Full cabin-wise pricing, route-by-route fare breakdown, what's actually included, and honest tips — everything you need before booking.
Cordelia Cruises, operated by Waterways Leisure Tourism Ltd, is India's first and only premium cruise liner. It sails from Indian ports, caters specifically to Indian travellers, and runs year-round domestic and international routes.
Its flagship vessel is the Empress — a 14-deck ship that previously sailed across the Bahamas and Caribbean under a different name. In 2026, the company also operates the Cordelia Sky (formerly Norwegian Sky), which handles longer itineraries. A third ship is planned for future launches.
What makes Cordelia different from international cruise lines is that it is genuinely built for Indian tastes: no beef or pork on board, dedicated Jain cuisine, heavy Indian food options, Bollywood entertainment nights, and sailing schedules that match Indian school holiday patterns.
Not a Luxury Cruise — But a Very Good One Cordelia is a mass-market cruise, not a 5-star luxury experience. It is roughly equivalent to a well-run 4-star hotel on water. The food is good, the entertainment is best, and the experience is comfortable. If you are expecting Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises levels of polish, you may be disappointed. If you go with the right expectations, most Indian travellers have a great time.
Cordelia Cruise ticket prices are primarily determined by cabin category. All prices below are per person, on a twin-sharing basis (two people sharing a cabin). Solo travellers pay significantly more — often 1.5x to 1.8x the twin-sharing rate.
Per Night vs. Per Trip Pricing Cordelia prices are sometimes shown per night and sometimes as total trip cost. Always check carefully. A ₹6,000/night interior cabin for a 3-night sailing = ₹18,000 per person total, before taxes and charges. Always ask for the all-in price at checkout — port fees and taxes add roughly ₹2,000–₹5,000 on top.
| Trip Duration | Interior Cabin | Ocean View | Balcony | Suite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Nights / 3 Days | ₹15,999 – ₹20,000 | ₹20,000 – ₹28,000 | ₹28,000 – ₹40,000 | ₹45,000+ |
| 3 Nights / 4 Days | ₹22,000 – ₹32,000 | ₹30,000 – ₹42,000 | ₹42,000 – ₹65,000 | ₹70,000+ |
| 4 Nights / 5 Days | ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 | ₹40,000 – ₹58,000 | ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 | ₹1,00,000+ |
| 5 Nights / 6 Days | ₹40,000 – ₹58,000 | ₹55,000 – ₹75,000 | ₹80,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹1,30,000+ |
| 7 Nights / 8 Days | ₹55,000 – ₹80,000 | ₹75,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,50,000 | ₹1,80,000+ |
* Prices are per person, twin-sharing basis, approximate off-peak rates. Peak season (Oct–Feb) and festive sailings (Diwali, Christmas, New Year) will be 20–40% higher. Taxes and port charges extra.
The route you choose has the biggest impact on price after cabin type. Here is a breakdown of all major Cordelia routes with realistic per-person price ranges for 2026:
Best Value Route for First-Timers The Mumbai–Goa 2-night cruise is the best starting point. It is the most affordable (₹15,999–₹25,000 per person for interior), the most frequent, and the easiest to book. It gives you a genuine cruise experience — sea days, entertainment.
One of the most common confusions with Cordelia pricing is not knowing what you are actually paying for. Here is a clear breakdown:
Shore Excursions Are Mandatory on Some Routes On certain routes — especially Lakshadweep and Sri Lanka — passengers who do not purchase the Cordelia shore excursion package may not be allowed to disembark at that port. This is not always communicated clearly at booking time. Budget ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person extra for shore excursions on these routes.
Timing your booking is just as important as choosing the right cabin. Here is what actually works:
The cheapest Cordelia sailings are during May–June and August–September. School exam seasons and pre-monsoon periods see the lowest demand. If you can travel during these windows — and the route operates — you can save 20–35% vs. peak-season pricing.
Expect to pay 25–40% more during October–January (Navratri, Diwali, Christmas, New Year). The week between December 25 and January 2 is the most expensive of the year. These sailings also sell out first — sometimes months in advance.
