The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Singapore and its Cruise Port

• Terminal Guide: Understand the difference between the International Passenger Terminal and the larger Marina Bay Cruise Centre.

• Seamless Logistics: Learn the best ways to reach the city centre via Singapore's world-class MRT system or local taxis.

• Must-See Highlights: From the heights of Marina Bay Sands to the historic charm of Raffles Hotel, we cover the top port-day activities.

Including Singapore as a stop on your cruise holiday allows you to discover a stunning city-state and a travel experience like no other. Singapore's colourful, cosmopolitan vibe makes it an alluring destination for many guests, serving as a glittering gateway to spectacular cruises around Southeast Asia.

If you’re visiting Singapore Cruise Port as part of your next holiday, we’ve got the definitive guide to help you make the most of your time, from terminal logistics to the best local "Singapore Slings."

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Singapore?

Singapore has two distinct cruise terminals, and where you dock usually depends on the size of your ship and your cruise line.

1. The International Passenger Terminal (Singapore Cruise Centre - SCC)

Located at the Sentosa Harbourfront, directly across from Sentosa Island, this terminal typically hosts small to medium-sized cruise ships.

• The Experience: When disembarking, it is only a couple of minutes' walk to the exit. The terminal is part of a three-storey arcade known as Harbourfront Centre, which sits alongside VivoCity, Singapore's largest retail mall.

2. Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MBCCS)

Located at the southern tip of the city centre, this is the newer, larger terminal designed to accommodate the world’s biggest mega-ships.

• The Experience: A short walk via a covered corridor leads you into a modern terminal building. While ships from lines like Azamara, Seabourn, and Silversea occasionally dock here, it is primarily the hub for large international vessels.

Deep Dive: Singapore’s Top Attractions

Singapore is an exciting, vibrant city with a fascinating culture and spectacular surroundings. You won't be short of choices when looking for what to do on your port day.

Gardens by the Bay

This architectural feat, which enables plant life to reach like giants into the sky, is one of the iconic attractions of Singapore.

• The Supertree Grove: Here, you'll find a cluster of extraordinary vertical gardens that serve as air venting ducts for nearby conservatories and collect rainwater.

• The Cloud Forest & Flower Dome: Discover the world's tallest indoor waterfall inside the Cloud Forest Dome, a mist-filled mountain of exotic plants.

• Top Tip: Visit for one of the light shows after dark, when these remarkable structures are beautifully lit in a multitude of colours.

Marina Bay Sands

Visible as you sail into port, this three-towered resort is a global icon of luxury.

• Sands SkyPark Observation Deck: Located 56 storeys up, this provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the city, the busy shipping lanes, and the lush gardens below.

• The Shoppes: Beneath the hotel lies a world-class shopping mall featuring high-end boutiques and a canal where you can take a boat ride between shops.

Sentosa Island & The Cable Car

Sentosa is Singapore's dedicated "State of Fun." You can reach it via a spectacular cable car ride from Harbourfront Station (near the International Terminal).

• Universal Studios Singapore: A must for thrill-seekers, featuring themed zones from ancient Egypt to futuristic Sci-Fi cities.

• S.E.A. Aquarium: One of the world's largest aquariums, home to over 100,000 marine animals across 50 different habitats.

• The Ride: The Mount Faber Line offers gorgeous views of the harbour, forests, and adventure parks as you glide through the air.

Raffles Hotel

As a preserved colonial building and one of the last grand 19th-century hotels in the world, Raffles is full of class and history.

• The Legend: Visited by icons such as Charlie Chaplin and Rudyard Kipling, it offers immaculate service in elegant surroundings.

• The Long Bar: This historic spot is the home of the world-famous Singapore Sling. It is still a popular tradition to head here, sip the cherry-brandy-based cocktail, and brush peanut shells onto the floor as guests have done for over a century.

Clarke Quay & Riverside

Clarke Quay is an enchanting riverside quay that was once a busy trade centre.

• Heritage Meets Modernity: The historic warehouses have been restored into colourful outlets where you can discover authentic local cuisine.

• The Atmosphere: While it truly comes alive at night with neon lights and live music, it remains a fascinating place during the day for a riverside stroll or a "bumboat" tour of the Singapore River.

How to Get Around Singapore

Singapore’s efficiency makes exploring incredibly easy. The city's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network is world-class.

• From the International Passenger Terminal: Access the city via the HarbourFront MRT station. The North East Line will take you directly to cultural highlights like Chinatown (famed for its street food and temples) and Little India (perfect for vibrant textiles and spices).

• From Marina Bay Cruise Centre: A 10-minute walk via a covered walkway brings you to the Marina South Pier MRT Station. Alternatively, direct bus routes and taxi stands are located immediately outside the terminal.

Planning a trip to the Far East? Singapore is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable voyage. Our specialist cruise consultants can help you find the best itineraries visiting the Lion City.