Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Singapore? (A Complete Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Singapore: A Port of Call for Cruise Ships from Around the World

Singapore is a popular port of call for cruise ships from around the world, thanks to its strategic location in the heart of Southeast Asia, its world-class attractions, and its convenient transportation links.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Singapore’s cruise ship terminals, the different types of cruises that depart from Singapore, and the attractions that you can visit during a stopover in the city-state.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to plan your own cruise to Singapore, so that you can make the most of your visit.

Name Location Capacity
Marina Bay Cruise Centre Marina Bay 18,000 passengers
Singapore Cruise Centre Pasir Panjang 15,000 passengers
World Trade Centre Cruise Terminal Keppel Bay 12,000 passengers

History of Cruise Ship Docking in Singapore

Cruise ships have been docking in Singapore for over a century. The first cruise ship to call on Singapore was the RMS Empress of China in 1870. The Empress of China was a British passenger liner that sailed between London and Hong Kong. She was the first ship to circumnavigate the globe, and she made her first call on Singapore on 10 January 1870.

In the early days, cruise ships were a rare sight in Singapore. Most ships that called on the port were cargo ships or passenger ships on scheduled routes. However, as the popularity of cruising grew, more and more cruise ships began to call on Singapore. By the 1970s, Singapore was a major cruise ship destination.

The growth of cruise ship tourism in Singapore was helped by the development of the Keppel Harbour Cruise Terminal. The Keppel Harbour Cruise Terminal was opened in 1972, and it quickly became the main cruise ship terminal in Singapore. The terminal is located on the north side of Keppel Harbour, and it can accommodate ships of up to 300 metres in length.

In the 1990s, Singapore continued to grow as a cruise ship destination. The number of cruise ships calling on Singapore increased, and the average length of stay of cruise ships increased. In 1994, the Singapore Cruise Centre was opened at Marina Bay. The Singapore Cruise Centre is located on the south side of Marina Bay, and it can accommodate ships of up to 500 metres in length.

Today, Singapore is one of the most popular cruise ship destinations in the world. The port of Singapore welcomes over 1 million cruise ship passengers each year. The majority of cruise ships that call on Singapore are from Europe, North America, and Australia. However, there is also a growing number of cruise ships from Asia that are calling on Singapore.

The growth of cruise ship tourism in Singapore has had a positive impact on the economy. Cruise ships bring in millions of dollars in revenue to the port of Singapore, and they also create jobs for Singaporeans. Cruise ships also help to promote Singapore as a tourist destination.

Current Cruise Ship Docking Facilities in Singapore

Singapore has two cruise ship terminals: the Keppel Harbour Cruise Terminal and the Singapore Cruise Centre. The Keppel Harbour Cruise Terminal is located on the north side of Keppel Harbour, and it can accommodate ships of up to 300 metres in length. The Singapore Cruise Centre is located on the south side of Marina Bay, and it can accommodate ships of up to 500 metres in length.

Both terminals offer a variety of facilities for cruise ship passengers, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, bars, and casinos. The terminals are also connected to the city centre by public transport, making it easy for cruise ship passengers to explore Singapore.

The following table provides a comparison of the two cruise ship terminals in Singapore:

| Feature | Keppel Harbour Cruise Terminal | Singapore Cruise Centre |
|—|—|—|
| Location | North side of Keppel Harbour | South side of Marina Bay |
| Maximum ship length | 300 metres | 500 metres |
| Number of berths | 6 | 4 |
| Facilities | Duty-free shopping, restaurants, bars, casinos | Duty-free shopping, restaurants, bars, casinos |
| Public transport | Connected to the city centre by public transport | Connected to the city centre by public transport |

The Keppel Harbour Cruise Terminal is the older of the two terminals, and it is located closer to the city centre. However, the Singapore Cruise Centre is newer and larger, and it can accommodate larger ships. Both terminals offer a variety of facilities for cruise ship passengers, and they are both connected to the city centre by public transport.

Singapore is a major cruise ship destination, and it has two cruise ship terminals: the Keppel Harbour Cruise Terminal and the Singapore Cruise Centre. Both terminals offer a variety of facilities for cruise ship passengers, and they are both connected to the city centre by public transport.

3. Proposed Cruise Ship Docking Facilities in Singapore

Singapore is a popular destination for cruise ships, and the number of cruise ships calling at the port is increasing. However, the current cruise ship docking facilities in Singapore are limited, and there is a need for more capacity.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been working on plans to expand the cruise ship facilities in Singapore. In 2017, the MPA announced plans to develop a new cruise terminal at Pasir Panjang, which is expected to be completed by 2027. The new terminal will have a capacity of 9,000 passengers and will be able to handle the largest cruise ships in the world.

In addition to the new terminal at Pasir Panjang, the MPA is also planning to upgrade the existing cruise ship facilities at Marina Bay Cruise Centre. The upgrade will include the construction of a new terminal building, a new passenger terminal, and a new berth. The upgraded facilities are expected to be completed by 2025.

