Cruising from Singapore? See what’s new at Marina Bay Cruise Centre, including smoother check-in, better transport access, baggage services and easier connections to the city.
Good news for cruise travellers heading to Singapore. The Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS) has just finished a significant $40 million upgrade designed to make arriving, departing and passing through the terminal smoother and more comfortable.
Singapore is already one of Asia’s leading cruise hubs, and these upgrades are aimed at keeping it that way as cruise travel continues to grow across the region.
For visitors, the takeaway is simple: shorter queues, easier transport, better baggage options and more time to enjoy Singapore before or after your cruise.
Here’s what it actually means for visitors planning a cruise from Singapore:
Faster, easier check-in
One of the biggest changes is a completely new check-in hall on Level 1 for passengers boarding ships at Pier 2.
- Around 70 check-in counters
- Seating for more than 500 passengers
- Dedicated VIP lounges for premium travellers
The existing Level 2 hall now serves Pier 1, which should help reduce queues and make the start of your cruise feel far less hectic, especially on busy days when two large ships are in port at the same time.
Smoother transport to and from the terminal
Getting to the cruise centre has also been improved:
- Wider access roads and more coach bays
- Early baggage drop-off, so your bags go straight to the ship
- More than double the ride-hailing spaces for Grab and taxis
- A loop shuttle bus linking the terminal with Marina South Pier MRT on selected cruise days
If you’re driving, you can now reserve parking up to 60 days in advance, often at a discounted rate. There’s also a buggy service to help passengers with reduced mobility move between the car park and terminal.
Helpful services for travellers with time in Singapore
Some of the most useful additions are aimed at passengers who want to explore the city before or after their cruise.
- Baggage delivery to Singapore hotels or Changi Airport
- Shuttle services to places like Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown on selected cruise days
- A returning Cruise-Fly service, allowing international passengers to check in for same-day flights and tag luggage at the terminal—so you can sightsee baggage-free before heading to the airport
For visitors with a long layover in Singapore, this could make a big difference.
Behind the scenes improvements
Even the upgrades you won’t see are designed to improve your experience.
A new vehicle slot management system coordinates the delivery of food, supplies, and luggage to ships in real-time, helping large vessels depart on schedule and reducing congestion around the terminal.
There’s also a clever new convertible bench-table seating system, designed to make waiting areas more comfortable during peak periods.
All in, this means that if you’re planning to sail from Singapore in the coming months, your journey through Marina Bay Cruise Centre should now feel noticeably smoother from the moment you arrive.