The Directorate of Shipping Services has announced a special New Year voyage to Barren Island, scheduled to be operated by MV Swaraj Dweep on the night of December 31, offering passengers an opportunity to welcome the New Year at sea near the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent.
The voyage has been planned as a signature New Year sailing and is intended to combine maritime travel with a festive experience amid the open waters of the Andaman Sea. The vessel, with a carrying capacity of 1,200 passengers, will undertake a round sea voyage, providing views of Barren Island during the early hours of January 1.
According to the announced schedule, MV Swaraj Dweep will depart from Haddo Wharf, Sri Vijaya Puram, at 9 pm on December 31 and reach the vicinity of Barren Island early on January 1. The return journey will commence at 8 am, with the vessel expected to arrive back at Sri Vijaya Puram at around 2 pm.
The Directorate stated that the voyage is aimed at promoting safe, scenic and experiential maritime travel in the Islands, particularly during peak festive periods. The New Year sailing is expected to attract both island residents and tourists seeking a distinctive way to mark the transition into the new year.
A structured fare system has been announced for the voyage, offering multiple accommodation categories. The Coral Suite, classified as deluxe class, has been priced at Rs. 8,310 per passenger, while the Reef Suite in first class is priced at Rs. 6,340. The Island Breeze second class fare stands at Rs. 4,290, and the Lagoon bunk class has been fixed at Rs. 3,180 per passenger.
Onboard catering facilities will be available during the voyage, with tea, breakfast and lunch to be provided as per existing canteen contract rates. Passengers will be required to purchase food coupons from the reception counter after boarding the vessel.
The Directorate has opened ticket bookings through its e-ticketing portal, which will be accessible round the clock from 9 am on December 17. The online booking system is intended to streamline ticketing and reduce congestion at physical counters.
Officials said the special sailing reflects growing efforts to diversify maritime services and create unique travel experiences while ensuring safety and operational standards. Passengers have been encouraged to plan bookings in advance, given the expected demand for the New Year voyage.
The Barren Island sailing marks one of several initiatives by the Directorate to enhance sea-based tourism and experiential travel in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
