Chennai to Andaman Ship — Everything You Need to Know
Available from the ports of Kolkata, Vizag, and Chennai, these cruises are gigantic ships run and managed by the Shipping Corporation of India and make for a wonderful 3-4 day odyssey from the coast of the Indian mainland to Andamans. Chennai Port is the most renowned among the all 3 with the most number of ships operating from there. MV Nicobar, MV Nancowry, MV Akbar, MV Harshavardhana, and MV Swaraj Dweep are the ships running back and forth from Chennai. You can find below information including, Chennai to Andaman cruise fare, 2025, Kolkata to Andaman ship fare, Kolkata to Port Blair ship, luxury cruise from Chennai to Andaman, Chennai to Andaman travel time, Chennai to Andaman ship schedule 2025, Chennai to Andaman ship ticket price 2025.
Differences Between Ferry, Ship & Cruise to Andaman
When planning a journey from the Indian mainland to the Andaman Islands, travelers often come across terms like ferry, ship, and cruise. While these words are sometimes used interchangeably, each mode has distinct features, purposes, and travel experiences. Here’s how they differ:
1. Ferry
- Purpose: Primarily designed for regular, short-to-medium distance transport of passengers and sometimes vehicles.
- Operation: Ferries run on fixed schedules, connecting major ports like Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag to Port Blair.
- Amenities: Generally basic, focusing on transportation rather than leisure. Seating can be simple, with limited food options and modest restrooms.
- Suitability: Ideal for budget travelers or those seeking essential, no-frills sea travel.
2. Ship
- Purpose: Larger passenger vessels, often operated by government authorities (e.g., Shipping Corporation of India), connecting mainland cities to the Andaman Islands.
- Operation: These ships undertake longer voyages, usually spanning 2-3 days to cover distances like Chennai–Port Blair or Kolkata–Port Blair.
- Amenities: Ships offer various classes (bunk, cabin, deluxe), dining facilities, air conditioning in premium classes, and basic onboard services.
- Suitability: Practical for those prioritizing affordability, the experience of sea travel, and flexible amenities during the journey.
3. Cruise
- Purpose: Cruises are premium vessels designed to provide a luxurious, leisure-oriented travel experience alongside transportation.
- Operation: Not all sectors offer true “cruise” services. When available, cruises focus on comfort, entertainment, and onboard hospitality in addition to connecting the mainland to the Andamans.
- Amenities: Cruises may include luxury cabins, gourmet restaurants, pools, entertainment options, kids’ play areas, spas, and more.
- Suitability: Perfect for travelers seeking a vacation-like journey with upscale amenities and activities as part of the trip.
In summary:
- Ferry: Budget, essential transportation, fewer frills
- Ship: Government-run, longer voyages with class options
- Cruise: Leisure-focused, luxury experience, premium services
Top Sea Routes for Cruises to Andaman in 2025
- Kolkata – Port Blair
- Chennai – Port Blair
- Vishakhapatnam – Port Blair
1. Kolkata – Port Blair
This is the longest route among the three popular sea routes to Port Blair, Andaman. The Kolkata to Andaman ship journey works best when you travel in the months of January, February, March, April, and November. If you suffer from seasickness then opt for this cruise to Andaman as these are the months with the least seasickness.
Frequency: Once a week (approximately), 3-4 times a month
Total Distance Traveled: 1302 km
Total Time Taken: 70 hours approximately
Starts From: Kolkata
Ends At: Port Blair
Address Of SCI, Kolkata: Shipping House Number 13, Strand Road, Kolkata-17
2. Chennai – Port Blair
If you are a resident of Chennai city, then a Chennai to Andaman cruise is very much feasible and you can easily make bookings and board. But if you are a non-resident who is planning to board from Chennai, make sure you also consider and calculate your time and expenses of reaching the city. It is better to take advice from a tour operator who can guide you and make the right bookings for this luxury cruise to Andaman.
Frequency: Once a week (approximately), 3-4 times a month
Total Distance Traveled: 1362 km
Total Time Taken: 60 hours approximately
Starts From: Chennai Port
Ends At: Port Blair
Total Seats: NA
Address Of SCI, Chennai: Gate Number 1, Port Trust, Rajaji Salai, Opposite Customs Office, Chennai-1
3. Vishakhapatnam – Port Blair
Exploring Andaman is an adventure in itself, but traveling to this Indian island through sea-route on a cruise takes the excitement to another level. Though it is less time taking to reach here through the airway, a tour of a cruise to Andaman is an experience worth living at least once is a lifetime.
