Former Norwegian Sky Heads to India for Cordelia Debut

The former Norwegian Sky is currently sailing to India ahead of debuting for Cordelia Cruises later this month.

Handed over by Norwegian Cruise Line in mid- September, the 2,000-passenger ship will join the former Empress of the Seas for cruises aimed at the Indian market starting on October 23, 2026.

According to AIS tracking data, the Sky recently transited the Suez Canal, having departed from Turkey on September 26, 2026.

Despite security concerns in the region, the 1999-built ship then sailed through the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait on its way to the Indian Ocean.

The vessel is now heading to its homeport of Mumbai, where it is scheduled to dock for the first time on October 9, 2026.

Before embarking on its repositioning voyage, the Sky underwent a drydock at a shipyard in Yalova, Turkey.

With Cordelia Cruises sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the project, the ship underwent updates to its livery and public areas.

Upon arriving in India, the vessel will offer a series of short cruises departing from Mumbai to other destinations in the country.

The deployment is highlighted by three- to five-night itineraries visiting Goa and Lakshadweep, in addition to two-night weekend cruises to nowhere.

In 2027, the Sky is also scheduled to offer weeklong voyages to Southeast Asia, sailing between Chennai and Singapore.

The seven-night itineraries visit ports in Malaysia and Thailand, including Phuket, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur.

As part of a deal announced in early 2025, the former Norwegian Sun will also join Cordelia's fleet for cruises in India starting next year.

After completing a farewell season for Norwegian Cruise Line in Europe, the 2001-built vessel is scheduled to kick off its maiden season for the company in Mumbai on November 1, 2027.

Cordelia Cruises also operates the Empress, which was originally built for Royal Caribbean and became the company's first ship in 2001.