Singapore, with its Marina Bay Cruise Centre, has firmly established itself as the premier cruise hub of Southeast Asia. Which cruise line is the absolute best? The truth is, the “best” cruise line really depends on what you’re looking for.
To help you decide, we’ve broken down the top contenders sailing from Singapore based on what they do best. But before you make your decision, you must first learn more about the 2 different types of cruises available.
A. The Two Types Of Cruises
The “Getaway” Cruise
A high-volume, high-frequency category defined by short voyages. The “Getaway” cruise is a floating resort experience.
These voyages are typically short, lasting between two and five nights, with an intense schedule of departures throughout the year. The itineraries are focused on nearby, easily accessible ports, primarily in Malaysia (such as Penang, Melaka, and Port Klang for Kuala Lumpur) and Thailand (Phuket).
For these cruises, the ship itself is the main attraction. It is a self-contained world of entertainment, dining, and activities designed for a quick, high-energy escape.
This segment is overwhelmingly dominated by two major players: Royal Caribbean and Genting Dream (operated by Resorts World Cruises), both of which cater to families, groups of friends, and those seeking a convenient and action-packed short break.
The “Expedition” cruise
A more niche segment characterized by long, destination-rich journeys. The “Expedition” cruise uses Singapore as a strategic point of embarkation for grander voyages of discovery. These journeys are significantly longer, typically spanning from nine to nineteen nights or more.
The focus shifts dramatically from the ship to the destinations themselves. These itineraries venture far beyond the Malacca Strait, charting courses to the cultural landscapes of Vietnam, the Indonesian archipelago including Bali, the historic shores of India and Sri Lanka, and even across the Indian Ocean to Australia.
The onboard experience is designed to complement this spirit of exploration, emphasizing comfort, culinary excellence, and relaxation over the non-stop thrills of their short-haul counterparts. This premium, destination-focused market is primarily served by Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
B. The Best Cruises For Weekend Escapes & Family Fun
The “Getaway” cruises serves the local and regional leisure market of Southeast Asia, offering an accessible “sea-cation” that fits into a long weekend.
For travelers seeking a quick and activity-filled escape from Singapore, the choice boils down to two titans of the mass-market cruise industry. Royal Caribbean and Genting Dream both specialize in short-haul itineraries but offers different experiences tailored to slightly different sensibilities.
1) Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has cultivated a global brand identity centered on being the ultimate family-friendly adventure at sea.
From Singapore, the line deploys large ships from its Quantum and Voyager classes, such as Ovation of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas.
The Itinerary. The core cruise is a meticulously optimized 3- to 5-night round-trip sailing. The most common itineraries feature a day in Penang, Malaysia, followed by a day in Phuket, Thailand, interspersed with sea days to allow guests to fully utilize the ship’s amenities.
The Ship. These are dynamic, high-energy cruises where the onboard features are not just part of the vacation, they are the vacation.
The brand’s promise is one of non-stop action and entertainment that caters to every age group. While specific amenity lists for every ship can vary, the Royal Caribbean name is synonymous with signature attractions like rock-climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulators, and elaborate pool decks. Evenings are anchored by large-scale, Broadway-style production shows.
The Food. The dining experience is designed for scale, centered around massive venues like the Windjammer buffet, which offers a vast international spread, and multi-level main dining rooms that provide a more traditional, seated dinner service.
The Price. This “something for everyone” approach makes it a magnet for families with children and teens. The value proposition is clear: access to a mega-resort’s worth of activities for an accessible price.
A 3-night cruise to Penang, for example, can start from approximately S$298 to S$382 per person, making it a competitive option for a family holiday.
2. Genting Dream (Resorts World Cruises)
Where Royal Caribbean offers a globalized, American-style product, Genting Dream (operated by Resorts World Cruises) delivers an experience that is designed for the Asian market.
The Itinerary. This focus is evident in its itineraries, which are perfectly calibrated for the regional preference for quick, convenient holidays. The schedule is dominated by 2-night “Weekend Getaway” cruises that sail to nowhere and 2- or 3-night voyages to nearby Malaysian ports like Melaka, Port Klang, and Penang.
