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.
Cordelia Cruises is carrying out round-the-clock drydock work on Cordelia Sky in Turkey ahead of the ship’s scheduled debut from Mumbai on October 23, 2026. The company is sharing progress through social media videos as the former Norwegian Sky is 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 and includes cleaning the hull, propellers and stabilizers, as well as applying a new livery with Cordelia’s logo on the hull and funnel.
“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, a nine-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Piraeus, 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.
Short breaks from Mumbai, longer runs to Southeast Asia
Cordelia Sky’s opening program comprises two- to five-night cruises. Passengers can choose two-night weekend departures from Mumbai, three-night trips visiting Goa, four-night Lakshadweep sailings, or five-night itineraries combining Goa and Lakshadweep.
Longer Southeast Asia cruises are scheduled from June through late August 2027. The seven-night itineraries will operate between Chennai and Singapore in both directions, with destinations including Phuket in Thailand and 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 and 313 Ocean View cabins, alongside 11 Penthouse Suites and four Chairman’s Suites. The Chairman’s Suites have separate living, dining and bedroom spaces, private balconies with hot tubs, and butler and concierge services.
Cordelia lists 11 dining venues, 11 bars and lounges, and five entertainment areas for the ship. Its dining plans include regional Indian dishes, vegetarian and Jain options, sushi, Italian food and buffet service.
The 930-seat Marquee Theatre will host a main production show, additional large-scale productions and variety acts. Other programming includes live music, games and performances, while outdoor activities will include pickleball and cricket.
The ship has two swimming pools, five hot tubs and 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.
