Cordelia Takes Delivery of Sky; Ship in Drydock

Cordelia Cruises has taken delivery of the Norwegian Sky, according to an update shared by the company's President and CEO Jurgen Bailom.

Previously operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, the vessel was acquired by the India-based cruise line as part of a long-term lease contract.

"The paperwork is done. Now, we make her ours. Welcome to the fleet, Cordelia Sky," Bailom said in a social media post.

Joining the Empress for itineraries out of Mumbai and Chennai, the Sky is now undergoing a refurbishment before heading to India.

According to AIS data, the 2,000-guest vessel is currently being prepared for service in a drydock in Yalova, Turkey.

As part of its inaugural season for Cordelia Cruises, the Sky is scheduled to offer short cruises to destinations in India, as well as longer sailings to Southeast Asia.

The deployment starts on October 23, 2026, including two- to five-night itineraries visiting Lakshadweep and Goa.

Starting in June 2027, the ship is also scheduled to offer seven-night cruises between Chennai and Singapore, which will also visit Malaysia and Thailand.

Originally ordered by Costa Cruises as a sister of the 1996-built Costa Victoria, the Sky was acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line with construction still unfinished.

The 77,104-ton vessel was then completed at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Germany before entering service in mid-1999.

Five years later, the ship joined Norwegian's U.S.-flagged operations in Hawaii, sailing as the Pride of Aloha for four years.

The Norwegian Sky wrapped up its 27-year sailing career for the company earlier this month, offering a nine-night cruise in the Mediterranean.

The vessel was also scheduled to offer a repositioning voyage to the Middle East before being handed over to Cordelia. The 23-night cruise, however, was cancelled due to security concerns in the region.