Cruise port Nosi Bé (Hell-Ville)
Info for port Nosi Bé (Hell-Ville) on 12 Feb 2027
Port information & tips for Nosi Bé (Hell-Ville)
Nosy Be, the "Island of Perfumes," is a tropical paradise off the northwest coast of Madagascar and enchants visitors with a fascinating blend of exotic nature and colonial charm. The port city of Hell-Ville, officially known as Andoany, impresses with its lively flair, colorful markets, and the omnipresent aroma of ylang-ylang blossoms in the warm air. Cultural and natural highlights include the traditional Marché d’Hell-Ville with its aromatic spices and Lemuria Land, where lemurs and chameleons can be experienced up close. Cruise ships use the Port de Hell-Ville, with guests docking at the central pier. Thanks to this ideal location, travelers can comfortably reach the historic city center and the lively waterfront promenade in just a few minutes on foot.
The cruise port of Nosy Be (Hell-Ville) in Madagascar is primarily accessible to guests from the DACH region as a Fly & Cruise destination. Cruise ships anchor in the bay, and passengers are brought by tender boats to the Hell-Ville Cruise Port, which is centrally located in the island's capital. Given the long travel times, a pre-cruise overnight stay before embarkation is highly recommended.
Airplane
Travel to the port is via Fascene Airport (NOS), the only airport on Nosy Be. It is located about 10 to 12 kilometers from Hell-Ville and can be reached in approximately 25 to 30 minutes. There are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland to Nosy Be. Flight routes usually lead through European hubs such as Paris, Rome, or Milan, followed by another stopover, often in Addis Ababa or Madagascar's capital, Antananarivo (TNR). Thanks to these connections, including airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines and Madagascar Airlines, you can reach the island relaxed, even if the total travel time including transfers can be 15 hours or more.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Fascene Airport (NOS), you can easily reach your hotel or the tender pier in Hell-Ville by taxi or a pre-booked shuttle service. Local taxis are widely available at the airport, although it is advisable to negotiate the fare in advance. Many hotels or cruise lines also offer private transfers, which guarantee a comfortable and smooth onward journey. Tuk-tuks are also available for shorter distances and are an authentic way to explore the surroundings.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights and the time difference, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel on Nosy Be before embarkation day is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise vacation and provides the opportunity to acclimate to the tropical climate. Hotels in Hell-Ville or the nearby beaches like Ambatoloaka are ideally located and allow you to explore the charming city center and local markets before the cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 12 Feb 2027
