Singapore is a dynamic city-state that offers a unique blend of modernity, and tradition, arm in arm with world class facilities, making it an ideal destination for holiday goers and cruise seekers. The city has maximised it’s strategic location at the heart of Southeast Asia, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the region's diverse destinations. From its stunning skyline and iconic landmarks to its rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisine, Singapore has something for everyone. Travellers can experience the city's renowned hospitality and excellent facilities, including luxury shopping malls, award-winning restaurants, and exciting entertainment venues. With its efficient transportation system, English-speaking locals, and safe environment, Singapore is an attractive destination for both first-time and seasoned travellers.

Another impetus is that the Singaporean culture reflects the lives and ways of all the peoples who inhabit it. You will find yourself lost in its many markets with the Michelin Star hawker centres, unravelling the mysteries of Chinatown, the vagaries of Little India all the while finding yourself surrounded by colonial buildings straight out of a street in London. Yet, it’s heart is full of enterprising people eager to make a better world for themselves and those who choose to visit their home.

It is therefore no surprise that Singapore has turned into a major cruise destination, bringing hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers to its two major cruise terminals.

• Marina Bay Cruise Centre: For over ten years now, the Marina Bay Cruise Centre has been the flag-bearer of innovation and class by being widely recognized as the most modern cruise terminal in Asia. A sure destination for some of the world’s largest ships, this terminal can host 2 mega-ships and manage upto 6,800 passengers simultaneously.

• Singapore Cruise Centre: This terminal is situated in the heart of the city and is a very short distance from Sentosa Island. The Singapore Cruise Centre was reconstructed in 2012, and now provides state-of-the-art facilities to passengers.

Singapore is the starting point for a large number of international cruises. Singapore cruises cover exotic destinations across Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, Langkawi and Kota Kinabalu), Thailand (Phuket, Bangkok, Ko Samui and Laem Chabang), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang), Cambodia (Sihanoukville), Bali (Indonesia) and even to Australia (Perth, Hobart, Sydney).

At present, there are two cruise lines operating year-round cruises from Singapore – Royal Caribbean’s first Quantum Ultra Class ship, Spectrum of the Seas and Resorts World Cruises’ Genting Dream.

Spectrum of the Seas: The first ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Ultra Class, Spectrum of the Seas opens a new door to unravel the oriental Far East with the best the cruise industry has to offer. Arrive at the sun kissed beaches of Phuket while sailing along on this beauty with nearly 5,000 other passengers. The greatest attractions on this ship include a robot run Bionic Bar (believe it or not, but your custom drinks will be crafted and served by these AI masterminds), revolutionary accommodations, private 3D cinema rooms and the inexplicable feeling of flying high over the sprawling ocean – thanks to the high-flying virtual reality thrills in the Sky Pad. Starting from April and going all the way till September, Spectrum offers 3 to 4 night cruises to Penang and Phuket with Singapore as the port of departure.

Genting Dream: Genting Dream is one of the most spacious ships in Asia Pacific where guests onboard can explore a range of exciting restaurants, bars and cafes and choose from a variety of entertainment options that includes world-class theatre shows, parties, performances, classes and more. Genting Dream offers a wide variety of sailing itineraries departing from Singapore ranging from short weekend getaways to longer cruises that visit multiple destinations in the region. You can choose two night weekend cruises to the neighbouring Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur and three nights cruises to Penang and Phuket.

The best way to make the most of your Singapore cruise vacation is to combine the cruise with a land holiday. Plan for three or four extra days in Singapore, either before or after the cruise. To encourage you to spend atleast three nights in Singapore, Cruisebay has introduced an exciting and exclusive offer for cruisers who sail on either of the two ships and stay for 3 nights in Singapore. You will be entitled to either free entry to Cloud Forest AND Flower Dome at the touted Gardens by the Bay or a Sentosa Fun Pass worth Rs 5500 to use at various attractions at the spectacular Sentosa Island. For more details about the Singapore Cruise & Stay offer including a range of hotel options that you can consider staying for 3 nights, please click here 

So go ahead and plan a summer vacation like no other in the home of the Merlion and explore the region onboard either of the two awe-inspiring cruise ships.

Author : The author is a travel blogger and writes about popular holiday destinations and cruise packages. In this particular article, he talks about cruise options from Singapore and exploring the vibrant city-state.