Cordelia Cruises, operated by Waterways Leisure Tourism Ltd., is set for a major expansion with plans to add two new cruise ships to its fleet. The decision comes as its current vessel, Cordelia Empress, nears full operational capacity. This expansion will significantly boost capacity by approximately 4,000 guests, adding 1,800–2,200 new staterooms and suites to the existing 800.
To finance this growth, the company’s board has proposed raising approximately ₹800 crore through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the Indian capital market, subject to regulatory approvals. The raised capital will support the acquisition of new ships and further enhance the company’s offerings.
Cordelia Cruises’ board, which includes Jurgen Bailom, Aditya Gupta, and Coralie Ansari, has also welcomed Vice Admiral Anil Chopra as its newest member. Plans are in place to expand the board further by including experts from the tourism and entertainment sectors.
President & CEO Jurgen Bailom revealed that the company is in discussions with major cruise operators from the US and Europe, who are looking to divest smaller ships with passenger capacities of 2,000–2,500 as they transition to larger vessels. “We have multiple offers from cruise lines upgrading their fleets, making this the perfect time to expand,” Bailom stated.
With this strategic expansion and upcoming IPO, Cordelia Cruises aims to revolutionize India’s cruise tourism industry, aligning with the Government of India’s vision to develop the sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Recognized as a priority sector, cruise tourism is expected to drive both domestic and international travel while creating substantial employment opportunities.
Cordelia Cruises’ ambitious growth plans mark a new era for India’s luxury cruise market, promising world-class experiences and solidifying the country’s position in global cruise tourism.
