Cordelia Cruises, India’s leading premium cruise line, is known for redefining the cruising experience for Indian travellers with exceptional service and world-class amenities. Their aim is to create memorable journeys that showcase the best of India and the world through unique on-board experiences, destinations, and tailored offerings.
Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, Cordelia Cruises, is a distinguished leader in the global cruise and hospitality industry with over three decades of experience. He has been pivotal in launching Cordelia Cruises, India’s premium cruise line, and positioning it as a leader in the Indian cruise market.
At Cordelia Cruises, Jurgen spearheaded the launch of the company, playing an instrumental role in selecting and refurbishing the first ship, the Empress. He was key in bringing on board like-minded partners and ensuring that the first cruise was ready to set sail, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for Indian travellers.
In an interesting tete-a-tete with Hotelier India, Jurgen spotlights the growing market for cruise tourism in India, the vision for his brand and more…
As Cordelia Cruises approaches its third anniversary, how would you describe the company’s journey so far? What have been the key milestones that stand out to you?
The journey of Cordelia Cruises has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past three years, we have had the privilege of introducing the concept of cruising to a largely untapped Indian market. Key milestones include our operations with The Empress, which has completed over 450 sailings and welcomed more than 600,000 guests. Another standout includes introducing over 200,000 Indians to the mesmerising islands of Lakshadweep since 2021, significantly contributing to the region’s tourism and local economies through community-driven shore excursions. Additionally, expanding our itineraries to include both domestic and international destinations and building a loyal customer base has been a particularly proud achievement.
How did you approach the task of tailoring a global cruise experience for the Indian market? What unique preferences or trends among Indian travellers have shaped Cordelia Cruises’ offerings?
Understanding the pulse of Indian travellers has been at the core of Cordelia’s strategy. We took a global product and adapted it meticulously to suit local tastes. Indian travellers have a distinct preference for cultural resonance, family-friendly environments, and a variety of cuisine options, especially authentic Indian flavours. From Bollywood-themed nights to on-board vegetarian and Jain meals, we’ve paid close attention to offering familiarity with a touch of global sophistication. We also noticed a rising interest in new travel experiences and all-inclusive vacation options, which led us to craft our offerings that cater to this growing trend. Lakshadweep has become one of our most sought-after destinations for its untouched beauty, offering guests both a serene getaway and an opportunity to explore India’s coastal treasures.
The Empress has been a significant part of Cordelia’s identity. How did you go about selecting and refurbishing this vessel, and how do you think it resonates with Indian travellers?
Selecting The Empress was a strategic decision, given her history and ability to offer shorter, activity-packed cruises—something that resonates well with Indian travellers. She was built for shorter itineraries, with a focus on guests exploring the ship and engaging in activities, rather than staying in their cabins. Since acquiring The Empress in 2021, we’ve transformed her into an Indian-inspired cruise ship, enhancing her appeal with new entertainment options, dining experiences, and family-friendly activities that reflect the preferences of Indian travellers. The result has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests embracing the combination of world-class cruising and distinctly Indian touches that make them feel at home while experiencing something truly special.
How is Cordelia Cruises leveraging technology to enhance the guest experience, and are there any upcoming innovations passengers can look forward to?
At Cordelia Cruises, we are continually exploring ways to integrate technology to enhance the guest experience. While our focus has been on delivering a warm, personal touch that is central to Indian hospitality, we understand the growing importance of digital convenience for travellers. We are working on optimizing certain processes, such as streamlining on-board services and guest communication, to make the experience more seamless. Moving forward, we plan to explore further innovations that will enhance guest engagement and convenience, ensuring that the cruising experience remains both enjoyable and efficient for all passengers.
The cruise industry has been under scrutiny regarding environmental impact. What steps is Cordelia Cruises taking to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability?
Sustainability is a key priority for Cordelia Cruises, and we are committed to reducing our environmental impact across all areas of operations.
A major focus area for us is waste management, particularly in our galleys. Cordelia Cruises has implemented several common practices to manage leftover food and minimize waste. These include source reduction by careful menu planning, portion control, and the use of predictive ordering systems to prevent overproduction. In addition, our galleys are equipped with systems to separate food waste, recyclables, and non-recyclable waste, promoting recycling efforts on-board to minimize the waste sent to landfills.
Furthermore, we are committed to reducing air emissions through fuel efficiency measures like improved hull coatings, low-energy lamps, increased recirculation of waste heat, and optimizing air conditioning efficiency. Our comprehensive approach to sustainability is aimed at promoting responsible cruising and reducing our overall environmental impact.
The global pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the cruise industry. How did you navigate these hurdles, and what lessons have you learned about resilience and adaptability?
During the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, the global cruise industry, including India’s cruising sector, encountered significant hurdles. However, at Cordelia Cruises, as a domestic cruise line, we saw a unique opportunity to fulfil the desires of Indian travellers who were eager for a much-needed vacation. Our mission was clear: to deliver a comprehensive cruise holiday experience with a strong focus on the health and safety of our guests. In September 2021, we proudly launched our sailing along Indian shores.
We firmly believe in India’s vast potential as a premier cruise destination, with its breath-taking coastline, tranquil islands, and rich cultural heritage. At a time when international travel was restricted, Cordelia Cruises played a pivotal role in promoting domestic tourism. Notably, cruise tourism not only recovered but saw an impressive 100% growth, highlighting a rising trend among Indians who embraced cruising as a lifestyle choice, often enjoying the experience with family and friends. We take pride in contributing to the resurgence of the cruise industry, offering travellers the chance to explore the captivating coastal beauty of India.
As an Ironman athlete and the author of a motivational book, how do these personal passions influence your leadership style at Cordelia Cruises?
Being an Ironman athlete has instilled in me values of perseverance, discipline, and pushing beyond limits—qualities that are crucial in both personal and professional life. Overcoming obstacles and striving for continual progress shapes my leadership style at Cordelia Cruises. Writing about my Ironman journey has reinforced the importance of staying focused and leading by example, which I translate into fostering a culture of continuous improvement and resilience at Cordelia Cruises.
Where do you see the Indian cruise industry heading in the next five to ten years? What role do you envision Cordelia Cruises playing in this evolving landscape?
India’s potential as a major cruise destination in the next five to ten years is immense, given its extensive coastline and the growing demand for unique travel experiences. The government’s focus on promoting cruise tourism under its broader maritime and tourism policies along with port modernization, which includes enhancing infrastructure for cruise ships, provides a robust foundation for future growth.
At Cordelia Cruises, we also envision a future where cruising becomes a mainstream holiday choice for Indians, with itineraries that connect key domestic and international destinations. Cordelia Cruises will continue to lead this shift by providing unparalleled experiences, encouraging more Indians to travel the seas with us, and helping the expansion of India’s cruise tourism market.
How has your experience with international cruise brands like Royal Caribbean and Vidanta Cruises shaped your approach at Cordelia? What key learnings have you applied to the Indian market?
My experience with international cruise brands like Royal Caribbean and Vidanta Cruises has been instrumental in shaping my approach at Cordelia. These global brands taught me the importance of delivering consistent, high-quality service and creating memorable experiences that exceed guest expectations. I’ve applied these principles at Cordelia but adapted them for the Indian market, where cultural nuances and family-centred travel are key. Offering a balance between luxury and affordability, understanding the diversity of Indian travellers, and catering to their preferences have been central to our strategy. My international experience helped me build a foundation, but it’s the deep understanding of the Indian market that has made Cordelia Cruises a success.
