Austrian-born Jürgen Bailom leads Cordelia Cruises in India. His career spans over 30 years, from cruise operations to a listed ₹8,000-crore company.
Austria-born Jürgen Bailom has spent more than 30 years working in the cruise and hospitality industry. Today, he leads Waterways Leisure Tourism, the company behind Cordelia Cruises in India.
The company has grown from a domestic cruise business into a listed company. Its market value crossed ₹7,700 crore in September 2026.
Bailom’s career began on cruise ships. According to an account shared on LinkedIn, he started out as a waiter on a ship. He later moved into senior roles across the global cruise and hospitality industry.
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Who is Jürgen Bailom?
Jürgen Bailom was born and raised in Austria. He later built a career across the cruise, tourism and hospitality sectors.
He studied Business Administration and Languages in Austria. He also holds a master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Hotel Management.
Over the years, Bailom worked with major international companies. His professional experience includes Royal Caribbean International and Hilton International.
He later took up senior leadership roles in the cruise industry. In 2019, he was identified as the president and CEO of Jalesh Cruises.
His journey in India’s cruise industry
Bailom became a key figure in India’s cruise industry through Jalesh Cruises. He later took charge as president and CEO of Cordelia Cruises.
Cordelia Cruises operates under Waterways Leisure Tourism. The company positions Cordelia as an Indian cruise line focused on domestic travellers.
Cordelia began operations in India in September 2021. Its goal was to offer cruise holidays suited to Indian travellers.
Bailom has also spoken about India’s growing cruise tourism market. He has highlighted the country’s long coastline and rising demand for cruise holidays.
The company behind Cordelia Cruises
Waterways Leisure Tourism became a public company ahead of its 2026 IPO. It was listed on the NSE and BSE on July 1, 2026.
The company raised ₹585 crore through its initial public offering. Its IPO price band was set at ₹769 to ₹808 per share.
At the upper end of the IPO price, the company’s implied market capitalisation stood at ₹5,850 crore. Its market value increased after the listing.
As of September 8, 2026, Waterways Leisure Tourism had a market capitalisation of around ₹7,726 crore.
The Jürgen Bailom ₹8,000 crore company reference relates to the company’s market value. It does not refer to its annual revenue.
How much does the company earn?
Waterways Leisure Tourism reported revenue from operations of ₹579.75 crore in FY2026. Its profit for the year stood at ₹52.14 crore.
In FY2025, the company reported revenue from operations of ₹590.61 crore. Its profit during that year was ₹168.19 crore.
The company is also working to expand its cruise business. Cordelia has announced plans involving additional vessels.
The expansion is aimed at increasing cruise capacity. The company is also looking at more domestic and international routes.
Why Bailom’s India journey matters
Bailom’s career reflects the growth of India’s cruise tourism the industry. India has a long coastline but has had limited domestic cruise options.
Cordelia entered the market with a focus on Indian travellers. Its cruises combine international cruise facilities with a Indian food and entertainment.
In a 2026 interview, Bailom said Cordelia had hosted almost one crore guests. He also said more than five lakh people had travelled to Lakshadweep through the company.
The company’s stock-market listing has brought fresh attention to its business. It has also placed Bailom among the notable international executives operating in India’s tourism sector.
From ship waiter to CEO
Bailom’s career has taken him from entry-level cruise work to the top of a listed Indian company. His experience covers cruise operations, hospitality, tourism and business management.
