Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Cruise Ships to Andaman
- Top Cities and Places in the Andaman Islands
- Tourist Circuits for a Cruise-Based Trip
- Activities and On-Water Experiences
- Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Sample Itineraries
- How to Reach Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Travel Tips and Packing Guide
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Looking for the best cruise ships to the Andaman Islands? This guide blends first-hand style insights with practical details so you can plan a smooth, sea-forward journey. From multi-day ocean liners that depart the Indian mainland to sleek inter-island catamarans linking Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep), here’s everything you need—routes, operators, fares, seasons, and smart tips—plus the top places, activities, budgets, and itineraries for a complete Andaman vacation.
Best Cruise Ships to Andaman
Mainland India to Port Blair
Overseas passenger services connect Port Blair with three Indian ports:
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Visakhapatnam
These multi-day passenger-cum-cargo ships are typically operated by the Shipping Corporation of India in coordination with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration (Directorate of Shipping Services). Common vessels on these routes have included MV Swaraj Dweep, MV Nancowry, MV Nicobar, MV Harshavardhana, and MV Akbar. Facilities are basic but functional, with multiple cabin classes, dining halls, and medical bays.
Typical sailing time: approximately 60–70 hours (2.5–3 days), sea/weather dependent.
Inter-Island Premium Cruises
To hop between the main tourist islands efficiently, premium high-speed catamarans and fast ferries operate the triangle:
- Port Blair ↔ Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) ↔ Shaheed Dweep (Neil)
- Neil ↔ Port Blair
Well-known private operators and vessels include Makruzz (Makruzz, Makruzz Gold, Makruzz Pearl), Green Ocean (including open-deck options), Nautika/Nautika Lite, Sea Link Cruise, and ITT Majestic. Expect assigned seating, air-conditioning, snack counters, safety briefings, and luggage limits.
Typical sailing time: Port Blair–Havelock 1.5–2 hours; Havelock–Neil ~1 hour; Neil–Port Blair ~1–1.5 hours.
Government Ferries vs Private Cruises
- Government ferries: Cheapest; wider network (including Baratang, Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Little Andaman). Bookings open close to travel dates; schedules can change; priority may be given to residents on some sectors.
- Private cruises: Faster, more comfortable, and bookable online well in advance; higher fares; limited to the main tourist triangle.
Booking, Schedules, and Classes
- Mainland–Port Blair ships: Tickets are typically issued via designated counters in Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam or through Andaman shipping offices. Cabin classes often include Deluxe/First Class, Second Class, and Bunk. Schedules are irregular and seasonal; releases can be 10–30 days ahead. Carry original ID; foreigners should check current entry/permit rules for protected areas.
- Inter-island private cruises: Book on the operator’s official website or authorized online portals. Check-in reporting is usually 60–90 minutes before departure. Expect baggage limits (commonly 15–25 kg per person; excess fees may apply).
Indicative Fares and Durations
- Mainland–Port Blair: Approx. INR 2,000–3,500 for Bunk to INR 6,000–10,000+ for cabin classes per person, one-way; 60–70 hours. Fares vary by class, sector, and season.
- Private inter-island: Approx. INR 1,300–3,000 per adult, one-way (route/class/season dependent).
- Government inter-island: Approx. INR 300–800 per adult, one-way.
Note: Vessels, timings, and fares change; always verify latest schedules before booking.
Best Time to Cruise
- October to April: Peak season with calmer seas; January–March is typically the most settled for sailings and water visibility.
- May to September (monsoon): Lusher landscapes but rougher seas, possible delays/cancellations; plan buffers.
Top Cities and Places in the Andaman Islands
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail and Light & Sound Show, Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu sunset, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island), Samudrika Naval Marine Museum.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach (No. 7), Elephant Beach (snorkeling), Kalapathar Beach.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur I & II (sunset), Natural Bridge (low-tide view).
- Baratang: Mangrove creeks, Limestone Caves, Mud Volcano.
- Rangat & Mayabunder: Quiet beaches, turtle nesting sites (seasonal), eco-walks.
