Cordelia Cruises, India’s premier cruise line, has officially announced the acquisition of two new ships – Sky and Sun – marking a transformative expansion for the brand. These vessels will join the iconic Empress, forming a complete fleet and redefining the future of cruising in India and the surrounding region.
The news was shared via Cordelia Cruises’ social media, stating, “It’s official. We started with one – and now, we’re a fleet.” The expansion represents not only a strategic capacity increase but a bold step toward revolutionizing cruise tourism in India with longer itineraries, more destinations, and a deeper sense of cultural identity.
Norwegian Cruise Line ships find new life
The two ships, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, are currently the oldest vessels in Norwegian Cruise Line’s active fleet. Built in 1999 and 2001 respectively, both ships have a long legacy of delivering global cruise experiences. Rather than being retired or scrapped, the vessels are being transferred to Cordelia Cruises through a long-term charter agreement.
Sky is scheduled to begin service for Cordelia in late 2026, followed by Sun in late 2027. Until then, both ships will continue sailing under Norwegian’s banner, operating diverse itineraries across the globe.
Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, welcomed the transition. “We’re thrilled that Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun will begin new chapters in the Indian cruise market through a long-term agreement with Cordelia Cruises, a leading operator in the region who we look forward to collaborating with into the future,” he said.
A vibrant past and a promising future
The Norwegian Sky is currently operating itineraries in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and is scheduled to homeport from La Romana in the Dominican Republic in December 2025. Her Southern Caribbean routes will include stops in Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, and other tropical gems.
The Norwegian Sun has been active in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, departing from ports such as Singapore, Brisbane, and Papeete. The ship’s upcoming schedule also includes sailings from Honolulu and Vancouver, with visits to Japan, China, and South Korea.
Both ships feature distinctive hull art – Sky with bright tropical flowers and Sun with a radiant stylized sun. While these artistic elements will be retained under Cordelia’s branding, the interiors are expected to be refreshed with new venues and upgraded amenities tailored to Indian guests.
Cordelia’s growing legacy
Cordelia Cruises launched in 2021 with the acquisition of the Empress, formerly Empress of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. The ship was originally built in 1990 and now serves as the flagship of the line. Since joining the fleet, Empress has completed more than 450 sailings and carried over 600,000 guests, all while calling at ports across India and neighboring countries.
Onboard, Cordelia Cruises delivers a distinctive blend of luxury and Indian hospitality, offering a comprehensive array of amenities and experiences tailored to a wide range of travelers. Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights through multiple dining venues that serve Indian, Asian, and international cuisines, with options to suit dietary preferences such as vegetarian, Jain, and kid-friendly meals.
Entertainment is a central part of the experience, with Bollywood-style performances, DJ nights, comedy shows, and theatrical acts adding vibrant energy to every sailing. Families are well catered to with kids’ clubs, game zones, and group activities, making it a favored choice for multi-generational travel. For those seeking leisure and wellness, the ships include fully equipped fitness centers, relaxing spas, swimming pools, and open sun decks. The nightlife onboard is equally dynamic, featuring casinos, bars, and lounges for guests looking to unwind or try their luck. Additionally, travelers can enjoy duty-free shopping and take part in curated shore excursions that highlight cultural, natural, and historic attractions at various ports of call.
With Sky and Sun on the horizon, Cordelia is preparing to roll out extended itineraries, multi-destination voyages, and new embarkation points that reach both Indian coastal cities and international ports.
“This marks the beginning of a bold new chapter,” the company said in its official statement. “We’re not just adding capacity – we’re unlocking new destinations, introducing longer itineraries, and reimagining what cruising means for India and beyond. More importantly, this expansion reinforces our vision of making cruise holidays more accessible, immersive, and proudly Indian.”