Singapore Cruise Centre opens July 7
Singapore Cruise Centre opens July 7
Singapore Cruise Centre opens July 7
The Singapore Cruise Centre will open on July 7, marking a new era for cruise and ferry operations in the city-state. The new terminal, located at 5 HarbourFront Avenue, will feature upgraded infrastructure and technology-enabled services designed to enhance the passenger experience.
Batam Fast Ferry will be the first operator to start operations from the new terminal on July 7, with all other ferry operators and cruise operations to follow suit from July 15. The move is part of a two-phase relocation plan, with the existing terminal at HarbourFront Centre set to be redeveloped by owner and real estate firm Mapletree Investments.
According to Singapore Cruise Centre, there will be no changes to existing ferry routes, destinations, or schedules. Ferry services to Indonesian destinations, including Batam Centre, Harbour Bay, Sekupang, Tanjung Balai Karimun, Gold Coast, and Nirup Island, as well as international cruise operations, will continue as usual.
The new terminal is situated 70m away from the existing terminal, directly across the entrance of The Reef at King’s Dock condominium and behind HarbourFront Tower 2 facing the sea. Passengers can access the terminal via HarbourFront MRT station Exit B, with sheltered walkways connecting it to the station and VivoCity.
Singapore Cruise Centre has encouraged travellers to use public transport to get to the new terminal, as parking spaces are limited. The terminal will feature food and beverage options, convenience retail services, and money changers, among other services.
The new Singapore Cruise Centre will have 25 self-service check-in kiosks, automated boarding gates, and biometric immigration clearance, similar to an airport. The terminal has a passenger waiting area that is about 50 per cent larger than before and includes a new VIP lounge that can accommodate up to 70 passengers.
Singapore citizens and permanent residents can clear immigration at the terminal without presenting a passport, using the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority's automated border clearance system, which verifies travellers through facial biometrics.
The opening of the new Singapore Cruise Centre is part of a larger effort by the city-state to enhance its position as a leading cruise and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) hub. The Singapore Tourism Board has highlighted two major upcoming projects: a downtown MICE hub and an integrated cruise and ferry terminal, which could be built next to the Marina Bay Cruise Centre as part of the Greater Southern Waterfront development.
