India’s coastal scene offers some awesome cruise ports worth checking out.
Mumbai’s Colaba terminal is pretty busy with over 200 ships dropping anchor each year, while Goa’s Mormugao Port lets you jump straight into vacation mode.
Cochin’s got these gorgeous terminals that show off Kerala’s natural beauty.
Don’t skip Mangalore either – they’ve upgraded their facilities to make cruise travelers feel welcome.
Chennai’s port is actually getting a major facelift right now (won’t be done until 2025), but it’ll be worth the wait.
These spots aren’t just places to dock – they’re your gateway to exploring parts of India most tourists never see.
Forget the usual sightseeing spots and use these ports to dive into something more authentic.
Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra Cruise Ship Port Guide
Mumbai (Bombay), Maharashtra Cruise Ship Port Guide
Welcome to Mumbai, India’s bustling financial hub! The city sees over 200 cruise ships dock annually at its sleek terminal in Colaba. Thanks to some smart public-private investment, the terminal can handle up to 700,000 passengers and offers plenty of amenities to make your arrival smooth.
You’ll step off your ship at Apollo Bandar near Ballard Pier. Grab a taxi to get around – it’s your best bet in this hectic city. A ride to the famous Haji Ali Dargah will cost you about 130 rupees and takes you 7 km across town. Pro tip: visit this beautiful mosque during low tide for the best experience. While you’re in the area, check out the Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum nearby to soak up some local culture and history.
Goa (Mormugao), Goa Cruise Ship Port Guide
After Mumbai’s big-city hustle, you’ll sail into laid-back Goa at Mormugao Port. The ship docks on this Arabian Sea peninsula, but heads up – you’re still about an hour from Goa’s main beach and tourist spots.
Don’t expect much at the port itself – it’s pretty bare-bones. You’ll need wheels to see anything good. Grab a taxi or tuk-tuk outside the port gates, though booking a tour with AC is definitely the way to go in the heat. Vasco da Gama town is a quick 10-minute hop away, while reaching Old Goa’s Portuguese churches and colonial buildings takes about 45 minutes.
Good news for future visitors – they’re building a new cruise terminal set to open by March 2025, which should make arrivals a lot smoother.
Cochin (Kochi), Kerala Cruise Ship Port Guide
Kochi greets cruise travelers with two fantastic terminals nestled along Kerala’s gorgeous southwestern shoreline. Your ship will dock at either Samudrika (for vessels over 250m) or the newer Sagarika terminal that can handle ships up to 420m long.
The sail-in is a real treat – you’ll catch amazing views of Fort Kochi and those famous Chinese fishing nets, with dolphins often playing in the waters nearby. Once you step off the ship, you’re in the perfect spot to check out local gems like the Jewish Synagogue, bustling spice markets, and mouth-watering Kerala dishes.
Getting around is easy – just hop on the free shuttle, grab a ferry, or flag down a taxi to visit the port and nearby sights.
Mangalore (New Mangalore), Karnataka Cruise Ship Port Guide
New Mangalore Port welcomes cruise travelers to Karnataka’s coastal gem – a completely different scene from Kerala’s lush southern territory. You’ll dock at Panambur, about 10km from downtown, where the modern cruise terminal offers lounges and places to grab souvenirs.
Getting around this industrial port isn’t too tricky. Cruise shuttles make for the easiest trip into the city, though grabbing a taxi from the pre-paid counters means you won’t get ripped off with random fares. Pro tip: pack decent shoes since the port roads sometimes have oil slicks.
Want the best experience? Shore excursions beat going solo here. Keep your eyes peeled for eagles circling overhead – these birds love hanging around when ships are docked.
Chennai (Madras), Tamil Nadu Cruise Ship Port Guide
While Mumbai often gets the spotlight as India’s cruise hotspot, Chennai’s impressive port setup has really established itself as the doorway to all the cultural gems Tamil Nadu has to offer.
The Cruise Cum Passenger Terminal at Ambedkar Dock spans 3,200 sqm and is getting quite the makeover. When it’s done in late 2025, you’ll get to enjoy separate boarding paths, brand new escalators, and twice the shopping space with local handicrafts on display.
