# Kolkata to Andaman Cruise: Complete Guide for 2025-26 (Price, Ships, Booking & Tips)
**Ever dreamed of sailing across the Bay of Bengal, watching the open sea stretch endlessly around you — and waking up to the Andaman Islands?** If you're from Kolkata or anywhere in eastern India, you're in luck. The Kolkata to Andaman cruise is one of India's most iconic sea journeys. It's affordable, adventurous, and honestly — it's an experience in itself.
This guide covers everything: which ships run the route, how much it costs, how to book, what to pack, and what to do once you reach Port Blair. No fluff, no jargon — just real, honest information so you can plan your trip with confidence.
---
## Is There Really a Cruise From Kolkata to Andaman?
Yes! But let's set the right expectations first.
This is **not** a 5-star luxury cruise with a swimming pool and a casino. These are **government-operated passenger ships** run by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). Think of it more like a long sea voyage — comfortable, memorable, and budget-friendly.
If you've seen those big white cruise ships in movies and expected that — this isn't it. But if you're someone who loves slow travel, enjoys the raw feeling of the open ocean, and wants a unique story to tell — this journey is absolutely worth it.
---
## Kolkata to Andaman by Ship: Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| **Route** | Kolkata (Haldia Dock Complex) → Port Blair (Haddo Wharf) |
| **Distance** | ~1,297 km |
| **Duration** | 60–72 hours (approx. 3 days) |
| **Frequency** | 3–4 sailings per month |
| **Operated by** | DSS / SCI (Government of India) |
| **Ships on this route** | MV Nicobar, MV Nancowry, MV Harshavardhana |
| **Booking** | STARS DSS e-Ticketing Portal or SCI office |
| **Best Season** | October to April |
---
## Ticket Price: Kolkata to Andaman Cruise Fare 2025
Here's the fare breakdown. All prices are for **non-islanders** (tourists):
| Class | Approx. Fare (One Way) |
|---|---|
| **Bunk Class** | ₹2,630 – ₹3,900 |
| **Second Class Cabin** | ₹4,400 – ₹9,960 |
| **First Class Cabin** | ₹7,240 – ₹12,535 |
| **Deluxe Cabin** | ₹10,240 – ₹15,100 |
> ⚠️ **Note:** Fares vary by ship and are revised periodically. Always check the **official DSS website (dss.andamannicobar.gov.in)** or the **STARS e-ticketing portal** for current prices before booking.
### Which Class Should You Choose?
- **Bunk Class** – Shared dormitory-style beds. Very budget-friendly but you get very little privacy. Good for solo backpackers.
- **Second Class** – Shared cabin with 4-6 berths. Better comfort for a small group.
- **First Class** – Smaller cabin, more privacy. Good for couples or families.
- **Deluxe Cabin** – AC cabin with attached bathroom. The best option for those who want comfort on a sea voyage.
**Our honest recommendation:** If you can afford it, go Deluxe or First Class. Spending 3 days at sea is much more enjoyable when you have a proper cabin and a clean attached bathroom.
---
## How to Book Kolkata to Andaman Ship Ticket
There are two main ways:
### 1. Online – STARS DSS E-Ticketing Portal (Recommended)
- Visit: **dss.andaman.gov.in** (STARS e-Ticketing)
- Create a free account using your mobile number
- Enter journey details, choose vessel and class
- Fill in passenger details with valid ID proof
- Pay online and get tickets on email/SMS
> 💡 **Pro Tip:** E-ticketing is open from 12:30 AM to 11:30 PM IST daily. Book as early as possible — seats fill up fast, especially for Deluxe and First Class.
### 2. Offline – SCI Office in Kolkata
- **Address:** Shipping Corporation of India, Shipping House, No. 13, Strand Road, Kolkata – 700001
- **Phone:** (033) 2482354 / 2488013
- Carry valid photo ID, address proof, and 2 passport-size photos
---
## Which Ships Operate the Kolkata to Andaman Route?
The main vessels on this route are:
- **MV Nicobar** – A reliable and frequently operated ship on the Kolkata route
- **MV Nancowry** – Another government-operated vessel popular with travellers
- **MV Harshavardhana** – A larger ship with better amenities; often described as the most comfortable option
All ships have a canteen/dining hall, open decks, basic medical facilities, and separate restrooms for men and women. Some ships have limited entertainment zones too.
