Cordelia Cruises has announced its return to Chennai for its fifth cruising season, further expanding the city’s role as a key cruise tourism gateway in India. The 2026 season will commence on 20 June with the arrival of the Cordelia Empress and will continue through the end of August.
The deployment will feature a mix of domestic and international itineraries ranging from two to 10 nights, covering destinations across India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. The move reflects the growing demand for cruise holidays among Indian travellers seeking integrated leisure experiences combining accommodation, dining, entertainment and travel.
As part of the 2026 Chennai season, Cordelia Cruises will operate a 10-night Southeast Asia itinerary covering Phuket, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, departing on 18 July. International Sri Lanka sailings will include five-night cruises to Hambantota, Trincomalee and Jaffna departing on 10 and 17 August, alongside a three-night Trincomalee sailing departing on 7 August.
The domestic deployment will include five-night itineraries connecting Chennai with Visakhapatnam and Puducherry, operating across multiple departures in June and July. Two-night weekend cruises from Chennai will also continue during the season, alongside a five-night westbound sailing connecting Chennai, Kochi and Mumbai departing on 24 August.
Cordelia Cruises will additionally offer an extended 13-night Southeast Asia cruise option by combining two back-to-back sailings. The itinerary includes a three-night one-way voyage from Visakhapatnam to Chennai via Puducherry, followed by the 10-night Southeast Asia sailing to Singapore. The combined routing is aimed at travellers seeking longer international cruise holidays departing from Indian ports.
Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Cordelia Cruises, said Chennai has become an important part of India’s cruise tourism growth story. He noted that the wider mix of itineraries reflects increasing demand for both short coastal cruises and longer international sailings among Indian families and group travellers.
He added that Chennai continues to strengthen its position as a gateway for both domestic and international cruise travel as the segment gains momentum in India.
The sailings will operate onboard the Cordelia Empress, which features 11 decks and 796 cabins across multiple categories. The vessel can accommodate up to 1,950 guests and includes dining venues, entertainment lounges, gaming facilities, spa and wellness areas, retail outlets and live performances designed to support an all-inclusive cruising experience.
