Ships for Andaman sail from the major cities of Chennai and Kolkata to Port Blair and sail back with a frequency of approximately three to four times in a month. However, from Visakhapatnam, you can avail a journey by ship only once a month. Your journey by ship will last around 3-4 days, continuing for about 50-60 hours. The ships usually make a stop at Port Blair for 2-4 days.
Suggested Read: Best time to Visit Andaman and Kayaking in Andaman
The ship schedule, cost, and online booking for trips to the Andaman Islands via ships are managed by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) in India. But these schedules, costs and booking procedures are subject to changes with time, so it is best to verify the most current information directly through official sources like the DSS website or authorized travel agents.
You can also check Andaman Tour Packages
Ship Schedule:
Ships to the Andaman Islands depart from ports like Chennai, Kolkata and Vizag. The schedule can vary, and there might not be daily services. It is advisable to check the DSS website or contact them to be updated about the most recent schedule.
- Visit the DSS Website: Look for the official website of the Directorate of Shipping Services, which adeptly manages ship services to the Andaman Islands.
- Check Schedules Online: On the DSS website, there is a section dedicated to ship schedules. If you click the tab or link that directs you to the Andaman ship schedules, you should be able to view the available routes, departure ports and timings along with a systematic compilation of arrival times, days of the week when in service, route details along with time duration of journey.
- Contact DSS Directly: If the information is not available online or if you need further clarification, you may contact the Directorate of Shipping Services directly. They usually have offices in major cities like Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, and it is the best way to get the most accurate and updated schedules and changes in schedules if any.
- Authorized Travel Agents: The authorized travel agents or tour operators usually also have access to the latest ship schedules and they assist you expertly in booking tickets or providing information on all available routes.
Cost:
- The cost of ship tickets can vary based on the class of travel and the route. The classes can be segregated as Deluxe Cabin, First Class Cabin, Second Class Cabin and Bunk Class. Costs also vary due to factors like fuel prices or government regulations. It’s recommended to check the DSS website for the most up-to-date ticket prices. To have any idea of the prices we can highlight fares such as Chennai To Andaman Cruise Fare for a deluxe cabin in a Chennai to Port Blair ship, one has to pay INR 10240, INR 8490 for a First class cabin, INR 6750 for a Second class cabin and INR 2630 for a Bunk Class seat.
- Prices vary from ship to ship — there are various different ships such as M.V. Swaraj Dweep, M.V Campbell Bay, M.V Sindhu and M.V Nallanda.
- Prices of ship fare is dependent on the services provided in various classes or categories. Second class cabin on the ship has 6 beds and an attached hand wash basin, individual cupboards for each bed, small table, and cupboard. Toilet is not attached. First class cabin on the ship has 4 beds and an attached toilet, an individual cupboard for each bed, sofa, and a table. Deluxe class cabin on the ship has 2 beds and an attached toilet, individual cupboard for each bed, sofa, table, and TV. The bunk class in ship generally has 40 to 60 sharing in the block, a common toilet.
Online Booking:
Online booking for ship travel to the Andaman Islands can be done through the official website of the Directorate of Shipping Services or through authorized travel agents affiliated with DSS. The website might have a booking portal for tickets or provide contact details for booking inquiries.
How to book tickets for Andaman online
You can book ship tickets for Andaman online through the various Local travel Agent. The tour and travel people will not only book tickets for you, they will also clarify all your doubts and questions and provide pertinent tips for a smooth travel by sea.
There are authorized departments for issuing tickets such as the DSS, SCI and local CSC. For your reference, we are providing the list of Ship Ticket Advance Reservation Counters where the tickets are issued.
- Assistant Director (Shipping Services) Andaman and Nicobar Administration, (Opp) Customs House, Jawahar Building, 2nd Floor. No. 17, Rajaji Salai, Chennai – 600 001
Tel – (044)25220841 Fax – (044)25231218 - Shipping Corporation of India Ltd. Shipping House, No. 13, Strand Road, Kolkata -700001
Tel – (033)2482354, 2488013 Fax – (033) 2482035, 2480377 - The Directorate of Shipping Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Phoenix Bay, Port Blair – 744101
Tel – (03192) 245555/234299 Fax – (03192) 230480
When booking online, ensure you have all necessary documents, such as identification details, and follow the instructions provided on the website or by the travel agent. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons when tickets might sell out quickly.
Keep in mind that while ships are a budget-friendly way to travel to the Andaman Islands, the journey might take longer compared to flights. Additionally, schedules might be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, so it’s a good idea to stay updated on any changes before your travel date.
