There are journeys we plan, journeys we dream of — and then there are journeys that quietly shift something inside us. My first cruise trip with Cordelia Cruises from Mumbai to Kochi in September 2023 was exactly that kind of experience. As someone who has spent years traveling by road, rail, and air, stepping onto a massive cruise ship felt like opening a door to a completely new world. The thrill, the elegance, the endless sea — everything felt cinematic from the very first moment.
And yes, I have already published highlights of my trip as a video on YouTube, and I'm excited to share that with you here too. ⬇️
About the Ship
The ship on which I sailed, the Cordelia Empress (formerly Nordic Empress / Empress of the Seas), is a 48,000-GT class liner measuring roughly 211 meters in length and about 31 meters at the beam. It has 11 decks in total, with 9 accessible to passengers and about 5 decks comprised of staterooms.
Built in 1990 in France for Royal Caribbean, the vessel has since found a second life in Indian waters under Cordelia Cruises. The ship accommodates roughly 1,600 to 1,900 guests and about 670 crew members, offering a spacious yet intimate cruise experience.
As I walked through the atrium and up the deck stairs, I could feel both the legacy of global cruising and a warm adaptation for Indian travelers — luxurious interiors, wide sea views, and local-centric cuisine and service.
The Journey
The adventure began at the bustling Mumbai Cruise Terminal, where travelers from various walks of life gathered with the same spark of excitement in their eyes. As I stepped aboard the Cordelia Cruise ship, I was instantly struck by its grand interiors, warm lighting, and luxurious ambiance that whispered one word: escape.
As we sailed away from the shores of Mumbai in the evening, the city gradually transformed into a glittering silhouette behind us. I experienced a sense of joy that only travel can bring. The air turned cooler, the views expanded, and the possibilities seemed endless. Whether I was exploring the deck, watching the waves crash against the ship, enjoying live entertainment, or simply standing quietly under the open sky, every moment felt surreal.
Meals were a delightful highlight of the experience, offering an array of tantalizing flavors that catered to a variety of tastes. The buffets brimmed with fresh, vibrant dishes that showcased local ingredients, while the evening dining opportunities allowed guests to savor exquisite meals as the gentle sound of waves lapped against the shore beneath them. Each dish was crafted with care, ensuring a memorable culinary journey. The attentive staff onboard played an essential role in maintaining a smooth dining experience, their warmth and hospitality adding an extra layer of enjoyment to an already beautiful journey through picturesque surroundings.
From the top deck of the ship, each sunrise painted the sea in gold, while each sunset enveloped the journey in a peaceful glow. As the ship made its way toward Kochi on the morning of the second day, I felt a wave of sadness. It was slow travel at its finest—an experience of not rushing, not chasing, but simply being present with the rhythm of the sea.
Reflections
This cruise taught me an important lesson that travel often reinforces: there is always a first time, regardless of how much we have traveled in the past. Sometimes, these first experiences reignite our curiosity.
For me, the Cordelia Cruise trip was not just about traveling from Mumbai to Kochi; it was about the journey itself—the calmness, the awe, and the sense of freedom that comes from being surrounded by nothing but water and sky.
It made me realize how beautiful it is to disconnect from the ordinary and experience travel in a way that feels both luxurious and profoundly grounding.
Closing
If you've ever wondered what a cruise trip feels like — go for it. Let the ocean surprise you. Let the journey slow you down. Let the experience reshape your love for travel.
This was my first cruise, but definitely not my last. Don't forget to watch the video I created from this unforgettable journey — and stay tuned for more travel stories!
