Singapore cruise port guide: What to see, do & eat in the Lion City

Words by Abbie Bevan

There are two Singapore cruise ports along the Asian city state’s south coast. Both ports service all sizes of cruise ships and are easily accessible from the city centre.

In the area, you’ll find beautiful beaches and charming islands making it a great place to relax. Singapore’s Chinatown is also nearby so it’s a popular location with foodies.

A gateway to Southeast Asia, Singapore cruise port is a popular destination, with the city attracting over 2 million cruise passengers in 2023. Thanks to the city-state’s location, there’s no shortage of cruises departing Singapore either.

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How many cruise ports are there in Singapore?

There are two cruise ports in Singapore; the Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MCCCS) and the International Passenger Terminal at Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC).

The Marina Bay Cruise Centre is the newest of the two and is where the majority of large cruise ships dock. There is one pier that can accommodate two large ships at a time.

Singapore Cruise Centre has space for two small or medium-sized cruise ships and is located across from Sentosa Island.

Which cruise lines go to Singapore?

The following cruise lines all offer itineraries that call at Singapore cruise port:

Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard, P&O Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Ponant Cruises, Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises.

How far is the Singapore Cruise Port from the city centre?

Marina Bay Cruise Centre is around a 30-minute walk from the city centre, while the Singapore Cruise Centre is over an hour’s walk away.

If you’re taking a taxi, Marina Bay Cruise Centre is around 3 km from the city’s central area while Singapore Cruise Centre is approximately 4.5 km away.

How do I get to Singapore Port?

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is approximately a 20-minute drive from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, while Singapore Cruise Centre is around a 25-minute drive. Depending on the traffic, you can expect to pay between £15-£20 for a taxi. Prices are often cheaper on the GRAB app, which is a popular ride-hailing service.

If you’re already exploring the city, you can easily access both Singapore cruise ports by MRT. Services run regularly to HarbourFront MRT station and Marina South Pier MRT station.

Additionally, you can take the No.400 bus from downtown to Marina Bay Cruise Centre, with the journey taking around 18 minutes. There’s also the 97 service which departs from downtown and arrives at Singapore Cruise Centre.

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Gardens by the Bay

Visiting Gardens by the Bay is one of the top things to do in Singapore. This urban park is home to popular attractions such as the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and OCBC Skyway. There are plenty of dining options too!

Universal Studios

Universal Studios Singapore [above, right] is located on Sentosa Island [below, right]. Known for its exhilarating rides, exciting attractions and interactive shows, it’s a popular spot with families. Various events are held here year-round and there’s also the possibility to meet and greet with famous characters.

Singapore Flyer

Those after a birds-eye view of the city should hop on the Singapore Flyer [below, left]. It’s one of the world’s largest observation wheels and offers jaw-dropping vistas of Marina Bay. Travellers after a more unique experience can enjoy sky dining experiences.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Founded in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are a must-visit. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site is free to explore and boasts a National Orchid Garden, home to over 1,000 orchid species. Kids will love the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden too so there’s something for every traveller.

Merlion

The Merlion [above, right] is one of the best places to visit in Singapore. With the head of a lion and the body of a fish, this iconic statue is the official mascot of Singapore. The Merlion is located in Merlion Park and spouts water from its mouth.

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The ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum [below, left] is located in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This museum mixes up art, science, culture, design, technology and more. Boasting interactive installations, curated films and a VR Gallery, there’s so much to do here. Temporary exhibitions are also held at this museum throughout the year.

SkyPark Observation Deck

SkyPark Observation Deck is another attraction found in Marina Bay Sands. Located on the 56th floor, this deck offers breathtaking vistas of Singapore’s skyline. Although a great experience at any time of day, admiring the views at sunset or after dark is something else – especially as you can admire the Spectra light show.

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Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre

If you’re wondering where to eat in Singapore, head to Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre. This foodie destination is located in a national monument. Here, you can indulge in local dishes, enjoy live music and learn about the local heritage. Popular dishes include laksa, char kway teow and fishball noodles.

Burnt Ends

Burnt Ends has been voted one of the world’s top restaurants and has a Michelin Star. Founded by Dave Pynt, this restaurant focuses on Australian BBQ and boutique wines. New menus are written daily and all meats are cooked in a wood-fire brick kiln.

The Long Bar, Raffles Hotel

The historic Long Bar is located in the Raffles Hotel. It was here that the iconic cocktail – the Singapore Sling was first mixed, back in 1915. The Singapore Sling is widely regarded as the city-state’s national drink and this bar is the best place to try one!

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Marina Bay Sands Singapore

The Marina Bay Sands is one of the most famous hotels in Singapore. This hotel offers two distinct collections of rooms and suites; The Sands Collection and The Paiza Collection. Facilities include a rooftop infinity pool [above, right], an observation deck, a nightclub and various dining options.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore offers a luxurious five star getaway. This 400-room heritage hotel is set in a neoclassical building which dates back to 1928. It boasts several dining options and bars, an award-winning spa, an infinity pool, shops and more.

Verdict

With its modern cruise terminals, cultural attractions and bountiful culinary scene, Singapore is a fantastic place to start or end a cruise holiday. Whether you’re setting sail from Marina Bay or arriving at Singapore cruise port, there’s plenty to see and do before your journey begins.

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