways, Lakshadweep cruises, and international trips connecting Malé in the Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka. Minicoy and Kavaratti will also feature among the additional island destinations.&nbsp;The company expects its Kochi operations to support regional tourism and create opportunities for port services, local suppliers, and tourism-related businesses.&nbsp;Looking ahead, Cordelia Cruises plans to introduce Cordelia Sun in November 2027, expanding its fleet and itineraries as it underscores the company’s long-term ambitions as India’s cruise holiday market develops, with additional ships and departure ports expected to broaden choices for domestic and international travellers.

Cordelia Cruises has welcomed more than 800,000 guests since starting its operations in 2021. Cordelia Sky will increase the capacity to 1,798 staterooms and approximately 3,596 guests at double occupancy across its two ships, representing a reported 126 per cent increase in guest capacity.

Mumbai’s skyline lit up on Sunday evening as Cordelia Cruises celebrated the arrival of its second ship, Cordelia Sky, with a spectacular aerial show featuring 1,500 drones above Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The event marked a significant milestone for India’s cruise industry, signalling the company’s expansion and ambitions to make cruise holidays more accessible to Indian travellers. The choreographed spectacle combined light, music, and movement with formations inspired by India, Mumbai, and the new vessel, culminating in a large-scale depiction of Cordelia Sky. The celebration also highlighted the company’s future plans, including the proposed addition of its third ship, Cordelia Sun, in 2027. “We set out to make cruising a holiday choice for more Indians,” said Jurgen Bailom, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cordelia Cruises. He said the arrival of the second ship is a major milestone, and the expansion reflects the company’s ambition to make cruise holidays an increasingly popular way for Indians to travel and explore. Cordelia Cruises has welcomed more than 800,000 guests since starting its operations in 2021. Cordelia Sky will increase the company’s capacity to 1,798 staterooms and approximately 3,596 guests at double occupancy across its two ships, representing a reported 126 per cent increase in guest capacity compared with its previous single-ship operation. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cordelia-cruises-unveils-second-ship-drone-formations-depict-mumbai-india-the-new-ship-1791735615885/embed Measuring 258 metres in length, the 77,104-tonne Cordelia Sky can accommodate 2,004 guests at double occupancy across 1,002 staterooms, including 245 mini suites. It has 10 dining venues, 11 bars and lounges, a 930-seat theatre, two swimming pools, five hot tubs, and more than 30,000 square feet of open deck space. The ship will offer Indian and international cuisines, live entertainment, wellness facilities, and activities for families and younger travellers. Pure vegetarian and Jain meal options will also be available. Cordelia Sky is scheduled to begin commercial operations from Mumbai on October 23, offering two-night cruises at sea, three-night Goa trips, four-night Lakshadweep cruises, and five-night itineraries covering Goa and Lakshadweep. Seven-night Southeast Asian voyages from Chennai are also planned, with Phuket, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore being among the destinations. Meanwhile, Cordelia Empress will establish Kochi as its new homeport, beginning commercial sailings on October 25. The itineraries will include weekend getaways, Lakshadweep cruises, and international trips connecting Malé in the Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka. Minicoy and Kavaratti will also feature among the additional island destinations. The company expects its Kochi operations to support regional tourism and create opportunities for port services, local suppliers, and tourism-related businesses. Looking ahead, Cordelia Cruises plans to introduce Cordelia Sun in November 2027, expanding its fleet and itineraries as it underscores the company’s long-term ambitions as India’s cruise holiday market develops, with additional ships and departure ports expected to broaden choices for domestic and international travellers.

Cordelia Cruises has welcomed more than 800,000 guests since starting its operations in 2021. Cordelia Sky will increase the capacity to 1,798 staterooms and approximately 3,596 guests at double occupancy across its two ships, representing a reported 126 per cent increase in guest capacity.

1,500 drones illuminate Mumbai sky as Cordelia Cruises unveils second ship, Cordelia Sky

Mumbai has gained a new addition to India’s cruise industry with the arrival of Cordelia Sky, the second ship in the Cordelia Cruises fleet, arrived in the city. It marks a significant development in the company’s expansion and its broader push to make cruising more accessible to Indian travellers. The ship’s arrival comes five years after Cordelia Cruises first set sail in India with its inaugural vessel, Cordelia Empress. With a second ship now in its fleet, the company is set to expand its overall capacity, offer travellers a wider range of itineraries, and further cement India’s growing reputation as a cruise tourism destination.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cordelia-cruises-unveils-second-ship-drone-formations-depict-mumbai-india-the-new-ship-1791735615885/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cordelia-cruises-unveils-second-ship-drone-formations-depict-mumbai-india-the-new-ship-1791735615885/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: ‘<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/an-algorithm-can-t-make-life-worth-living-orkut-founder-launches-campaign-to-reclaim-social-media-1791563839747">An algorithm can’t make life worth living’: Orkut founder launches campaign to reclaim social media</a> Cordelia Sky dwarfs its predecessor in scale, spanning over 77,000 gross tonnes and stretching 258 metres in length. Onboard, the ship offers more than 1,000 staterooms, along with 10 restaurants, 11 bars, multiple swimming pools, entertainment venues, a 930-seat theatre, sports facilities, a spa, and dedicated zones designed for children and teenagers. Having completed a rebranding process, the vessel has now sailed into Mumbai under its new Cordelia identity, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter as it prepares to operate from Indian shores.