- Diglipur: Ross & Smith Twin Islands sandbar, Saddle Peak trek.
- Little Andaman: Butler Bay Beach, White Surf and Whisper Wave waterfalls (access seasonal; check status).
Tourist Circuits for a Cruise-Based Trip
- Classic Triangle (5–6 days): Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair (private cruises/government ferries).
- Nature & North (7–8 days): Port Blair → Baratang (Limestone Caves) → Rangat/Mayabunder → Diglipur (Ross & Smith), returning by road/ferry.
- Long Andaman Odyssey (9–10 days): Triangle + North Andaman, with optional Little Andaman (subject to ferry schedules).
Activities and On-Water Experiences
- Underwater: Scuba diving (Havelock, Neil, Port Blair), snorkel trips, sea-walks (common at North Bay/Elephant Beach), glass-bottom boats at marine reserves.
- On-water: Mangrove kayaking (Havelock/Port Blair), sunset/sunrise boat rides, dolphin spotting (seasonal).
- On land: Cellular Jail history tour, Saddle Peak trek, nature walks, beach hopping, island picnics.
Festivals and Seasonal Highlights
- Island Tourism Festival (January): Cultural shows, food, and crafts in Port Blair.
- Subhash Mela (January, Diglipur): Local cultural fair and events.
- Beach/Cultural Festivals (various): Smaller seasonal events on Havelock/Neil; dates vary annually.
Note: Schedules can change; confirm locally before planning.
Sample Itineraries
5-Day Cruise + Beaches (Classic)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; Cellular Jail, Light & Sound Show.
- Day 2: Private cruise to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach for sunset.
- Day 3: Scuba or snorkel at Elephant Beach; evening leisure.
- Day 4: Morning cruise to Neil; Bharatpur Beach, Natural Bridge at low tide; sunset at Laxmanpur.
- Day 5: Cruise back to Port Blair; departure.
7-Day Islands + North Andaman
- Day 1–3: Port Blair sights → Havelock diving/snorkeling.
- Day 4: Cruise to Neil; beach time and Natural Bridge.
- Day 5: Return to Port Blair; road/ferry to Baratang (or day trip) for Limestone Caves.
- Day 6: Proceed to Diglipur; Ross & Smith sandbar.
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair; departure buffer.
How to Reach Andaman
- By Air: Daily flights to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from Chennai and Kolkata (~2–2.5 hrs), and from Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai (longer/direct or via Chennai/Kolkata). Easiest for most travelers.
- By Sea (Mainland Ships): Infrequent sailings from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair (~2.5–3 days). Book early; schedules vary by season.
- Local Transport: Taxis and auto-rickshaws in Port Blair; two-wheeler rentals and taxis on Havelock/Neil; no app-cabs. Ferries/cruises connect major islands.
- Permits: Indian citizens don’t need special permits for open tourist islands. Foreign nationals can visit notified open islands without Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in most cases; certain protected/tribal areas remain strictly off-limits. Permits are required for specific marine parks (e.g., Jolly Buoy) and are arranged locally.
Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: Budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels (INR 1,800–8,000); premium waterfront stays (INR 8,000–20,000+).
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beach huts and boutique resorts (INR 4,000–12,000); luxury beachfront villas (INR 18,000–50,000+).
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Cozy boutique stays and resorts (INR 3,000–9,000).
- Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur: Simple lodges and eco-stays (INR 1,500–5,000); limited inventory—book ahead.
Estimated Costs
- Flights (round-trip, ex metro): INR 6,000–20,000+ (season-dependent).
- Mainland ship (one-way): INR 2,000–10,000+ per person by class.
- Inter-island private cruises: INR 1,300–3,000 per leg, per adult.
- Government ferries: INR 300–800 per leg, per adult.
- Stay (per room/night): Budget INR 1,800–4,000; Mid INR 4,000–10,000; Luxury INR 18,000–50,000+.
- Food: INR 500–1,200 per person/day (local meals to casual dining).
