Every year, lakhs of tourists fly to Port Blair, spend a week clicking photos at Radhanagar Beach, and come back. It’s a great trip — no doubt. But they miss the part that actually changes people.
The 3-day voyage across the Bay of Bengal
From Visakhapatnam — the city of destiny — a government passenger ship quietly sets sail once every month. And the people on that ship? They come back different. A little quieter. A little more in love with India. A little more themselves.
That is the Visakhapatnam to Andaman cruise. Not a luxury liner. Not a floating casino. Just you, the open ocean, 1,100 nautical miles of saltwater, and one of the most raw, honest travel experiences this country has to offer.
This guide is for everyone from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and beyond who has ever typed “Vizag se Andaman cruise kaise jaayein” into Google. Let’s answer that — fully, honestly, and with zero fluff.
First Things First — Is There Actually a Cruise from Visakhapatnam to Andaman?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
Most people don’t know this because the Vizag–Andaman ship route gets very little attention compared to Chennai and Kolkata. But the Visakhapatnam Port has been connected to Port Blair by government passenger ships for decades.
Here is the reality check though — before you get too excited:
✅ It sails roughly once a month (unlike Chennai and Kolkata which sail 3-4 times per month) ✅ It’s run by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and Andaman & Nicobar Administration ✅ It is not a luxury cruise — think of it as India’s version of slow travel on the sea ✅ It costs as low as ₹2,630 per person — making it one of the most affordable ways to reach Andaman ✅ The journey takes approximately 56 to 72 hours — roughly 3 days
So yes, it’s real. And yes, it’s worth it — if you’re the right kind of traveller.
The Ships That Sail from Vizag to Port Blair
Two ships are most commonly deployed on the Visakhapatnam to Andaman route. Both are government-operated and run by the Shipping Corporation of India:
🚢 MV Harshavardhana
The most frequently mentioned ship for the Vizag route. It is known for being relatively more reliable and comfortable compared to some older vessels. It carries both passengers and essential cargo to the islands — which actually makes it more stable in mild sea conditions since cargo adds weight and reduces rocking.
🚢 MV Nicobar
One of the most well-known ships on all mainland-to-Andaman routes. Built to carry 300+ cabins and 900+ bunk passengers (over 1,200 total), it’s a large vessel. It operates across the Chennai, Kolkata, and Vizag routes depending on the schedule.
⚠️ Important Notice: The exact ship deployed on the Vizag route can change depending on maintenance schedules, government deployment decisions, and operational requirements. Always confirm which ship is sailing when you book. Don’t assume — verify.
Visakhapatnam to Andaman Cruise Distance & Duration
| Detail | Data |
|---|---|
| Distance from Vizag to Port Blair | ~1,100 to 1,200 nautical miles |
| Journey Duration | 56 to 72 hours (2.5 to 3 days) |
| Departure Port | Visakhapatnam Port (Vizag Port), Andhra Pradesh |
| Arrival Port | Port Blair (Haddo Wharf / Chatham), Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| Frequency | Approximately once a month |
The route cuts across the Bay of Bengal — a stretch of ocean that has its own personality. In winter, it’s calm and blue and generous. In monsoon, it gets moody and rough. More on that later.
Ticket Price – Visakhapatnam to Andaman Ship (2026)
Here is the complete, class-wise ticket price breakdown. These are for non-islanders (tourists). Andaman residents and government employees get subsidised rates.
| Travel Class | Price Per Person | Cabin Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Bunk Class | ₹2,630 | Open dormitory — shared bunk beds, no privacy |
| Second Class Cabin | ₹6,750 | 6 people per cabin, shared bathroom in corridor |
| First Class Cabin | ₹8,490 | 4 people per cabin, attached bathroom |
| Deluxe Cabin | ₹10,240 | 2 people per cabin, attached bathroom, TV, mini fridge |
Prices are based on 2026 data from DSS and SCI. Subject to revision — always check the official DSS portal before booking.
