The famous Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), will soon be chartered by Cordelia Cruises, India’s leading premium cruise line. This transition is planned for 2026 for the Sky and 2027 for the Sun, reflecting an ambitious expansion strategy on the part of Cordelia in the Asian market.
A Prestigious Past at Sea
The Norwegian Sky, launched in 1999, is a Sky-class ship that has already undergone several major transformations. Originally built as the Costa Olympia, it was quickly acquired by NCL even before its official launch. The Sky made a brief stint in Hawaii as the Pride of Aloha and then distinguished itself with its short, sunny routes from Miami, mainly to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. With a capacity of around 2,000 passengers, it offers a friendly atmosphere while maintaining a range of modern amenities, including a wide range of modern amenities.
The Norwegian Sun, launched in 2001, belongs to the same generation of mid-sized ships as its twin. He has made a name for himself by offering varied cruises through Alaska, South America and the Panama Canal. Renowned for its panoramic views and immersive itineraries, the Sun also underwent a major refurbishment programme as part of the Norwegian Edge programme in 2018, modernizing its cabins and public areas to provide an upscale experience.
Cordelia Cruises: The Ambition of an Indian-Style Cruise
Founded in 2020, Cordelia Cruises has quickly established itself as a rising figure in South Asian cruising. His ambition? To develop a cruising culture in India, by offering premium maritime experiences combining Western luxury and Indian hospitality. Now operating the Empress, a former Royal Caribbean ship, Cordelia has seduced a local clientele eager to discover the sea in a different way.
The chartering of two ships as iconic as the Sky and the Sun marks a major milestone in its growth. This expansion will allow Cordelia to expand its fleet and offer more diverse itineraries on both the west and east coasts of India, with new stops planned in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and as far away as Southeast Asia. Cordelia has an option to purchase both ships.
Last voyages before the ultimate crossing
Until they transfer to Cordelia Cruises, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun will continue to serve their traditional NCL-flagged itineraries.
Norwegian Sky will leave Africa to reposition herself in the Mediterranean and Europe for the summer of 2025 and reach the Caribbean for the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.
The Norwegian Sun, meanwhile, will pass through Alaska in the spring of 2025 to reach Hawaii and French Polynesia for its 2025 summer season. She will then return for a brief stint in Alaska at the end of the summer before visiting Asia for the fall and winter of 2025-2026 and then head to the Baltic Sea for its 2026 summer season transiting through Africa and Europe. She will end her adventure with itineraries in the Panama Canal in late 2026 and early 2027.
Norwegian Cruise Line fans will still have the opportunity to enjoy these beloved ships before their new life in Indian waters.
