MV Swaraj Dweep To Host Exclusive New Year Voyage To Barren Island

Travellers will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to welcome the New Year against the dramatic backdrop of India’s only active volcano, Barren Island. The Andaman and Nicobar administration has announced a special New Year’s Eve cruise that will take passengers close to the volcanic landmark.

The overnight voyage will set sail from Haddo Wharf in Sri Vijaya Puram at 9 pm on December 31 and return by 2 pm on January 1. Designed to combine exploration with festive celebrations, the cruise promises an unforgettable start to the New Year amid striking natural scenery, according to an official.

Activities On Board

In addition to a range of speciality dishes, passengers will be entertained with music and various recreational activities aboard MV Swaraj Dweep as part of the New Year celebrations. An official said the sea journey was expected to offer a rare, close-up view of Barren Island, along with a memorable New Year countdown beneath the night sky. With space for up to 1,200 passengers, the cruise had already received an enthusiastic response from the public.

Tickets And More

The official further noted that travellers would be able to choose from different travel classes to suit their comfort and budget, and that catering services would be available throughout the voyage. He added that the cruise would be operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), with tickets available for booking through its official website.

An official stated that ticket prices for the cruise range from INR 3,180 to INR 8,310 per person. Barren Island, located nearly 140 km by sea from Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), sits at the meeting point of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates.

Covering an area of 8.34 sq km, the island’s nearest settlements are Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and the Narcondam Lookout Post. Government records indicate that Barren Island experienced its first documented eruption in 1787, with subsequent minor eruptions occurring in 1991, 2005, 2017, 2022, and most recently in September and November of this year.

(With inputs from PTI.)

FAQs

What are the ticket prices for the New Year cruise?
Ticket prices start at INR 3,180 per person and go up to INR 8,310, depending on the travel class selected.

How far is Barren Island from Sri Vijaya Puram?
Barren Island is located approximately 140 km by sea from Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair).

Who operates the cruise?
The cruise is operated by the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), and tickets can be booked on their official website.

What can passengers expect to see and do on board?
Passengers will enjoy a close-up view of Barren Island, music, exotic food, recreational activities, and an unforgettable New Year countdown under the stars.

What is special about Barren Island?
Barren Island is India’s only active volcano, situated at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates. It has an area of 8.34 sq km, with the nearest settlements being Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and the Narcondam Lookout Post. Its eruptions have been recorded since 1787, including recent activity in September and November this year.