As a global leader in the cruise industry, what attracted you to the Indian market, and how did you envision Cordelia Cruises making a mark here?

The recognition of cruise tourism's pivotal role in the economic growth of India resonated deeply with Cordelia Cruises. Over the last few years, India has emerged as a major source market for the global cruise industry, with its vast coastline and diverse culture leading the way. My experience directing cruise operations internationally demonstrated that India was ready for a luxury cruise line that could respond to its own cultural and experiential tastes.

As pioneers in the Indian cruise market, Cordelia Cruises has set a high standard by tailoring experiences to the unique preferences of Indian travellers, combining international cruising trends with Indian hospitality. With all-inclusive packages covering accommodation, meals, entertainment, and activities, Cordelia Cruises has made a mark with its unique concept—cruising for Indians, in India, and to neighbouring destinations, with an Indian twist.

Launching Cordelia Cruises was a major milestone for India’s tourism. What were the biggest challenges and achievements in bringing this premium cruise line to life?

Cordelia Cruises, a pioneer in India’s cruise industry, marks its third anniversary with a celebration of exceptional service, innovative experiences, and a redefined approach to cruising. We introduced The Empress in 2021, and over the past three years, we’ve welcomed over 600,000 guests, contributed to local economies in regions like Lakshadweep, and expanded our itineraries both domestically and internationally.

One of the biggest challenges was establishing cruising as a viable holiday option in India, where the concept was still relatively new. Educating the market and breaking preconceived notions about cruising being inaccessible or overly expensive was a key focus.

Cordelia Cruises has actively worked to make cruising more accessible to Indian travellers by adopting a "Glocal" approach—combining global standards with local cultural elements. This strategy has proven effective in creating a customized experience that resonates with Indian travellers while upholding world-class service and amenities. The overwhelming response from travellers and the growth of cruise tourism in India has been one of our proudest achievements.

With your experience at Vidanta and Royal Caribbean Group, how did these roles shape your strategy for leading Cordelia Cruises?

My experience at Vidanta and Royal Caribbean taught me the importance of delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining operational excellence. At Royal Caribbean, I learned how to scale operations while consistently providing top-tier service. At Vidanta, I gained insight into tailoring luxury travel experiences to specific markets. These experiences shaped my strategy at Cordelia Cruises, where we’ve created a product that offers the best of global cruising while being distinctly Indian. We focus on balancing luxury, affordability, and authenticity—catering to a diverse group of travellers with different preferences and expectations.

You were instrumental in refurbishing the “Empress” for Cordelia. What were the key factors that went into making this ship a standout choice for Indian travelers?

The Empress was chosen for its versatility in delivering shorter, immersive cruise experiences—ideal for Indian travellers new to cruising. We tailored our offerings to reflect Indian preferences, from adapting the dining options to include Indian and international cuisine, to incorporating entertainment like Bollywood musicals.

These enhancements, along with top-tier service, have made The Empress the perfect choice to introduce cruising to a wider Indian audience.

How do you ensure that Cordelia Cruises offers a unique experience tailored to the preferences of Indian travellers, while maintaining global standards?

Understanding Indian travellers’ love for family, food, and celebration has been central to shaping Cordelia’s offerings. From Bollywood-themed performances to a diverse selection of Indian and international cuisine, rock climbing, a spa, and over 30 onboard activities, there is something for everyone—couples, solo travellers, and families alike.

With a commitment to eco-friendly practices and upholding global standards of comfort, safety, and sustainability, Cordelia Cruises offers the perfect blend of luxury and familiarity, making us the preferred choice for Indian travellers seeking a world- class cruise experience.

Beyond cruising, you’re involved in social causes like the JB Foundation. How do your philanthropic efforts influence your approach to leadership?

Philanthropy has always been a core value for me. Over 20 years ago, I founded the JB Foundation, a not-for-profit organization based in Brazil, dedicated to raising awareness and supporting skin cancer prevention and treatment. Initially, I raised funds through my Ironman race sponsorships to further the foundation’s mission.

The work we’ve done in combating skin cancer has profoundly influenced my leadership style, reinforcing the importance of empathy, responsibility, and giving back.

What role does innovation play in Cordelia’s future, and how do you plan to differentiate the brand in a growing competitive market?

In a growing competitive market, what truly sets us apart is our deep understanding of Indian travellers’ preferences. From our diverse dining options featuring authentic Indian cuisine to family-friendly entertainment and festive celebrations on board, we offer an experience that resonates with Indian families and groups in a way no other cruise line does. Our regular itineraries to Lakshadweep provide access to this hidden gem and unique experiences that are not easily accessible by land, further enhancing the appeal of cruising as an unforgettable vacation option.

Additionally, our commitment to building lasting relationships with our guests has resulted in a growing base of loyal travellers who repeatedly choose Cordelia Cruises for their vacations.

Having developed cruise markets in various countries, how does the Indian cruise market differ from others you’ve worked in, and what potential do you see here?

The Indian cruise market offers unique potential, driven by its vast coastline and growing demand for distinctive travel experiences. Unlike established international markets, India is just beginning to embrace cruising as a mainstream holiday choice, and Cordelia Cruises is leading this shift.

Indian travellers seek culturally immersive, family-centric, and experiential getaways, which is why our itineraries showcase destinations like Lakshadweep, among others.

In the Indian market, understanding local preferences and catering to the diverse needs of Indian travellers is essential. This includes providing cuisine and entertainment options that resonate with Indian culture and incorporating elements of Indian hospitality into our service offerings.

With a focus on culturally rich experiences, India has the potential to become a major cruise hub, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this transformation.

Balancing corporate responsibilities and personal achievements, such as being an Ironman athlete and author, how do you maintain a work-life balance?

Over the years, I’ve come to understand that balance is about focusing on activities that bring energy and fulfilment. While my achievements as an Ironman athlete and author were significant in the past, my passion for golf has been a long-standing source of relaxation and mental clarity. It’s a sport that not only helps me unwind but also reinforces focus and discipline, qualities that I bring into my professional life.

Achieving balance means being intentional about how I allocate my time. Whether it’s dedicating myself to work, spending time with family, or enjoying a round of golf, I ensure that I remain present in whatever I’m doing. I don’t believe in a fixed formula for balance—it’s about adapting to what matters most in the moment and staying committed to both personal well-being and professional excellence.

This approach keeps me grounded and energized, allowing me to lead with purpose.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Cordelia Cruises, and how do you see the company evolving over the next few years in India’s tourism sector?

Looking ahead, my aspiration for Cordelia Cruises is to solidify our position as India’s leading cruise line and expand our offerings to include more domestic and international routes. Over the next few years, we aim to grow the market by introducing more travellers to the joys of cruising, enhancing our itineraries, and increasing our fleet. I also see Cordelia playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s tourism industry by promoting sustainable travel, contributing to local economies, and making cruising a must-do holiday experience for Indians. Our goal is to be a household name synonymous with exceptional travel experiences and Indian hospitality.