Singapore is one of Southeast Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities and is one of the largest cruise ports in Asia. It welcomes a huge number of lines including Carnival Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Seabourn. Filled with great restaurants, lively hawker markets, luxury shopping and colonial heritage sites, there is plenty to do and experience. You can’t go to Singapore without exploring the shopping haven of Marina Bay Sands.The Las Vegas-inspired buildings offer 92,900 square metres of retail space, featuring world-famous designers such as Chanel, Prada, Saint Laurent and Hermes. The National Gallery of Singapore opened at the end of 2015 and has a collection of 8,000 artworks, mainly from regional artists. For some local cuisine, venture out to Lau Pa Sat which is known for its evening food market where dozens of satay sellers set up shop. There are two ports to choose from – Marina Bay Cruise Centre and Singapore Cruise Centre.
PLACES TO STAY
If you’re looking for five-star accommodation, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is famous for its luxurious rooms and its infinity pool on the top floor. There are also two V Hotels (Lavender and Bencoolen), both about 20 minutes’ drive from Changi International Airport, as well as the international brands such as the Swissotel and The Stamford.
MARINA BAY CRUISE CENTRE
Who goes there: Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Tul Cruises.
Cruisers like: The terminal’s close proximity to the CBD, hawker centres and attractions, and free Wi-Fi. CruiseFly is available for passengers arriving at the terminal and flying out on Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Jet Airways.
Best for: Family groups, business incentive tours, couples and baby boomers.
Getting around: Taxis are plentiful and well priced. Public buses and the MRT are also available.
SINGAPORE CRUISE CENTRE
Who goes there: AIDA Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea, Star Cruises.
Cruisers like: While much smaller than Marina Bay, this is a busy terminal with a lot of movement from small ferries. Visitors can enjoy a taste of Singapore laksa and char kway teow at the hawker food centre in the terminal, and shop in the nearby Vivocity. The terminal also offers free Wi-Fi. The FlyCruise service is offered to Star Cruises passengers arriving at Changi Airport.
Best for: Family and incentive groups.
Getting around: Lots of cabs and the reliable MRT to take you to the CBD in about 15 minutes. It is also a ferry terminal with easy transfers to Indonesian islands such as Batam.
