Government Ferries in Andaman -- DSS, STARS & Every Route

DSS runs an online booking portal called STARS e-Ticketing -- https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/eticketing. Here's the key reality you need to understand before trying to book:

• Booking opens exactly 2 calendar days before travel at 9:00 AM IST. Not a minute earlier.
• Tourist quota sells out in 10-20 minutes on popular sectors in peak season (October - May).
• Maximum 10 passengers per booking per day.
• Valid government photo ID is mandatory during booking and at boarding.
• Tickets delivered by email and SMS immediately after payment.
• Offline counters available at Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Wharf if you're already in Port Blair.

Full STARS e-Ticketing booking guide →

• DECK: Open-deck entry class. The cheapest DSS ticket on every route, with basic covered benches.
• BUNK / Spl.DECK: Bunk bed or special-deck seating. Typically the next slab up from DECK.
• O/CABIN (Ordinary Cabin): Enclosed cabin with more comfort, where the vessel has this class.
• DELUXE: Top-tier class on select vessels such as MV Swaraj Dweep.
• 1st Class / 2nd Class / multi-berth Cabin: Seen on longer overnight sailings (Little Andaman, Diglipur, Nicobar) and mainland sector sailings to Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kolkata.

Classes vary by vessel -- the STARS portal shows the exact classes available for each specific sailing.

For tourist-relevant inter-island routes (Port Blair <-> Havelock <-> Neil) there's a private alternative in Makruzz, Nautika, Green Ocean and ITT Majestic. The short version:

• Take the government ferry if: You're on a tight budget, flexible on dates, travelling off-peak, or going to Long Island / Rangat / Mayabunder / Diglipur / Little Andaman (no private alternative exists).
• Take a private ferry if: You need guaranteed online booking, flexible last-minute tickets, faster crossing, air-conditioned cabins, or you're travelling in peak season without a 2-day advance plan.

Full comparison: private vs government ferry →

Honestly -- less reliable than private operators. Government ferries are larger, older vessels and cancellations happen for weather, mechanical issues and operational rotation. A few realities:

• Monsoon (June - September): expect frequent cancellations on exposed sectors. Build buffer days into your itinerary.
• Cyclone warnings: the A&N Administration suspends all sailings during active cyclone alerts.
• Propagating delays: Connecting legs (e.g. Havelock - Neil) depend on the upstream Port Blair sailing -- cancellations cascade.
• Cancellation refund: Full refund if DSS cancels the sailing. Passenger-initiated cancellations carry a cut (check STARS for current rules).
• Verify daily: Check the STARS portal the day before and the morning of travel for any schedule changes.

• STARS e-Ticketing portal: https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/eticketing
• DSS website: https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/
• Toll-free helpline: 1800-345-2714
• Email helpdesk: dsspbhelpdesk@gmail.com
• Offline counters: Phoenix Bay Jetty and Haddo Wharf, Port Blair

This page is a travel guide by Andaman Ferry Tickets. We don't sell government ferry tickets -- STARS e-Ticketing is the only authorised online source. Pricing and schedules shown here are indicative; verify on STARS before travel.