By The Escape desk · Last verified 3 October 2026
Cruises from Singapore leave from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, and short sailings of two to four nights are advertised from around S$300 a person for an inside cabin. That headline fare usually covers your cabin, meals in the main restaurants and buffet, the shows and most pools and activities. It usually doesn’t cover port charges and taxes, daily gratuities (often around S$25 to S$40 per person per night), alcohol and most soft drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants and shore excursions. Add them up and a cheap cruise can cost close to double its fare.
None of that makes a cruise poor value. A floating resort with meals, shows and a sea view can be a lovely family holiday. You just want to see the full bill before you book, not on the last morning.
Quick facts
- Terminal: Marina Bay Cruise Centre, at Marina South.
- Ships based in Singapore in late 2026 include Resorts World Cruises’ Genting Dream, Disney Adventure and, from October 2026 to February 2027, Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas.
- Port charges and taxes: often S$50 to S$90 a person for a short sailing, more for longer ones.
- Gratuities: commonly around S$25 to S$40 per person per night, charged to your onboard account.
- Wi-Fi: often S$20 to S$35 a day per device.
- A “cruise to nowhere” has no port calls, but you still clear immigration and need your passport.
What’s in the fare, and what isn’t?
| Usually included | Usually extra |
|---|---|
| Your cabin | Port charges and taxes (sometimes shown separately at checkout) |
| Main restaurant and buffet meals | Gratuities, per person per night |
| Water, and basic tea and coffee at the buffet | Alcohol, soft drinks, specialty coffee |
| Theatre shows and live music | Specialty restaurants (often S$40 to S$90 a person) |
| Pools, gym and most activities | Wi-Fi, spa, casino, some premium activities |
| Kids’ clubs on family ships | Shore excursions and photos |
Each cruise line draws the line differently; some fold gratuities into the fare or include soft drinks. Read the “what’s included” page for your exact sailing.
How to work out the real price
Here’s a simple worked example for two adults on a two-night sailing, using typical figures:
| Item | Two adults, two nights |
|---|---|
| Advertised fare (S$300 each) | S$600 |
| Port charges and taxes (S$60 each) | S$120 |
| Gratuities (S$30 per person per night) | S$120 |
| Drinks (a few each evening) | S$150 |
| Wi-Fi for one device, two days | S$50 |
| Total | S$1,040 |
That’s about 73% more than the fare, before a single specialty dinner or excursion. Your own figure will differ, but the habit of adding it up is what saves the surprise.
Ways to keep the bill down
- Choose an inside cabin for short sailings; you’ll spend most of your time on deck anyway.
- Avoid school holidays, when fares for the same cabin climb.
- Watch for flash sales, and compare the per-person total, not the headline.
- Price a drinks package only if you’ll drink enough to beat paying per glass.
- Go offline, or buy Wi-Fi for one device and share the news.
- Check the rules on bringing your own wine or water before you pack it.
The WahLiao Verdict
A short cruise from Marina Bay is a happy, easy holiday, especially with grandparents and children on the same trip. Just budget the fare plus about 50% to 80% more for the extras, decide on drinks and Wi-Fi before you board, and check your onboard account the night before you dock, while there’s still time to query anything.
Questions people ask
Can I remove the gratuities?
Some lines let you adjust them at guest services; others treat them as compulsory. Check your line’s policy, and remember they make up much of the crew’s pay.
Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?
It’s wise. Medical care on board is charged privately and can be costly. Make sure your policy covers cruises; see Travel Insurance in Singapore.
What passport rules apply?
Bring your passport even on a cruise to nowhere. For sailings with port calls, most lines ask for at least six months’ validity, and you’ll need any visas for the countries you visit.
How do I get to the cruise centre?
Marina South Pier MRT on the North-South Line is the nearest station, with a shuttle or a short taxi ride from there. Drop-off by taxi or car is easiest with luggage.
Sources: MoneyBees on cruise prices and extra charges; Little Big Red Dot on short cruises from Singapore in 2026; MoneySmart on cruise packages. Figures are typical ranges; check your sailing’s fare breakdown. The Escape explains; it does not advise.
Read next: Travel Insurance in Singapore · Duty-Free and GST Allowances · Back to The Escape
For what’s worth it this week, with the bill shown, read The WahLiao Week.
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