Your Ultimate Singapore Cruise Guide 2025
Imagine a vacation where getting to the destination wasn’t boring or time-wasting, and where all your luggage was handled for you. Imagine being on holiday and never having to go looking for where to eat, or worry about the kids not being entertained. Imagine visiting different destinations, all without the hassle of unpacking and repacking your bags.
If a hassle-free and worry-free vacation is what you need, then you might just love a cruise vacation. In fact, cruises are becoming so popular that more than two million people cruised from Singapore in 2023, the highest record ever. (Source: Singapore Tourism Board)
In this article, we share with you the top Singapore cruises available this year in 2025, and also answer your questions about whether your travel insurance policy covers cruise vacations. So for all things cruise-related, read on and get ready to sail!
Top 5 Benefits of a Cruise Vacation
If you’re new to what a cruise vacation is like, then this section is for you. Cruise ships are basically floating resorts where you can enjoy an all-inclusive holiday on the open seas.
All your meals, as well as entertainment and leisure options, are provided for. You can visit the gym, spa, hair salon, pool, library, shops, arcade, theatre, nightclub, casino… whatever “floats your boat”!
There are many benefits to a cruise vacation, but here are the essential five:
1. Hassle-Free Travel: All you have to do is check in. Everything else is taken care of for you. Absolutely no stressing about things like transport timings, entrance tickets, or road directions, as you would with other trips.
2. No Time-Wasting: Your vacation begins the moment you’re on board, and lasts until the moment you disembark. And you get to make every moment count!
3. Your Choice of Holiday: There’s something for everyone. You’re not limited to a strict itinerary, and your cruise experience is entirely up to you to shape. Choose which activities you want to participate in, what cuisine you’d like for each meal, or which shore excursion you’d like to join.
4. Kid-friendly Trip: For families on a cruise holiday, not only are there usually dedicated kids clubs and family activities, but your kids can never get lost! No matter where they’ve run to, you can be sure they’re somewhere on board.
5. Budget-Flexible: How much you’d like to spend on your holiday is up to you. Luxury options are there for people willing to splurge a little more, but there are also always affordable cruise packages for people on a tight budget, so that everyone gets to enjoy the #cruiselife experience.
Travel Insurance for Cruises: FAQ
Do I need to purchase special travel insurance specifically for cruises?
No, most travel insurance companies have standard policies that extend to cruises as well, but make sure to check with your travel insurance company to be sure.
What do I need to note when buying travel insurance for my cruise holiday?
Make sure that your policy covers the geographical locations and ports of call the cruise includes.
When should I purchase my travel insurance?
Make sure to get your travel insurance at least 30 days before your cruise departure. This will cover you for any potential cancellations or delays.
Should I only get travel insurance for my child/ren if they cannot swim?
You should always make sure that your children are covered by a travel insurance policy, regardless of whether they can swim or not. Travel insurance covers them not only when they’re on the trip, but also pre-trip cancellations, or post-trip medical expenses. Besides, with DirectAsia, children are insured completely for free with a Family Plan.
We will disembark really early on the last day of the cruise. Can we save some money when buying travel insurance by skipping this last day?
No, it is not advisable to skip any day of your holiday, even if it is not a full day. You might find out that some of your items are missing upon receipt of your luggage at the cruise centre, or your cruise may be delayed due to bad weather. Make sure you include each day of the cruise vacation in your travel insurance. To be extra safe, sign up for an annual travel insurance plan instead, for coverage all year round.
Top 3 Tips When Booking a Cruise
1. Check What’s Included and What’s Not
Your cruise package will definitely include accommodation, cruise travel, three meals daily, and some activities and entertainment. Shore excursions are usually always excluded, with the exception of Silversea Cruises. Fees like gratuities, port duties and taxes may or may not be included in your package. Always check with the cruise operator what your cruise package includes, as it differs per cruise ship and even cabin class.
On some cruises, you may have to pay extra for wifi access, specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, additional workshops, or bonus performances. (No wifi may be a good thing for once, since no one at work can reach you! Plus, it’s a great digital detox.)