Around 35-36 cruise ships dock here each year, linking Chennai to places like Trincomalee, Kochi, and Singapore. The BPX berth can handle the big ships, and they’re planning to dredge for vessels with 12m drafts. Chennai’s cruise scene is definitely on the up and up, and you’re right in the middle of it.
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Cruise Ship Port Guide
Port Blair is hands down India’s most exotic cruise stop – it’s your ticket to the stunning Andaman islands that feel a million miles from busy mainland ports like Chennai.
You’ll dock at Chatham Jetty where they’ll sort your immigration either on the ship or at the basic facilities onshore. Grab one of the waiting taxis for the quick 3-mile ride into town.
Ships only visit from October through May to dodge the monsoon rains. While you’re here, make sure to check out the historic Cellular Jail, wander through the old colonial ruins on Ross Island, or grab your mask and fins for some amazing snorkeling at North Bay.
Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu Cruise Ship Port Guide
Thoothukudi isn’t your typical Indian cruise stop – it’s a hidden gem in Tamil Nadu’s southern coast that mixes industrial grit with cultural richness.
The passenger terminal sits just 10km from downtown – nothing fancy, but it gets the job done with all the immigration and customs stuff you’ll need. Bonus: you can hop on a ferry straight to Colombo, which is pretty handy if you’re island-hopping.
While docked in Thoothukudi, check out:
- The impressive Thiruchendur Murugan Temple about an hour’s drive away (58km)
- The stunning Gulf of Mannar Marine Park right on your doorstep
- All the usual port amenities – they’ve got fancy VIP lounges if that’s your thing, and transportation for crew members
Porbandar, Gujarat Cruise Ship Port Guide
Porbandar isn’t just Gandhi’s hometown – it’s actually becoming a pretty cool cruise stop on Gujarat’s Arabian Sea shoreline. The port is no joke – it can handle big ships up to 50,000 DWT with deep 14-meter drafts in any weather.
While you’re wandering around town, make sure to check out Kirti Mandir (that’s where Gandhi was born), hang out at Chowpati Beach with its cool flamingo spots, and swing by Tara Mandir – India’s oldest planetarium that’s still running.
This seaside town has been a shipping hub since the 1500s and now moves over 5 million tonnes of cargo yearly while building up its cruise game. The best part? You’re just 5km from Porbandar Airport, so getting in and out is super easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Visa Requirements Apply for Cruise Passengers Docking in India?
For cruise trips stopping in India, you need to sort out your visa beforehand – either grab an e-Visa online or get a traditional Tourist Visa. If you go the e-Visa route, jump on their website at least 4 days before sailing and don’t forget to print it out for the immigration folks when you dock. They’ll want to see that paper at the seaport entry points.
Are There Cruises Connecting Multiple Indian Coastal Cities?
India’s massive 7,500km coastline is perfect for hopping between cities by sea! You can jump on Cordelia Cruises that sail year-round between Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, and Lakshadweep. If you’re looking for something different, Costa Serena runs seasonal trips where you’ll meet plenty of other travelers along the way.
Which Season Offers the Best Weather for Indian Coastal Cruises?
If you’re wondering about timing your Indian coastal cruise right, aim for November through April. The weather’s pretty much perfect then – dry days, comfortable temps, and the sea stays nice and calm. It’s when all the big cruise companies run their trips too, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
How Does Security Screening Work at Indian Cruise Terminals?
When you hop off the gangway, get ready to weave through some pretty thorough security checkpoints. You’ll run into CISF officers who’ll glance at your Shore Landing Pass, then you’ll face the whole biometric scan thing, followed by customs folks putting your stuff through X-ray machines. Don’t be surprised if you get randomly picked for extra checks – they’re keeping an eye out for anything that shouldn’t be coming in.
Are There Any Restricted Areas for Foreign Tourists at Indian Ports?
Yes, there are definitely restricted zones at Indian ports that tourists can’t access – like military areas, security zones, and working cargo terminals. Don’t worry though – your cruise ship crew will show you exactly where you’re allowed to go, with plenty of tourist-friendly areas to wander around and explore on your own.
