If you are an adventurous person you might consider going to Andaman via ship. Now, let me hold your hand while telling you this since it might get a little daunting, If you want to travel by ship, you need to know about the basic things possible, like what should be the ideal span of travel or the cost. If you are more on the adventurous side of travelling, opting for a ship would surely be like a dream come true.

In this blog, we will explore everything about travelling by ship or flight, how to reach your destination via a ship or how to book. 

How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands by Ship

There are honestly so many ways by which you can reach your destination. 

Main departure ports in mainland India:

• Kolkata
• Chennai
• Visakhapatnam

Arrival port in Andaman:

• Port Blair – it the capital city and main harbour

Important points about ship travel:

• To be honest, Ships take 3 to 4 days to reach Port Blair
• The Routes cross the Bay of Bengal
• The Sailings are limited and not daily
• The Weather conditions affect schedules
• The Advance planning is essential

Ship travel is ideal for travellers who are not in a hurry and want a budget-friendly, adventurous journey.

Passenger Ships Operating to Andaman

Passenger ships are operated under government supervision and follow strict safety protocols.

Commonly used passenger ships include:

• Shipping Corporation of India vessels
• Directorate of Shipping Services managed ships

Types of ships:

• Conventional passenger ships
• Cargo-passenger combination vessels

General onboard facilities:

• Sleeping cabins
• Common dining areas
• Medical room
• Life jackets and safety equipment
• Open decks for sea viewing

These ships are functional rather than luxurious, designed primarily for transport.

Ship Schedule to Andaman: What to Expect

Unlike flights, ship schedules are not fixed daily.

Typical schedule characteristics:

• The Sailings announced monthly
• The Subject to weather and sea conditions
• The Cyclone season may cause cancellations
• The Longer boarding and security procedures

Approximate sailing frequency by port:

• Kolkata: 1–2 sailings per month
• Chennai: 2–3 sailings per month
• Visakhapatnam: Limited seasonal sailings

Always remember:

• The Ship schedules can change without short notice
• The Flexibility is key when choosing sea travel

Andaman Nicobar Tour by Ship Cost

Let’s break down pricing clearly.

Ticket Cost (One Way)

• Bunk class: ?1,500 – ?2,500
• Cabin (Non-AC): ?3,500 – ?5,000
• AC cabin: ?6,000 – ?8,000
• Deluxe cabin: ?8,500 – ?10,000+

Overall Cost Comparison

• Ship: ?2,000 – ?12,000
• Flight: ?5,000 – ?12,000+

Ships can be cheaper, but take much longer.

Online Ship Ticket Booking for Andaman

This is where most people get confused.

1. Government Booking

• Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS)
• Official counters in cities

2. Online Booking

• DSS e-ticket portal (limited availability)
• Advance booking windows are short

Important Notes

• Tickets are released monthly
• Need valid ID proof
• Must report 2 hours before departure

Online ship ticket booking for Andaman is limited, so plan early.

Frequency of Ships

Here are the frequency of the ships. 

How Often Ships Run

• 3–4 sailings per month from Chennai/Kolkata
• 1–2 sailings per month from Visakhapatnam

Not daily — planning is essential.

Andaman Nicobar Tour Package by Ship

If you want everything arranged, packages are available.

What Packages Include

• Ship tickets (to & fro)
• Hotel stay in Port Blair, Havelock, Neil
• Local ferry transfers
• Sightseeing

Ideal Duration

• 7–10 days (including ship travel)

Packages reduce planning stress.

Pros & Cons of Traveling by Ship

Here are the pros and cons of traveling via ship. 

Advantages

• Unique ocean travel experience
• Budget-friendly option
• Scenic journey

Disadvantages

• Long travel time (3+ days)
• Limited comfort
• Sea sickness risk
• Fixed schedule

Not for everyone — choose wisely.

Important Documents & Rules for Ship Travel

Before boarding, ensure you have:

• Valid government photo ID
• Printed ship ticket
• Boarding pass (issued at port)

Security rules:

• Luggage checks before boarding
• Restricted items not allowed
• Follow crew instructions strictly

Best Time to Travel to Andaman by Ship

Best season:

• October to May

Why this period is preferred:

• Calmer seas
• Lower chance of cancellation
• Pleasant weather

Avoid:

• Peak monsoon months (June to September)
• Cyclone alerts

Arrival at Port Blair by Ship

Upon arrival at Port Blair:

• Disembarkation takes time
• Luggage checks conducted
• Taxis and autos available outside harbor
• Hotels usually arrange pickups in advance

Nearby attractions include:

• Cellular Jail
• Corbyn’s Cove Beach
• Local markets

Practical Tips for Ship Travel to Andaman

• Book tickets well in advance
• Keep extra buffer days
• Pack light but smart
• Carry enough cash
• Be mentally prepared for delays
• Choose cabin carefully
• Keep motion sickness medicine handy

FAQs

1. How to reach Andaman and Nicobar Islands by ship?

You can travel by passenger ships from Kolkata, Chennai, or Visakhapatnam to Port Blair. The journey takes around 3–4 days.

2. How does Ship to Andaman vs Flight compare?

Ship travel is cheaper and adventurous but time-consuming, while flights are faster and more comfortable.

3. How can I do Kolkata to Andaman ship booking?

Bookings are done through authorized government counters or portals, and tickets should be booked well in advance due to limited availability.

4. Are ship journeys to Andaman safe?

Yes, ships operate under government supervision with safety protocols, though delays due to weather are common.

5. Is food provided on ships to Andaman?

Yes, basic meals are provided onboard, but options are limited.

6. Can senior citizens travel by ship to Andaman?

They can, but long duration and sea conditions may be uncomfortable for some.

Final Thoughts

You can probably agree with me, but Andaman and Nicobar Island actually look so effortless in photos, right? Starting from the vast blue sea, to everyone actually enjoying the vibes, it is really so good to look at them. However, let me tell you a truth, nobody really tells you, Travelling to Andaman is only simple if you plan it properly. 

There are so many things we have actually seen for the past few years that most travellers often make the same mistakes, the same errors. Be it missing the ferries, wasting money on unnecessary things, or feeling like you have nothing to do on the island, the struggle is real. We don’t want you to feel that it could be a better trip situation.

Learn More: Affordable Andaman Family Packages for a Relaxing Vacation