Frequency: Once a month
Total Distance Traveled: 1224 km
Total Time Taken: 56 hours approximately
Starts From: Vishakhapatnam
Ends At: Port Blair
Address Of SCI, Visakhapatnam: M/S A.V Bhanoji Rao Garuda Pattabhiramayya & Co. Ltd. Post Box No-17, Visakhapatnam
Note: Currently there is no online portal for booking ships to Andaman. Tourists must be present at the STARS (Ship Ticket Advance Reservation System) office located in Kolkata, Vishakhapatnam, or Chennai to get their tickets.
5 Government-Run Sea Cruise To Andaman In 2025
Only government-run cruises operate from the Indian mainland to Andaman. With 3-4 sailings per month from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair and 1 sailing per month from Visakhapatnam to Port Blair and vice-versa, you must be prompt with the bookings. The ticket price varies from INR 900 to INR 10000 depending on the class of accommodation you opt for.
To book a ticket one must carry 2 passport size photographs, government identity proof, and address proof along with the requisition form. The wonderful voyage takes close to 4 days to complete in normal weather conditions. Some of the most popular ships for a trip to Andaman cruise are listed below along with the Andaman cruise fare:
- MV Nicobar
- MV Nancowry
- MV Swarajdweep
- MV Harshavardhana
- MV Akbar
1. MV Nicobar
MV Nicobar operates from Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Kolkata to Port Blair. Assure yourself a memorable trip to Andaman by ship. The MV Nicobar cruise prices given below are for non-islanders. The ship has 300 cabins, 900 bunks or decks, and can carry a total of 1200 passengers, making it one of the best cruise to Andaman.
Deluxe Cabin: INR 10,240
1st Class Cabin: INR 8,490
2nd Class Cabin: INR 6,750
Bunk Class: INR 2,630
2. MV Nancowry
Also known to carry cargo loads, MV Nancowry operates from Chennai to Andaman (Port Blair) and is a majestic ship to embark on. The entire proceeding and departure of the ship can be coordinated from the SCI office at Chennai. The MV Nancowry cruise prices given below are for non-islanders. The ship has 300 cabins, 900 bunks or decks, and can carry a total of 1200 passengers.
Deluxe Cabin: INR 10,240
1st Class Cabin: INR 8,490
2nd Class Cabin: INR 6,750
Bunk Class: INR 2,630
3. MV Swarajdweep
Of all the popular cruises to Andaman, MV Swarajdweep makes a popular ride. The passenger ship sails from Chennai port and reaches Port Blair on the 3rd day. The MV Swarajdweep cruise prices given below are for non-islanders. The ship has 300 cabins, 900 bunks or decks, and can carry a total of 1200 passengers and one of the best options for cruise ship to Andaman.
Deluxe Cabin: INR 10,240
1st Class Cabin: INR 8,490
2nd Class Cabin: INR 6,750
Bunk Class: INR 2,630
4. MV Harshavardhana
One of the most renowned ships operating between Kolkata and Visakhapatnam to Port Blair, MV Harshavardhana is one amazing company for your memorable voyage. The MV Harshavardhana cruise prices given below are for non-islanders. The ship has 153 cabins, 595 bunks or decks and can carry a total of 748 passengers.
Deluxe Cabin: INR 10,240
1st Class Cabin: INR 8,490
2nd Class ‘A’ Cabin: INR 6,750
2nd Class ‘B’ Cabin: INR 5,210
Bunk Class: INR 2,630
5. MV Akbar
Mostly plying between Kolkata – Port Blair and Visakhapatnam – Port Blair, MV Akbar is the oldest operating ship to Andaman. The MV Akbar cruise prices given below are for non-islanders. The ship has 121 cabins, 1414 bunks or decks, and can carry a total of 1535 passengers.
Deluxe Cabin: INR 10,240
1st Class Cabin: INR 7,240
2nd Class Cabin: INR 4,400
Bunk Class: INR 2,290
Note: Foreigners must take a permit of 30 days before visiting the island, which can be further extended up to 15 days more. Indians, too, need to obtain a special permit from the office of Deputy Commissioner of Andaman at the port, if one plans to travel to the nearby islands inhabited by tribes.
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