This high-frequency, short-duration model makes it an incredibly popular choice for local residents.
The Ship. The ship’s amenities are a direct reflection of a deep understanding of its target audience, particularly the multi-generational family groups that are common in Asian travel.
For children and the young at heart, there is a massive waterslide park with six different slides and a ropes course. For young adults, the presence of the iconic Singaporean nightclub Zouk at sea is a major draw.
And for the older generation, the expansive and lively casino is often the central hub of activity, a fact noted by numerous reviewers who describe the ship as a “floating casino”.
The Food. This is complemented by a thoughtful approach to dining; the inclusion of a Halal-certified international buffet at The Lido restaurant is a powerful and crucial feature that makes the cruise accessible and welcoming to the large Muslim populations of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The Price. The pricing strategy is highly competitive, aiming for volume. A 2-night weekend cruise can be found for as low as S$232, while a 3-night trip to Malaysia is priced from around S$486 to S$515.
This positions Genting Dream as one of the most affordable cruise options out of Singapore.
Royal Caribbean Vs Genting Dream
| Feature | Royal Caribbean | Genting Dream (Resorts World) |
| Key Ships | Ovation of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas | Genting Dream |
| Typical Itineraries | 3-5 nights to Penang & Phuket | 2-3 nights to Melaka, Port Klang, Penang; “Cruises to Nowhere” |
| Vibe/Atmosphere | High-energy, bustling, family-centric, American-style | Vibrant, casino-focused, multi-generational, tailored to Asian tastes |
| Target Audience | Families with children, active couples | Multi-generational Asian families, groups of friends, casino patrons |
| Signature Amenities | Large-scale production shows, rock climbing, surf simulators | 6-slide waterpark, Zouk nightclub at sea, Halal-certified buffet |
| Starting Price (3-Nights) | ~S$298 – S$382 | ~S$486 – S$515 |
| Key Pro | Unmatched variety of large-scale activities and entertainment. | Experience and amenities that appeal to all ages in an Asian family. |
For a traveler, the choice depends on whether they prefer a universally appealing cruise ship in Royal Caribbean or a more localised resort experience in Genting Dream where the casino is a central feature.
C. The Best Cruises For Exploring New Destinations
For travelers whose ambitions extend beyond a weekend getaway, Singapore serves as the launchpad for a more profound exploration of Asia.
The cruise lines that cater to this segment offer longer voyages where the destinations are the stars of the show. Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line are the principal players here, both offering premium experiences but with subtle differences in style and philosophy.
1) Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises operates in the premium segment of the market, offering longer, more immersive voyages.
The Itinerary. Cruises typically last between 11 and 14 nights. The itineraries presents destination-rich itineraries that delve deep into Southeast Asia, with multi-day stops in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Indonesian island of Bali.
Even more ambitious itineraries chart a course west to explore the cultural treasures of India and Sri Lanka.
The Experience. Sailing from Singapore on ships like the Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Solstice, the brand’s identity is built around the concept of “modern luxury,” which translates to an onboard experience focused on elevated dining, sophisticated ambiance, and a high standard of intuitive, personalized service.
The atmosphere is more akin to a boutique hotel than a bustling resort.
Life onboard is less about high-octane thrills and more about relaxation and refinement. Signature amenities include the serene, adults-only Solarium pool, the luxurious Canyon Ranch Spa, and a collection of chic bars and lounges perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail.
A key differentiator for Celebrity is “The Retreat,” an exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” enclave for suite guests, featuring a private restaurant (Luminae), a dedicated lounge, and an exclusive sundeck, offering an even higher tier of luxury and privacy.
This premium positioning is reflected in the price; a 13-night cruise exploring Bali, Malaysia, and Thailand starts at approximately S$1,950 per person.
What Reviews Say. The service is frequently lauded as exceptional, with comments like “fantastic staff made this cruise” being common. The main dining room food is also often praised as being of excellent quality. Yet, the vessels deployed in Asia, the Millennium and Solstice, are among the oldest in Celebrity’s fleet.
