Passengers disembark from Cordelia Empress

Cordelia Cruise Lines completed its second season of calls at the Hambantota International Port (HIP) in September 2024.  

The scheduled six visits between July and September brought in over 5,000 tourists to the country.  The next season of Cordelia cruises, which will also include six calls at the HIP, is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and end in September.  

Cordelia Cruise Lines, offering holiday packages to Indian and international travellers, commenced its cruise calls from Chennai to Sri Lanka in June 2023 and has to date made 16 calls at the port. 

“As a new and modern port with a 17-metre depth, the HIP can accommodate any cruise liner in the world. We are fully geared to handle the needs of crews and passengers, customs, immigration and emigration and secure services. The nexus with Hayleys Advantis (Clarion Shipping), agents for Cordelia Cruise Lines, is yet another step in promoting Hambantota as an ideal cruise ship destination. While the port’s location away from the busy metropolis and its green environment are added attractions, we also have a wide range of touristic offerings at a very short distance from the port’s gate,” said General Manager Commercial and Marketing Lance Zuo.

Clarion Shipping, agents for Cordelia Cruises in Sri Lanka and GOL Travels Lanka (Pvt.) Limited, offer several excursions to passengers disembarking at the HIP, such as walks through the Galle Dutch Fort, river cruises, hikes to the Diyaluma waterfall, visits to a nearby turtle hatchery and treks through the Yala, Udawalawe and Bundala national parks. Visits to the Unawatuna beach and shopping sprees are also included. 

The integration of cruise ships into the HIP’s operations not only solidifies the port’s role in international tourism but also contributes to the local economy by attracting a steady influx of visitors.