Singapore is spending $40 million on improving its cruise terminal – here’s what it will look like

• Singapore’s Marine Bay Cruise Centre is getting a major facelift.
• New check-in areas and upgraded lounges as well as better transport facilities.
• It’s all ready for the arrival of Disney Adventure and Ovation of the Seas.

Australian cruisers heading to Singapore in 2025 are in for a treat, with the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) undergoing its most extensive revamp since opening in 2012. The S$40 million makeover promises smoother embarkations, more seamless transfers and a stylish new terminal experience.

Spearheaded by SATS-Creuers Cruise Services – a joint venture between SATS (Singapore Airport Terminal Services) and Creuers del Port de Barcelona – the nine-month upgrade kicks off in early 2025 and is designed to cater to a new era of mega cruise ships and growing passenger volumes.

The terminal’s capacity will jump from 6,800 to 11,700 passengers, making dual ship calls far more manageable – and far more pleasant for travellers.

So what can Aussie cruisers expect?

First up, a brand-new check-in area will be introduced, transforming a portion of the current Ground Transport Area (GTA) into a dedicated space for streamlined embarkations. Whether you’re boarding a Disney Cruise or setting sail with Royal Caribbean, each cruise ship berthed at MBCCS will have a dedicated check-in area for embarking passengers during dual ship calls – a move designed to cut wait times and avoid crowding.

Upgrades will be carried out in phases to ensure minimal disruption, and the cruise centre will continue to operate on ship call days.

Lounge facilities are also getting a facelift, with larger seating areas added to accommodate more passengers in comfort, whether they’re waiting to board or just arriving in Singapore. Think modern, more spacious areas akin to what you see in Singapore’s Changi Airport – a fitting start or end to any Southeast Asian cruise.

Outside the terminal, the vacant land in front of MBCCS will more than double its ride-hailing lots and boost the number of bus parking bays. This means more pick-up and drop-off points, smoother arrivals, and quicker transfers to and from hotels or Changi Airport. Part of Marina Coastal Drive will also be widened to ease traffic flow and accessibility  – especially handy on busy ship call days.

Bob Chi, Chairman of SATS-Creuers, says the upgrade is timely as the facility “gears up for more intensive operations in the future, including welcoming two mega cruise ships on dual operation.”

“This terminal refresh underscores our intent to make Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore one of the best stopovers for cruise ship passengers,” he adds.

“The upgrade will deliver a better visitor experience while improving efficiency for cruise ship operators. We would also like to thank STB for their trust in SATS-Creuers for this extension of our partnership to grow the cruise industry in Singapore and the region by uplifting service levels and attracting major cruise lines to homeport or call at MBCCS – one of the world’s most important destinations for cruise passengers.”

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding (parent company of Creuers1), said, “Singapore is a key hub for the cruise industry, and SATS-Creuers’ commitment to upgrading Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore highlights its dedication to delivering world-class passenger experiences.”

He added that the upgrade will not only enhance capacity but also aligns with Global Ports Holding’s shared vision of creating future-ready cruise ports, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading cruise destination in the region.

Already, the following cruise lines have confirmed homeport seasons at MBCCS in Singapore for 2025 – and they’re popular picks for Aussie cruisers:

Disney Cruise Line: The line makes its long-awaited Southeast Asian debut in December 2025 with the Disney Adventure, sailing three and 4-night itineraries from Singapore. This marks Disney’s first ship to homeport in Asia, providing immersive experiences featuring Disney, Pixar, and Marvel themes. A Verandah Stateroom starts from around A$2,190 for a 3 night voyage.

Royal Caribbean:  Ovation of the Seas will be homeporting between October 2025 and March 2026, offering a range of Southeast Asian itineraries. Balcony cabins are priced from approximately A$2,000 for similar 3 to 4 night sailings.

Princess Cruises: Diamond Princess homeports in Singapore from December 2025, sailing primarily 14-night Southeast Asia cruises​. For the 14-night Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise departing December 23, 2025, the starting prices are from A$3,809 for a balcony cabin.

Singapore Tourism Board’s Assistant Chief Executive Ong Huey Hong noted that Singapore’s cruise industry is “projected to grow steadily with year-round sailings, seasonal homeporting, and a robust calendar of transit calls from a diverse range of international cruise lines.”

He added, “ These improvements will solidify Singapore’s position as a leading cruise hub, offering world-class facilities that cater to the evolving needs of cruise lines and passengers.”

With year-round sailings, exciting new ships and now a sleek upgraded cruise terminal, Singapore is shaping up to be a hot cruise gateway for Australians in 2025.

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