On all-inclusive cruises, the above are usually included. Dining wise, you’ll have a greater choice of specialty restaurants, more meals each day (think morning tea, afternoon tea and supper), as well as complimentary snacks, coffee, pastries, ice cream etc, all day. You’ll only have to pay for special requests like premium champagne or dry cleaning.
2. Know the Type of Cruise You Want
Understand what kind of cruise holiday you’re after, and look for the cruise that matches your needs. If you want to lay in the sun and read a book in peace and quiet, a large cruise ship with thousands of passengers and kids running around will not be a good choice. If you want to learn how to play different card games in the casino, make sure they have a dedicated childcare service, since kids can’t enter the casino. If you like partying, choose a ship with a club instead of a jazz bar or country band.
3. Pick the Right Kakis
Cruising is about spending time with people you enjoy, doing activities and experiencing new things together, so it’s important that you find the right people to do this with. You may travel with colleagues, girlfriends, cousins – can you all agree on a similar cruise plan? Maybe you love dressing up for formal dining nights, joining in dance classes, and taking part in trivia quizzes. Do the rest of your gang also enjoy those things, or are they so shy they never want to take part in anything and rather spend their time in the cabin? Planning for a successful cruise holiday begins with picking like-minded travel companions.
Top 10 Singapore Cruises
(in no particular order)
It might surprise you to know that there are actually many more cruise ships that dock at our shores than you might think. We list the ten most popular cruises you can consider — you might make it a bucket list item to try all of them?
Local Flair Cruises
1. Resorts World Cruises 🛳️
Medium, 2000-3000 guests
Genting Dream and sister ship Star Scorpio are probably the most familiar, since they are popular for their short cruises departing from Singapore. Like all cruises, they offer inclusive dining options, daily activities and nightly entertainment, including live singing at the casino’s centrestage.
You also have the option to purchase additional tickets for some exclusive performances, such as a Chinese opera-inspired production and a gentlemen’s show, and some dance and fitness workshops.
What makes Resorts World Cruises unique is the local flair they infuse into their cruise itineraries, with special onboard events such as feng shui talks, lion dances, and in 2025, even special drag performances featuring our local queen Kumar.
Family-Friendly Cruises
2. Disney Cruise Line 🛳️
Large, more than 6000 guests
How can there be a more magical “at sea” experience for little ones than on a Disney cruise? The new Disney Adventure sets off on her maiden voyage on 15 December 2025, and will offer 3-, 4- and 5-night round-trip cruises thereafter. It’s a cruise to nowhere, because it’s all the Disney magic on board that matters!
Of course you can expect character meet and greets, storytelling sessions, and live performances. But the Disney Adventure also promises a magical atmosphere with seven themed areas, from an underwater-themed cafe with bioluminescent corals, to a Marvel-themed mini amusement park — complete with the longest roller coaster at sea, ever!
Kids also get to join the Disney’s Oceaneer Club where they can explore the mega Toy Story playground, train with the Avengers, and do arts and crafts with Disney princesses.
In collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board, the Disney Adventure departs from its Singapore homeport for the next five years, so take advantage while it’s here.
3. Royal Caribbean International 🛳️
Large, 4000-5000 guests
Both Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas depart from Singapore, and these cruises really are jam-packed with everything. And we mean everything: It has a surf simulator, skydiving simulator, bumper cars arena, rock climbing walls, mini golf course, arcade, mini water park, cocktail-making robots, broadway style performances, silent discos, game shows, Spanish classes, salsa workshops, poolside movies, even a 360-degree observation capsule where it feels like you’re flying above the open sea. If you want to do something new or different every day of your cruise holiday, this is it.
4. Celebrity Cruises 🛳️
Medium, 2000-3000 guests
Both the Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Solstice offer one-way cruises to or from Singapore shores. Kids get to go camping, learn the basics of sailing, go on scavenger hunts, or battle it out in video game tournaments. Meanwhile the adults can relax in the adults-only solarium, or sign up for paid programmes such as whiskey tasting, wine pairing, mixology, and more. You can even play “Deal or No Deal” on board live and stand to win cash.
