India-based Cordelia Cruises continues to grow its fleet this month, with the addition of the former Norwegian Sky. The 1999-built ship left the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet on long-term charter to Cordelia, where it will be renamed Cordelia Sky.
The addition of the 2,000-passenger ship, scheduled to enter service on 28 September 2026, marks a major period of growth not only for Cordelia but for the India-based cruise sector. Cordelia also plans to take delivery of the former Norwegian Sun, sister ship to Norwegian Sky, in 2027.
The fledgling line launched in 2021 using Royal Caribbean’s former Empress of the Seas. By 2027, it will have tripled its fleet and more than quadrupled its capacity, signalling further untapped strength in the Indian domestic cruise market.
Cordelia is one of a number of innovative new lines to emerge since the global pandemic that are designed to cater primarily to an audience outside the standard North American and European markets. Another up-and-comer to watch is Corazul Cruises, which plans to debut with the former Oriana, renamed Buenavista, from 23 October from the Port of Santos, Brazil.
