Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance of Inter-Island Cruises
- Best Time to Cruise from Port Blair
- Best Cruise Options and Operators
- Popular Routes, Duration, and Sample Schedules
- Ticket Booking, Classes, and Baggage
- Estimated Costs and Budget Planning
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Ports and Terminals
- Onboard Experience and Views
- Top Things To Do After You Cruise
- Nearby Attractions from Port Blair
- Accommodation Options
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Safety and Responsible Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Planning the best cruise from Port Blair? This guide covers the top high-speed ferries, government boats, routes, schedules, costs, and insider tips to help you sail smoothly to Swaraj Dweep (Havelock), Shaheed Dweep (Neil), and beyond in the Andaman Islands.
Whether you want the fastest catamaran to Radhanagar Beach or a scenic, open-deck ride, you’ll find the right operator, the right class, and the right timing here.
History & Importance of Inter-Island Cruises
Andaman’s islands are connected primarily by sea. What began as essential passenger and cargo movement run by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) has evolved into a robust network of high-speed private catamarans tailored to travelers. These cruises cut travel time, offer safer, more comfortable cabins than older ships, and open up Havelock and Neil to short-stay itineraries. They are the backbone of island-hopping in the archipelago.
Best Time to Cruise from Port Blair
- Peak season: December to March – calm seas, sunny skies, high demand.
- Best overall window: October to May – reliable sailings and great underwater visibility.
- Monsoon: June to September – rough seas, possible cancellations and delays; keep buffers.
- Time of day: Morning sailings are generally smoother than late afternoons.
Best Cruise Options and Operators
Schedules and fleets can change; always verify the latest timings, boarding jetty, and fares on the operator’s official channel or with a licensed local agent.
Makruzz (and Makruzz Gold)
- Type: High-speed catamaran; fully air-conditioned.
- Routes: Port Blair–Havelock, Port Blair–Neil, Havelock–Neil (direct sectors common).
- Duration: ~90–120 minutes (Port Blair–Havelock), ~60–90 minutes (Port Blair–Neil).
- Classes: Premium/Economy, Deluxe, Royal; reserved seating.
- Why choose: Fast, punctual, reliable service; clear seating classes.
- Typical one-way fare: INR ~1,500–3,500+ per adult depending class/sector/season.
Green Ocean (GO-1/GO-2)
- Type: Large vessel with an option for open deck (varies by ship) and AC seating.
- Routes: Port Blair–Havelock, Port Blair–Neil, Havelock–Neil.
- Why choose: Comfortable ride, open-deck views on certain vessels; good for photos.
- Typical one-way fare: INR ~1,200–2,800 depending class and sector.
Sea Link and Nautika/Nautika Lite
- Type: Modern high-speed catamarans; aircraft-style seating.
- Routes: Commonly the same core sectors: Port Blair–Havelock, Port Blair–Neil, Havelock–Neil.
- Why choose: Speed and comfort; frequent schedules in peak periods.
- Typical one-way fare: INR ~1,500–3,200+
Government Ferry (DSS)
- Type: Directorate of Shipping Services boat; basic seating; subsidized rates.
- Routes: All key inter-island links including Port Blair–Havelock/Neil.
- Why choose: Lowest fares; authentic local experience.
- Considerations: Limited online booking, longer durations, fewer tourist seats, schedule changes possible.
- Typical one-way fare: INR ~200–600 for standard seats (citizens); varies by category and policy.
Popular Routes, Duration, and Sample Schedules
- Port Blair (PB) ↔ Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): 90–120 minutes by private cruise; longer by DSS.
- Port Blair ↔ Neil (Shaheed Dweep): 60–90 minutes by private cruise.
- Havelock ↔ Neil: 45–60 minutes by private cruise.
Sample day flow (indicative only):
- Morning: PB → Havelock departures typically between 6:30–9:30 AM.
- Midday: PB → Neil and Havelock → Neil often mid-morning to early afternoon.
- Afternoon: Returns from Havelock/Neil to PB usually 2:00–4:30 PM.
Always check the printed boarding pass for exact pier (Phoenix Bay or Haddo) and reporting time.
Ticket Booking, Classes, and Baggage
How to Book
- Private cruises: Book via official operator websites or licensed travel partners; seats open weeks in advance during season.
- Government ferry (DSS): Counter-based tickets (limited online options); passports/IDs required; arrive early.
Classes and Seating
- Economy/Premium: Standard reclining seats; most value for money.
- Deluxe/Executive: Fewer seats per cabin; better legroom and views.
- Royal/Business: Front cabins, priority boarding on some ships.
Baggage Rules (Typical)
- Allowance: ~15–25 kg check-in + ~7 kg hand baggage per adult (varies by operator/class).
- Excess charges: Usually INR ~50–100 per kg.
- Restrictions: No fuel canisters, diving cylinders without permits, or hazardous items.
- Strollers and dive gear: Often allowed as part of check-in; confirm in advance.
Reporting time is usually 45–90 minutes before departure; carry the same government ID used for booking.
Estimated Costs and Budget Planning
- Private cruise tickets (one-way): INR ~1,200–3,500+ per adult depending on route/class/season.
- DSS ferry tickets (one-way): INR ~200–600 for standard categories.
- Porterage at jetty: INR ~100–250 per bag (optional).
- Local transfers (airport ↔ jetty): INR ~300–800 by cab; hotel shuttles may be extra.
