Why go to Singapore?
A thoroughly modern destination, Singapore offers excellent shopping and interesting outdoor attractions
The weather can be oppressively hot and humid, making it difficult to remain outdoors for long stretches
Singapore is a city in the true sense of the word -- full of character, culture and plenty of diversions
Singapore Cruise Port Facilities?
The modern Marina Bay Cruise Centre is large enough to accommodate two mega-ships at the same time. It is located next to Singapore's new downtown district but there are currently no large shopping facilities in walking distance. The terminal itself features one convenience store.
The closest attraction is the massive new Marina Bay Sands -- an integrated resort with a hotel, shopping center and casino. The terminal is near a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station which is short but steamy walk away.
If your ship is docked at the Singapore Cruise Centre, you're right in the heart of the VivoCity shopping mall. Though it's not as glitzy as downtown malls (though it's said to be the largest in Singapore), you'll find all the necessities and then some.
Downtown is a 10-minute cab trip (or an easy ride on the ultra-clean MRT), though visitors wanting to head over to Sentosa Island and Mount Faber can hop on the cable car or a train, which is adjacent to the centre.
Good to Know?
Singapore's tropical climate is hot, soupy and tiring, so don't plan too ambitious of a day, and balance outdoor activities with time inside.
Getting Around?
The MRT offers a fast and efficient way to travel around Singapore. The system is clean, safe and air-conditioned; it features three separate rail lines, one of which stops at the Singapore Cruise Centre. Signage is in English.
More than 15,000 taxi cabs are available in Singapore, so getting one is pretty easy. Rideshare services such as Grab are also available. The network of city buses is also extensive and affordable, though there are differences in fares between air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Local currency is the Singapore dollar; check for the most updated rates at Oando and XE, Major credit cards and traveler's checks are widely accepted. ATM's can be found easily, both in the airport and at Singapore's two cruise centres. There are surcharges for using ATM's. Banks are normally open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Language?
With a large amount of expats from all over the world, it's no wonder the country has four official languages: English, Tamil, Chinese and Malay. English is the language of business and administration. Most Singaporeans, from taxi drivers to hotel staff, speak English.
Where You're Docked?
Since 2012, Singapore has had two separate cruise terminals. Previously, most ships docked at the Singapore Cruise Centre, which is part of the large Harbourfront Centre and VivoCity, about a 10- to 15-minute taxi drive from downtown. With the arrival of the larger mega-ships to Asia, Singapore has also constructed another facility, Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MBCCS), which is located at the southernmost tip of the country, just 5 minutes away from downtown. Singapore Cruise Centre is used by lines such as Holland America, and some others operating smaller ships. Dream Cruises uses MBCCS, as well as cruise lines with mega-ships. Cruise lines like Celebrity, Cunard, Princess and Royal Caribbean have moved their turnarounds to the Marina Bay facility.