Five years after launching with Cordelia Empress, Cordelia Cruises adds its second ship, boosting capacity, expanding itinerary options, and strengthening India’s growing status as a cruise tourism destination.

Mumbai has gained a new addition to India’s cruise industry with the arrival of Cordelia Sky, the second ship in the Cordelia Cruises fleet, arrived in the city. It marks a significant development in the company’s expansion and its broader push to make cruising more accessible to Indian travellers. The ship’s arrival comes five years after Cordelia Cruises first set sail in India with its inaugural vessel, Cordelia Empress. With a second ship now in its fleet, the company is set to expand its overall capacity, offer travellers a wider range of itineraries, and further cement India’s growing reputation as a cruise tourism destination. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cordelia-cruises-unveils-second-ship-drone-formations-depict-mumbai-india-the-new-ship-1791735615885/embed Also read: ‘An algorithm can’t make life worth living’: Orkut founder launches campaign to reclaim social media Cordelia Sky dwarfs its predecessor in scale, spanning over 77,000 gross tonnes and stretching 258 metres in length. Onboard, the ship offers more than 1,000 staterooms, along with 10 restaurants, 11 bars, multiple swimming pools, entertainment venues, a 930-seat theatre, sports facilities, a spa, and dedicated zones designed for children and teenagers. Having completed a rebranding process, the vessel has now sailed into Mumbai under its new Cordelia identity, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter as it prepares to operate from Indian shores.

Five years after launching with Cordelia Empress, Cordelia Cruises adds its second ship, boosting capacity, expanding itinerary options, and strengthening India’s growing status as a cruise tourism destination.

Cordelia Sky docks in Mumbai, doubling Cordelia Cruises’ Indian fleet

India's cruise tourism market is being driven by a much younger demographic than global trends, according to Waterways Leisure Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Jurgen Bailom.&nbsp;Speaking to <a href="https://www.zeebiz.com/markets/ipo/news-waterways-leisure-ipo-ceo-jurgen-bailom-shares-roadmap-as-cordelia-cruise-operator-eyes-rapid-expansion-exclusive-interaction-with-anil-singhvi-397705#English">Zee Business </a>Managing Editor Anil Singhvi, Bailom said the average age of guests travelling on Cordelia Cruises is around 34 years, significantly lower than the global cruise industry average. "Crusing is affordable luxury," Bailom said, highlighting what he described as a major shift in consumer behaviour among younger Indian travellers.&nbsp;Waterways Leisure, the company behind Cordelia Cruises, has built its business around Indian consumers, tailoring its offerings to local tastes rather than replicating international cruise models.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/cordelia-cruises-eyes-rapid-expansion-plans-2-new-ships-ceo-jurgen-bailom-to-wion-1782129819551">Cordelia Cruises eyes rapid expansion, plans 2 new ships: CEO Jurgen Bailom to WION</a>&nbsp;According to Bailom, Indian food, Bollywood-themed entertainment, regional language support and family-oriented experiences have helped attract a younger customer base. The company also follows an all-inclusive pricing model, with most onboard services included in the ticket price.&nbsp;Bailom said India remains one of the world's most promising cruise markets despite being at a relatively early stage of development. He noted that cruising continues to be an underpenetrated segment even as rising incomes and changing travel preferences create new opportunities.Beyond leisure holidays, the company is also witnessing demand from weddings, corporate events and group travel segments, which Bailom identified as important growth drivers.&nbsp;Waterways Leisure is preparing to raise around Rs 585 crore through an initial public offering. Bailom said the proceeds would largely be used to support growth initiatives, including fleet expansion.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-acquires-retired-uk-jaguar-aircraft-spare-parts-iaf-fleet-1782035324982">India secures nine decommissioned UK Jaguars to keep strike squadrons operational</a> The company has already made advance payments for two new ships and plans to utilise IPO proceeds towards future lease obligations and acquisition-related commitments.&nbsp;"All the money is for growth," Bailom said, adding that only a small portion of the funds would be used for general corporate purposes.

