Best Andaman cruise from Kolkata

A flight from Kolkata to Port Blair takes around 2 to 3 hours, making it the fastest way to reach the Andaman Islands. In contrast, the best Andaman cruise from Kolkata takes approximately 60 to 70 hours across the Bay of Bengal.

This sea route continues to operate as part of the regular transport system between the mainland and the islands. It is important to note that it functions primarily as a government-operated passenger ship service, designed for connectivity rather than a luxury cruising experience.

For travellers considering different ways of reaching the Andaman Islands, both air and sea options exist, each offering a very different travel experience in terms of duration, comfort, and overall travel experience. In the guide, we will cover the key details of the Kolkata to Andaman ship route, including the vessels that operate, cabin categories, and what passengers can expect when travelling by sea from the City of Joy to Port Blair.

Important Note: We do 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.

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Cruise or Flight: Which is Better?

Ships Operating From Kolkata To Andaman

MV Nancowry
MV Nicobar
MV Swaraj Dweep
MV Nalanda

Cabin Classes: Choosing What’s Right for You

Best Time to Travel

What To Expect On A Kolkata To Andaman Cruise

Essential Travel Tips for the Cruise

Best Places to Visit in Andaman

Plan Your Andaman Trip with Flying Squirrel Holidays

FAQs

Cruise Or Flight: Which Is Better?

There is no single right choice between the two modes of travel, as it depends on individual preferences, time availability, and travel priorities. When compared side by side, the sea route and air route differ significantly in terms of duration, comfort, and overall travel experience, catering to different types of travellers and trip requirements.

FACTOR	FLIGHTS	CRUISE
Travel time	2 to 3 hours	60 to 70 hours
Luggage	Strict	More flexible baggage allowance
Seasickness risk	None	Moderate (prep with medication)
Experience factor	Standard	Open ocean, stargazing.
Best for	Short trips, business travel	Families, experience-seekers, Oceanic Views

If time is limited and comfort is your main priority, a flight remains the most practical way to travel from Kolkata to the Andaman Islands. On the other hand, the sea route takes significantly longer and offers a very different pace of travel, which may appeal to travellers who are not constrained by time and are open to slower journeys across the Bay of Bengal.

While the best Andaman cruise from Kolkata is often considered as an alternative travel option, it is important to view it in realistic terms as a functional sea passage rather than a leisure-focused cruise experience. For travellers planning their Andaman itinerary, flight-based travel is generally preferred, while the sea route exists as an additional, limited-option mode of connectivity between the mainland and Port Blair.

Our curated Andaman tour packages from Kolkata are designed to ensure smoother logistics, better comfort, and a more time-efficient holiday experience.

The Ships Operating From Kolkata To Andaman

The Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in partnership with the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), operates government passenger vessels between Kolkata’s Kidderpore and Netaji Subhas Dock and Port Blair. Ships don’t run daily; departures happen roughly 3 to 4 times per month, so planning is essential. Here are some of the best Andaman cruises from Kolkata, operating the route:

MV Nancowry:

MV Nancowry is a passenger-cum-cargo vessel operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), serving routes between mainland India and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Vessel profile: Built in 1992, designed as a passenger and general cargo ship for long-distance sea connectivity.
Operational route: Typically operates between Chennai/Kolkata and Port Blair with journey times of approximately 55 to 70 hours.
Capacity and status: Can carry several hundred passengers (around 700 at full capacity) and has undergone periodic safety inspections, with occasional sailings affected due to technical maintenance and regulatory checks.
Cabin Details: Offers multiple cabin classes, including Deluxe and First-Class options.

MV Nicobar:

MV Nicobar is a passenger-cum-cargo vessel operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), serving mainland India and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, offering a budget-oriented multi-day sea travel option with cabin-based accommodation.

Vessel profile: Built in 1991 in Poland, designed as a passenger and cargo ship for long-distance coastal connectivity.
Operational route: Connects Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam with Port Blair; journey duration typically ranges from 60 to 65 hours, depending on the port of departure
Accommodation and booking: Offers multiple cabin classes, including Deluxe and First-Class options; tickets are regulated and issued through the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.

