Cruising along Chennai’s breathtaking Coromandel Coast is a unique way to uncover this historic city by the sea. While Chennai might not be the first Indian destination that comes to mind for ocean cruises, it’s quickly becoming a rising star on the Indian cruise map. Stepping on board a cruise ship that departs from Chennai offers a fascinating glimpse into this port city’s past as a key trading post for the British East India Company.
As your vessel glides along India’s eastern coastline, you’ll gain a different perspective on the stunning panoramas of sandy beaches, towering shore temples, colonial architecture and languid backwaters that make Chennai so special. Continue reading to learn more about different cruises in Chennai.
Popular Cruises in Chennai
Cruising in Chennai is a wonderful way to enjoy the sea and the city. There are various cruise options available from Chennai. Some of them are as follows.
1. Cordelia Cruises
Cordelia Cruises is India’s premium cruise from Chennai, offering stylish, luxurious Indian experiences on board. It sails from Chennai and Mumbai to various destinations in India and Sri Lanka, such as Goa, Kochi, Lakshadweep, Trincomalee and Jaffna. It has a fleet of more than 51 luxury cruise ships with spacious and bright cabins, premium amenities, fine dining restaurants, bars, entertainment shows, wedding venues, corporate facilities and more. You can book your cruises from Chennai online and enjoy special offers and discounts.
Cruise route: You can choose to travel to the following destinations from Chennai:
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Chennai (Chennai-At sea-Chennai): 2 nights and 3 days Chennai cruise ship package.
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Puducherry (Chennai-Puducherry-Chennai): 2 nights and 3 days from Chennai to Puducherry and back to Chennai cruise ship package.
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Vizag (Chennai-Vizag-Chennai): 2 nights and 3 days from Chennai to Vizag and back to Chennai cruise ship package.
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Hambantota (Chennai-Hambantota-Colombo-Kochi): 6 days 5 nights cruise starting from Chennai.
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Price: ₹19,000 to ₹60,000 per person (approx)
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Duration: 2 nights and 3 days or 5 nights and 6 days
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Major sites cover: The cruise generally covers Marina Beach, Mahabalipuram, Auroville, Paradise Beach, Araku Valley, Borra Caves, and more.
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Facilities: The cruise package includes lodging in a cozy stateroom, all meals, entertainment, taxes, and port fees. You may also pay extra for amenities like shore excursions, spa treatments, premium cuisine, and drinks.
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Jalesh Cruises
Jalesh Cruises was India’s first multi-destination cruise from Chennai that aimed to make holidays unforgettable by offering lavish experiences to its guests at sea. It sailed from Mumbai, Chennai and Goa to various national and international destinations, such as Goa, Diu, Lakshadweep, Trincomalee, Dubai, and Mumbai. It had a single cruise ship called Karnika with ocean view rooms, 3 fine dining restaurants, 9 bars, a casino, a spa, a salon, a fitness center, a kids and teenagers zone and more. It also offered shore excursions, cultural shows and themed events.
Cruise route: From Chennai, you might go to any of the below places:
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Colombo (Chennai-Colombo-Chennai): It is a 4-night and 5-day cruise ship package from Chennai to Colombo and back to Chennai.
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Goa (Chennai-Goa-Mumbai): It is a 4-night and 5-day cruise ship package from Chennai to Goa and Mumbai.
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Mumbai (Chennai-Mumbai): It is a 3-night and 4-day cruise ship package from Chennai to Mumbai.
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Price: ₹18,000 to ₹48,000 per person (approx)
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Duration: 3 nights to 4 nights
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Major sites cover: Depending on the destination, you can visit places such as Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Calangute Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, and more.
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Facilities: The cruise includes accommodation in a cozy cabin, all meals, entertainment, taxes, and port charges. You can also avail of optional services such as shore excursions, spa treatments, premium dining, and beverages at an additional cost.
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Lakshadweep Cruise
Lakshadweep is a group of islands in the Arabian Sea known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, lagoons, and marine life. You can enjoy various activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, fishing, island hopping, and more on these islands. You can also experience the local culture and cuisine of the islanders.
Cruise route: You can choose to travel to the following islands of Lakshadweep from Chennai by ship:
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Kavaratti (Chennai-Kavaratti-Chennai): 4-night and 5-day cruise ship package from Chennai to Kavaratti and back to Chennai.
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Kadmat (Chennai-Kadmat-Chennai): 5-night and 6-day cruise ship package from Chennai to Kadmat and back to Chennai.
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Minicoy (Chennai-Minicoy-Chennai): 6-night and 7-day cruise ship package from Chennai to Minicoy and back to Chennai.
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Price: The price ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 per person, depending on the island, cabin type, and season. (approx)
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Duration: 4 nights to 6 nights
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Major sites cover: You can witness Marine Aquarium and Museum, Dolphin Dive Center, Lighthouse Beach, Kadmat Beach Resort, Minicoy Lighthouse, Juma Masjid, etc.
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Facilities: All meals, entertainment, taxes, and port expenses are included in the cruise package. Water activities, sightseeing trips, spa treatments, and more are available at extra cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, going on a cruise vacation from Chennai is a wonderful experience filled with great views of the coast, delicious onboard meals, and relaxation. Once you’re back on land, you’ll nostalgically think about the beautiful sunsets at sea and the carefree days spent lounging by the pool.
