India’s Cordelia Cruises has moved the refit of the 2,000-guest ship Cordelia Sky from Dubai’s Drydocks World to Turkey’s Beşiktaş Shipyard ahead of her debut from Mumbai on October 23.
The former Norwegian Sky entered dry dock at Beşiktaş’s Yalova facility on September 13. The 1999-built ship is undergoing routine maintenance and a partial conversion, including modifications to her interiors for Indian passengers.
Cordelia Cruises abandoned the Dubai plan amid regional tensions. The company said the yard change created logistical problems for the operator, while Beşiktaş’ previous cruise ship projects offered an advantage during the refit.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) cancelled Norwegian Sky’s planned 19-night farewell sailing from Piraeus to Muscat in August.
The voyage would have taken the ship through the Suez Canal and Red Sea, ending in Oman ahead of her expected handover on the Arabian Peninsula.
“After careful review, and with the safety and security of our guests and crew as our guiding priority, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this sailing,” NCL said in a message to booked passengers. “Given the ongoing uncertainty in the region, we no longer have the level of confidence needed to deliver the experience you expect and deserve.”
The ship instead completed her final NCL voyage on a nine-day Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona to Piraeus, ending on September 9. Cordelia took delivery of the ship in the Mediterranean before she proceeded to Turkey for her refit.
After refurbishment, Cordelia Sky is scheduled for two- to five-night cruises from Mumbai, including routes to Goa and Lakshadweep. Her planned first departure will take place 40 days after she entered dry dock in Yalova.
NCL parent Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced in April 2025 that it had agreed to long-term charters for Norwegian Sky and sister ship Norwegian Sun with Cordelia, each with a purchase option. The two-ship agreement anticipated commencements of the charters in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Norwegian Sun is expected to join Cordelia in the third quarter of 2027.