Cordelia Cruises CEO Jurgen Bailom states that India's cruise market attracts a younger demographic (average age 34) by offering "affordable luxury" with tailored Indian food, entertainment, and all-inclusive pricing.

India's cruise tourism market is being driven by a much younger demographic than global trends, according to Waterways Leisure Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Jurgen Bailom. Speaking to Zee Business Managing Editor Anil Singhvi, Bailom said the average age of guests travelling on Cordelia Cruises is around 34 years, significantly lower than the global cruise industry average. "Crusing is affordable luxury," Bailom said, highlighting what he described as a major shift in consumer behaviour among younger Indian travellers. Waterways Leisure, the company behind Cordelia Cruises, has built its business around Indian consumers, tailoring its offerings to local tastes rather than replicating international cruise models. Also read: Cordelia Cruises eyes rapid expansion, plans 2 new ships: CEO Jurgen Bailom to WION According to Bailom, Indian food, Bollywood-themed entertainment, regional language support and family-oriented experiences have helped attract a younger customer base. The company also follows an all-inclusive pricing model, with most onboard services included in the ticket price. Bailom said India remains one of the world's most promising cruise markets despite being at a relatively early stage of development. He noted that cruising continues to be an underpenetrated segment even as rising incomes and changing travel preferences create new opportunities. Beyond leisure holidays, the company is also witnessing demand from weddings, corporate events and group travel segments, which Bailom identified as important growth drivers. Waterways Leisure is preparing to raise around Rs 585 crore through an initial public offering. Bailom said the proceeds would largely be used to support growth initiatives, including fleet expansion. Also read: India secures nine decommissioned UK Jaguars to keep strike squadrons operational The company has already made advance payments for two new ships and plans to utilise IPO proceeds towards future lease obligations and acquisition-related commitments. "All the money is for growth," Bailom said, adding that only a small portion of the funds would be used for general corporate purposes.

Cordelia Cruises CEO Jurgen Bailom states that India's cruise market attracts a younger demographic (average age 34) by offering "affordable luxury" with tailored Indian food, entertainment, and all-inclusive pricing.

Cruising is 'affordable luxury' for young Indians, says Cordelia Cruises chief

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials reportedly seized drugs onboard the Cordelia cruise ship after conducting a raid&nbsp;at Mumbai port on October 2. A probe is ongoing into the incident.

Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO of Cordelia Cruises said the drugs was found in some of the passenger's luggage.

"These passengers were off-loaded by Cordelia immediately. The sailing of the cruise got delayed because of this," Bailom said.

Bailom added&nbsp;that Cordelia apologised to the families of the guests for the delay which resulted in the delay in entertainment events planned onboard the ship.

No staff or crew member was found to be involved and the ship was allowed to sail by authorities.&nbsp;

The cruise management and staff onboard provided help to the authorities as the raids were conducted by NCB officials.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials reportedly seized drugs onboard the Cordelia cruise ship after conducting a raid at Mumbai port on October 2. A probe is ongoing into the incident.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials reportedly seized drugs onboard the Cordelia cruise ship after conducting a raid at Mumbai port on October 2. A probe is ongoing into the incident. Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO of Cordelia Cruises said the drugs was found in some of the passenger's luggage. "These passengers were off-loaded by Cordelia immediately. The sailing of the cruise got delayed because of this," Bailom said. Bailom added that Cordelia apologised to the families of the guests for the delay which resulted in the delay in entertainment events planned onboard the ship. No staff or crew member was found to be involved and the ship was allowed to sail by authorities. The cruise management and staff onboard provided help to the authorities as the raids were conducted by NCB officials. (With inputs from Agencies)

Cordelia cruise company clarifies after drugs found onboard by NCB officials

A luxury cruise MV Empress, which is owned by Cordelia Cruises, reached the shores of Kochi on Wednesday (September 22) after embarking on its journey from Mumbai, marking a promising start to the revival of domestic pandemic-hit tourism in the southern Indian state of Kerala.&nbsp;

The liner became the first luxury cruise to anchor at the state-of-the-art terminal, after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, said a press release.&nbsp;

The department of Kerala tourism said, "The luxury liner M V Empress, with 1200 travellers on board, anchored at Cochin Port, Willingdon Island this morning."&nbsp;

An on-shore tour of Kochi was scheduled for the guests and the tour itinerary included Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and a backwater.&nbsp;

The Kerala Tourism Department accorded a warm welcome to the guests with martial Velakali dancers and women in traditional off-white dress greeting them.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-in-usa-quad-unga-joe-biden-415080">UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead</a>

