Recently listed Waterways Leisure Tourism, which operates Cordelia Cruises, delivered impressive financial results for the July-September quarter. According to regulatory filings, the company reported a consolidated net profit of ₹58.49 crore in the September quarter, representing a significant turnaround from a loss of ₹8.9 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal year. This performance follows the company's net profit of ₹23 crore recorded in the April-June quarter of FY27.
The company successfully deployed two cruise vessels simultaneously across Mumbai and Kochi ports, marking a significant transition from single-ship operations. Cordelia Sky began sailing from Mumbai while MV Empress commenced operations from Kochi, carrying approximately 6,000 passengers on the first day of expanded operations. The company announced the start of this two-ship operation on October 26, 2026, with Cordelia Sky departing on its first guest sailing and Cordelia Empress beginning its journey to Kochi. This deployment executes on the company's expansion plans funded by its ₹585 crore IPO completed in June 2026, with ₹480 crore earmarked for vessel lease deposits and rental obligations through subsidiary Baycruise IFSC.
The expanded deployment increases operating capacity and extends the itinerary network across both ports. Cordelia Sky will operate two- and three-night weekend cruises from Mumbai, four-night Lakshadweep sailings, and five-night itineraries covering destinations including Goa and Lakshadweep. The ship has a capacity of 2,280 guests at full occupancy with 1,002 staterooms comprising 245 Mini Suites, 11 Penthouse Suites, and four Chairman's Suites. Cordelia Empress will offer two-night weekend cruises, three- and four-night Lakshadweep sailings, and a five-night international itinerary linking Kochi with Malé in the Maldives and Colombo in Sri Lanka, including Kavaratti and Minicoy in Lakshadweep. Kochi's addition as a homeport provides the company with a second operating base in India, allowing the company to serve travellers from South India directly with international routes connecting to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Following the operational announcement, Waterways Leisure Tourism shares responded positively, trading at ₹91.84 as of October 26, 2026, representing a 2.03% increase from the previous closing price. Cordelia Cruises began operations in 2021 and has carried more than 800,000 guests according to the company. The company announced that another ship, Cordelia Sun, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2027, further expanding its operational capacity. Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO of Cordelia Cruises, stated that the milestone reflects a vision to make cruising a preferred holiday choice for Indians. The dual-homeport strategy broadens access to cruise holidays across different durations and destinations, with the company planning specific infrastructure upgrades for Kochi port to handle increased international cruise traffic.
