Chennai, also known as Madras, is the capital and largest city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India. As per the 2011 Indian census, Chennai is the sixth-most-populous city in India and forms the fourth-most-populous urban agglomeration.
Chennai, India Cruise Port Guide
Asia · India
Port day snapshot
Chennai shore-day moodIndiaAsiaSeaDays guide
A major Indian port city with rich culture, historic temples, and excellent facilities.
Bookable Experiences
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Weather & best season
Tropical climate with hot temperatures year-round Average temperature: 28°C (82°F).
Best season: November, December, January, February
Port information
- Timezone
- IST (UTC+5:30)
- Language
- Tamil, English
- Currency
- Indian Rupee (INR)
Overview
Things to do
Chennai, also known as Madras, is the capital and largest city of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India. As per the 2011 Indian census, Chennai is the sixth-most-populous city in India and forms the fourth-most-populous urban agglomeration. The city is coterminous with Chennai district, which together with the adjoining suburbs constitutes the Chennai Metropolitan Area, one of the largest. For a shore day in Chennai, choose one main activity first, then keep time for meals, walking, and the return to the pier.
- Screenshot ship departure time and pier map before you lose signal.
- Pair a light breakfast on the ship with a local lunch ashore to maximize exploration time.
- Check whether your line offers shuttle pricing before you commit to taxis at Chennai.
- Confirm your assigned pier and all-aboard time before leaving the ship at Chennai.
- Start with one anchor sight, then leave room for spontaneity around Chennai.
Climate
Tropical climate with hot temperatures year-round
- Climate type
- Tropical
- Average temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Humidity
- High
- Best months
- November, December, January, February
- Rainy season
- October to December
Politics & entry requirements
- Government
- Federal parliamentary constitutional republic
- Stability
- Stable
- Visa requirements
- Visa required for most nationalities. E-visa available online for many countries.
- Entry requirements
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Visa required for most visitors.
Size & capacity
- Terminals
- 1
- Berths
- 2
Traveler questions
What are the entry or visa requirements for Chennai?
Visa required for most nationalities. E-visa available online for many countries. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Visa required for most visitors.
When is the best time to visit Chennai on a cruise?
Best months: November, December, January, February. Tropical climate with hot temperatures year-round
Reviews
Public community reviews for Chennai live in the SeaDays app.
Cruise relevance
Chennai matters to cruise planning because port time, transport distance, and all-aboard timing shape how much of the destination you can realistically enjoy. Embarkation from Chennai can simplify flight planning when airports and hotels align; compare total trip cost versus other homeports.
Best time to visit
November, December, January, February
Tips for travelers
Before leaving the ship in Chennai, save the pier location, ship time, and any shuttle details offline. Hydrate and pace walking in heat; schedule meals so you are not rushing back from distant districts.
Related ports
Ships to explore
- Adventure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- Anthem of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- Brilliance of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
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