A cruise to the Andaman Islands transports passengers to a sun-freckled archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, 850 miles (1370 km) east of mainland India. Only about 12 of these islands are populated and a few strongly prohibit outside visitors. This is one of the last havens in the world. Andaman Island cruises dock in Port Blair, the capital of the region, bustling with cultural sites, museums and markets. The Cellular Jail, a former colonial prison and now a national memorial tells the harrowing story of India’s fight for independence. Highlights include an exhibition gallery and the eternal flame of freedom, Swatantrata Jyot. Nature-seekers have a bonanza of untouched beaches, mangroves and native forests to explore on the islands surrounding Port Blair.