Interview | Jurgen Bailom On What Cordelia Sky Brings to India’s Cruise Experience

The ocean stretches beyond the balcony as Cordelia Sky sails through open waters. Afternoons unfold by the pool, over leisurely meals or with a drink at one of its lounges, while evenings bring music, dance and elaborate theatrical productions. The newest addition to Cordelia Cruises brings together 10 dining venues, 11 bars and lounges, a 930-seat theatre and an expanded range of sports and wellness experiences, making the ship an experience in itself.

Its arrival marks a new chapter for cruise travel in India. Cordelia Sky now sails from Mumbai, while Cordelia Empress operates from Kochi, making it the first time the cruise line has deployed two ships across two Indian homeports simultaneously. Nearly 6,000 guests embarked and disembarked across the two vessels during the Mumbai turnaround on October 23, 2026.

Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Cordelia Cruises, sees this expansion as the culmination of five years spent understanding the preferences of Indian holidaymakers. In an interview with Outlook Luxe, he discussed the thinking behind Cordelia Sky, the changing appetite for cruise travel in India and his own journey into the industry.

Designed Around Indian Travellers

Bailom described Cordelia Sky as a ship shaped by the company’s learnings from operating in India. While Cordelia Empress introduced many travellers to cruising, Sky brings greater choice across accommodation, dining and entertainment. One notable point of difference is the number of balcony cabins, which increases from 69 on Empress to 260 on Sky, giving more guests the opportunity to enjoy private ocean-facing spaces.

The ship also offers a wider selection of experiences, including regional Indian and international dining, speciality restaurants, sports and wellness facilities. According to Bailom, the idea is to ensure that guests have plenty to look forward to throughout their time onboard, whether they prefer a leisurely afternoon or a more activity-filled holiday.

Its entertainment programme, staged at the ship’s 930-seat Marquee Theatre, includes five original productions. Among them is ‘Tu Aashiqui Hai’, a Bollywood-style musical featuring 32 performers and 40 popular songs, alongside ‘Electric Dreams’ and ‘Enigmagic’.

“Two people can come onboard with completely different expectations and both can have a wonderful holiday,” he said, describing the flexibility that the expanded vessel offers.

A Journey That Becomes the Holiday

Bailom believes the biggest attraction for travellers unfamiliar with cruising is the convenience of having the journey and the holiday come together. Unlike conventional holidays that require separate arrangements for flights, hotels, transfers and activities, a cruise allows guests to unpack once and settle into the experience.

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He recommended starting with a two- or three-night sailing, particularly for first-time cruisers. The opportunity to enjoy different experiences onboard while discovering new destinations makes cruising an appealing option for families and groups.

Interestingly, the average Cordelia guest is around 34 to 35 years old, with approximately 90% travelling on a cruise for the first time. Weddings and corporate gatherings are also emerging as important segments, with the setting offering possibilities beyond conventional venues.

A Full-Circle Moment

Bailom’s own association with cruising began long before his leadership role. While studying hotel management, he was fascinated by the German television series ‘Das Traumschiff’, which introduced him to the idea of combining hospitality, entertainment and travel aboard a ship.

He began his career as a waiter with Royal Caribbean, working his way through onboard positions before moving into corporate roles. One of the ships he worked on was Empress, which he eventually helped bring to India nearly three decades later.

“Imagine starting your career as a waiter on a ship and then, three decades later, leading the company that brings that same ship into a new market,” he reflected.

Looking Towards Next Horizon

Cordelia Sky’s arrival in Mumbai, Cordelia Empress operating out of Kochi and Cordelia Sun expected to join the fleet in 2027 mark important steps in Bailom’s larger ambition. He hopes to see India become one of the world’s five largest cruise markets by 2032, a goal that will require more than additional ships. Developing ports, introducing new destinations such as Kavaratti and Minicoy in Lakshadweep, and offering longer itineraries will be equally important.

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He also believes the growth of cruising can have a wider impact on India’s tourism landscape. Each sailing brings opportunities for local tour operators, transport providers, guides and small businesses in the destinations that ships visit. The potential, therefore, extends beyond the experience onboard to the communities and coastal economies connected to cruise tourism.

Looking ahead, Bailom hopes to see cruising become a familiar part of India’s holiday culture rather than an occasional experience. As he put it, “Five years from now, I would like cruising to be a natural part of how Indians think about holidays. Not something reserved for a special occasion or an overseas trip, but an experience they can enjoy with family and friends, again and again.”