MV Swaraj Dweep:

MV Swaraj Dweep is a passenger-cum-cargo vessel operated under the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, providing essential sea connectivity between mainland India and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Vessel profile: Built in 1999, designed for both passenger transport and cargo operations on long-distance coastal routes.
Operational route: Regularly operates between Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Port Blair, serving as a key link for passengers and essential supplies to the islands.
Capacity and facilities: Accommodates over 1,000 passengers with cabin and dormitory-style arrangements, along with cargo capacity; onboard comfort levels are functional rather than luxury-grade, with basic amenities suited for long-duration voyages.

MV Nalanda:

MV Nalanda is a modern passenger-cum-cargo vessel operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, designed to provide improved connectivity between mainland India and the Andaman Islands with upgraded onboard facilities.

Vessel profile: Designed to carry around 500 passengers, meeting modern maritime safety and classification standards.
Operational route: Primarily serves the Kolkata-Port Blair sector, with scheduled sailings subject to Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) allocation and seasonal demand.
Facilities and services: Equipped with passenger cabins, recreation spaces, and basic medical facilities onboard, offering a more structured and comfortable experience compared to older-generation vessels.

Cabin Classes: Choosing What’s Right For You

All ships offer a tiered accommodation system. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:

Class	Set Up	Best For
Deluxe AC Cabin	2 or 4-berth private/semi-private room with AC	Couples, senior travellers
1st Class Cabin	Small shared cabin, AC, basic furnishings	Comfortable budget option
Bunk Berth (AC)	Shared dormitory-style hall with stacked berths	Solo travellers, backpackers
Bunk Berth (Non-AC)	Same as above, without air conditioning	Budget travellers

Flying Squirrel Holidays’ Tip: If you are prone to motion sickness, request a lower-deck, mid-ship berth when booking. These positions experience the least rolling motion during the crossing.

Best Time To Travel

The best time to travel to the Andaman Islands by ship from Kolkata is between October and May, when sea conditions are relatively calm, and weather remains favourable for long-duration voyages. This period offers a more stable sailing experience and clearer visibility of the Bay of Bengal’s oceanic landscape.

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

The best Andaman cruise from Kolkata can genuinely be a different experience if you know what you are stepping into.

Early mornings at sea are marked by wide open horizons, with occasional sightings of dolphins, flying fish, and other marine life near the vessel, depending on conditions.
Long hours in the middle of the Bay of Bengal create a rare sense of complete disconnection, where time slows down, and you get the opportunity to reconnect with the ocean.
Nights on deck are typically dark due to the absence of city or coastal lighting, with sky visibility depending on weather conditions and cloud cover.
The gradual transition from mainland waters to deep ocean creates a powerful visual shift in sea colour, mood, and atmosphere.
The overall journey is best understood as a slow, multi-day sea transit, which is significantly different in pace and structure compared to air travel to the islands.

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 like light snacks, entertainment, and personal comfort items, as onboard options are basic.

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.

Best Places to Visit in Andaman

1. Radhanagar Beach (Havelock Island)

Often ranked among Asia’s finest beaches, Radhanagar is known for its white sand and turquoise waters. 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 (Port Blair)

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 (Havelock Island)

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.

Plan Your Andaman Trip with Flying Squirrel Holidays

Travellers planning a trip to the Andaman Islands can choose between air and sea routes depending on time, availability, and travel preference. While flight-based itineraries are the most commonly preferred option due to shorter travel time, the Kolkata to Port Blair sea route also continues to operate as a transport alternative with limited sailings.

For complete Andaman holiday planning, including hotels and inter-island transfers, you can explore our Andaman tour packages from Kolkata.

For guided assistance and itinerary planning, connect with our travel experts:

Email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com

FAQs About The Andaman Cruise Trip

1. Can you elaborate on sea sickness affecting the passengers during the journey?

Seasickness is a form of motion sickness that can occur during rough sea conditions. Common symptoms include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and occasional vomiting. It is usually temporary and can be managed with medication.

2. What do I need to do in case of a medical emergency?

Basic medical care is available through Primary Health Centres (PHCs) on many inhabited islands. In case of serious emergencies, patients are referred to GB Pant Hospital, which is the main referral hospital in the region offering specialised treatment.

3. Do I need permits to go to the neighbouring island?

Permits are not required for visiting most tourist islands like Havelock or Neil Island. However, special permission from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration is required to access restricted tribal areas, and such visits are generally not allowed for tourists.