Wow,
Thanks all for the replies.
Will certainly look for premium check in at airport.
Cruise co assure us that we can get off ship at 8.00 am and are using their transport to "guarantee" timely arrival i.e. if we miss plane it is their problem to fix even if it may be quicker to use other transport arrangements.
Google state approx 1 hour from port to airport but knowing Indian bureaucracy I would not bet on it.
Thanks again and I may resurrect nearer the time.