October 10, 2026 — The former Norwegian Sky has sailed from a Turkish shipyard to its new home in Mumbai, where India’s Cordelia Cruises plans to start cruises on it on October 23. It becomes the second ship in Cordelia’s fleet.
From Norwegian to Cordelia
- Norwegian Cruise Line handed over the 1999-built ship, which carries about 2,000 passengers, in mid-September 2026.
- Cordelia repainted the hull and refreshed public areas during a drydock in Yalova, Turkey.
- The ship left Turkey on September 26 and sailed through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea into the Indian Ocean.
- It was scheduled to dock in Mumbai for the first time on October 9. Cruise Industry News did not confirm the arrival.
- The ship’s new name was not given in the report: TBA.
Where it will sail
| Period | Homeport | Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| From October 23, 2026 | Mumbai | Three- to five-night cruises to Goa and Lakshadweep; two-night weekend cruises with no port call |
| 2027 (dates TBA) | Chennai and Singapore | Seven-night one-way cruises with calls in Malaysia and Thailand, including Phuket, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur |
The ship joins Cordelia’s Empress, the former Empress of the Seas. A third ship is coming: the former Norwegian Sun is due to start its first Cordelia season from Mumbai on November 1, 2027, after a final European season with Norwegian.
What it means for airline travelers
- Short cruises from Mumbai (BOM) fit easily around a layover or a few days off for crew based in or flying to India.
- Long-haul standby into India can be tight. Arrive at least a day before sailing.
- Most foreign visitors need an Indian visa or e-visa before flying. Check the rules for your passport, and confirm what documents Cordelia requires for Lakshadweep calls.
- The 2027 Chennai–Singapore cruises are one-way, so plan flights into Chennai (MAA) and out of Singapore (SIN), or the reverse.
- Fares and any travel-industry rates: TBA. Cordelia sells mainly to the Indian market, so check directly with the line.
- If you had Norwegian Sky on your wish list, it has left the Norwegian fleet for good.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News — Former Norwegian Sky Heads to India for Cordelia Debut
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