Singapore: A Favorite Cruise Port City
Why Singapore Belongs on Every Cruiser’s Bucket List
Some cruise cities feel like a quick stop. Singapore feels like a destination all by itself — and honestly, it deserves at least a couple of days before you ever step on the ship.
Even though it took us nearly two full days of travel to get there, we were able to spend three full days in Singapore before boarding our Princess cruise, staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in the heart of Little India. From the moment we landed, the tone was set for a fantastic pre-cruise adventure. The airport was incredibly efficient, easy to navigate, and welcoming in a way that made us feel less like foreign visitors and more like travelers who instantly belonged.
The hotel staff were wonderful, and the location made exploring simple. The one surprise? Morning bells and occasional drumming from a nearby Hindu temple. At first unexpected… but quickly it became part of the rhythm of Singapore — a reminder that this ultra-modern city is deeply rooted in culture and tradition.
And that blend of modern efficiency and rich heritage is exactly why Singapore is such a perfect cruise embarkation city.
Getting Around Singapore (Easier Than You Think)
I always worry a little about transportation in a new country, but Singapore erased that concern almost immediately.
There’s no Uber here — but Grab is phenomenal. Similar to Uber or Lyft, Grab is a ride-sharing service, but in our experience it was even more reliable. Cars arrived in under five minutes almost every time, prices were far lower than expected, and the entire system felt incredibly polished.
Between Grab, the MRT subway, and highly walkable neighborhoods, getting around wasn’t just easy… it was stress-free, which is exactly what you want before a cruise.
Our Favorite Things to Do in Singapore (Perfect for Cruisers)
Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay
This is the postcard-perfect Singapore moment — and it absolutely lives up to the hype.
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is impossible to ignore: three soaring towers rising more than 50 stories high, connected at the top by the famous SkyPark that looks like a ship floating in the sky. Even without staying there (rooms often exceed $500 per night), the surrounding waterfront area delivers some of the most memorable experiences in the city.
Just across the bay, Gardens by the Bay blends futuristic architecture with lush tropical beauty. The Supertrees — towering vertical gardens made of steel frameworks wrapped in living plants — aren’t just decorative. They collect rainwater, generate solar power, and help cool the conservatories below.
Walking the Supertree Observatory was well worth the modest admission (about $12 USD), especially early in the morning before the tropical heat sets in.
Inside the climate-controlled domes:
- The Cloud Forest features a massive indoor waterfall wrapped in mist and greenery. During our visit, the Jurassic World experience added immersive theming that made the space feel part botanical wonder, part cinematic adventure. It’s fantastic for families traveling with kids — but honestly, adults will enjoy it just as much.
- The Flower Dome offers calmer beauty, filled with seasonal blooms and sculpted landscapes that feel like stepping into a living postcard.
We were at the Cloud Forest for about an hour, and then at the Flower Dome for about 30 minutes. If you have the time to do both, I’d highly recommend it. We purchased the bundle for both attractions, adding only about $10USD to the cost of just going through the Cloud Forest.
At night, the Supertree light show transforms the gardens into something almost surreal. It’s one of those quiet travel moments where you simply pause and think,
“Wow… we’re really here.”
Chinatown, Little India & Kampong Glam
Singapore’s neighborhoods each tell a completely different story.
Chinatown felt lively and colorful, with just enough energy to keep things interesting. Yes, a few vendors were pushy, but overall the atmosphere was vibrant and fun. This is where we found one of our favorite souvenirs — the Maneki-neko waving fortune cat, each carrying its own meaning and story.
Little India delivered deep culture and intense energy. The bargaining culture reminded us a bit of Caribbean cruise ports, though there were definitely great deals on souvenirs if you enjoy negotiating.
Kampong Glam and Haji Lane offered a totally different vibe — street art, boutiques, and a relaxed creative atmosphere that provided the perfect contrast to the busier districts.
And if you love shopping malls… Singapore may have more per capita than should legally be allowed. From the high end stores you would expect to find on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, to department stores you would find in anytown USA, they have it all.
Hawker Centers: Singapore’s Real Food Scene
If you truly want to understand Singapore, start with the hawker centers — open-air food courts where generations of cooks perfect a single dish rather than an entire menu.
We visited both Bib Gourmand Hawker and Martins Hawker, sampling five or six dishes along the way. The standout?
- Laksa from Sungie Road Trishaw Laksa — simple, flavorful, unforgettable.
- Curry puff pastry from Heritage Tanglin Puff — warm, flaky comfort food at its best.
And then there was dragon fruit, fresh and refreshing in Singapore’s heat, surprising us in the best possible way.
This is where Singapore proves that world-class food doesn’t require white tablecloths — just authenticity, tradition, and passion.
Hawker Center vs. Food Court (Singapore Style)
So what’s the difference between a Hawker Center and a Food Court? Here is the basic breakdown for you?
Hawker Centers
- Open-air or partially covered
- Ceiling fans instead of A/C
- Plastic trays, shared tables, bustling energy
- Feels deeply local and authentic
Food courts
- Inside malls or office buildings
- Fully air-conditioned
- Cleaner, quieter, more modern design
- Feels more commercial and comfortable
Sentosa Island, Cable Cars & SkyHelix
With extra time in our schedule, we headed to Sentosa Island, and it turned into one of the most unexpectedly fun parts of our stay.
We arrived via the Singapore Cable Cars, which alone are worth the trip for sweeping harbor and skyline views. It’s the kind of slow, scenic ride that forces you to relax and simply enjoy where you are.
Once on Sentosa, feels like a giant playground:
- Universal Studios Singapore
- beaches and waterfront walks
- adventure activities like zip lines, luge rides, bungee experiences, and more
We also rode the SkyHelix, the tallest open-air rotating gondola in Singapore, rising 79 meters above sea level. Smooth, peaceful, and panoramic in every direction — easily one of the coolest perspective moments of the trip.
One honest warning:
Food and drinks on Sentosa are… enthusiastically priced.
Bring water and snacks unless you’re prepared to finance a small mortgage. 😄
Still, Sentosa is absolutely worth visiting — especially for families or anyone wanting a mix of scenery, fun, and relaxation before embarkation day.
Cruise Logistics: Smooth… with a Little Chaos
Sea days also create a unique social dynamic.
Without tight schedules, people linger. Conversations unfold naturally. You chat with someone at breakfast, run into them again at trivia, and somehow it feels normal to sit together later without planning anything at all.
Psychologists note that connection doesn’t always come from deep conversation — often it comes from shared context. Sea days provide exactly that: the same view, the same pace, the same collective exhale.
This is one reason sea days tend to feel surprisingly social without ever feeling forced.
Final Thoughts from MAK’n Waves
Would we return to Singapore? Absolutely…and next time, we’d probably stay even longer.
Singapore isn’t just a cruise port city — it’s a place where futuristic design, deep cultural roots, incredible food, and effortless travel blend into one seamless experience.
If your cruise begins here, do yourself a favor and arrive at least three days early.
You won’t regret it. And honestly… you may start planning your return before the ship even sails.
Check out some of our other Favorite Port Cities, including Rome, Amsterdam, San Juan, and Mumbai.