Cultural Class Cruises
5. Norwegian Cruise Line 🛳️
Medium, under 2000 guests
Whether your cruise choice brings you on the Norwegian Spirit, Sun, or Sky, you’ll be in for a relaxing experience. With complimentary dining at two formal dining rooms, a buffet bistro, sports bar, and outdoor burger bar, you can dine formally or go casual whenever you feel like it. Expect fantastic nightly entertainment in their impressive two-storey theatre (yes, complete with theatre boxes), and live music that will bring back fond memories. Game show enthusiasts can also try their hand at “Deal or No Deal” or “Wheel of Fortune” – the unique cruise versions!
6. Holland America Line 🛳️
Medium, under 2000 guests
If you’re a music lover, then a cruise aboard the Westerdam is definitely for you. With “Billboard Onboard”, you’ll enjoy nightly sets featuring chart-toppers, guest sing-a-longs, music trivia games, and more. Chill at the Rolling Stone Lounge with a 7-piece live band, or take to the floor dancing to your favourite rock or pop music. Settle into the comfy plush seats of the World Stage theatre for spectacular choreography, vocal arrangements and steelband performances.
All-Inclusive Cruises
7. TUI Cruises 🛳️
Medium, around 2500 guests
Aboard the Mein Schiff 6, you’ll be pampered from the moment you wake up, with a gorgeous ocean view (90% of cabins offer an ocean view and 80% have a balcony), an espresso machine in every cabin and 24-hour in-suite dining.
You’ll never have to bother with prices on the menu, with all-inclusive dining and drinks at eight restaurants and bistros, ten bars and lounges, and a premium ice cream bar. Spend the day at the sauna, or taking part in health and wellness workshops and sports courses, all complimentary. In the evenings, take your seats at the cosy art and cultural theatre for a night of magic, comedy, acrobatics, cabaret, plays, and more.
8. Oceania Cruises 🛳️
Small, under 700 guests (Regatta and Nautica)
Medium, around 1200 guests (Riviera)
A cruise aboard Oceania Cruises comes with the “Your World Included™” brand promise, which means enjoying many complimentary meals, activities, services and amenities during your onboard stay.
Enjoy all-inclusive dining at eight restaurants and bistros, including a steakhouse and Tuscan restaurant, a premium ice cream bar, and a specialty coffee bar. Teatime at four o’clock is a time honored tradition aboard all Oceania cruises, where you can spend your afternoons sampling finger sandwiches, petits fours, scones and sinful desserts, accompanied by the soft melodies of a classical string quartet.
Experience engaging TED-style talks, inspiring fitness classes, interactive culinary classes, Artists in Residence art lessons, and show stopping performances in the evenings.
Luxury Cruises
9. Silversea Cruises 🛳️
Small, 400-700 guests (Silver Whisper, Muse and Nova)
Silversea offers a luxury cruise experience when you sail with them, beginning with chauffeur service right from your doorstep. Once on board, your personalised luxury experience continues with white-gloved butler service for all guests, a guaranteed ocean-view suite with an unlimited mini-bar, all-inclusive fine-dining in gourmet restaurants, premium alcoholic beverages on the house, wellness amenities such as sauna, steam room and jacuzzis, as well as a complimentary shore excursion every day!
The Silver Nova also offers a paid culinary immersion programme which incorporates local dining experiences, culinary shore excursions, and hands-on workshops with master chefs and mixologists.
Silversea cruises welcome (a limited number of) children on board, and there are no dedicated programmes for kids, so join this cruise if you want a break from your own and other people’s kids!
10. Crystal Cruises 🛳️
Small, around 600 guests
Crystal Cruises promises you’ll be treated like royalty during your time onboard the Crystal Symphony. Expect the most intimate, personalised service with your very own personal butler, warm staff that greet you by name, and an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio to anticipate your every need. Sail with Crystal again, and the bartender will remember your drink, and your butler, just which pillow you liked.