Reviews often point out that the ships are “showing its age,” citing issues like “broken drawers, torn fabric on the desk chair,” “paint splatter on the veranda furniture,” and a generally “neglected” appearance of the hull.
This creates a situation where guests pay a premium price for a luxury experience that is delivered flawlessly by the crew but the cruise ships may not feel as modern or pristine as the brand’s marketing suggests.
2) Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
The Itinerary. Norwegian Cruise Line also competes in the destination-focused market, offering long and often unique itineraries from Singapore that range from 12 to 19 nights.
NCL covers a vast geographical canvas. Sailings from the Lion City explore not only the heart of Southeast Asia but also venture to the Philippines, across to Australia, and even toward Africa.
The Experience. Aboard ships such as the Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Spirit, NCL’s core brand philosophy is “Freestyle Cruising.” This concept is designed to offer passengers maximum flexibility and choice, liberating them from the traditional constraints of cruising.
This is most evident in its dining structure, which features multiple complimentary main dining rooms with no fixed seating times or assigned tables, allowing guests to dine when, where, and with whom they want.
While NCL’s newest ships are famous for their headline-grabbing, high-tech thrills like multi-level go-kart race tracks and expansive virtual reality arcades , the vessels typically deployed in Asia are older, smaller, and offer a more traditional cruise experience.
Onboard the Norwegian Sun and Spirit, the focus is on a wide variety of dining venues, numerous bars and lounges, the Mandara Spa®, and the casino, rather than on adrenaline-pumping activities.
The Price. NCL is priced competitively within this premium, long-haul segment. A 12-night “Far East Cruise” on the Norwegian Sun is listed from S$3,477, while an epic 19-night repositioning cruise from Singapore to Sydney on the Norwegian Spirit starts at a compelling S$2,235.
What Reviews Say. Much like with Celebrity, however, the NCL experience in Asia is a tale of excellent itineraries delivered by older ships.
While the Norwegian Spirit received an extensive bow-to-stern modernization in 2020, it remains one of the fleet’s oldest ships and is described as being best suited to adults who prioritize the journey over the vessel’s features.
D. Expert Recommendations: Your Perfect Singapore Cruise
There is no single “best” cruise line sailing from Singapore. The ideal choice is a matter of aligning personal travel style, budget, and vacation goals with the distinct offerings of each cruise line.
i. For Families with Young Children
The decision for families comes down to a direct choice between Royal Caribbean and Genting Dream.
Choose Royal Caribbean if: The top priority is maximizing the number of large-scale, American-style activities and high-production entertainment. This line is the undisputed leader in “wow-factor” amenities.
Choose Genting Dream if: The travel party includes a multi-generational group, a culturally Asian atmosphere is preferred, and the children are fans of waterparks. Its shorter 2 and 3 nights itineraries are an excellent, low-commitment option for a family’s first cruise. The provision of Halal-certified food is a significant and decisive benefit for many families in the region.
ii. For A Quick Getaway (2-3 Nights)
The undisputed leader for a short, vibrant, and party-like escape is Genting Dream. The unique combination of its extensive waterslide park for daytime fun, the Zouk nightclub for evening parties, and the lively, central casino creates a dynamic resort atmosphere that is perfectly suited for a getaway with friends.
iii. For Adventurous Travelers Prioritizing Destinations
For seasoned travelers who see the cruise ship as a means to explore the world, the choice is between Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Choose NCL if: The traveler is independent, values flexibility, and prefers a casual onboard environment. NCL’s “Freestyle” dining and relaxed atmosphere mean no rigid schedules or dress codes, allowing for maximum freedom to explore ports and dine on one’s own time. Their itineraries are often unique, port-intensive, and venture to a wide range of destinations.
Choose Celebrity if: The traveler wants to explore exotic ports by day but return to a more refined, service-driven, and luxurious environment by night. It is the ideal choice for the explorer who does not wish to compromise on comfort and culinary quality.
For both NCL and Celebrity, the traveler must accept that they are choosing an itinerary and an experience, not a brand-new ship.