The development of new and upgraded cruise ship facilities in Singapore will help to meet the growing demand for cruise ship berths. The new facilities will also help to attract more cruise ships to Singapore, which will benefit the tourism industry.

4. Benefits and Challenges of Cruise Ship Docking in Singapore

There are a number of benefits to cruise ship docking in Singapore.

  • Economic benefits: Cruise ships bring a significant amount of economic benefit to Singapore. In 2019, cruise ships generated an estimated \$340 million in economic activity in Singapore. This included spending by cruise passengers, crew, and suppliers.
  • Tourism benefits: Cruise ships help to promote tourism in Singapore. Cruise passengers often stay in Singapore for a few days before or after their cruise, which helps to boost tourism revenue.
  • Job creation: Cruise ship docking creates jobs in Singapore. Jobs are created in the cruise industry itself, as well as in the tourism industry and other sectors that support the cruise industry.
  • Infrastructure benefits: Cruise ship docking helps to improve infrastructure in Singapore. The development of new and upgraded cruise ship facilities has helped to improve the port facilities in Singapore.

There are also a number of challenges to cruise ship docking in Singapore.

  • Environmental challenges: Cruise ships can have a negative impact on the environment. Cruise ships emit pollutants into the air and water, and they can also contribute to congestion in the port.
  • Social challenges: Cruise ships can have a negative impact on the social fabric of Singapore. Cruise passengers can bring in diseases, and they can also contribute to crime and social unrest.
  • Security challenges: Cruise ships can be a target for terrorism and other security threats. Cruise ships need to be properly secured to protect passengers and crew from harm.

The benefits and challenges of cruise ship docking in Singapore need to be carefully weighed before making a decision about whether or not to allow cruise ships to dock in Singapore.

Cruise ship docking in Singapore has a number of benefits and challenges. The benefits include economic benefits, tourism benefits, job creation, and infrastructure benefits. The challenges include environmental challenges, social challenges, and security challenges. The benefits and challenges of cruise ship docking in Singapore need to be carefully weighed before making a decision about whether or not to allow cruise ships to dock in Singapore.

Q: Where do the cruise ships dock in Singapore?

A: There are three cruise ship terminals in Singapore:

  • Singapore Cruise Centre (also known as Keppel Terminal) is located at the southern end of the island, near Sentosa. It is the largest cruise ship terminal in Singapore, and can accommodate up to four ships at a time.
  • World Trade Centre Cruise Terminal (also known as WTC Terminal) is located at the eastern end of the island, near Marina Bay. It is a smaller terminal, and can accommodate up to two ships at a time.
  • Pasir Panjang Cruise Terminal (also known as PPCT Terminal) is located at the western end of the island, near Jurong Island. It is the newest cruise ship terminal in Singapore, and can accommodate up to three ships at a time.

Q: Which cruise ship terminal is closest to the city centre?

A: The Singapore Cruise Centre is the closest cruise ship terminal to the city centre. It is located about 10 km from the city centre, and is accessible by public transportation (MRT and bus).

Q: Which cruise ship terminal is closest to the airport?

A: The Singapore Cruise Centre is also the closest cruise ship terminal to the airport. It is located about 15 km from Changi Airport, and is accessible by public transportation (MRT and bus).

Q: What are the different types of cruise ships that dock in Singapore?

A: There are a variety of cruise ships that dock in Singapore, including:

  • Oceanic cruise ships, which are large ships that typically offer a variety of amenities and activities, such as swimming pools, casinos, and spas.
  • River cruise ships, which are smaller ships that typically offer more intimate and relaxed experiences, such as shore excursions and local dining.
  • Expedition cruise ships, which are specialized ships that offer unique experiences, such as visiting remote destinations and exploring the wilderness.

Q: What are the best times to visit Singapore for a cruise?

A: The best times to visit Singapore for a cruise are during the dry season, which runs from March to September. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with little rainfall.

Q: What are the best things to do in Singapore when you’re not on a cruise?

There are a variety of things to do in Singapore when you’re not on a cruise, including:

  • Visiting the city’s many attractions, such as the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Merlion Park, and the Marina Bay Sands.
  • Exploring the city’s diverse cuisine, which includes Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan food.
  • Shopping at the city’s many malls, such as the Orchard Road Shopping District and the Marina Square Shopping Mall.
  • Enjoying the city’s nightlife, which includes bars, clubs, and restaurants.

    there are four main cruise ship terminals in Singapore: Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront, Pasir Panjang Terminal, and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Each terminal has its own unique features and offers a variety of amenities for cruise passengers. Marina Bay Cruise Centre is the largest and most modern terminal, and it is located in the heart of the city. Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront is also a popular option, as it is close to many attractions and shopping malls. Pasir Panjang Terminal is a good choice for passengers who want to explore the southern coast of Singapore, and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is the best option for passengers who are connecting to other parts of Southeast Asia. No matter which terminal you choose, you are sure to have a memorable cruise experience in Singapore.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.