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Cordelia cruises, the first cruise vessel to call at Cochin Port since the onset of pandemic, was given a traditional welcome by <a href="https://twitter.com/KeralaTourism?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KeralaTourism</a> at Sagarika, the new International Cruise Terminal at Cochin Port. <a href="https://twitter.com/shipmin_india?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shipmin_india</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_ShipMin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_ShipMin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tourismgoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tourismgoi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CordeliaCruises?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CordeliaCruises</a> <a href="https://t.co/m9T9QOXd00">pic.twitter.com/m9T9QOXd00</a>
— Cochin Port Trust (@cochin_port) <a href="https://twitter.com/cochin_port/status/1440565875359182860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The luxury liner M V Empress, with 1200 travellers on board, anchored at Cochin Port, Willingdon Island this morning. An on-shore tour of Kochi was scheduled for the guests. The tour itinerary included Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and a backwater <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cruise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cruise</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tourism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tourism</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KeralaTourism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KeralaTourism</a> <a href="https://t.co/rR2U69mGZq">pic.twitter.com/rR2U69mGZq</a>
— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeralaTourism/status/1440655900021190663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said the arrival of domestic tourists marks a promising start to the full-scale resumption of Kerala Tourism, overcoming the pandemic-induced crisis.

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&nbsp;"This trend is set to gain pace in the coming days. Kerala is a safe and secure place for the lock-down weary vacationers to come as we have put in place an efficient and meticulous bio-bubble model to create protective layers of inoculated service providers to receive and host tourists," Minister said.

“Cordelia Cruises is grateful for the kind and warm reception extended to us by Kerala Tourism. Together, we hope to bring new dawn on the travel and hospitality industry in India and do hope the world takes notice and travels to our Subcontinent to experience our offerings which are, both, international quality and have a local soul," the company said in a release.&nbsp;

"With promising collaborations such as these, we will bring a new way of touring breathtaking locales along with enjoying fresh flavours of entertainment for our guests. We are tirelessly curating a plethora of experiences for the same," the release further said.

A luxury cruise MV Empress, which is owned by Cordelia Cruises, reached the shores of Kochi on Wednesday (September 22) after embarking on its journey from Mumbai, marking a promising start to the revival of domestic pandemic-hit tourism in the southern Indian state of Kerala.

A luxury cruise MV Empress, which is owned by Cordelia Cruises, reached the shores of Kochi on Wednesday (September 22) after embarking on its journey from Mumbai, marking a promising start to the revival of domestic pandemic-hit tourism in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The liner became the first luxury cruise to anchor at the state-of-the-art terminal, after the devastating COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, said a press release. The department of Kerala tourism said, "The luxury liner M V Empress, with 1200 travellers on board, anchored at Cochin Port, Willingdon Island this morning." An on-shore tour of Kochi was scheduled for the guests and the tour itinerary included Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and a backwater. The Kerala Tourism Department accorded a warm welcome to the guests with martial Velakali dancers and women in traditional off-white dress greeting them. IN PICS | UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead Cordelia cruises, the first cruise vessel to call at Cochin Port since the onset of pandemic, was given a traditional welcome by @KeralaTourism at Sagarika, the new International Cruise Terminal at Cochin Port. @shipmin_india @PIB_ShipMin @tourismgoi @CordeliaCruises pic.twitter.com/m9T9QOXd00 — Cochin Port Trust (@cochin_port) September 22, 2021 × The luxury liner M V Empress, with 1200 travellers on board, anchored at Cochin Port, Willingdon Island this morning. An on-shore tour of Kochi was scheduled for the guests. The tour itinerary included Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and a backwater #cruise. #Tourism #KeralaTourism pic.twitter.com/rR2U69mGZq — Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) September 22, 2021 × Kerala Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas said the arrival of domestic tourists marks a promising start to the full-scale resumption of Kerala Tourism, overcoming the pandemic-induced crisis. "This trend is set to gain pace in the coming days. Kerala is a safe and secure place for the lock-down weary vacationers to come as we have put in place an efficient and meticulous bio-bubble model to create protective layers of inoculated service providers to receive and host tourists," Minister said. “Cordelia Cruises is grateful for the kind and warm reception extended to us by Kerala Tourism. Together, we hope to bring new dawn on the travel and hospitality industry in India and do hope the world takes notice and travels to our Subcontinent to experience our offerings which are, both, international quality and have a local soul," the company said in a release. "With promising collaborations such as these, we will bring a new way of touring breathtaking locales along with enjoying fresh flavours of entertainment for our guests. We are tirelessly curating a plethora of experiences for the same," the release further said.

Luxury cruise liner MV Empress arrives in Kochi, gives a boost to pandemic-hit tourism in Kerala