Camila
Andaman Islands are only reachable via flights and ships from mainland India. Out of the two (flights and ships), air travel is a popular and convenient option for most tourists. However, those who seek to enjoy the views of the beautiful sea or the bay, should opt for sea travel. Although not a popular choice of travel amongst tourists, a ship voyage still fascinates a lot of travellers. And many Andaman islanders choose ship travel to ply back and forth between India and the Andaman Islands.
There are only three Indian sea ports from where you can board a ship to the Andaman Island. These three Indian ports are in Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag. Out of these three ports, the best port is Chennai, as it provides the most number of vessels to journey between India and Port Blair’s Haddo Jetty. Kolkata and Vizag provide a limited number of vessels to Andaman.
In this blog, we will learn how to reach Andaman by ship, where to buy ship tickets and where to board ship from
How to Reach Andaman by Ship: Step-by-Step Process
To reach Andaman via ship you need to check availability of ships and book at least one month in advance. Here is how you should proceed:
- Check the Ship Availability:
Check the official website of Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) to check which ship is available for Andaman and when it will depart. Since the Indian government operates all the ships, it is best to check the official government website for schedules and fares.
- Choose Your Preferred Route & Port:
Your convenience is paramount, hence choose a ship and sea port that is easily accessible. Make sure your chosen sea port also offers the maximum number of sea vessels to travel across. The three ports are Chennai (most number of vessels), Kolkata, and Vizag (just one sea vessel).
- Book Ship Tickets:
If you are wondering where to book ship tickets from, please read below:
There are three ways to book ship tickets from Andaman. The first way is to directly book through the website of DSS by registering on STARS e-tickets. The e-ticketing timing for reservation of Ship tickets is 09:00 am to 04:00 pm. The second way is to ask a travel operator to arrange tickets for you. The third and final is to physically purchase the ship ticket from the ticket counters at sea ports. But do know that sometimes due to heavy demand, the tickets get sold out so it is always advisable to book in advance.
- Provide ID and Pay the Fare:
Keep your photo identity proof issued by the Central / State Government ready while booking a ticket. Once the ticket is booked and make payment. You will receive confirmation of the same, save it in PDF or get it printed.
- Track Ship Information:
Track all the information such as Real time Voyage Schedule, Availability, Fare, and PNR Status, through the DSS Official Website under the Online Enquiry Service section. This way you will stay updated about the change or update in the schedule.
- Reach the Port Before Departure:
On the day of departure, reach your chosen sea port (Chennai, Kolkata or Vizag) on time, complete the boarding process and sail away.
5 Cruises/ Vessels From India to the Andaman Islands
There are only government operated sea vessels that ply back and forth between India and the Andaman Island. These ships are essential to provide an alternate travel option to tourists and travellers of both Andamans and mainland India.
1. MV Swaraj Dweep
The most preferred ship to travel back and forth between Andaman’s Port Blair and India’s Chennai and Vizag is MV Swaraj Dweep. This vessel was built in 1999 and since then has been a useful transportation option between India and Andamans. It is used both as a passenger as well as a cargo ship. MV Swaraj Dweep offers Deluxe Cabin, 1st Class Cabin, 2nd Class Cabin, and Bunk class. It can accommodate around 1200 passengers at a time.
Costs for Non-Islanders:
Deluxe Cabin – ₹14420
1st Class Cabin – ₹11965
2nd Class Cabin – ₹9515
Bunk – ₹3725
2. MV Campbell Bay
MV Campbell Bay generally operates between Chennai, Vizag, and Port Blair. This passenger ship has a length of 125 meters and width of 18.02 meters. It can accommodate 500 passengers in its Deluxe Cabin, 1st Class Cabin, 2nd Class Cabin, and Bunk class. The deluxe cabin has two beds with an attached bathroom and good air conditioning. It is one of the best vessels to travel Andamans.
Costs for Non-Islanders:
Deluxe Cabin – ₹14420
1st Class Cabin – ₹11965
2nd Class Cabin – ₹9515
Bunk – ₹3725
3. MV Sindhu
For a smooth, safe and fast journey to Andamans, board MV Sindhu which meets both Indian and international safety standards. This vessel offers value for money travel experience. Despite its modern amenities and essential services, the vessel only charges ₹4095 for bunk class and ₹15,855 for Deluxe Class. With an onboard hospital, gym, and delicious food, MV Sindhu is the best in its league. This amazing vessel can carry up to 199 passengers, including four infants and 134 tons of cargo.
Costs for Non-Islanders:
Deluxe Cabin – ₹15855
1st Class Cabin – ₹13165
2nd Class Cabin – ₹10460
Bunk – ₹4095
4. MV Nalanda
MV Nalanda is a fairly new addition to the fleet of ships plying between India and Andamans. Built in 2022, it offers a spectacular experience of sea travel for passengers between mainland India and Port Blair. The ship is 99.87 meters in length and its width (beam) is 17.50 meters. MV Nalanda has a cruising speed of 16 knots per hour. This ship has 12 amazing deluxe cabins, 32 first class cabins, 36 second class cabins, 74 seats, and 346 Bunk class. It can accommodate 500 passengers and up to 150 tonnes of cargo.
Costs for Non-Islanders:
Deluxe Cabin – ₹15855
1st Class Cabin – ₹13165
2nd Class Cabin – ₹10460
Bunk – ₹4095
5. MV Harshvardhana
MV Hashvardhana plys from Kolkata, Vizag, and Chennai and is one of the most renowned vessels to travel between mainland India and the Andaman Islands. It can carry a total of 748 passengers in its 153 cabins and 595 bunks. The ship operated from Kolkata and Chennai to Port Blair twice a month and once in three months from Vizag. Enjoy the luxurious stay sunbathing and soaking in the sea views from this vessel.
Costs for Non-Islanders:
Deluxe Cabin – ₹10240
1st Class Cabin – ₹8490
2nd Class Cabin – ₹6750
Bunk – ₹2630
Andaman by Ship: Things to note
- The sea vessels operate only 3 to 4 times a month, depending on their schedule. You can check the schedule at (Directorate of Shipping Services) DSS website. There is a section that offers all the ships schedules and related information.
- To learn more about ship booking and schedule, you can also contact authorised Andaman tour operators that manage sea travel for tourists from mainland India.
- The prices mentioned above are as per revised fare for 2024-25. They are exclusive of taxes, port charges and are subject to change.
Don’t stall your Andaman travel plans any further. If you want to reach Andamans by sea travel, book an Andaman tour package, and get going!