---
## The Journey: What to Expect on Board
### Day 1 – Departure from Haldia
Ships depart from **Haldia Dock Complex** (not central Kolkata — plan your travel to Haldia accordingly, it's about 2–2.5 hours from Kolkata city). You'll go through boarding procedures, cabin allocation, and then — the adventure begins!
As Kolkata's industrial port fades behind you, the water gradually changes colour from murky brown to deep blue. You're officially in the Bay of Bengal.
### Day 2 – Life on the Open Sea
This is the day most travellers remember. There's nothing around you except water and sky. The sunrises and sunsets on the open Bay of Bengal are genuinely breathtaking. Many travellers spot dolphins, flying fish, and seabirds.
Spend time on the open deck. Make chai friends. Read that book you've been putting off. Or just sit and watch the waves for hours — it's more relaxing than it sounds.
### Day 3 – Approaching the Andamans
As you get closer to Port Blair, the water turns a stunning turquoise-green. The first sight of the forested islands of Andaman rising from the sea is something you'll never forget. You dock at **Haddo Wharf** in Port Blair.
---
## Important Things to Carry
- ✅ Original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
- ✅ Printed or digital copy of your ticket
- ✅ Motion sickness tablets (Avomine / Stugeron – highly recommended!)
- ✅ Sunscreen and a light jacket (open decks can be both hot and windy)
- ✅ Enough cash (ATMs may not be available on board)
- ✅ Snacks and water bottles (canteen food is basic)
- ✅ Earplugs (dormitory-class can get noisy at night)
- ✅ Power bank (charging points may be limited)
---
## Best Time to Travel: Kolkata to Andaman by Sea
**October to April** is ideal. The sea is calm, weather is pleasant, and your chance of seasickness is much lower.
**Avoid June to September** (monsoon season). The Bay of Bengal gets rough, ships are often delayed or cancelled, and the experience can be genuinely unpleasant.
The **sweet spot** is **November to February** — calm seas, cool temperatures (22°C–30°C), and gorgeous visibility on the water.
---
## Kolkata to Andaman: Ship vs. Flight — Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Ship | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| **Cost** | ₹2,600–₹15,000 | ₹6,000–₹18,000+ |
| **Time** | 60–72 hours | ~2.5 hours |
| **Experience** | Unique, adventurous | Quick, convenient |
| **Best for** | Slow travellers, budget travellers, experience-seekers | Short trips, families with young children, those short on time |
**Our take:** Take the ship **one way** (Kolkata → Port Blair) and fly back. You get the best of both worlds — the adventure of the sea voyage without the time pressure on your return.
---
## What to Do After Arriving in Port Blair
Once you dock at Port Blair, the fun really begins! Here are the must-visit places:
### Port Blair
- **Cellular Jail (Kalapani)** – A deeply moving historical monument. The Light & Sound show in the evening is a must-watch.
- **Ross Island** – Ruins of the old British colonial HQ. Eerie, beautiful, and historically fascinating.
- **Corbyn's Cove Beach** – Great for a quick swim and relaxing after your sea journey.
- **Samudrika Naval Marine Museum** – Sea shells, coral exhibits, and even a blue whale skeleton!
### Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- **Radhanagar Beach** – Consistently rated one of Asia's best beaches. Trust us, the hype is real.
- **Elephant Beach** – Best for snorkeling, with stunning coral reefs and marine life.
- **Kalapathar Beach** – Perfect for a peaceful sunrise walk.
### Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- **Natural Bridge (Hawra Bridge)** – A stunning natural rock formation by the sea.
- **Bharatpur & Laxmanpur Beaches** – Calm, beautiful, and much less crowded than Havelock.
### Getting Between Islands
Once you're in the Andamans, you travel by inter-island ferries. Both government DSS ferries and private services like **Makruzz**, **Green Ocean**, and **Sea Link** connect Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island.
