Cordelia Express, the first luxury cruise ship between India and Sri Lanka, was flagged off on 5 June 2023 by Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister for Port, Shipping, Waterways of the Government of India. The cruise ship set sail on 5-9 June 2023 from Chennai Port, India, to Hambantota Port, Sri Lanka, and Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, and sailed back to Chennai on 9 June.

In his speech, Mr. Sonowal remarked that India Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisaged promoting cruise tourism in the country. He lauded the initiatives undertaken by the Chennai Port Authority and the Government of Tamil Nadu’s tourism department. He also shared that international cruise terminals are being built in Mumbai, India.

Mr. Jurgen Bailom, Chief Executive Officer of the Cordelia Express, noted that the cruise ship is set to carry 50,000 passengers from India to Sri Lanka in the next four months.

Related link

India’s first cruise ship to Sri Lanka sets sail from Chennai