It has been a while since we went on a trip. This time we decided to go on a cruise, which has been on our wishlist for a few years. While searching, we found that Cordelia Cruise is currently the best in class available in India. Cordelia bought the cruise ship “Empress” from Royal Caribbean International in 2020 and started its operation in India. This cruise ship has 10 floors for passengers, with a capacity of 1800+ and 800 crew members. It’s a gigantic floating palace.
We booked our tickets two months prior and got a buy one get one free offer. Most of the time, there are some offers going on, so keep watching for them if anyone is planning to book tickets. The average price would be around 85K for two people for three nights. We decided to take a three-night cruise starting from Mumbai to Goa and returning back to Mumbai. The Mumbai to Goa cruise time is 17 hrs, and while coming back to Mumbai, they take a longer route, and it takes around 21 hours. In Goa, this cruise ship halts for 7 hrs, and passengers are allowed to take a land tour at their own expense. Inside the cruise, there are options to book such excursions.
We booked our tickets for April 21st, and the cruise was starting at 6 pm from Mumbai cruise terminal. We took our flight to Mumbai from Bangalore airport at 10 am and reached Mumbai at 11:30 am. It was another one-hour drive to Mumbai cruise terminal. We were asked to reach the green gate of Mumbai International Cruise Terminal. After reaching the terminal, there was a small queue formed where people were waiting with their luggage. Everyone is required to do web check-in, and we need to show the web check-in details along with our ID proof and final vaccination certificate. Once this is verified, we would be taken to the onboarding area, where we were provided with a cruise card which would be our room key, and the same card is used to purchase items inside the ship. This card would have our name and room number printed.
We were welcomed with a tilak and welcome drink and guided to our rooms. We completed the onboarding formalities around 2:30 pm and rushed to the food court on the 10th floor for our lunch. For all passengers, lunch, dinner, and breakfast are provided at the food court on the 10th floor and at a multi-cuisine restaurant named Starlight on the 5th floor. Food is free at these two places throughout our cruise.
Tip: For the first day lunch, it’s better to go to Starlight Restaurant located on the 5th floor as it would be less crowded and having a good ambiance.
Once the lunch was finished, at around 5:30 pm, all passengers were mandated to attend a safety drill. These drills were conducted at different muster stations for passengers staying on different floors. Our muster station details were also printed on our cruise card. At 6 pm, embarkation was completed, and the ship was set to move. By then, we had reached the 10th floor open deck to see the beautiful sight of the ship making its way to the high sea. We could also see the marvelous sunset.
Tip: Make sure that you don’t miss the embarkation process, sunrise/sunset, and be there on the 10th floor open deck.
By this time, the DJ party was in full swing at the pool area located on the 10th floor. We spent some time there, danced to the music, and then took a quick walk around the 5th floor, which is the second most happening place after the 10th floor. We had dinner at Starlight around 9:30 pm and then visited the Chairman’s Club located on the 5th floor. This place is usually bustling with live music events in the evenings.
Day 2 morning, we woke up early and went to the open deck to watch the sunrise. Today, the ship was supposed to reach Goa port by around 11 am, and we didn’t want to miss the disembarkation/mooring operation. So we had our breakfast and came back to the open deck again. It was a pleasant experience watching the open sea. Around 10:30 am, tug boats started approaching, and we were getting ready for disembarkation. We were allowed to go out at Goa, and we were instructed to return by sharp 6 pm. There are options to book excursion tickets inside the cruise itself.
Tip: Make sure you carry universal power adapter as the power socket is not of Indian standard.
We had decided not to go out as we had been to Goa many times earlier. Instead, we decided to explore the cruise. After all the passengers who decided to go out and explore Goa, we also stepped out to take a look at the grand view of the ship from the port. In the afternoon, we took a quick nap after lunch. There was a musical show named “Musical Feasta” in the Marquee theatre on the 5th floor. Most of the time, something or the other would be happening in the 5th-floor Chairman’s club or the 10th-floor pool bar area. So, going to these two places would not disappoint anyone. We also spent a lot of time on the open deck when we were in transit.
By around 7 pm, the cruise started its journey back to Mumbai, and we didn’t miss the sunset on day 2 either. From around 6 pm till late midnight, the DJ would be ON. Meanwhile, people with kids would also have programs for kids related to art, craft, etc., and they have a Cordelia academy with various activities for kids. The card room and library are a few other options to spend time.
Day 3 again, we woke up early to watch the sunrise, and today, it is full sailing through the deep sea as it takes a longer route while coming back from Goa. It will take around 21 hrs to reach Mumbai. After breakfast, we planned to watch the most famous show named “Balle Balle Show,” which is in Hindi. This is marvelous 2 hrs show, and one should never miss it. What we heard is that this show is only available for people who book the cruise for 3 or more days. Again, it’s lunchtime, and we spent time in the Chairman’s club. On the same floor, they were now selling photographs taken during the onboarding at Mumbai for around $5 per copy. On the fifth floor, at the backside, near the Doom bar, there is an activity for rock climbing. It is also very nice to watch the sea from the backside of the ship. Just above the Doom bar, there is a multi-gym where people spend time in the morning and evenings.
During the morning and evening, we also took walks around the muster stations on the 5th and 6th floors. It was a nice experience walking by and watching the open sea. On the 5th floor, near the help desk, there is a selfie spot where we could see couples taking pictures all the time. This is also fun to take pictures and watch people taking selfies here. 24-hour tea and coffee are available in the food court. Mid-night snacks are available in food court. You can also watch cricket matches or Bollywood movies on the big screen located near the pool area. The Connextions bar on the 6th floor is also a cozy place to unwind.
Tip: On the 3rd day, you can spend $17 per person to visit the captain’s control bridge. Photography and videography are not allowed in this area.
There were lots of questions asked by many, and some of them are answered below.
Will there be sea sickness?
We had spent considerable time on the open deck, and we never felt any sea sickness. The sea was relatively calm, which could be one reason. But in general, it should be okay,
Will there be vegetarian options available?
Yes, there are many vegetarian food options available and there is even a dedicated restaurant for vegetarians as well as a Jain session.
What documents are required?
You will need to provide your final vaccination certification, ID proof, and web check-in details.
What about the restrooms?
The restrooms are small, similar to those on an aircraft, but they are well-maintained.
