Chennai: In a significant boost to Tamil Nadu’s maritime tourism, Cordelia Cruises has announced plans to establish Chennai as its primary home port, positioning
the city as a pivotal gateway for international cruise travel. The announcement was made by Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt. Ltd., during the ongoing India Maritime Week 2025.
The Mumbai-based cruise operator, which is planning an initial public offering (IPO), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chennai Port Authority for the commitment and refurbishment of the cruise terminal. This partnership aims to modernize the facility and enhance passenger access, laying the groundwork for Chennai to become a central hub for cruise operations in South Asia.
Ambitious Fleet Expansion: Two Ships to Homeport in Chennai by 2027
Unveiling an ambitious expansion plan, Bailom detailed that Cordelia Cruises will significantly grow its fleet from the current three ships to ten over the coming years. As part of this strategy, Chennai will be developed as a key home port—the base where cruises start and end—alongside Mumbai, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, and Goa.
“By 2027, we will have two ships homeporting in Chennai, and in 2028, it will be three ships,” stated Bailom. He emphasized the scale of the operation, noting that each ship can accommodate approximately 2,500 passengers. This expansion is projected to allow the company to take nearly 2 million passengers on cruise vacations within the next five years, tapping into a vast domestic market where 75% of Indians have never experienced a cruise.
Gateway to Southeast Asia: New Itineraries to Boost Regional Tourism
The selection of Chennai as a home port is strategic, intended to make the city a gateway for a new array of cruise destinations. Bailom outlined that Cordelia will launch voyages from Chennai to popular international and domestic locations, including Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Andaman Islands, as well as Puri, Puducherry, and Visakhapatnam.
“When it happens, there will be permanently two or three ships stationed at Chennai,” he added, highlighting the long-term commitment. He praised the Chennai Port Authority as a “very good partner,” noting it was the first port in India to develop a dedicated cruise terminal. The move was welcomed at the event by Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Public Works and Highways, E.V. Velu, who highlighted the state’s growing maritime sector, while port authorities invited investors to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s global trade connectivity.
