India-based Cordelia Cruise Lines, which offers holiday packages to Indian and international travellers, launched cruise packages from Chennai, with the maiden call of ‘The Empress’ at Hambantota Port on Wednesday and then sailing to Trincomalee.
The ship carrying 745 passengers will cover other major destinations such as Kankesanturai and Colombo as well.
“Sri Lankans too could board the ship and experience the cruise experience and several packages have been laid out,” said Cordelia Cruises President and CEO Jurgen Bailom.
“By seamlessly integrating these unique and diverse holiday destinations, we aim to chart new horizons for tourists and stimulate economic growth for both nations,” he added.
Speaking to Sunday Observer he said that he was in the cruise business for 36 years and started this business recently by acquiring a ship from Caribbean cruises and Sri Lanka was his companies first international destination. We hope to sail to Dubai next.``
“We look forward to working in close partnership with the Cordelia team to attract at least 80,000 visitors within the next four months alone.” He predicted that this operation will bring in around USD 18 million revenue to Sri Lanka.
The MS Empress offers 796 cabins across five distinct categories, each filled with state-of-the-art
amenities, providing unparalleled luxury and comfort to its 1,600 passengers.
Advantis Group will serve as the General Sales Agent, while Clarion Shipping, will act as the Port Agent for Cordelia Cruises in Sri Lanka.
Here new Governor of the Eastern Province Senthil Thondaman is greeting officials of the Cordelia Cruise Lines when it anchored at the Trincomalee harbor on Friday.