- Accommodation per night:
- Port Blair: Budget INR 1,200–2,500; Mid INR 3,000–6,000; Upscale INR 7,000–15,000+
- Havelock/Neil: Budget INR 1,500–3,000; Mid INR 4,000–8,000; Upscale INR 9,000–25,000+
- Meals: INR ~300–800 per person at local eateries; resorts higher.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Direct/connecting flights from Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- By Sea (mainland to Port Blair): Infrequent government-operated passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam; long duration (2–3+ days), limited tourist comfort, bookings through shipping offices.
Ports and Terminals
- Port Blair: Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Wharf are the usual departure points for private cruises; DSS uses its designated jetties. Check your ticket.
- Havelock: Havelock Jetty (near Govind Nagar, Beach No. 1).
- Neil: Bharatpur Jetty (close to main village).
Security screening is mandatory; keep liquids sealed and IDs handy.
Onboard Experience and Views
- Facilities: Air-conditioning, assigned seats, clean restrooms, snack counters or pantry service on most private ships.
- Views: Large windows; some Green Ocean vessels offer open decks for photography.
- Connectivity: Patchy or no mobile data at sea; download maps and tickets offline.
- Seasickness: Choose mid-ship seats, carry motion-sickness medication, sip water or ginger tea before boarding.
Top Things To Do After You Cruise
At Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Radhanagar Beach (Sunset Point)
- Elephant Beach for snorkeling/sea-walk
- Kalapathar Beach for sunrise
At Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Laxmanpur Beach sunset and natural rock formation
- Bharatpur Beach for glass-bottom boats and snorkeling
- Sitapur Beach sunrise
In Port Blair (pre/post cruise)
- Cellular Jail light & sound show
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island) and North Bay
- Corbyn’s Cove for an easy beach evening
Nearby Attractions from Port Blair
- Mount Harriet National Park (Chidiya Tapu for sunset and birding)
- Baratang Island (limestone caves and mangroves; day trip with permits)
- Anthropological Museum and Samudrika Marine Museum
Accommodation Options
Port Blair
- Stay near Aberdeen Bazaar or Marine Hill for quick airport and jetty access.
- Mid to upscale stays line the seafront; budget guesthouses available inland.
Havelock
- Beach No. 5 (Vijaynagar) for lively beachfront resorts and dining.
- Beach No. 7 (Radhanagar) for tranquil, upscale stays.
Neil
- Stay near Bharatpur or Laxmanpur for easy beach access and quieter vibes.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood thalis, grilled fish, prawns, and coconut-based curries.
- Vegetarian options and South/North Indian staples widely available.
- Try local bakeries and seaside cafés on Havelock and Neil.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar for handicrafts, spices, and art. Avoid buying shells/coral (illegal to collect/export).
Culture
- Respect protected indigenous communities and restricted areas.
- Visit museums to understand the islands’ history and ecology.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Book morning cruises for calmer seas; request adjacent seats.
- Carry snacks, wipes, and light jackets for AC cabins.
- Strollers can be checked; confirm with your operator.
Honeymooners
- Pick deluxe/royal cabins for quieter sections and better views.
- Plan sunset at Radhanagar and a relaxed beach dinner on Havelock.
Friends/Groups
- Block seats early in the same cabin class; share island transfers.
- Try adventure add-ons: scuba intro dives, night kayaking (bioluminescence) in season.
Packing Essentials
- Valid photo ID, printed e-tickets, motion-sickness meds, refillable water bottle.
- Light clothing, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag for electronics.
Safety and Responsible Travel
- Arrive 60–90 minutes early; follow crew instructions and seatbelt signs when seas are rough.
- Do not attempt to visit restricted/protected islands; heavy penalties apply.
- Single-use plastics are restricted; use reusable bottles and bags.
- Never take shells, corals, or starfish; it is illegal and harms reefs.
- Keep at least a half-day buffer between cruises and flights in case of delays.
FAQs
Q: Which is the best cruise from Port Blair to Havelock for speed and comfort?
A: High-speed private catamarans like Makruzz, Sea Link, and Nautika are among the fastest and most comfortable. Pick based on departure time, class, and price on your travel date.
Q: How early should I reach the jetty before departure?
A: Report 60–90 minutes before departure for security, baggage drop, and boarding. Late arrivals may be denied boarding.
Q: What is the baggage allowance on private ferries?
A: Typically 15–25 kg of check-in baggage plus ~7 kg hand baggage per adult. Excess baggage attracts per-kg charges. Always confirm with your chosen operator.
Q: Are government ferries reliable for tourists?
A: Yes, but seats for tourists are limited, schedules can change, and sailings are slower. They are budget-friendly if you’re flexible with time.
Q: Can cruises get cancelled due to weather?
A: Yes. Monsoon and rough seas can cause delays or cancellations. Keep buffers in your itinerary and monitor operator alerts for rebooking options.
Conclusion
From fast, air-conditioned catamarans to budget-friendly government ferries, Port Blair offers reliable cruise options to Havelock and Neil with multiple departures a day in season. Travel in the drier months for smoother seas, book seats and transfers early, carry valid ID, and allow buffers around flights. With the right operator and timing, your inter-island cruise will be safe, scenic, and efficient—setting you up for memorable days on Andaman’s iconic beaches and reefs.
