March 28, 2021: The Indian travel industry  signals its  rebound from the long Covid shutdown by venturing into a new arena; cruise ships.
Cordelia Cruises by Waterways Leisure Tourism , a Dream Hotel Group venture will begin its cruise operations in India from May 2021. 
The cruise line will commence  cruises along the west and east coast of India to domestic destinations like Goa, Diu, and Lakshadweep and international destinations like Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and the Maldives. 
Says  Sant Singh Chatwal Founder and Chairman of the Dream Hotel Group: “Success through innovation has been the foundation for all our brands over the last three decades. We have seen the growth and evolution of cruise tourism around the world. With 7500 km of coastline and recent initiatives by the Indian government for coastal development, India is ready for cruising. There’s tremendous potential in the cruise market and we are confident that Cordelia Cruises will lead this new era of travel through experience and innovation. Incredible India will soon be an Incredible cruise destination as well for travelers around the world.”
The Group plans to invest approx. $ 300 million in the next 3 to 5 years for the development of the cruise sector in India. “Until 2021, Indians were traveling to destinations like Europe and South-East Asia toexperience cruise holidays. We are extremely delighted to launch Cordelia Cruises – A cruise liner by Indians for Indians.  It’s time to lead by example and tell the world India is ready for a post- pandemic comeback with its very own cruise brand,” adds  Jurgen Bailom, CEO  and President for Waterways Leisure Tourism Private Limited.
Waterways Leisure has already signed an MOU with the Mumbai Port Trust during the launch of Maritime India Summit 2021 with the intention to cooperate, develop and promote the cruise industry in India. Jurgen Bailom who has more than 30 years of experience in the global cruise industry is confident about the growth of cruise tourism in India and its potential to create 2 million job opportunities by 2022.
Says Sales and Marketing Director for the brand Vijay Kesavan: “Investing in a potential sector like cruising is the need of the hour. Experiential holidays will be the highlight of the travel rebound trend. Less than half a million people have experienced cruising in India. The opportunity is unquestionable. Opening the cruise market in India will increase cruise tourists from 1.8 lakhs to 40 lakhs by 2022. Cordelia Cruises has launched 2, 3, 4, and  7-night itineraries from May 2021. Whether it is accommodation, on board dining or entertainment, guests are sure to be spoilt for choice. The amenities include luxurious, state-of-the-art suites, private balcony cabins, ocean views and plush interiors. When it comes to dining, the fare is specially curated to suit the needs of Indians and the Indian palate.