Early bird pricing on Cordelia can save you 15–25%. If you know your travel dates, book at least 3 months in advance. For festive sailings or the Lakshadweep route specifically, 5–6 months in advance is not too early.
| Period | Price Level | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | High (post-Christmas) | Good for Lakshadweep/Sri Lanka; book early |
| Mar – Apr | Moderate | Great balance of price and weather; good value |
| May – Jun | Low 💚 | Best deals; fewer crowds; check route availability |
| Jul – Aug | Very Low 💚 | Monsoon period; some routes suspended; verify before booking |
| Sep – Oct | Low to Moderate | Good window before Navratri price hike |
| Nov – Dec (pre-25th) | High | Peak season begins; book well in advance |
| Dec 25 – Jan 2 | Highest 🔴 | Most expensive sailings of the year; book 6 months early |
The official website cordeliacruises.com is the primary booking platform. You can see all available sailings, cabin types, and current pricing. Booking direct sometimes gives you the best price and easiest access to modifications or cancellations.
Thomas Cook India, SOTC, Yatra, MakeMyTrip, and IRCTC Tourism all list Cordelia cruise packages — often bundled with flights and hotel stays at the start and end of the cruise. These packaged deals can be very good value, especially if you are travelling from outside Mumbai. Thomas Cook packages start from around ₹25,794 per person.
A good travel agent who specialises in cruises can sometimes access better cabin allocations and early-release inventory not publicly available. They also help with the paperwork for international routes (passport, visa, port documents).
Documents You Need to Board For all sailings: a valid passport (original, not a photocopy) — even for domestic routes like Mumbai–Goa. A driving licence or Aadhaar card is NOT accepted. For international routes (Sri Lanka, Maldives): passport plus valid visa for the destination country. Children must carry their own passport. Boarding passes are issued at check-in on the day of sailing.
No Outside Food or Drinks Allowed On Board Cordelia does not permit passengers to bring their own food, snacks, or alcohol onto the ship. This is strictly enforced at embarkation. All meals are served in designated dining areas — you cannot eat in your cabin. Keep this in mind if you have specific dietary requirements — inform Cordelia in advance and they will accommodate most requests including Jain food.
For a 2-night Mumbai–Goa cruise: probably not. You will spend most of your time on the open decks and in common areas anyway, and 2 nights goes by quickly. For a 4–5 night Lakshadweep cruise: yes, absolutely. Waking up to the sunrise over the Arabian Sea from your private balcony on a 5-day sailing is a different thing entirely.
Yes — Cordelia is actually one of the most senior-friendly holidays available in India. You unpack once, everything is on the ship, meals are included, and there is no walking between hotels or catching trains. Cabins and dining areas are accessible. The main challenge for seniors is the embarkation and disembarkation process — it can involve some walking and waiting. Arrive early and request wheelchair assistance if needed.
Children are very well catered for on Cordelia. The Cordelia Academy is a dedicated supervised zone with games and activities. There are kids' pools, magic shows, and family entertainment events. Children get discounted pricing — infants generally only pay port fees. Children must have their own passport to board.
The Arabian Sea is generally calm from October to March. The Mumbai–Goa route is particularly smooth. However, the Brahmaputra — sorry, the open sea on the Lakshadweep route — can occasionally have choppy conditions. Pack motion sickness tablets (Avomine/Dramamine) as a precaution. If you are sensitive, request a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck — these are the most stable.
Solo travellers pay a "single supplement" — typically 1.5x to 1.8x the twin-sharing per-person rate — because you are occupying a twin cabin alone. On a ₹25,000 twin-sharing fare, a solo traveller might pay ₹37,500–₹45,000 for the same cabin. If this is a concern, look for Cordelia's occasional "no single supplement" promotions, or see if you can find a cabin-sharing arrangement through travel forums.
For a 2-night Mumbai–Goa sailing, at ₹15,999–₹25,000 per person — yes, it is excellent value. You get accommodation, all meals, full entertainment, and a genuine sea experience for what you'd spend on a decent hotel weekend in Mumbai with restaurant meals. That is hard to beat.
For a 5-night Lakshadweep cruise at ₹1,00,000+ per person in a balcony cabin — it is still good value if you compare it to what a Maldives trip would cost, and Lakshadweep's beaches are genuinely stunning. Just account for the extra costs (shore excursions, drinks, Wi-Fi) before you finalise your budget.
The golden rule: book early, manage your expectations on the luxury front, budget 25% extra for onboard spending, and always carry your original passport regardless of which route you take.