“Which class should I book?” — Answered Honestly
This is the question everyone asks. Here is a plain-English answer for each type of traveller:
If you’re a backpacker or solo traveller on a very tight budget → Bunk Class (₹2,630) works. But go in with full awareness — it’s like a hostel dorm on water. Shared space, shared bathrooms, no personal space. You’ll meet plenty of interesting people though.
If you’re travelling with friends (3-6 people) → Second Class (₹6,750 per person) is a solid choice. You can book the full cabin for your group, and sharing costs makes it comfortable.
If you’re a family with kids → First Class (₹8,490 per person) gives you a 4-bed attached cabin. More private, cleaner experience.
If you’re a couple, honeymooner, or just value privacy → Deluxe Cabin (₹10,240 per person) is the only right answer. 2-bed cabin, attached bathroom, a little more room to breathe. Yes, it costs more — but on a 3-day journey across the ocean, the extra ₹1,750 per night that buys you privacy is absolutely worth it.
💡 The smartest move? Book Deluxe on the way there (for the full experience), and fly back. Best of both worlds.
How to Book Visakhapatnam to Andaman Ship Tickets — Step by Step
This is where many people get confused. Let us make it simple.
Option 1 — DSS Online E-Ticketing (Best Option)
The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) now has an online portal where you can check schedules, fares, berth availability, and book tickets from home.
🌐 Website: dss.andamannicobar.gov.in
⏰ Online booking hours: 12:30 AM to 11:30 PM, every day
How it works:
- Visit the DSS portal and go to the e-ticketing section
- Select your route: Visakhapatnam → Port Blair
- Choose your sailing date and check availability
- Select your class (Bunk / 2nd / 1st / Deluxe)
- Enter passenger details and upload ID proof
- Pay online and download your e-ticket
Tickets typically go live 30 days before the departure date. For popular sailing dates (December, January, Pongal, school holidays), they can sell out within a few hours of release. Keep notifications on.
Option 2 — STARS Counter (In-Person Booking at Vizag Port)
STARS stands for Ship Ticket Advance Reservation System. This is the offline booking counter at the port.
📍 SCI Agent Address in Visakhapatnam: M/s A.V. Bhanoji Rao Garuda Pattabhiramayya & Co. Ltd. (M/s AVBGPR & Co.) Port Area, Visakhapatnam – 530035
⏰ Counter Timings:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Documents to carry when booking:
- 2 passport-size photographs
- Original government photo ID (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport)
- Address proof
- Requisition/booking form (available at the counter)
Pro tip: Reach the counter before 9 AM on the day tickets open for a popular sailing. The queues form early.
Option 3 — Authorized Travel Agents in Vizag
There are authorized travel agents in Visakhapatnam who can book on your behalf and charge a small service fee. Useful if you don’t want to deal with the counter hassle. Make sure they are properly registered with SCI or DSS.
How to Reach Visakhapatnam Port on the Day of Departure
Vizag Port is well within the city, making it very accessible.
| Mode | From | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cab / Auto | Visakhapatnam Railway Station | 15-20 minutes |
| Cab | Vizag Airport (VIAL) | 20-25 minutes |
| Cab | RTC Complex / City Centre | 15 minutes |
⚠️ Reach the port at least 4 to 5 hours before departure. There are security checks, document verification, baggage scanning, and boarding formalities. If you arrive 1-2 hours before — you may not be allowed to board. Don’t take this lightly.
Life on the Ship — Day by Day (What Actually Happens)
Most blogs skip this part. Let’s walk you through what 3 days on the Bay of Bengal actually looks like.
Day 1 — Departure from Vizag
The ship usually departs in the afternoon or evening. As Vizag’s coastline slowly disappears behind you, the first feeling is a mix of excitement and “yaar, ye maine kya kar liya.” Completely normal.
The ship moves into open water by evening. You’ll notice the water colour shifting from coastal brown-green to a deeper teal-blue. This is when it hits you — you are actually in the middle of the ocean.
