Cordelia Sky Enters Drydock in Turkey Ahead of Mumbai Debut
The former Norwegian Sky was handed over in September under a long-term charter; regional security concerns moved the conversion from Dubai Drydocks World.
Updated October 4, 2026
Cordelia Cruises is carrying out round-the-clock drydock work on Cordelia Sky at a shipyard in Yalova, Turkey, ahead of the ship’s scheduled debut from Mumbai on October 23, 2026. The company is sharing progress through social media videos.
The former Norwegian Sky is being prepared for its first season in India. Norwegian Cruise Line handed over the vessel in September under a long-term charter agreement. The refit began in the middle of the month, with approximately 300 crew members aboard for technical maintenance and general cleaning, along with the livery change.
The work includes cleaning the hull, propellers and stabilizers, as well as applying Cordelia’s logo to the hull and funnel. More than 30,000 liters of paint are being used during the project, including 8,000 liters for a single coating of the hull.
“There’s a lot of engineering behind getting a ship this size safely out of the water,” Cordelia said in a video explaining the drydocking process.
Built in Bremerhaven in 1999, the 77,104-gross-ton vessel was last refurbished in 2024 while operating for NCL. Its final voyage for that operator was a nine-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Piraeus that ended on September 9.
A subsequent sailing through the Red Sea toward the Middle East was canceled because of regional security concerns. The security situation also disrupted plans to undertake the conversion at Dubai Drydocks World, requiring an alternative location for the work.
Cordelia Sky’s technical specifications
Cordelia said the ship’s six engines can produce 69,000 horsepower under normal operating conditions. The propulsion system uses 80 percent of that power. While the vessel is in drydock, one engine is generating approximately 3,600 kW of energy.
The ship contains more than 1,300 kilometers of electrical cables powering its systems and public areas, as well as its staterooms. It also has 1,834 doors and 835 windows along the exterior decks. Each of its three anchors weighs approximately 9.7 tons.
Short breaks from Mumbai, longer runs to Southeast Asia
Before entering passenger service, Cordelia Sky is expected to start additional engines and undertake a repositioning voyage to Mumbai without guests.
Cordelia Sky’s opening program comprises two- to five-night cruises. Passengers can choose two-night weekend departures from Mumbai or three-night trips visiting Goa. The schedule also includes four-night Lakshadweep sailings and five-night itineraries combining Goa and Lakshadweep.
Longer Southeast Asia cruises are scheduled to begin in August 2027. The seven-night itineraries will operate between Chennai and Singapore in both directions. Destinations include Phuket in Thailand, plus Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
On board Cordelia Sky
The roughly 2,000-passenger ship has 1,002 staterooms, including 245 Mini Suites with private balconies. Accommodation also includes 429 Interior cabins and 313 Ocean View cabins. The ship has 11 Penthouse Suites and four Chairman’s Suites.
The Chairman’s Suites have separate living and dining areas, along with bedroom spaces. They also feature private balconies with hot tubs, plus butler and concierge services.
Cordelia lists 11 dining venues and 11 bars and lounges. The ship also has five entertainment areas. Its dining plans include regional Indian dishes and vegetarian and Jain options. Sushi, Italian food and buffet service will also be available.
The 930-seat Marquee Theatre will host a main production show and additional large-scale productions, along with variety acts. Other programming includes live music and games, as well as performances. Outdoor activities will include pickleball and cricket.
The ship has two swimming pools and five hot tubs. It also offers more than 30,000 square feet of open deck space. A fitness center and spa sit alongside dedicated children’s and teenagers’ spaces, and younger passengers get supervised activities.
Norwegian Sun is due to transfer to Cordelia in September 2027 under a long-term charter arrangement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Renamed Cordelia Sun, it is scheduled to join Sky and Cordelia Empress on cruises from Mumbai.
