Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview: Cruise Trips from Kolkata to Andaman
- How to Reach Andaman from Kolkata
- Top Cities and Places in Andaman
- Tourist Circuits
- Activities and Experiences
- Festivals and Events
- Suggested Itineraries
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Trip Costs
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Practical Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of a sea voyage from the City of Joy to emerald islands? Cruise trips from Kolkata to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands blend nostalgia, slow travel, and the thrill of landfall at Port Blair. While this isn’t a luxury “cruise” in the modern sense, passenger ships connecting mainland India and the Andamans offer cabins, canteens, deck views, and a classic ocean crossing. Here’s your expert-friendly guide to routes, schedules, costs, cabins, and what to do once you arrive.
Overview: Cruise Trips from Kolkata to Andaman
- Route: Kolkata (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port/Kidderpore docks area) to Port Blair (Haddo Wharf).
- Mode: Government-operated passenger ships; not luxury cruise liners.
- Duration: Approximately 60–72 hours at sea (weather and vessel dependent).
- Frequency: Typically limited and seasonal; sailings are infrequent and subject to change.
- Best for: Slow travelers, maritime enthusiasts, budget-conscious groups, and those with flexible schedules.
- Alternative: Direct flights from Kolkata to Port Blair (about 2.5–3 hours) for time-sensitive plans.
How to Reach Andaman from Kolkata
By Sea (Passenger Ships/Cruise-style Voyages)
Schedules & Duration
- Sailings from Kolkata to Port Blair are occasional; expect roughly monthly or seasonal departures, with increased variability during monsoon.
- Transit time usually 60–72 hours; delays can occur due to sea state and port operations.
- Always verify the latest schedule with official notices before planning.
Booking & Tickets
- Operators: Government-run services (e.g., Shipping Corporation of India and Andaman & Nicobar Administration/Directorate of Shipping Services).
- Where to book: Official counters/offices in Kolkata and Port Blair; some sailings may be announced via official websites/notifications. Limited third-party assistance may be available.
- Documents: Valid government photo ID (Indians). Foreign nationals should carry passport/visa; RAP is issued on arrival for most travelers.
- Tip: Book well in advance; mainland–island berths are limited and popular.
Classes & Approx Fares
- Typical classes: Deluxe/First Class Cabin (2/4-berth), Second Class Cabin, Bunk Class, and Chair Class (if available).
- Indicative one-way fares: Approx INR 2,500–10,000+ per person depending on class; fares may change without notice.
- Concessions: Often available for certain categories; check current eligibility at the time of booking.
Onboard Experience & Facilities
- Facilities: Basic cabins, shared or attached washrooms (by class), canteen/galley for simple meals, deck access, medical bay.
- Food: Simple Indian fare; carry snacks, water, and any dietary-specific items.
- Connectivity: Intermittent mobile network; no guaranteed Wi‑Fi. Carry entertainment and power banks.
- Seasickness: Pack medication, acupressure bands; choose lower/deck-midship cabins if prone.
Baggage, ID & Permits
- Baggage: Allowances vary by class and operator; expect checks and potential excess baggage fees.
- Permits: Indian citizens don’t need permits for Port Blair/Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)/Shaheed Dweep (Neil). Restricted/tribal areas remain off-limits.
- Foreigners: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) typically issued on arrival at Port Blair; verify current rules.
By Air (Alternative)
- Nonstop flights: Kolkata (CCU) to Port Blair (IXZ), ~2.5–3 hours.
- Fares: Roughly INR 6,000–18,000 one-way depending on season and booking window.
- Best for: Short vacations, monsoon months, and travelers averse to long sea journeys.
Top Cities and Places in Andaman
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), Corbyn’s Cove, Chidiya Tapu, Anthropological Museum.
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, scuba/snorkeling, tranquil resorts.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Natural Bridge, Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches, laid-back vibe.
- Baratang: Limestone caves, mangrove creeks; day trips from Port Blair.
- North Bay: Snorkeling, sea walking; great for first-timers.
Tourist Circuits
- Classic 3-Island Circuit: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair.
- Nature & History Loop: Port Blair → Ross & North Bay → Chidiya Tapu → Cellular Jail.
- Adventure Bend: Port Blair → Havelock (diving) → Baratang (caves and mangroves).
Activities and Experiences
- Water: Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking, kayaking in mangroves, glass-bottom boat rides.
- Beaches: Sunset at Radhanagar, tidepooling at Neil, quiet coves around Port Blair.
- Heritage: Light & Sound show at Cellular Jail; colonial-era ruins on Ross Island.
- Wildlife/Scenic: Birding at Chidiya Tapu; bioluminescence sightings (seasonal, rare) around Havelock.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually Jan): Cultural performances, food, crafts in Port Blair.
- Beach Festivals (select dates): Music, local cuisine, beachside activities.