Evening on the sun deck with a cup of chai from the ship’s canteen while watching the horizon glow orange? That’s a moment money literally cannot buy you on a flight.
Night one can be slightly rough for first-timers as the ship hits open water. Take your Avomine tablet 30-60 minutes before dinner. Eat light. Stay on the upper deck if you feel queasy — fresh air is your best friend.
Day 2 — Deep Ocean Day
This is the most magical day. You wake up, walk to the deck, and look in every direction. No land. No reference point. Just ocean and sky — like the world has been reset.
Watch for flying fish — they skim just above the surface and look like silver darts. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot dolphins riding the bow wave of the ship. During migration season, some travellers have even spotted whale spouts in the distance.
The ship’s canteen opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Simple dal-rice-sabzi — no gourmet meals, but hot and filling. There’s a small shop on the sun deck selling chai, coffee, biscuits, and cold drinks.
The bunk class area has a small cinema hall that runs Hindi movies on a loop — always packed. For everyone else, the sun deck is social hour. You’ll find yourself talking to a government employee from Andaman, a young couple from Hyderabad, a retired teacher from Vizag. These conversations are one of the best parts of the journey.
By evening of Day 2, if the sky is clear and there’s no moon, look over the side of the ship at night. Some travellers report seeing bioluminescent plankton — tiny marine organisms that glow electric blue when disturbed. It looks like the ocean itself is sparkling. You won’t see this from a plane.
Day 3 — The First Glimpse of Andaman
Early morning on Day 3, something shifts. Look towards the horizon and you’ll start to see a faint green line. That green line gets thicker. Darker. More real. Islands. Covered in dense tropical forest, like something from a Bollywood film set.
As the ship enters the harbour, the water turns from deep ocean blue to a clear, shallow turquoise. The smell changes — from pure salt to something tropical and green.
This moment — watching Port Blair emerge from the sea after 3 days of nothing but ocean — is something that every person who has done this journey says they will never forget.
Welcome to Andaman.
What NOT to Expect on the Ship (Be Honest with Yourself)
These are not luxury cruise ships. Here’s a clear list of things you should leave your expectations about at home:
❌ No DJ nights or entertainment shows
❌ No buffet restaurants with live stations
❌ No casino or nightclub
❌ No pool (there is a small pool on the sun deck but it is usually empty/closed)
❌ No strong Wi-Fi or mobile network (once you’re in deep water — digital detox is automatic)
❌ No alcohol (not served or allowed onboard)
❌ No room service
These ships are functional, safe, and operated by the government for the purpose of connecting Andaman to the mainland. Think of them like a very, very long train journey — on water. Once you accept this, you’ll have a brilliant time.
What TO Expect and Bring
✅ A full mobile phone with downloaded movies, songs, podcasts, e-books
✅ Avomine / Dramamine tablets for sea sickness (mandatory — carry extra)
✅ Dry snacks — biscuits, chivda, instant noodles, chocolate
✅ A reusable water bottle
✅ 1-2 novels or a Kindle
✅ Sunscreen (30+ SPF) for long hours on the open deck
✅ One light jacket or shawl — nights on the deck are cooler than you expect
✅ A power bank — charging points may be limited in bunk class
✅ Plastic zip-lock bags to keep documents and phone safe from sea spray
✅ A small first-aid kit with personal medicines
Best Time to Sail from Vizag to Andaman
| Season | Sea Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| November – February | Calm, clear, beautiful | 🟢 Best. Book these sailings first. |
| March – April | Generally smooth | 🟢 Great option |
| May | Getting warmer, mild swells | 🟡 Okay |
| June – September | Monsoon — rough, choppy, cancellations possible | 🔴 Avoid unless you love adventure and risk |
| October | Transition — watch for cyclone warnings | 🟡 Acceptable with flexibility |
The golden window is November to February. The Bay of Bengal is at its calmest. The Andaman beaches are at their most beautiful. And Port Blair’s weather hovers around 22°C to 30°C — perfect for everything.