- Activities: Try dive (DSD) INR 3,500–6,500; PADI Open Water INR 18,000–28,000; Sea walk INR 3,500–4,500; Snorkeling boat trips INR 500–1,500.
Example 5N budgets (per person, excluding flights):
- Backpacker: INR 18,000–35,000 (govt ferries, budget stays, a few paid activities).
- Comfort: INR 30,000–60,000 (private cruises, mid-range stays, 1–2 marquee activities).
- Luxury: INR 80,000–1,50,000+ (premium resorts, private transfers, multiple dives/spa).
Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, fish curry, grilled reef fish, mud crab, and coconut-based dishes. Vegetarian South and North Indian plates are widely available. Beach cafés on Havelock/Neil serve continental and wood-fired options.
- Shopping: Government-run emporiums (e.g., Sagarika) for handicrafts, spices, coconut and bamboo ware. Do not buy coral, black corals, or turtle shells; collecting seashells from beaches may be restricted—purchase only from authorized outlets.
- Culture & History: A mosaic of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and North Indian communities, plus protected indigenous groups (no tourism). WWII relics, Japanese bunkers, and the iconic Cellular Jail reflect a layered past.
Travel Tips and Packing Guide
For Families
- Choose morning inter-island sailings for calmer seas; arrive early for boarding.
- Carry snacks, motion-sickness bands/meds, and light jackets (AC cabins can be cool).
- Opt for shorter cruise legs with beach time at Radhanagar, Bharatpur, and Laxmanpur.
For Honeymooners and Couples
- Pick sunset trips and beachfront stays on Havelock; schedule a candlelight beach dinner through your resort.
- Book premium seats/classes on cruises for quieter cabins and better views.
- Plan a buffer day to avoid last-minute rush before flights.
For Friends and Adventure Seekers
- Time your dives Jan–Apr for visibility; consider advanced dives in Havelock/Neil.
- Try mangrove night kayaking (new moon for stargazing) with licensed operators.
- Carry waterproof phone pouches and dry bags for inter-island hops.
Packing Essentials and Safety
- Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, hats, polarized sunglasses.
- Dry bags, quick-dry towels, spare chargers/power bank.
- Motion-sickness medication, basic first-aid, insect repellent.
- Cash for remote islands (ATMs limited); IDs for ferry check-ins.
- Respect no-go zones (tribal reserves, restricted islands) and marine-park rules.
- Monsoon travel: build 1 buffer day; schedules can shift due to sea state.
FAQs
Q: How long does the ship from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam take to reach Port Blair?
A: Expect roughly 60–70 hours (2.5–3 days), depending on the route, vessel, and sea conditions.
Q: Which is the best private cruise from Port Blair to Havelock?
A: Several premium operators run this route—Makruzz, Nautika, Sea Link, ITT Majestic, and Green Ocean. All are safe; differences are mainly in timings, seating classes, and onboard experience. Choose by schedule, seat class, and refund policy.
Q: Are government ferries reliable for tourists?
A: Yes, but they are budget-first and schedule-driven. Seats can be limited and timings may change. If you value speed and flexibility, choose private cruises; if you’re cost-conscious, government ferries are excellent value.
Q: Can I take my personal car or bike to the Andaman Islands by ship?
A: Tourist vehicles are generally not transported on passenger ships. Rentals are widely available on major islands; carry a valid driving license.
Q: Do foreigners need special permits to visit Havelock and Neil?
A: Most open tourist islands, including Havelock and Neil, can be visited without a Restricted Area Permit, but some protected/tribal areas remain off-limits. Always carry your passport/visa and check the latest advisories.
Conclusion
The best cruise ships to the Andaman Islands fall into two clear tiers: multi-day mainland ships linking Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair, and fast inter-island catamarans connecting Port Blair with Havelock and Neil. Travel from October to April for calmer seas, book early in peak months, and match your choice—government ferries or private cruises—to your budget and schedule. Combine scenic sailings with Andaman’s standout beaches, gentle dives, and simple island life, and you’ll have a balanced itinerary that works for families, couples, and friends alike.
