In a historic game changer for tourism Cordelia cruises opens for tourists, locals from July 5
For the first time in Sri Lankan history, tourists will now have an added attraction as they would be able to join an international cruise ship from Sri Lanka and sail in it around the island.
For the first time this initiative will also make Sri Lanka a scheduled cruise destination for international standards as well pioneering cruise sailing operations around the island.
In addition, opening up new vistas for the Sri Lankan tourism sector, the Indian based Cordelia cruises will also open their packages for Sri Lankans also from July 5.
 Tuan Kitchilan |
Through the transportation and logistics arm of the Hayleys Group Hayleys Adventists the GSA for this Cruise, forwards books were already done through travel agents and online and all the cruises for the month of July were sold out,” said Manager – Hayleys Aviation and Sales Manager, Heyleys Adventists for Cordelia cruises, Tuan Kitchilan.
Ushering in a new wave of inbound luxury cruise tourists to Sri Lanka, the inaugural Empress of Cordelia Cruises made its maiden call to Hambantota on June 5, with 1,600 tourists from Chennai and then to Trincomalee. Later the cruise made a call to the newly opened Kankesanturai two weeks ago.
Kitchilan said that the Cruise will sail from Chennai to Hambantota and tourists and Sri Lankans can board it from there every Wednesday. Subsequently the cruise will sail from Hambantota at 10 a.m. and reach Trincomalee the following day after a 24-hour journey.
From Trincomalee it will take off at 10 a.m. and reach KKS the following day and subsequently sail to Chennai. Tourists from Sri Lanka can board either at Hambantota or KKS and descend at either KKS or Trincomalee. “A overnight full board package per person from one Port to another would be Rs. 70,000 while a separate fee would be charged for ground transport if needed. These packages could be upgraded to more luxury cabins or to their five suites.”
“We have now started selling packages for August and it’s very popular among tourists, corporate and families.”
The MS Empress boasts 796 cabins across five distinct categories, each filled with state-of-the-art amenities that includes swimming pools, casino, movie theatres providing unparalleled luxury and comfort to its 1,600 passengers.
By seamlessly integrating these unique and diverse holiday destinations, we aim to chart new horizons for tourists and stimulate economic growth for both nations,” Cordelia Cruises President and CEO Jurgen Bailom stated at the inauguration. 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.”