---
## Suggested Itinerary for Kolkata Travellers (10 Days)
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Sea voyage from Kolkata to Port Blair |
| Day 4 | Arrive Port Blair — rest, Corbyn's Cove, Cellular Jail evening show |
| Day 5 | Ross Island, North Bay (snorkeling), Port Blair sightseeing |
| Day 6–7 | Ferry to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) — Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach |
| Day 8 | Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) — Natural Bridge, beaches |
| Day 9 | Return to Port Blair — shopping, local food |
| Day 10 | Fly back to Kolkata from Veer Savarkar Airport |
---
## Estimated Budget for Kolkata to Andaman Trip (Per Person)
| Item | Budget Range |
|---|---|
| Ship ticket (Kolkata → Port Blair, First Class) | ₹8,000–₹12,000 |
| Return flight (Port Blair → Kolkata) | ₹6,000–₹12,000 |
| Accommodation (5 nights, mid-range) | ₹7,500–₹15,000 |
| Inter-island ferries | ₹2,000–₹4,000 |
| Food (all meals, 7 days) | ₹3,500–₹7,000 |
| Activities & entry tickets | ₹2,000–₹5,000 |
| **Total Estimate** | **₹29,000–₹55,000** |
> This can go higher or lower depending on your accommodation choices and how many water activities you do.
---
## FAQs: Kolkata to Andaman Cruise
**Q: Is there a luxury cruise from Kolkata to Andaman?**
No. There are currently no private luxury cruises operating between Kolkata and Port Blair. All services are government-run passenger ships. These are comfortable but basic — not a 5-star cruise experience.
**Q: How many days does the ship take from Kolkata to Andaman?**
Approximately 3 days (60–72 hours), depending on sea conditions and the specific vessel.
**Q: Can I get seasick on this route?**
Yes, it's possible — especially if you're new to long sea voyages. Carry motion sickness medicine like Avomine. The Bay of Bengal is generally calm between October and April.
**Q: Do I need a permit for Andaman?**
Indian citizens do NOT need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for most of the Andaman Islands. However, if you plan to visit Nicobar Islands, a special permit is required. Foreign nationals have some additional restrictions — check the latest rules before travelling.
**Q: Can I book Kolkata to Andaman ship tickets online?**
Yes! Use the official **STARS DSS e-Ticketing portal** at dss.andamannicobar.gov.in. Book well in advance as seats are limited.
**Q: Is the journey safe?**
Yes. These government ships are well-maintained and have been operating for decades. Life vests and safety equipment are available on board.
**Q: What is the boarding point in Kolkata?**
Ships depart from **Haldia Dock Complex**, not from central Kolkata. Haldia is about 2–2.5 hours from Kolkata city. Plan your travel accordingly and arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
**Q: What food is available on the ship?**
Ships have a canteen serving basic Indian meals — rice, dal, sabzi, and sometimes egg/chicken dishes. The quality is decent but limited. It's a good idea to carry extra snacks, biscuits, and instant noodles.
---
## Final Thoughts: Is the Kolkata to Andaman Cruise Worth It?
**Absolutely — if you have the time.**
Not everyone can take 3 days just to travel one way. But if you can, this journey is something special. There's a kind of magic in watching the crowded, noisy world of Kolkata slowly disappear behind you as you sail into the endless blue of the Bay of Bengal.
The passengers you meet, the dolphins you might spot, the stars on a clear night in the middle of the ocean, and that first breathtaking glimpse of the Andaman Islands from the ship's deck — these are memories that flight tickets can never give you.
For Bengali families, honeymooners looking for a unique experience, solo travellers, or anyone who wants their Andaman holiday to feel like a true adventure — the Kolkata to Andaman cruise is the way to go.
**Book early, pack smart, and enjoy every hour of the journey. The Andamans are waiting.**
---
*For the most updated ship schedules and fares, visit the official STARS DSS e-Ticketing portal: [dss.andamannicobar.gov.in](https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in) or the Andaman & Nicobar Administration website: [andaman.gov.in](https://andaman.gov.in)*
---
*Keywords covered: Kolkata to Andaman cruise, Kolkata to Andaman ship, Kolkata to Andaman by sea, Kolkata to Port Blair ship ticket price, Andaman cruise from Kolkata 2025, ship ticket Kolkata to Andaman booking, Haldia to Port Blair ship, Andaman tour from Kolkata by cruise, how many days Kolkata to Andaman by ship, DSS ship Kolkata Andaman*
