Best Andaman cruise from Kolkata

Thinking about taking a ship from Kolkata to the Andaman Islands?

It is a very different experience than taking a flight. A Kolkata to Andaman cruise takes approximately three days across the Bay of Bengal.

Before you start looking for the cruises, though, there is an important distinction to understand.

These are not conventional holiday cruises. The ships operating between Kolkata and the Andaman Islands are government-operated passenger vessels primarily used to connect mainland India with the islands.

So it is not about luxury but about spending a few days in the quiet of the ocean, without the rush or traffic, with clear skies reflecting before your eyes.  For some travellers, that slower pace is part of the appeal. For others, flying simply makes more sense.

So, is travelling to Andaman by ship right for you? What is the Kolkata to Andaman cruise ticket price? And how can you actually book a ticket?

In this guide, we will take you through the Kolkata to Port Blair ship journey, including the vessels operating the route, cruise ticket prices, cabin classes, booking information, and what you can expect along the way.

Important Note: Flying Squirrel Holidays does not provide or arrange cruise tickets for the Kolkata to Andaman route. This guide is only meant to help travellers understand the sea travel option available between Kolkata and the Andaman Islands as part of broader trip planning.

Kolkata to Andaman by Cruise or by Flight?

This is probably the first thing you must decide.

Flying from Kolkata to Port Blair takes only two to three hours. A ship takes roughly three days. So the choice is not about which one is better; it is about what kind of journey you want.

	Flight	Ship
Journey time	Around 2-3 hours	Around 60 – 70 hours
Travel style	Quick and convenient	Slow and unhurried
Sailing frequency	Regular	Limited sailings
Accommodation	Airline seating	Seats, bunks and cabins, depending on vessel
Ideal for	Shorter holidays	Travellers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination

If you are short on time and want the easiest journey, fly. It is the simplest and most convenient way to travel from Kolkata to the Andaman Islands.

But if you prefer to spend more time watching the Bay of Bengal, the journey on the ship has its own charm.

For travellers planning their Andaman itinerary, a flight is generally preferred, while the sea route serves as an additional, limited option for travel between the mainland and Port Blair.

Our curated Andaman tour packages from Kolkata are designed to ensure smoother logistics, greater comfort, and a more time-efficient holiday experience, the way you want it.

Kolkata to Andaman Cruise Price: What Does a Ticket Cost?

Still, if you are considering travelling from Kolkata to the Andaman Islands by ship, prices depend on the type of vessel and the class of accommodation you choose.

Let’s start with the actual numbers for Kolkata-to-Port Blair cruise prices and accommodation types:

Vessel	Accommodation type	One-way fare
MV Swaraj Dweep / MV Campbell Bay	Bunk	₹ 4,115
	Second class	₹ 10,495
	First class	₹ 13,195
	Deluxe	₹ 15,905
MV Sindhu / MV Nalanda	Seat	₹ 2,950
	Bunk	₹ 4,515
	Second class	₹ 11,535
	First class	₹ 14,520
	Deluxe	₹ 17,485

The fares above are the current prices listed by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), which operates the passenger ships between Kolkata and the Andaman Islands.

Since the fare depends on the ship and the class of accommodation, the Kolkata to Andaman cruise ticket price can vary from one sailing to another. Taxes and applicable charges are extra.

These prices can change, so it is always a good idea to check the latest fare for your sailing before booking.

The Ships Operating From Kolkata To Andaman

Now that you have a clear idea of the fare, the next thing to look at is the ship itself.

What are the ships that operate from Kolkata to Andaman Islands?

The Andaman & Nicobar Administration’s Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) operates these passenger services between Kolkata and Port Blair. They leave from the Kidderpore (Khidirpur) dock area at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port and arrive at Haddo Wharf in Port Blair.

They don’t sail every day, and the schedule is released only about a month ahead, so it helps to plan early.

Here are the ships currently on the passenger ship route from Kolkata to Port Blair:

MV Swaraj Dweep

If you are considering a cruise from Kolkata to the Andaman Islands, MV Swaraj Dweep is one of the vessels you must consider. It is one of the main links carrying both travellers and essential supplies to the islands.

About the ship: Built in 1999 for both passengers and cargo on long coastal routes.

Route: Connects Kolkata, Chennai and Visakhapatnam with Port Blair.

Capacity and facilities: Carries over 1,000 passengers, with cabins and dormitory-style berths.

MV Campbell Bay

MV Campbell Bay is another vessel you may consider when looking at a Kolkata to Andaman cruise. It is managed by Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) for the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.

About the ship: Built in 2012 as a passenger-cum-cargo vessel.

Route: primarily serves as an inter-island vessel, although it has also been assigned to mainland sailings from Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram) to Kolkata and Chennai.

Capacity and facilities: Can carry around 500 passengers, with different accommodation classes available depending on the sailing.

MV Sindhu

MV Sindhu is one of the newer vessels in the DSS fleet and is another option you may see when planning Kolkata to Andaman by ship.

About the ship: Built in 2021, MV Sindhu is a 500-passenger vessel designed to carry both passengers and cargo.

Route: DSS classifies it as an inter-island vessel, although it is included in the current mainland fare structure and has been used for scheduled services.

Capacity and facilities: It can carry up to 500 passengers and offers Seat, Bunk, Second Class, First Class and Deluxe accommodation, depending on the sailing.

MV Nalanda

MV Nalanda is another relatively new vessel you may see among the Kolkata-to-Port Blair cruise options. Like MV Sindhu, it was built with both passenger and cargo movement in mind and has been used for mainland sailings.

About the ship: Built in 2021, MV Nalanda was designed as a passenger-cum-cargo vessel for the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. It started its service in 2022.

Route: Classified as an inter-island vessel, it also serves on the mainland route, including Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam.

