February 26, 2025 | By Anita Jain Shah

India’s cruise industry is entering a new phase of growth—one that signals a shift in traveler mindset and a willingness to explore longer, more immersive itineraries. As cruising gains momentum in the region, Cordelia Cruises is set to make history with its first open-jaw sailing to and from Singapore, launching this July.

This 10-night itinerary covering Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, and Langkawi is a significant milestone—not just for Cordelia, but for the Indian cruise market as a whole. Traditionally, Indian cruisers have favoured shorter, domestic sailings, but demand for extended itineraries and international routes is steadily rising. The growing aspiration for hassle-free, multi-destination vacations is fueling this shift, and Cordelia is confident that Indian travellers are ready to embrace it.

“Indians get to experience international destinations and holidays, but in an Indian style—be it food, entertainment, or hospitality. We, at Cordelia Cruises, are committed to making cruising among Indians a culture,” said Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Cordelia Cruises.

From a pricing perspective, the offering is compelling—starting at ₹74,820 + GST per person (₹1,09,000 all-inclusive) for a 10-night journey. When compared to the cost of flights, accommodations, meals, and activities across multiple destinations, cruising presents a cost-efficient and seamless alternative. More importantly, it eliminates travel complexities—making it an attractive proposition for families and first-time international travellers.

Beyond Singapore, Cordelia’s upcoming monsoon deployments further highlight the expansion of India’s cruise network. The Empress will be repositioning to Chennai for monsoon sailings (June – September), introducing itineraries to Visakhapatnam, Vizag, and Pondicherry, alongside two exclusive 5-night Sri Lanka sailings (Hambantota, Trincomalee, Jaffna) in August.

As India cements its position as an emerging cruise market, one thing is clear: longer sailings, international routes, and a cruise-first travel mindset are gaining traction. With this strategic expansion, Cordelia is not just adding new itineraries—it’s paving the way for a new era of cruising in India.

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