Norwegian Sun to Join Cordelia Cruises in 2027
In winter 2026-27, Norwegian Sun will sail 11- and 12-night partial Panama Canal cruises, with calls at Cartagena de Indias and Puerto Limon.
Norwegian Sun has completed 25 years with Norwegian Cruise Line following its August 31, 2001, delivery from the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. The vessel is scheduled to transfer to India’s Cordelia Cruises in September 2027 under a long-term charter agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
The move will reunite the ship with its sister, the former Norwegian Sky, which Norwegian handed over earlier in September. The additions will increase Cordelia’s India fleet from one ship to three.
After spending this summer in Northern Europe, Norwegian Sun is due to cross the Atlantic to New York City in mid-October before repositioning to PortMiami. Its 2026-27 winter schedule comprises 11- and 12-night sailings featuring partial Panama Canal transits. Calls include Cartagena de Indias and Puerto Limon.
The ship is scheduled to return to Europe in early May 2027. Seven-night cruises departing from Italian ports will cover the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, with destinations including Sicily, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro and Slovenia.
A quarter-century of deployments
Travel agents selected Norwegian Sun’s name through a naming contest before the vessel entered service as a sister to the 1999-built Norwegian Sky. Its first passenger season began in September 2001 with Canada and New England itineraries, ahead of a move to the Caribbean.
Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star were christened together in Miami on November 17, 2001. Model and television host Brooke Burke served as Norwegian Sun’s godmother.
Subsequent deployments took Norwegian Sun to Alaska, South America, Asia and Australia, as well as European waters. The 78,309-gross-ton vessel accommodates 1,878 passengers at double occupancy and approximately 906 crew, and underwent refurbishment in 2018.
The anniversary update did not include a statement from a Norwegian Cruise Line executive.
Cordelia prepares for its expanded fleet
Cordelia already operates Cordelia Empress, formerly Empress of the Seas. The incoming ships will join that vessel for cruises from Mumbai. Norwegian Sky enters the Indian operator’s service first.
Now named Cordelia Sky, the former Norwegian vessel is undergoing conversion work at a Turkish shipyard. Work began in mid-September and includes cleaning the hull, propellers and stabilizers, along with applying Cordelia’s branding to the hull and funnel.
Cordelia Sky’s first departure is scheduled for October 23, 2026. Its opening program consists of two- to five-night Mumbai sailings, with calls including Goa and Lakshadweep.
Norwegian Sun will take the name Cordelia Sun and is scheduled to begin Indian operations in November 2027. Its inaugural season will feature short cruises from Mumbai.
See current Norwegian Sun fares and itineraries on Cruise Lookup.
