Singapore is a good port for starting your first cruise from Korea. There are daily nonstop flights from Incheon, the time difference is only 1 hour, and the airport is not far from the cruise terminals. You will not have to board the ship exhausted after a long-haul flight as you might in Europe. Still, there is one thing you must check: Singapore has two cruise terminals in different neighborhoods.
This guide walks you through the day before embarkation and the morning of your Singapore cruise, in order. It explains how to check which terminal you need, where to stay nearby, how to get there from Changi Airport, and how to manage your time on embarkation morning. Times and fares are included only when verified against official airport, cruise line, or terminal information.
The short answer: arrive the day before, even though it is nearby
When the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) surveyed around 4,000 cruise passengers across 8 countries in 2022, 69% said they stayed at least 1 night before boarding. Singapore is nearby, so it may seem possible to fly in on embarkation morning, but flights can be delayed. If you booked your cruise separately and miss the ship, the cost and effort of catching up at the next port are yours to bear. Arriving the evening before and getting a night's sleep makes embarkation day much easier.
Also, check whether your ship uses Marina Bay Cruise Centre or Singapore Cruise Centre at HarbourFront first. Royal Caribbean also advises passengers to check the terminal for each sailing.
Singapore's two cruise terminals
- Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore: Located at the southern end of Marina Bay (61 Marina Coastal Drive). It is mainly used by large cruise ships, and its check-in hall and transport area were renovated in 2025.
- Singapore Cruise Centre – HarbourFront: A cruise and regional ferry terminal at HarbourFront, across from Sentosa Island. It is connected to HarbourFront MRT station.
The two terminals are far enough apart that even a taxi ride crosses the city, so going to the wrong one means having to travel again. Check the terminal name in your boarding documents or cruise line app.
Where to stay the night before
For Marina Bay Cruise Centre: Marina Bay, Tanjong Pagar, or Chinatown
These areas are in the same southern part of the city, so the taxi ride to the terminal is short on embarkation morning. If you use the MRT, staying near the North-South Line is convenient. The closest station to the terminal is Marina South Pier on the North-South Line.
For HarbourFront: HarbourFront or around Sentosa
The terminal is connected to HarbourFront station and a shopping mall, so staying nearby makes embarkation morning very simple. It is also easy to make a short visit to Sentosa Island the day before.
Whichever area you choose, ask your accommodation whether it offers luggage storage after checkout and can call a taxi in the morning.
Getting from Changi Airport to your accommodation
There are daily nonstop flights from Incheon to Singapore Changi Airport (see announcements from Asiana Airlines and check flight schedules when booking). According to Changi Airport's official information, you can get into the city as follows.
- Taxi: About 30 minutes to the city, with a fare of around SGD 25–45. An airport surcharge applies (SGD 8 from 5 p.m. to midnight; SGD 6 at other times). This is the most convenient option after a long flight, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
- MRT: Take the train from Changi Airport station and transfer to the East-West Line at Tanah Merah station to reach the city. You can also transfer to the Downtown Line at Expo station. There is a last-train time, so plan on taking a taxi if you arrive late at night.
Changi Airport describes a Fly-Cruise service that transfers luggage to Marina Bay Cruise Centre and assists with cruise check-in. Official information does not give details about eligible cruise lines or terms, so contact your cruise line first if you want to use it.
How to get moving on embarkation morning
Use this as your reference time on embarkation day: the arrival (embarkation) time shown in your boarding documents or cruise line app. Royal Caribbean advises passengers to arrive at Marina Bay Cruise Centre from the time shown on their boarding documents and no later than 1 hour 30 minutes before departure. Requirements vary by cruise line, so count backward using your own cruise line's guidance.
- If you take a taxi: Marina Bay Cruise Centre is close to hotels in the southern city center, but drop-offs can be busy on embarkation day, so leave about 1 hour before your scheduled arrival time.
- If you take the MRT: Get off at Marina South Pier on the North-South Line and walk about 600 m along the covered linkway (according to Royal Caribbean). There is also a bus route to the terminal on bus 402 from Tanjong Pagar or Downtown station.
- For HarbourFront: From Exit B at HarbourFront MRT station, follow the footbridge and the connected building passageway to the terminal.
At Marina Bay Cruise Centre, porters accept checked luggage before check-in (according to Royal Caribbean). Keep your passport, boarding documents, essential medication, and a change of clothes for the day in your carry-on. You will go through departure immigration when boarding, so keep your passport with you.
The first few hours after boarding
Your cabin may not be ready immediately after you board. Singapore is hot and humid year-round, so pack a swimsuit and a light change of clothes in your carry-on. You can have lunch and then wait by the pool.
All passengers must take part in a safety drill before departure. Follow your cruise line's instructions for its format and timing. If you depart from Marina Bay, you can watch Singapore's high-rises recede from the deck.
What to check so you do not miss your ship
- Terminal name: Marina Bay Cruise Centre or HarbourFront. Check before choosing your accommodation.
- Arrival window and cutoff: Royal Caribbean requires arrival no later than 1 hour 30 minutes before departure. Check with your cruise line.
- Singapore entry documents: Singapore requires an electronic SG Arrival Card before entry. Check the requirements with Singapore Immigration before departure.
- Flight arrival date: Even though Singapore is nearby, arrive at least the day before.
- Last MRT train: If you arrive late at night, plan on taking a taxi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go straight from the airport to the cruise terminal?
If you arrive the day before and stay overnight, you can take a taxi directly from near the airport. We do not recommend taking a flight that arrives on embarkation morning and heading straight to the ship.
Is the walk from Marina South Pier station difficult?
It is about 600 m along a covered passageway. It is manageable with light luggage, but a taxi is more convenient if you have several large suitcases.
Can I fly home on the same day I disembark in Singapore?
The airport is nearby, so it is easier than at many other ports, but disembarkation ends later than the ship's arrival time. For advice on choosing a flight on your disembarkation day, see Flights on Cruise Disembarkation Day: What to Check When Planning Your Trip Home. If you want to learn about cruise routes departing from Singapore, also see the Singapore Cruise Guide.
Plan the days before and after around your cruise dates
Cruise itineraries departing from Singapore are listed on the Singapore Port page. If you have already chosen a cruise, the Cruise Planner can help you coordinate flights, a hotel for the night before, and a day plan at port according to your departure date and terminal. For guidance on when to return to the ship from a port, see Why Start with the All-Aboard Time.
Sources checked (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Royal Caribbean directions to Singapore cruise terminals (arrival time, MRT, porters): royalcaribbean.com
- Changi Airport transport guide (taxi fares, MRT): changiairport.com
- Changi Airport Fly-Cruise service: nowboarding.changiairport.com
- Singapore Cruise Centre HarbourFront: singaporecruise.com.sg
- Singapore Tourism Board announcement of Marina Bay Cruise Centre improvements: stb.gov.sg
- Asiana Airlines flight announcement (posted 2026-08-27): flyasiana.com
- Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) SG Arrival Card: ica.gov.sg
- CLIA 2022 cruise passenger survey (69% stayed before boarding)
For more detailed travel advice, plan your trip with AI in the Cruise Planner below.
