One week after Royal Caribbean International announced in a press release that the Empress and Majesty of the Seas will leave the fleet, Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd revealed the purchase of the ship which will sail under the newly formed cruise line named Cordelia Cruises.

Commenting about the new Indian cruise brand and the purchase of the Empress of the Seas, Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO of Cordelia Cruises, said, "It gives me immense pleasure to inform you that Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd. that recently acquired over the Jalesh Cruises brand, has decided to further capitalize the immense potential of cruising by entering in the Indian market with the Empress of the Seas, that belonged to the global giant Royal Caribbean International until recently. With an individual capacity of 2,000 passengers, she has sailed many coastlines and high seas in her glorious past. I look forward to your support in continuing the legacy of Jalesh Cruises in upholding the spirit, culture, and value of "Incredible India" and being the evangelist of Joy by curating memorable cruise holidays that delight customers."

The company said that is already in process of adding a second ship to its fleet but didn’t mention if there are negotiations to purchase the Majesty of the Seas. The launch of Cordelia Cruises was announced by Gunjan Khanna Sr, Sales Manager - MICE at Jalesh Cruises on her LinkedIn, with the following letter.

Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, part of Sant Chatwal Dreams Hotel Group announced the purchase of Jalesh Cruises, in November 2020.

The Indian start-up Jalesh Cruises started operations in March 2019 with the former P&O Cruises Australia ship the Pacific Jewel under its new name Karinka. After suspending cruises due to the Covid-19 pandemic the company said they are mounting debts and appealed to various authorities in India for assistance. 

According to several sources the Court Marshall in Mumbai sold the ship to NKD Maritime for recycling after Jalesh Cruises failed to meet its reserve price for trading. Reportedly the ship was sold at an auction for USD 11.65 million. Jalesh Cruises’ only cruise ship, Karnika, has been beached for scrapping in Alang, India, earlier this month after spending just one year with Jalesh Cruises before the Covid-19 outbreak.