The Andaman Islands are one of India’s most family-friendly destinations, calm beaches, crystal-clear water, lush greenery, and plenty of activities for all ages. But if you’re traveling with kids, seniors, or a large group, one question always comes up:
👉 “How do we travel between the islands comfortably and safely?”
The answer: by ferry.
Ferries are the lifeline of the Andamans, connecting Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). While government ferries exist, most families prefer private ferries like Makruzz for comfort, punctuality, and convenience.
In this guide, we’ll share everything families should know about ferry travel in the Andamans — from seating choices to luggage handling, child safety, and senior assistance, so you can plan a smooth, stress-free journey.
1. Why Families Choose Makruzz Over Other Ferries
Traveling with family is different from solo or couple travel. Comfort, safety, and predictability matter more than price. Here’s why Makruzz is the go-to choice for families:
- Safe & Reliable – 15+ years of operations without compromise.
- AC Cabins – A cool, calm environment for kids and seniors.
- Multiple Classes of Seating – Choose between Premium (budget), Deluxe (spacious), and Royal (luxury).
- Onboard Staff Support – Friendly crew trained to assist families.
- Punctual Departures – Helps you stick to itineraries without delays.
💡 Families who book government ferries often face overcrowding, limited seating, and uncertain schedules. With Makruzz, you pay a little more but ensure peace of mind.
2. Seating Options – Which Class Is Best for Families?
Makruzz offers three classes of seating:
- Premium Class (Economy):
- Most budget-friendly.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned seating.
- Best for short trips if you don’t mind sitting in a large cabin.
- Deluxe Class (Mid-range):
- Spacious seats with better legroom.
- Quieter than Premium, less crowded.
- Perfect for families with kids who may need extra space.
- Royal Class (Luxury):
- Located on the upper deck with panoramic sea views.
- Most spacious and comfortable seating.
- Recommended for families with seniors or infants who need maximum comfort.
👉 Family Tip: If budget allows, choose Deluxe or Royal Class for smoother travel. Kids can get restless in crowded spaces — extra room makes a big difference.
3. Traveling with Kids – What Parents Should Know
If you’re bringing children along, here are some essentials:
- Carry Snacks & Drinks: While light refreshments are available, pack your child’s favorites.
- Entertainment: The ride can be 1–1.5 hours. Bring books, toys, or a tablet.
- Seating: Keep kids near windows, they love watching the sea.
- Safety: Children must remain seated during sailing. Crew members are always around to help.
- Motion Sickness: Some kids may feel queasy. Carry prescribed medication and keep them hydrated.
💡 Parents say kids love the ferry ride — it’s often the highlight of their trip!
4. Traveling with Seniors – Comfort & Assistance
For elderly family members, ferry travel needs extra planning.
- Easy Boarding: Makruzz staff help seniors during embarkation. Ramps are available at terminals.
- Preferred Seating: Choose Deluxe or Royal for wider seats and easier movement.
- Medication: Carry necessary medicines in a small handbag.
- Accessibility: While ferries are not wheelchair-accessible end-to-end, staff go out of their way to assist.
- Restrooms: Clean restrooms are available onboard.
💡 Many families share that seniors actually enjoy the ferry experience because of the comfortable seating and calm interiors compared to crowded government boats.
5. Luggage Handling for Families
Traveling with family often means carrying more bags. Here’s what you need to know:
- Check-in Process: You’ll receive luggage tags at the counter.
- Large Bags: Stored in a dedicated luggage section on the vessel.
- Cabin Bags: Allowed inside, but space is limited. Keep essentials only.
- Crew Support: Staff help with heavy bags, especially for seniors and families with kids.
💡 Pro Tip: Label all your bags clearly. With multiple families traveling together, identical suitcases can get mixed up.
6. Onboard Experience – What to Expect
Once you’re seated, here’s what your family can expect:
- Clean & Air-conditioned Cabins – Comfortable environment throughout the journey.
- Announcements & Safety Instructions – Clearly explained before departure.
- Entertainment – Some vessels have TV screens showing movies or music videos.
- Photography – Great photo opportunities, especially if you’re in Royal class with large windows.
- Smooth Sailing – Makruzz catamarans are stable, reducing the risk of seasickness.
7. Safety Measures for Families
Makruzz places strong emphasis on safety:
- Life Jackets: Available for every passenger, including child-sized jackets.
- Trained Crew: Staff are certified in emergency response.
- Restricted Deck Access: Families remain safely inside cabins during sailing.
- Weather Monitoring: Sailings are suspended if weather conditions are unsafe.
💡 Unlike small local boats, Makruzz is a large catamaran, offering stability and peace of mind for parents.
8. Booking Tips for Family Travelers
- Book Early: Deluxe and Royal tickets sell out first, especially during holidays.
- Round-trip Tickets: Book both legs together to avoid last-minute stress.
- Mid-Morning Sailings: Ideal for families. Not too early, not too late.
- Agent vs Direct: Booking directly at www.makruzz.com ensures instant confirmation.
9. Real Family Experiences
- Sharma Family (Delhi, Dec 2024):
“We had three generations traveling — kids, parents, and grandparents. Deluxe seats gave us space to sit together comfortably. Boarding and luggage handling were smooth.” - Ritika & Rajesh (Bangalore, May 2025):
“We were nervous about taking our toddler, but the ride was so calm and comfortable. He loved looking out the window. Definitely recommend Makruzz for families.” - Gupta Family (Mumbai, Jan 2025):
“My father has mobility issues. The staff were incredibly helpful during boarding. We felt very reassured.”
10. Key Takeaways
- Choose Deluxe or Royal class for maximum comfort.
- Book early — family-friendly seating fills up fast.
- Carry snacks, meds, and entertainment for kids.
- Rely on Makruzz staff for assistance with seniors and luggage.
- Safety is a top priority — families can travel worry-free.
Final Words
Family travel is about creating memories, not dealing with stress. By booking with Makruzz, you ensure that your journey between islands is as enjoyable as your time on the beach.
Whether you’re a family with toddlers, teens, or seniors, Makruzz offers the comfort, reliability, and support that turns your ferry ride into part of the holiday experience.
Book your seats today at www.makruzz.com and give your family the smoothest ride in the Andamans.
