Cruise tourism in India is experiencing a significant surge, positioning the country as a rising destination for travellers seeking unique maritime experiences. India’s vast coastline, extending over 7,516 km, with diverse cultural and beautiful landscapes, provides an ideal setting for cruise tourism. Popular ports like Mumbai, Goa, Kochi and Chennai host both domestic and international cruise ships, offering itineraries that cover scenic coastal regions, historic cities and pristine islands.
The launch of indigenous cruise operators, like Cordelia Cruises, highlights the focus on creating high-quality, luxury experiences tailored to Indian tourists, Built by Indians for Indians. Under the leadership of Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, Cordelia Cruises aims to transform how Indians perceive vacationing, especially with their flagship vessel, The Empress. “India’s potential as a major cruise hub is tremendous,” says Bailom, reflecting his insights about making cruising a mainstream holiday choice for Indians.
Cordelia Cruises offers Indian travellers a new experience, blending global standards with deeply Indian touches. This commitment to glocal meaning global yet local service stands out in a competitive market by tailoring high-end cruising to the Indian ethos. For Bailom, “Cordelia Cruises is uniquely positioned as India’s only home-grown luxury cruise line that is built by Indians for Indians.” The cruise line’s Bollywood-themed shows, Indian culinary delights and family-oriented activities make The Empress a floating tribute to Indian culture, matching strongly with guests.
A hallmark of Cordelia’s journey has been The Empress, an iconic vessel with a storied legacy. Acquired in 2021, The Empress was transformed into an Indian-inspired luxury experience. Today, guests on board can enjoy unique attractions, “the flagship show on Cordelia Empress and the most popular show on board is Balle Balle - A Bollywood musical comedy. The two-hour performance, based on the concept of the big Indian wedding,” he adds. According to him, “The Empress is the sole ship of her class, with an impressive history of sailing all around the world. She was designed specifically for shorter cruises, offering a variety of venues and activities that encourage guests to explore the ship rather than stay in their cabins.” This vessel alone has completed over 450 sailings and hosted more than 600,000 guests, solidifying its place in India’s maritime tourism narrative.
The cruise line’s routes are equally worthy, with itineraries that explore both domestic and international destinations. “We are also the only cruise line offering voyages to Lakshadweep every week, showcasing the beauty of this untouched paradise,” says the CEO. Additionally, Cordelia has routes from Chennai to Jaffna, Trincomalee and Hambantota in Sri Lanka, providing culturally immersive shore trips that showcase the beauty of India’s neighbouring shores. Bailom highlights, “Our next phase of growth will focus on expanding our fleet and itineraries to cover more international destinations such as Southeast Asia, Australia and the Middle East.”
However, challenges abound for expanding cruise tourism in India. According to Bailom, “Expanding cruise tourism in India has had its challenges, especially with infrastructure and limited awareness of cruising as a vacation option.” However, he commends the Indian Government’s support in upgrading port facilities and adjusting regulations, helping Cordelia Cruises push forward. By making cruising affordable and accessible to Indians, Cordelia aims to redefine vacationing.
Customer satisfaction is a core focus for Cordelia and it aims to deliver an experience that is comfortable, enjoyable and memorable. “Our flagship offers a mix of vibrant entertainment – like live Bollywood-themed performances, rock climbing and spa services – along with exceptional dining options, including Indian and international delicacies. We have designed activities for all age groups,” he explains, pointing out the Clean Waves programme that focusses on eco-friendly practices to protect the ocean, which resonates with travellers increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint. 
Looking ahead, Cordelia Cruises has ambitious expansion plans. “We’re exploring a possible 10-night Chennai-to-Singapore, which will cater to the growing demand for longer, more diverse cruise experiences,” Bailom envisions. Plans are also underway for a 10-night journey from Chennai to Singapore as well as potential domestic stops in Visakhapatnam and Puducherry. “Our growth will be driven by our mission to provide a seamless blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery for Indian travellers, while embracing sustainability in all aspects of our operations.,” he asserts.
