Cruises from Singapore: Scenic Boat Tours & Overseas Adventure Trips

Thanks to its central location, Singapore is known as the gateway to Southeast Asia, and many of the most desirable cruises in the world depart from the Lion City. Cruises from Singapore are the ideal way to explore Southeast Asia and Australia, and with a little pre-planning, even the Middle East. Singapore cruise options range from three-night jaunts to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to multi-week expeditions to Australia.

5 Popular Cruises from Singapore

• 3-night cruise to Port Klang and Malacca, Malaysia, which includes spelunking in the Batu Caves of Kuala Lumpur and loading up on souvenirs on Jonker Street in Malacca.
• 4-night cruise to Penang, Malaysia, where travelers visit Kek Lok Si Temple, and Phuket, Thailand, where they’ll snorkel in the tropical waters of the Andaman Sea.
• 10-night cruise to Tokyo with additional ports of call in Osaka, Kobe, and Okinawa.
• 14-night cruise to Hong Kong, with stops in Bangkok, Thailand, and Hanoi, Vietnam.
• 15-night cruise to Sydney, Australia with stops in Brisbane, Darwin, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Why Are Cruises from Singapore So Popular?

Adding to Singapore’s appeal as a cruising hub is the fact that the harbor is just 16 miles (25 kilometers) from Changi International Airport, and many cruise lines offer full service transfers from the airport to the Singapore cruise terminals, making Singapore all the more appealing as a departure point.

Singapore also happens to be the largest cruise port in all of Asia and the ninth biggest in the world, so many travelers pass through on their way to other destinations. Visitors planning a cruise would do well to add a few days to their itinerary in order to explore all that Singapore has to offer.

Ports & Cruise Terminals in Singapore

There are two main cruise departure points in Singapore – Singapore Cruise Centre and Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. When planning a cruise from Singapore, it makes sense to stay near one of the cruise centers, and since both piers are centrally located, it is easy to explore the city from either location.

Singapore Cruise Centre

The Singapore Cruise Centre is located in the HarbourFront district, just a short trip across the water from Sentosa, Singapore’s tropical island playground.

The cruise center has two terminals, one for regional departures and one for international cruises. It is host to 33 different cruise lines, so visitors have their pick of the best cruises from Singapore.

Guests departing from Singapore Cruise Centre can find nearby accommodations and things to do on Sentosa Island. In addition to tranquil beaches, the gorgeous resort area is packed with bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for the whole family.

Things to Do in Sentosa

• Visit Universal Studios Singapore
• Have fun in the sun on Palawan Beach
• Cool off at Adventure Cove Waterpark
• Experience the rainforest at Sentosa Nature Discovery
• Play 18 holes at Sentosa Golf Club

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Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore

Completed in 2012, the Marina Bay Cruise Centre is located in Marina Bay, next to Marina South Pier. The newly-built cruise terminal features stunning architecture and a convenient location in one of the most-visited sections of Singapore. Visitors to Marina Bay will find that it is home to some of the best entertainment, dining, and shopping options in Singapore and convenient to popular attractions around the city.

Things to Do In Marina Bay

• Explore Fort Canning Park
• Stroll through Gardens by the Bay
• Check out the laser light show at the Marina Bay Sands
• Visit the Asian Civilizations Museum
• Ride the Singapore Flyer

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Shore Excursions During Cruises from Singapore

Given Singapore‘s proximity to popular vacation destinations in Southeast Asia, it’s also a frequent port of call for cruises originating elsewhere on the continent. Travelers with a few hours or a few days to explore the city-state will be pleased to discover that the small island is easy to navigate and attractions are densely packed, making it manageable to visit several tourist destinations in a single day.

10 Things to Do Between Cruises from Singapore

1. Check out the nightlife in Clarke Quay. Clarke Quay is widely recognized as the heart of Singapore’s nightlife scene. Two of the country’s most famous clubs, Zouk and Attica are located in Clarke Quay along with many other popular bars and restaurants. Visitors will find the area especially busy on Wednesday nights when many of the clubs and bars run Ladies’ Night promotions.
2. Shop ’til you drop on Orchard Road. Once home to fruit and nut plantations, the Orchard Road section of Singapore is now the city’s go-to shopping destination. From tiny boutiques to sprawling malls, Orchard Road has something for every taste and budget.
3. Step back in time at the iconic Raffles Hotel. Since it opened in 1887, this world famous hotel has played host to luminaries like Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad, and Somerset Maugham. Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern day Singapore, the Raffles Hotel has long been a place to see and be seen. Visitors should make sure to grab a drink at the hotel bar where the famous cocktail the Singapore Sling was invented.
4. Check out the world’s biggest infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands Singapore. The three towers of Marina Bay Sands Singapore define the Singapore skyline. What visitors may not know when admiring the striking buildings from afar is that the towers are connected by a rooftop deck that is home to a 150-meter-long infinity pool, the largest in the world. While only hotel guests are allowed to swim in the pool, non-guests can catch a glimpse from one of the restaurants or bars situated on the SkyPark observation deck atop the hotel.
5. Snap a selfie with they city’s mascot in Merlion Park. Can you even say that you’ve been to Singapore if you don’t have a photo with the city’s half-lion, half-fish mascot? The mythical creature’s body represents the city’s humble beginnings as a fishing village, while its head represents the city’s original name, Singapura, which means “Lion City” in Malay. Today the Merlion statue sits on the waterfront in Merlion Park, offering a warm greeting to all visitors to Singapore.
6. Explore the city’s culinary delights in Chinatown. Singapore has cemented its reputation as a fine dining city, and Chinatown is a great place to start when trying to sample the best food this city has to offer. Restaurants in the area range from gourmet to hole-in-the-wall, and the culinary delights on offer span the globe. There is plenty of Chinese food, with dim sum being incredibly popular, but there are also great restaurants serving up traditional dishes from across Asia and around the world.
7. Hop in a bumboat for a Singapore River Cruise. Bumboats, or water taxis, cruise constantly up and down the Singapore River, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a cool breeze while getting the lay of the land from the water. Sunset cruises are particularly popular as are cruises after dark, which allow guests to get a prime view of the city’s nightly laser show.
8. Get out into nature at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Those visitors willing to venture a bit outside the city center will be rewarded with an immersive rainforest experience provided by Singapore’s stunning national park, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Both serious hikers and visitors who just want a casual stroll will find something to love at the reserve, and all will enjoy up-close-and-personal interaction with the flora and fauna of Singapore.
9. Get an adrenaline rush on the G-Max Reverse Bungy. After a few nights on a cruise ship, visitors may be looking for an opportunity to get the blood flowing, and Singapore’s G-Max Reverse Bungy does just that. The rider sits in a padded chair attached to bungee cords before launching 50 meters into the air at a speed of 120 kilometers per hour. Those brave enough to keep their eyes open will be treated to a great view of the city.
10. Learn about the city’s history and culture at the National Museum of Singapore. For visitors with time for only one cultural attraction , the National Museum of Singapore is a good choice. First opened in 1887, National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum. Today, it is both a cultural and architectural landmark. It’s colonial exterior belies the cutting edge technology the museum uses to educate visitors and locals alike about Singapore’s rich history.

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