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Get ready, travel enthusiasts! Cordelia Cruises is set to transform the holiday plans of Indian travellers as it announces the launch of its highly anticipated fifth cruise season in Chennai starting 20 June 2026. Families, friends, and couples will soon be able to enjoy a hassle-free, all-inclusive seaside getaway aboard The Empress. Say goodbye to the challenge of booking multiple flights and hotels, and hello to waking up to stunning views of India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia!
Cordelia Cruises, an Indian cruise line under the management of Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, will base its flagship vessel, Cordelia Empress, in Chennai until late August. Guests will have the opportunity to choose from a range of 2- to 10-night itineraries, including a special extended 13-night route that combines stops in Visakhapatnam and Singapore, thereby reinforcing Chennai’s budding reputation as a premier cruise gateway along the Bay of Bengal.
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The Chennai cruise season is set to kick off with a delightful 2-night “at sea” cruise launching on 20 June—perfect for those who are new to cruising and eager for a taste of life on board before they commit to a longer voyage. Running through to the end of August, the season will feature an array of short coastal getaways, regional journeys, and longer international sailings connecting India with dazzling destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Designed to be a floating resort, The Empress merges accommodation, dining, entertainment, and transport into one comprehensive package targeting Indian travellers. This all-in-one concept is particularly appealing to families and groups seeking a seamless holiday experience over piecing together multiple bookings.
A highlight of the upcoming season is the 10-night Southeast Asia cruise departing from Chennai to Singapore, with exciting stopovers in Phuket, Langkawi, and Kuala Lumpur, set to commence on 18 July 2026. Guests can expect an enriching experience covering beaches, shopping, and vibrant nightlife while returning each evening to the comfort of their splendid cabin.
Cordelia Cruises is also featuring a 5-night sailing from Chennai to Sri Lanka, with planned stops at Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Jaffna, scheduled on select dates in August. For a more compact yet immersive experience of Sri Lanka’s stunning east coastline and vibrant culture, a 3-night Chennai–Trincomalee–Chennai itinerary is available in early August.
Within India, Cordelia Cruises will offer a variety of domestic itineraries that showcase the nation’s beautiful shores. Expect 5-night cruises combining Visakhapatnam and Puducherry, with sailings commencing in late June and July. Enjoy a blend of Vizag’s bustling port city vibe and the serene, French-inspired charm of Puducherry on this unique journey.
Weekend cruisers can look forward to multiple 2-night high-seas getaways from Chennai—departures will occur throughout June, July, and August, priced from around INR 13,590 per person for entry-level cabins. The season culminates with a stunning 5-night journey from Chennai to Kochi and Mumbai on 24 August, setting the stage for a picturesque westbound repositioning experience.
A standout feature in Cordelia’s 2026 deployment is the seamless 13-night cruise option that connects two itineraries, allowing guests to board in Visakhapatnam for a 3-night sailing to Chennai from 15 to 18 July before embarking on the 10-night Southeast Asia journey starting 18 July.
This impressive journey is specially crafted for those who would prefer to unpack only once. Guests will transition effortlessly from the east coast of India to the tropical wonders of Southeast Asia, all while enjoying menus, entertainment, and service uniquely tailored to suit domestic tastes.
Since Cordelia commenced operations in Chennai back in 2022, the city has steadily transitioned from a primarily cargo-focused port to a burgeoning passenger cruise hub. The introduction of international sailings to Sri Lanka and beyond has significantly positioned Chennai as a worthy competitor to Mumbai’s established cruise scene.
The 2026 schedule not only promises to invigorate tourism in Tamil Nadu but also connects regional ports such as Visakhapatnam and Puducherry with broader cruise networks. Observers note that such developments are normalizing cruise holidays among Indian travellers, once perceived as exclusive to overseas visitors.
As Cordelia Cruises prepares to welcome guests aboard The Empress once again in Chennai, many Indian families are already expressing a keen interest in replacing complex multi-city trips with a comprehensive, singular cruise experience in 2026. With diverse options ranging from local weekend getaways to longer voyages, Sri Lankan escapes, and even grand adventures from Chennai to Singapore, Cordelia Cruises has something to offer all, from novice cruisers to experienced explorers anxious for new adventures.
Image Credit: Cordelia Cruises
Source: The post Cordelia Cruises elevates Chennai’s cruise portfolio with signature Empress sailings first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