5 Myths About the Vizag to Andaman Cruise — Busted
Lots of misinformation floats around online. Let’s clean it up:
Myth 1: “The ship is dangerous and unsafe.” Fact: These are government-operated vessels that have been safely running for decades. They carry life jackets, medical staff, and follow maritime safety protocols. Millions of passengers have sailed these routes without issue.
Myth 2: “You need a passport or permit to visit Andaman.” Fact: Indian citizens do NOT need a passport or special permit to visit the main Andaman Islands (Port Blair, Havelock/Swaraj Dweep, Neil/Shaheed Dweep, North Andaman). A valid government ID like Aadhaar or Voter ID is enough.
Myth 3: “The Vizag route has ships daily.” Fact: From Vizag, ships sail approximately once a month. Chennai and Kolkata have 3-4 sailings per month. This is the most critical thing to plan around — missing the one monthly sailing means waiting 30 more days.
Myth 4: “You can book the ticket online easily at any time.” Fact: Tickets for popular dates (December, January, long weekends) sell out within hours of becoming available (30 days before sailing). Online booking is available on the DSS portal but you need to be very prompt.
Myth 5: “The ship sails every day in December and January.” Fact: Even in peak season, the Vizag route has just one sailing per month. Plan your trip around this schedule, not the other way around.
What to Do in Andaman After You Arrive
You’ve done 3 days on the ocean. Now reward yourself properly. Here’s your post-arrival hit list:
🏝️ Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
Asia-ranked beach. Turquoise water, white sand, swaying palms. The sunset here hits differently after 3 days at sea — like Andaman planned the whole experience for this moment.
🤿 Scuba Diving — Even If You’ve Never Dived Before
Havelock Island has certified beginner dive centres. The coral reefs here are among India’s most alive and colourful. See it once and you’ll understand why marine biologists choose Andaman over anywhere else in the country.
🏛️ Cellular Jail Sound & Light Show
The most emotionally powerful experience in Andaman. This is where India’s freedom fighters were imprisoned. The evening show — with narration, lights, and music — will leave grown adults in tears. Do not skip this.
🌴 Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Smaller, quieter, and less touristed than Havelock. The beaches here feel private. The pace of life is slow. Perfect for couples or anyone who wants to decompress.
🌋 Barren Island Cruise (Optional)
A special cruise from Port Blair takes you to Barren Island — home to India’s only active volcano. The DSS itself offers this cruise. It’s not for everyone, but if you want a genuinely rare experience, this is it.
🐠 North Bay Island – Sea Walk
30 minutes from Port Blair by boat. You can do a sea walk here — wearing a special helmet, you walk along the ocean floor and fish swim around you. No diving experience needed.
Visakhapatnam to Andaman — Cruise vs. Flight Comparison
| Factor | Ship from Vizag | Flight (via Chennai/Kolkata) |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Price | ₹2,630 – ₹10,240 | ₹7,000 – ₹18,000+ |
| Journey Time | 56–72 hours | 2–5 hours (with layover) |
| Experience | Unique, once-in-a-lifetime ocean crossing | Standard air travel |
| Frequency | ~Once a month | Daily flights available |
| Convenience | Low — requires advance planning | High |
| What you gain | Ocean sunrises, dolphins, bioluminescence, stories | Time |
| What you lose | Time | The journey |
Our recommendation — and what most experienced travellers do:
👉 Take the ship from Vizag on the way TO Andaman. Fly back on the return.
You get the full 3-day sea experience on the way there, explore Andaman fully, and fly home comfortably. This hybrid approach is hands-down the most satisfying way to do this trip.
Documents Checklist — Don’t Forget Any of These
For booking the ship ticket:
- 2 passport-size photographs
- Original government photo ID (Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport)
- Address proof
For boarding the ship:
- Ship ticket (printed or saved on phone)
- Original government photo ID matching the ticket
- For children: birth certificate for age proof
For Andaman travel (Indian citizens):
- Valid government photo ID — that’s it!
