Cruising in Singapore

Singapore is fast becoming the cruising hub of Asia. And Australians are discovering how the island state provides them with a very special bonus: the best pre- and post-cruise holiday in the region.

With an unbeatable location, two world-class cruise terminals and some of the best ships basing themselves there, many Australians are making the choice to cruise from Singapore this season.

The island metropolis is the natural gateway to emerging cruising destinations in Southeast Asia. There are more than 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites close by, including the historic town of Malacca in Malaysia, Kinabalu National Park in Borneo and the majestic Halong Bay in Vietnam.

It’s possible to visit two or three countries in just one short cruise or extend the journey and travel further afield to China, Japan and South Korea.

Australian travellers are increasingly happy to fly to Singapore as it allows them to enjoy two holidays in one: a terrific stopover with great food and entertainment, and an exciting cruise through a region rich in history and adventure. And with more than multiple direct flights a day from six Australian cities, getting there is a breeze.

Ships depart from two terminals, Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore and Singapore Cruise Centre, and there are plenty of cruises to choose from.

Royal Caribbean’s largest ship in the southern hemisphere, Ovation of the Seas is homeported in Singapore. She is the most technologically advanced ship with amazing new activities like the iFly, North Star and SeaPlex area, fitted out with bumper cars and a roller rink.

Princess Cruises will return to the Lion City. Sapphire Princess will be based in Singapore in 2026/27 and received an overwhelming response. The premium cruise line will cater to the growing number of high-end travellers keen to cruise Asia. Diamond Princess is currently also operating out of Singapore.

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Walk the walk

Discover the history and design secrets behind Singapore’s neighbourhoods with guided walking tours from Architecture Walks. With restored art deco shophouses, street art and historic places of worship, it’s the perfect chance to see Singapore through the eyes of a local and, best of all, the walks are free.

Eat like a local in Singapore

If you’re an avid food lover, there’s no better place than Chinatown Food Street. The assembly of specialty local dishes and outdoor dining makes it the best way to enjoy an authentic experience in Singapore. But it can be a bit daunting if you don’t know where to start. Urban Adventures runs half-day tours through Chinatown.

Country meets city

Inspired by New York’s High Line, the Green Corridor is a park created from a disused railway that winds its way through forests and gardens, under old railway bridges and past historic stations.

The best bars in Singapore

Singapore’s bar scene is exploding. You’ll need a password to get into the speakeasy-style Library where the Shrub-a-dub-dub cocktail (below), is served. Ask the concierge or check Facebook. 28 Hong Kong Street is another hidden gem and feels like a chic private lounge club. For a cocktail with a Singapore flavour try the chilli crab cocktail from Mars Bars, a dirty Chinese martini flavoured with century egg at Nutmeg & Clove or design your own cocktail at Bitters & Love.

Culture in Singapore

Singapore has a rich cultural mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions, which come alive in the city’s language, food and architecture. Visit the Malay-Arab quarter of Kampong Glam to see the beautiful Sultan Mosque, where glass bottles were donated by the local community to help with its construction. For Singapore’s Peranakan culture, head to Joo Chiat and Katong. Once home to wealthy merchants, it is now dotted with stately villas, home museums and colourful shophouses.

Celebrity favourites

Australian celebrity Tetsuya Wakuda opened his Singapore restaurant, Waku Ghin, in 2010 and considers Singapore one of his favourite cities. So what are his favourites? Imperial Treasure Teochew Cuisine is great for Teochew food. There are some adventurous items on the menu like jellyfish and duck’s tongue but you can also stick to the delicious dim sum or signature yam omelette. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are an oasis of green in the heart of the city. The garden is the perfect antidote to the city’s hustle and ideal for just lazing about under the sun with the locals

The best 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. Capella has a lovely property on Sentosa Island and for those traditionalists, you can’t go past Raffles.

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.

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Cruising in Singapore

Marina Bay Cruise Centre

Who goes there: Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania 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.