By
Rebecca Gibson|
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is to charter ships to both India-based operator Cordelia Cruises and new luxury residential cruise brand Crescent Seas as part of a new fleet optimisation strategy. Both long-term agreements include options for the brands to purchase the vessels.
Cordelia Cruises is to charter Norwegian Cruise Line’s 77,000gt Sun-class vessels, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, both of which accommodate around 2,000 guests and 900 crew members. The ships will join the fleet in 2026 and 2027 respectively and begin sailing alongside Cordelia Empress, a former Royal Caribbean International vessel that has hosted more than 600,000 guests and 450 sailings since Cordelia Cruises launched in 2021.
Together, the newly renamed Cordelia Sun and Cordelia Sky will more than double the capacity of the fleet and are expected to serve both domestic and international routes. Expanding the fleet will also allow Cordelia Cruises to visit more ports in India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Norwegian Sun will be renamed Cordelia Sun and accommodate around 2,000 guests
“These ships will help us more than double our capacity, reach new destinations and offer even more immersive cruise experiences, all while staying true to the Indian soul of our brand,” said Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO of Cordelia Cruises, in a LinkedIn post. “As someone who has worked across global cruise markets for over three decades, I’ve always believed in India’s cruising potential. And today, that belief only grows stronger.”
Crescent Seas, which is owned by US-based real estate firm Crescent Heights, will charter Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator and Oceania Cruises’ Insignia.
Seven Seas Navigator will undergo an extensive $50 million refurbishment spearheaded by three design firms, Lissoni & Partners, Journey and MAWD. The ship will feature 210 residences, ranging from $750,000 to $8 million, and is set to embark on its maiden voyage in December 2026. Insignia is expected to begin sailing in 2027.
Bespoke Luxury Marketing, Crescent Seas
A rendering of Seven Seas Navigator, which will undergo a $50 million refurbishment before embarking on its maiden season as The Navigator
“By strategically repurposing these vessels into markets and uses outside of our core business, we continue to generate value for our shareholders while focusing on a modernised fleet that enhances our guests' vacation experiences,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of NCLH. “We’re thrilled that Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun will begin new chapters in the Indian cruise market through a long-term agreement with Cordelia Cruises, a leading operator in the region who we look forward to collaborating with into the future. We’re also pleased that our Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships will continue to sail around the world.”
NCLH will continue to operate 33 ships across its three brands, and also welcome an additional 12 newbuilds between 2025 and 2036. Seven will join the Norwegian Cruise Line brand, three will sail for Oceania Cruises and the remaining two will be operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises.