Include Singapore Cruise Port as a stop on your cruise holiday 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 cruise guests.
The port of Singapore is also important as a gateway to spectacular cruises around Southeast Asia. If you’re visiting Singapore Cruise Port as part of your next cruise holiday, we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you make the most of your time there.
We’ll answer questions like:
Where do cruise ships dock in Singapore?
How far is Singapore from the cruise port?
Is there anything near Singapore Cruise Port?
And, what are the best activities by Singapore Cruise Port?
Where do cruise ships dock in Singapore?
Singapore has two cruise terminals: the International Passenger Terminal at Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) and the Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MCCCS).
The International Passenger Terminal
The International Passenger Terminal at Singapore Cruise Centre is located at the Sentosa Harbourfront, across from Sentosa Island. This Singapore cruise terminal has a pier with space for two small to medium-sized cruise ships to dock.
When disembarking from your ship, it is only a couple of minutes walk to the exit gate for the terminal. The terminal is part of a 3-storey shopping arcade known as Harbourfront Centre, which also stands alongside Singapore’s largest retail mall, VivoCity.
As well as extensive shopping opportunities, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and connections to Singapore’s public transport system, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT).
Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MCCCS)
The other of Singapore’s cruise terminals is the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, located at the southern point of Singapore centre. As the newer of the two terminals (opened in 2012), it is usually where the larger cruise ships dock.
However, ships belonging to Azamara Cruises, Seabourn and Silversea may also stop here. At this Singapore cruise terminal, there is one long pier that can accommodate two cruise ships.
Disembarking, you’ll have a short walk to the terminal building via a covered corridor. Once inside, you’ll find all the necessary tourist facilities, including cash machines and currency exchange, a café, toilets, left luggage, a shop and free Wi-Fi. Marina South Pier MRT station is also nearby.
How to get to Singapore from the cruise port?
No matter which of Singapore’s cruise terminals your ship docks at, access to the city centre is easy, thanks to the well-connected MRT network.
When docking at the International Passenger Terminal, you can get from Singapore Cruise Port to the city centre via the HarbourFront MRT station, found right outside. Travelling on the North East Line, you’ll be able to visit highlights of the city, including Chinatown and Little India.
The International Passenger Terminal is also well-served by buses, which will take you to most attractions around Singapore. The distance from this part of Singapore Cruise Port to the city centre is less than 3 miles.
Therefore, taxis are reasonably priced and take only 10-15 minutes.
If you’re wondering how far Singapore is from the cruise port at Marina Bay Cruise Centre, it is only 2 miles. Getting to the Marina South Pier MRT Station takes around 10 minutes on foot via a covered walkway.
You’ll also have the option of direct bus routes to the city centre from the bus stop outside. Alternatively, taxis are available to take you from this part of Singapore Cruise Port to the city centre.
What to do in Singapore Cruise Port?
Singapore is an exciting, vibrant city with a fascinating culture and spectacular surroundings. Therefore, you won’t be short of choices when looking for what to do in Singapore on port days.
Take a Cable Car to Sentosa Island
Alongside the VivoCity shopping mall, the other top attraction when looking for the best activities by Singapore Cruise Port at the International Passenger Terminal is the Cable Car to Sentosa Island.
You can get on the cable car at the nearby Harbourfront Station and be whisked across to Sentosa Island. There, you’ll find numerous attractions, including Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds and a Marine Life Park.
Alternatively, the Mount Faber Cable Car Line also runs in the other direction to Mount Faber Station, Faber Peak, on the mainland. Whichever way you choose, you can expect gorgeous views of Singapore’s skyline, the harbour, forests and adventure parks, as you ride.
Is there anything near Singapore Cruise Port at Marina Bay Cruise Centre?
While most of the attractions are easily accessible via public transport or taxi from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, there isn’t really anything within walking distance.
So, if you’re looking for the best activities by this part of Singapore Cruise Port, we recommend jumping on the MRT to one of the following places:
Gardens by the Bay
This architectural feat that enables plant life to reach like giants into the sky is one of the iconic attractions of Singapore. As well as the Supertree Grove, where you’ll find this cluster of extraordinary structures, there’s also the inside Cloud Forest Dome where you can discover the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Our top tip is to visit one of the light shows after dark, when these remarkable structures are beautifully lit up in a multitude of colours.
Marina Bay Sands
Another of Singapore’s impressive constructions, the Marina Bay Sands resort complex, is visible as you sail into Singapore Cruise Port. It’s a high-end luxury hotel and shopping mall.
However, its main attraction is the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck. Undoubtedly, one of the best activities by Singapore Cruise Port, a visit 56 storeys up provides breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.
Raffles Hotel
As a colonial building and one of the last grand 19th-century hotels in the world, Raffles Hotel is full of class and history. Visited by renowned people such as Charlie Chaplin and Rudyard Kipling, Raffles Hotel provides immaculate service in its elegant surroundings.
Its historic Long Bar is home to the well-known cocktail Singapore Sling, which is still a popular option on the menu today.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is an enchanting riverside quay that was once a busy trade centre, where barges brought their wares for storage. Today, its historic warehouses have been restored to create colourful outlets where you can discover some of Singapore’s local cuisine.
The area comes alive at night but is also a fascinating place to visit during the day when you’re looking for what to do in Singapore on port days.