- No separate permit needed for Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, or North Andaman
- ⚠️ For Nicobar Islands: Tribal Area Permit required from A&N Administration (most tourists don’t go here)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Vizag se Andaman cruise kitne ka hai? Ticket prices range from ₹2,630 (Bunk Class) to ₹10,240 (Deluxe Cabin) per person, for non-islanders. Prices are approximate and subject to change.
Q. Kya Vizag se Andaman ke liye ship mahine mein ek hi baar chalti hai? Haan. Chennai aur Kolkata se mahine mein 3-4 sailings hoti hain, lekin Vizag se approximately ek hi sailing hoti hai per month. Isliye timing bahut important hai.
Q. Kitna time lagta hai Visakhapatnam se Port Blair ship se? Approximately 56 to 72 hours — about 2.5 to 3 days depending on sea conditions and route.
Q. Kya online booking ho sakti hai? Haan, DSS ki official e-ticketing website (dss.andamannicobar.gov.in) pe online book kar sakte hain. Tickets 30 days in advance release hote hain.
Q. Sea sickness kitni hogi? It varies by person and weather. November to April mein sea generally calm hoti hai. Avomine tablets zaroor le jaayein aur departure se 30 minutes pehle le lein.
Q. Kya ship mein khana milta hai? Haan. Canteen mein simple Indian meals — dal, rice, sabzi, chapati. Snacks aur chai bhi available hain. Apne saath kuch dry snacks zaroor le jaayein.
Q. Kya Andaman ke liye permit chahiye? Indian citizens ke liye main Andaman islands ke liye koi permit required nahi hai. Valid government ID kaafi hai.
Q. Kya private luxury cruise bhi available hai Vizag se Andaman? 2026 mein no. Only government passenger ships operate on this route. Koi private luxury cruise service nahi hai is route pe abhi.
Q. Kya couples / honeymoon ke liye sahi hai yeh trip? Absolutely — Deluxe Cabin book karein for privacy, and the Andaman islands themselves are one of India’s best honeymoon destinations. Havelock Island aur Neil Island especially romantic hain.
Q. Best time kab hai Vizag to Andaman cruise ke liye? November to February. Best experience with calmest seas and perfect Andaman weather.
Quick Reference Summary
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | Visakhapatnam → Port Blair |
| Distance | ~1,100 nautical miles |
| Duration | 56–72 hours (~3 days) |
| Frequency | ~Once per month |
| Cheapest Ticket | ₹2,630 (Bunk Class) |
| Most Comfortable | ₹10,240 (Deluxe Cabin) |
| Best Ships | MV Harshavardhana, MV Nicobar |
| Book Online | dss.andamannicobar.gov.in |
| Book Offline | STARS Counter, Vizag Port |
| Documents (Indians) | Govt Photo ID + Ticket |
| Best Season | November – February |
| Carry | Avomine, snacks, powerbank, downloaded entertainment |
Final Thought — Should You Do This?
If you’ve read this far, you already know the answer.
The Vizag to Andaman cruise is not for people who want the fastest, easiest trip. It’s for people who believe the journey is as important as the destination. For people who want to know what it feels like to be completely alone with the ocean — no cities, no signals, no noise.
The Bay of Bengal doesn’t offer five-star comfort. It offers something better — perspective.
Three days of open water has a way of making your problems feel very small and your life feel very large.
Go. Book that ticket. Set that alarm for when the DSS portal opens. Pack your Avomine and your favourite playlist.
The sea is waiting for you.
Sources: Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) – Andaman & Nicobar Administration (dss.andamannicobar.gov.in), Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Vizag Port Authority, Travel Triangle, Go2Andaman, Andaman Holidays, StayVista Journal, Andaman Bliss
Disclaimer: Ship schedules, ticket prices, and class availability are subject to change without notice. Schedules may be affected by weather, technical requirements, or operational decisions. Always verify the latest information from the official DSS website or the SCI agent office in Visakhapatnam before booking. The authors are not responsible for any changes after the date of publication.