Cruise in comfort with a guaranteed sea view in every room, and the largest amount of space per passenger in cruise. Enjoy all-inclusive dining at all eight of their specialty restaurants, including an exclusive evening dining at the legendary Chef Nobu’s Umi Uma restaurant.
Golf clinics by a qualified PGA golf pro, a Computer University@Sea programme to pick up new digital skills, pickleball and padel lessons, ballroom dancing, TED-style talks, bridge games, dazzling Broadway-inspired productions and concerts, cocktail soirées and evening socials — you will never run out of things to do aboard a Crystal cruise.
Note: Crystal does have a little youth club for kids and teens, but the daily programme of activities seems to be more catered to adults.
Cruise Highlights 2025
Not only are there many cruise ships to choose from, there are also many different cruise holiday options of varying durations and with different ports of calls and cruise destinations. We break down some of the cruise packages available this year so you can decide what kind of cruise vacation works best for you.
Me-Time Cruise
Simply need a short break to recharge your batteries? Why not hop onto a one-night sailing where you can enjoy all the amenities on board, disembark at Malacca for some yummy chicken rice balls, and head back home, ready to take on a new day? (RWC)
Weekend Getaways
If you can’t spare much leave, then 2- to 3-night cruises to Penang, Phuket, Bangkok or Jakarta might suit your calendar best. (RWC)
Short Cruises
If you can spare a couple of days in the week for a cruise vacation, then you should definitely consider the highlight of 2025 which no doubt will be the 3- to 5-night Disney cruises (DCL).
There’s also a 4-night cruise to Penang and Phuket, and a 5-night cruise to Vietnam and Hong Kong (RCI). Marine life enthusiasts will love a 4-night Koh Samui and Redang cruise (RWC) where you can also go snorkelling or diving.
Asian Cruises
12- to 15-night cruises to Asia are quite popular, visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and some Cambodia, South Korea and Japan (RCI, NCL, TUI). If you love Indonesia, check out the 14-night cruise to Bali, Lombok, Komodo Island, Java and Jarkarta (HAL). And if you’d like to take more time to explore our Asian neighbours, consider a 26-night cruise instead (HAL).
Cruises Down Under
Why not follow in the footsteps of the early Dutch explorers and sail to Australia? There are two cruises from Singapore to Sydney (OCL, NCL), visiting Adelaide and Melbourne on the way, and one to Brisbane (RCI), stopping by Cairns and Darwin.
Fly-Cruises
Fly-cruises are also quite popular one-way cruises, as flying to/from your destination of choice gives you more time to explore the area before or after your cruise. Choose from:
Cruises From Singapore: (10-28 nights)
Bali (CC), Mumbai (CCL), Qatar (NCL), Hong Kong (HAL, OCL), Taiwan (OCL), Japan (OCL)
Cruises To Singapore: (9-20 nights)
Philippines (CCL), Bangkok (OCL), Bali (CC), Hong Kong (CC, SCL), Japan (CC, CCL, SCL)
Leisure Cruises
If you have more time (we’re jealous!) and truly want to experience the cruise life, choose a more leisurely cruise. From 33 nights to 70 nights, indulge in the ultimate luxury aboard your second home as you sail to/from destinations like Italy (TUI), Auckland, Tokyo, French Polynesia, Barcelona, Los Angeles, or Monte Carlo (OCL).
New Year Cruises
It may seem strange to already look forward to ringing in 2026 at this point, but if you definitely want to mark the change of year on the high seas, then consider booking your 5- to 9-night December-to-January cruise (DCL, OCL, RCI) now to make sure you’ve secured a place!
Legend:
CC Celebrity Cruises
CCL Crystal Cruises Limited
DCL Disney Cruise Line
HAL Holland America Line
NCL Norwegian Cruise Line
OCL Oceania Cruise Line
RCI Royal Caribbean International
RWC Resorts World Cruises
SCL Silversea Cruises Limited
TUI TUI Cruises