- Note: Schedules vary annually; confirm dates if you plan travel around events.
Suggested Itineraries
3 Days (Fly-in or post-cruise short stay)
- Day 1: Port Blair – Cellular Jail, Corbyn’s Cove, Light & Sound show.
- Day 2: Ross Island & North Bay or Baratang (start early).
- Day 3: Chidiya Tapu sunrise/sunset; shopping at Aberdeen Bazaar.
5 Days (Balanced)
- Day 1–2: Port Blair highlights; Ross & North Bay.
- Day 3–4: Havelock – Radhanagar, Elephant Beach (snorkel/sea walk).
- Day 5: Neil Island – Natural Bridge; return to Port Blair.
7 Days (Leisurely, post-sea voyage)
- Day 1–2: Recover from voyage; Port Blair museums and beaches.
- Day 3–4: Havelock – diving/snorkeling, beach time.
- Day 5: Neil Island – cycling, beaches.
- Day 6: Baratang day trip (limestone caves, mangroves).
- Day 7: Spare day for weather/buffer; shopping and local eateries.
Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: Budget guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar; mid-range hotels around Phoenix Bay; boutique sea-view stays.
- Havelock: Beachfront resorts, dive lodges, eco-cottages near Radhanagar and Govind Nagar.
- Neil: Cozy homestays and mid-range resorts near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur beaches.
- Tip: Book early in peak season (Nov–Apr). Check inter-island ferry timings before locking stays.
Estimated Trip Costs
- Sea passage (Kolkata → Port Blair): ~INR 2,500–10,000+ per person one-way (by class).
- Flights (alternative): ~INR 6,000–18,000 one-way from Kolkata.
- Stays (per room/night): Budget INR 1,200–3,000; Mid-range INR 3,500–8,000; Premium INR 9,000–25,000+.
- Food (per person/day): Budget INR 400–800; Mid-range INR 900–1,800; Upscale 2,500+.
- Activities: Snorkeling/boat combos INR 1,000–3,000; diving intro INR 3,500–6,500; inter-island ferries INR 800–2,500.
- Daily budgets (rough): Backpacker INR 2,500–4,000; Comfort INR 5,000–10,000; Premium INR 12,000–25,000+.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis: Reef fish curry, prawn masala, grilled lobster (seasonal).
- Street eats: Samosas, chaat, and South Indian fare around Port Blair markets.
- Cafés: Beach shacks in Havelock; try fresh coconuts and tropical fruit.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar & Sagarika Emporium: Handicrafts, spices, wooden souvenirs.
- Avoid: Coral, seashells, turtle products—illegal to buy/transport.
Culture
- Diverse settler heritage: Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi communities; English and Hindi widely understood.
- Respect protected areas and indigenous tribes; photography and entry are strictly restricted.
Practical Tips (Families, Honeymooners, Friends)
- Families: Choose cabin classes with attached washrooms; carry medicines, snacks, and games for kids; prioritize calmer-season travel (Nov–Apr).
- Honeymooners: Opt for sea-facing resorts in Havelock; plan at least one buffer day for weather; book private transfers and sunset dinners.
- Friends/Groups: Bunk/Second-class cabins are value-friendly; split activity costs; pack light but include a dry bag and power strip.
- Packing: Seasickness meds, sunscreen (reef-safe), hat, quick-dry wear, rain jacket (monsoon), insect repellent, cash for small vendors.
- Safety: Follow crew advisories; wear life jackets on boats; check tide/ currents before swimming.
- Environment: Carry refillable bottles; avoid single-use plastics; stick to marked trails and reefs.
FAQs
Q: Are there luxury cruise liners from Kolkata to Andaman?
A: No. Services are government-operated passenger ships offering basic cabins and facilities, not luxury cruise amenities.
Q: How long does the sea journey from Kolkata to Port Blair take?
A: Typically 60–72 hours, depending on vessel, weather, and port operations.
Q: How often do ships sail from Kolkata?
A: Sailings are infrequent and can be seasonal (often around monthly). Always verify current schedules via official notices before planning.
Q: Can I book tickets online?
A: Online options are limited. Most bookings happen via official counters/offices announced in government notifications. Check the latest process before you go.
Q: What is the best time to plan a cruise-style trip?
A: October to May offers calmer seas and clearer skies. Monsoon (June–September) brings rough seas and potential schedule disruptions.
Conclusion
Cruise trips from Kolkata to the Andaman Islands deliver a classic sea passage rather than a luxury liner experience. If you have time, flexibility, and a taste for ocean horizons, the voyage is memorable—made better by thoughtful planning around schedules, cabin classes, and seasickness prep. Once in Port Blair, island-hop to Havelock and Neil for beaches, dives, and culture, balancing your budget with stays and activities that suit your style.
