Cordelia Sky has arrived in Mumbai, bringing a familiar ship to a new home and marking a major step forward for India’s Cordelia Cruises. The former Norwegian Sky joins Cordelia Empress as the company prepares to begin passenger sailings aboard its second ship on October 23.
For the people who helped prepare the ship, the arrival was an emotional moment. In an update shared on its official LinkedIn page, Cordelia described team members waiting to welcome Sky, with cheers and smiles as the vessel reached Mumbai. Earlier posts highlighted the crew’s work bringing the ship’s new identity to life, from fresh paint to Cordelia branding across the vessel.
The welcome extended beyond the waterfront. On October 11, Cordelia celebrated the addition with a show featuring 1,500 drones above Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The display created formations inspired by India, Mumbai and the cruise line, finishing with a giant outline of Cordelia Sky.
Built in 1999, the 77,104-gross-ton ship spent much of its career sailing for Norwegian Cruise Line. Now entering a different market, Sky brings 1,002 staterooms and accommodation for approximately 2,004 guests at double occupancy.
Its first scheduled Cordelia voyage is a three-night cruise departing Mumbai on October 23, calling at Goa before returning on October 26. The opening season includes short weekend breaks and longer itineraries featuring Goa and Lakshadweep.
Onboard facilities include two swimming pools, five hot tubs, a fitness centre, a spa and spaces for sports such as pickleball and cricket. Dining options will feature Indian and international dishes, with vegetarian and Jain meals also available
The addition also changes how Cordelia operates. With Sky based in Mumbai and Empress moving to Kochi, the company will be able to serve two homeports simultaneously. Together, the ships provide 1,798 staterooms and approximately 3,596 lower berths, increasing double-occupancy passenger capacity by around 126 percent compared with its single-ship operation.
Further expansion is already planned. Sky is scheduled to offer seven-night Southeast Asia voyages between Chennai and Singapore in summer 2027, while Cordelia Sun, the former Norwegian Sun, is expected to join the fleet later that year. For now, attention turns to Mumbai, where Sky’s crew will soon welcome the ship’s first guests under the Cordelia name.