Capacity and facilities: It can carry up to 500 passengers, with Seat, Bunk, Second Class, First Class and Deluxe accommodation available under the current fare structure.

Three days at sea can get you there. The way you experience the Andamans is entirely your own.  What will you see? How will you spend your days? Which experiences will stay with you long after you return?

Explore our Andaman tour packages from Kolkata and discover different ways to experience the islands. Or simply talk to the travel experts at Flying Squirrel Holidays and start planning a journey you’ll love.

Cabin Classes: What’s Right for You?

When it comes to spending almost three days, the choice of accommodation can make a difference to the journey. The ships have different classes, from simple shared seating and berths to more private accommodation.

Class	What to expect	Good for
Deluxe	More private and comfortable accommodation	Travellers who prefer greater comfort
1st Class	Private or more comfortable cabin accommodation	Couples and travellers looking for more privacy
2nd Class	Simpler cabin accommodation	Travellers looking for a balance between comfort and cost
Bunk	Shared berth accommodation	Budget-conscious travellers
Seat	Basic seating accommodation on vessels where available	Travellers looking for the lowest fare

When Is the Best Time for an Andaman Cruise From Kolkata?

The time of year can make quite a difference when you are spending close to three days onboard.

October to May is generally a more comfortable period for a Kolkata to Andaman cruise, while the monsoon months can bring rougher seas and heavier rain. This period offers a more stable sailing experience and clearer views of the Bay of Bengal’s seascape.

October to March: Peak travel season with pleasant temperatures, calm seas, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and island exploration.

April to May: Warmer but operationally stable period, often preferred by travellers seeking fewer crowds and a quieter experience.

June to September: Monsoon season, generally avoided due to rough sea conditions, heavy rainfall, and possible disruptions or cancellations in sailings.

What To Expect On A Kolkata To Andaman Cruise

Before you choose to travel by one of the best Andaman cruises from Kolkata, there are things you must know.

• Mornings begin with little more than the sea and the horizon around you. You may occasionally spot dolphins, flying fish or other marine life, although sightings are never guaranteed.
• You will spend long stretches surrounded by open water, with no towns, roads or landmarks in sight. It is a chance to slow down and simply enjoy being away from the usual rush of travel.
• Once night falls, the view changes completely. There are very few lights around you, so the deck can feel surprisingly dark and peaceful. On a clear night, you may even get a good view of the sky.
• Most importantly, this is a three-day sea journey. Nowhere to rush to, and that slower pace is something to enjoy if you are comfortable spending several days onboard.

How to Book a Kolkata to Andaman Ship

Once you have your travel dates in mind, booking the ship is fairly straightforward. Tickets for mainland sailings are available through the STARS e-Ticketing Portal operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS). You can also use the DSS website to check the latest sailing schedule, fare and berth availability.

Here is how the process works:

Register: Create an account on the DSS e-Ticketing Portal with your mobile number and personal details.

Check the sailing: Select the source, destination, and your travel date to see available ships, fares, and options.

Enter passenger details: Choose your accommodation and provide the required passenger and ID details.

Make the payment: Complete the online payment and save your e-ticket and PNR details.

Reach the port early: Report at least two hours before departure and carry the original ID used for the booking.

Best Places to Visit in Andaman

Once your ship is booked, you can start thinking about what you want to do after you reach the islands.

Andaman is not only about beaches. You can spend a day exploring its history, head out on the water, or simply find a quiet stretch of coast and take things slower.

Here are a few places worth making time for:

1. Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar Beach is one of the well-known beaches on Swaraj Dweep, formerly Havelock Island. The sunset here feels almost unreal, with the sky melting into shades of gold and orange. It is a calm, untouched stretch perfect for slow walks and quiet moments by the sea.

2. Cellular Jail

A visit to Andaman is also a chance to understand an important part of India’s freedom struggle. A powerful reminder of India’s colonial past, this historic prison carries deep emotional weight.

The light and sound show in the evening brings its stories of struggle and sacrifice to life.

It is not just a monument, but an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

3. Elephant Beach

Famous for its shallow waters and vibrant coral reefs, Elephant Beach is a hub for several water activities. Snorkelling here feels like entering a living aquarium filled with colourful marine life.

It’s lively, adventurous, and perfect for underwater exploration.

4. Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)

Once the administrative headquarters of the British, Ross Island now stands in haunting ruins.

Deer roam freely through moss-covered structures overtaken by nature over time.

It offers a unique blend of history, silence, and surreal beauty.

5. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

A quieter counterpart to Havelock, Neil Island is all about laid-back island life. Its natural rock formations and clear lagoons make it incredibly scenic and peaceful. It’s ideal for travellers who want to slow down and simply breathe in nature.

Essential Travel Tips for the Cruise

Book and plan well in advance: Cruises are limited and not daily, so securing tickets early is crucial, especially during peak season.

Prepare for a long journey: Carry essentials such as light snacks, entertainment, and personal comfort items, as onboard options are limited.

Manage motion sickness: The Bay of Bengal can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to carry medication and start it before departure if needed.

Arrive early at the port: Boarding procedures at Kolkata’s dock can be time-consuming,

requiring several hours for check-in and security.

Andaman Is More Than How You Get There

The way you reach the Andamans is only one part of the trip. Once you arrive, the real choices begin: which islands to explore, where to stay, how much time to give each place and what kind of days you want to have.

You might want a few quiet days by the sea, spend more time exploring the islands, or bring several different experiences into the same trip.

When you are looking beyond just an ordinary Andaman holiday, explore our Andaman tour packages from Kolkata or talk to a travel expert at Flying Squirrel Holidays about putting together a journey that feels right for you.

To start planning, call Flying Squirrel Holidays at +91 33 4052 5777 / +91 833 697 8737 or email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com.

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