Port Blair, Ross Island is a standout in the Indian Ocean cruise circuit because it offers a rare blend of easy accessibility, historic gravitas, and gateway-grade access to the Andamans’ pristine ecosystems. As your ship slides into the sheltered harbor at Port Blair, you step into a compact, hands-on port experience that feels both luxury-leaning and deeply rooted in local character. The signature experiences begin within reach: a short hop to the ruins and wildlife of Ross Island, the living memory of the Cellular Jail’s poignant light-and-sound ceremony in Port Blair, and rapid excursions to North Bay for glass-bottom boat safaris and vibrant coral gardens, or to the emerald lagoons of Jolly Buoy and Havelock’s sweeping sands at Radhanagar Beach. What sets this port apart from other cruise hubs is its proximity to multiple star destinations within a few hours by sea, enabling multi-stop itineraries that feel intimate rather than rushed. The port's forward-thinking fleet features a mix of elegant mid-size vessels, expedition yachts, and nimble catamarans that can maneuver to intimate tender berths, with well-organized embarkation and disembarkation processes, climate-controlled terminals, and multilingual assistance. Onboard services on offer in Port Blair are designed to extend the island magic: beach-side excursion desks, on-site medical and concierge support, duty-free shopping, clean restrooms and Wi-Fi, plus curated shore-experience programs crafted by local guides—everything from eco-tloating through mangrove creeks to culture-rich walks through colonial relics—so guests return aboard with photographs and memories as vivid as the turquoise water surrounding these isles.
