Port Blair offers five cruise terminals – Haddo Wharf stretches 690m with 9m depth for bigger ships, while Phoenix Bay runs 515m with 5m depth for smaller boats.
For other India Coastal Cruise destinations check out our Coastal Cruise Ports in India page.
Both spots have immigration, customs, and ways to get around. Traveling is a breeze with cheap auto-rickshaws (â‚ą20-40), local buses, rental cars, or ferries to hop between islands.
Make sure to check out the historic Cellular Jail, beautiful Jolly Buoy, and relaxing Corbyn’s Cove Beach.
This guide has all the info you need for an awesome Andaman cruise adventure.
Map of Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Cruise Ship Port
Cruise Terminal Facilities and Docking Procedures
Port Blair welcomes cruise ships at five different port facilities, each with their own specialty. Most likely, your ship will pull into either Haddo Wharf or Phoenix Bay terminals – these are the main spots for passenger vessels.
If you’re on a bigger cruise ship, you’ll probably dock at Haddo Wharf. It’s pretty impressive at 690 meters long and can handle ships needing 9 meters of water depth. Smaller ships usually head to Phoenix Bay instead, where there are two docking areas totaling 515 meters, though the water’s shallower at just 5 meters deep.
When you get off the ship, you’ll walk through modern terminals with all the usual stuff – immigration checks, customs, and places to sort out your luggage. They’ve set everything up to make getting on and off the ship as safe as possible. And don’t worry about transportation – you’ll find taxis waiting right outside when you’re ready to explore the islands.
Getting Around Port Blair: Transportation Options
Getting Around Port Blair: Transportation Options
So you’ve made it through immigration and finally stepped off that cruise ship – now what? You’ll need some wheels (or at least a ride) to check out Port Blair and all the cool spots nearby. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to get around.
Those auto-rickshaws are your best bet for zipping around town (they’ll cost you about â‚ą20-40), while the local buses won’t break the bank if you’re heading to Wandoor (just â‚ą8) or making the longer trip to Diglipur (â‚ą120). Got the family in tow? Grab a car with a driver for a more comfortable ride to Corbyn’s Cove Beach or Chidiyatapu.
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Rent yourself a scooter or motorcycle and explore at your own pace. And if you’re looking to hop between islands, catch the Makruzz ferry to places like Havelock or Neil Islands.
Must-Visit Attractions Near the Cruise Port
When you dock at Port Blair, you’re in for a treat! The area is packed with cool spots that show off the Andaman Islands’ fascinating history, gorgeous scenery, and lively culture.
Check out the Cellular Jail – it’s not your average tourist trap. This old colonial prison has some pretty heavy stories about the island’s struggle for freedom. If you’re into nature, hop on a boat to Jolly Buoy or North Bay where you can chill on pristine beaches and snorkel among colorful fish. Got hiking shoes? Mount Harriet National Park has awesome trails with views that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous.
Need to unwind? Corbyn’s Cove Beach is perfect for that, or catch an amazing sunset at Chidiya Tapu. If you’re curious about local culture, swing by the Anthropological Museum or the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum – they’ll give you the scoop on what makes these islands so special.
Popular Cruise Lines and Itineraries Serving Port Blair
Planning a Port Blair cruise? Let’s talk options. If you’re into luxury, check out Silversea and Seabourn – they’ll hook you up with your own butler and some amazing seafood dishes with local Andaman flavors.
Got kids in tow? Royal Caribbean’s your best bet with tons of family-friendly activities like snorkeling and island-hopping adventures. Holland America and Azamara are great if you want to really soak up the local culture – they give you extra time in port to explore.
You can pick anything from a quick 7-10 night Andaman trip to an epic 18-night Far East adventure sailing from Mumbai, Singapore or Chennai. If you go during peak season (November-April), expect to shell out around $3,000 for a week at sea. Save some cash by traveling May-July with 20-30% off, though your internet might be spotty.
See what’s on offer from the Chennai (Madras) Tamil Nadu for a different India Coastal Cruise destination.
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
Just arrived at Andaman on your cruise? You’ll pull into Haddo Wharf at Port Blair, where you’ll need to grab a taxi to reach the main city areas about 2-3 kilometers away.
A few insider tips to make your island adventure smoother:
- Don’t wait until the last minute! Book the Cellular Jail Light and Sound Show and your inter-island ferry tickets at least 48 hours before you want to go. Remember, the government keeps 60% of ferry seats for locals.
- Throw these essentials in your bag: umbrellas (sun or rain!), strong mosquito repellent, and waterproof pouches to keep your stuff dry during beach time.
- Hit an ATM early – cash is king here. Card machines are pretty unreliable once you venture beyond the main tourist spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There ATMS or Currency Exchange Services Near the Cruise Port?
You’ll spot a few ATMs close to the cruise port – SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and Axis Bank all have machines nearby. Just a heads-up though – they can be a bit hit-or-miss sometimes, so grab some extra cash before heading out on your excursions, just to be safe.
What Cultural Etiquette Should Visitors Observe When Exploring Local Communities?
Visiting local communities? Make yourself instantly welcome by saying “Namaste” – trust me, it works wonders! Before snapping photos, just ask folks first (nobody likes surprise paparazzi). Keep it modest with your outfit – shoulders and knees covered keeps everyone comfortable. Oh, and don’t forget to kick off those shoes when entering temples. As for PDA, maybe hold off on anything beyond a friendly handshake until you’re back home. These little gestures go a long way!
How Reliable Is Mobile Phone Coverage and Internet Access?
Mobile coverage is pretty decent in Port Blair – both Airtel and BSNL offer solid 4G service. But once you hit Havelock, things get patchy, and those remote islands? Good luck getting a signal at all! Internet speeds take a nosedive during tourist season when everyone’s trying to upload their beach selfies, so grab those offline maps before you arrive.
Are There Medical Facilities Available for Cruise Passengers?
Pack your meds, but don’t stress too much. Ships have onboard medical centers, and Port Blair has G.B. Pant Hospital if you need it. Just do yourself a favor and grab travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage – way better to have it and not need it than the other way around!
What Unique Souvenirs Are Authentically Andamanese?
Looking for real Andaman treasures to take home? Grab some cool bamboo crafts, pretty jewelry made from shells, or handwoven Nicobari mats. The local cinnamon is top-notch if you’re into cooking. Those tiny ships in bottles make awesome keepsakes, and you can’t go wrong with colorful beadwork inspired by the island’s tribal communities. Each piece tells a story about this unique place.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) Tamil Nadu Cruise Ship Port.
