EXPANDING Indian premium cruise operator Cordelia has entered into a long-term charter arrangement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to take 2,400-pax near sisters Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun into the Indian market.
Based in Mumbai Cordelia Cruises was established in late 2020 when parent Waterways Leisure Tourism Private Limited acquired certain assets of bankrupt Jalesh Cruises, which became a victim of COVID 19 and ceased operating Karnika, formerly P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Jewel.
Cordelia’s initial ship was Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas, now Cordelia Empress, and Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun will become Cordelia Sky and Cordelia Sun when they join in 2026 and 2027 respectively. Norwegian Sun is slated to continue cruising in Australasia and the South Pacific in the interim.
US-based NCLH is also leasing out two vessels from other group brands, with Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Navigator and Oceania Cruises’ Insignia, both regulars in Australian waters, going to Florida’s Crescent Seas, a newly established residential cruise line established by resort/real estate giant Crescent Heights, in turn owned by GFO Holdings whose founding partner Russell Galbut is a former NCLH chairman.
In announcing the four charters – all of which come with purchase options – NCLH said they would contribute to company’s fleet optimisation efforts under its Charting the Course strategy.
“These agreements are a testament to our disciplined approach to fleet optimisation,” Harry Sommer, president and CEO, said. “By strategically repurposing these vessels into markets and uses outside of our core business, we continue to generate value for our shareholders while focusing on a modernised fleet that enhances our guests’ vacation experiences.”
NCLH said it remains committed to growing its fleet with 12 ships on order through 2036 across its three brands—including seven for Norwegian Cruise Line, three for Oceania Cruises, and two for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
