The Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS), Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has announced a special overnight New Year sea voyage to Barren Island aboard MV Swaraj Dweep, inviting tourists and island residents to welcome New Year 2026 at sea near the only active volcano in the Indian sub-continent.
According to DSS, the exclusive New Year voyage is scheduled to sail on the night of December 31, 2025, offering passengers a rare opportunity to experience an open-sea celebration while viewing Barren Island from close quarters. The voyage is designed to combine ocean travel, natural scenery and a midnight New Year countdown under the open sky.
The vessel will depart from Haddo Wharf, Sri Vijaya Puram, at 9 pm on December 31 and is scheduled to return at 2 pm on January 1, 2026. With a passenger capacity of 1,200, the cruise has already received strong public response, with DSS stating that tickets are selling rapidly and limited seats remain available.
Officials said the journey promises panoramic ocean views, a night-long sea experience and a glimpse of Barren Island, which remains uninhabited and is located in the eastern part of the Andaman Sea. The voyage is being positioned as a once-a-year New Year offering by DSS.
Passengers will be able to choose from multiple travel classes depending on comfort and budget preferences. Onboard catering services will be available throughout the journey to accommodate passengers during the overnight voyage.
The Directorate has urged interested travellers to book tickets at the earliest through the official DSS e-ticketing portal, which remains operational round the clock. Given the limited availability of seats and high demand, DSS has cautioned that bookings are likely to close soon once capacity is reached.
Ticket bookings are being accepted exclusively through the DSS e-Ticketing Portal at https://dss.andamannicobar.gov.in/eticketing, accessible 24×7. For ease of access, DSS has also provided a QR code linking directly to the booking platform.
DSS officials reiterated that this New Year sea voyage is a signature initiative aimed at offering a unique maritime experience while promoting sea tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Further details regarding boarding procedures and travel advisories are expected to be communicated to ticket holders in due course.
