Cruise Getaways from Singapore around Southeast Asia
PUBLISHED June 29th, 2014 11:29 am | UPDATED March 27th, 2016 01:51 pm
These days Singapore is better known for its shopping and restaurants than its shipping lanes. But in reality, the Port of Singapore is still a huge hub of commerce and one of the busiest ports in the world. And while some people hear the word ‘port’ and think ‘cargo’, here at City Nomads we only think one thing – cruises!
Singapore is the perfect launching pad to explore the rest of South East Asia – cruises leave year round and sail to exotic locations near and far. We’ve compiled some of the best cruise getaways leaving Singapore, which are sure to bring out the adventurer in us all. Why not make the journey part of the holiday we say!
Take a weekend jaunt to the beautiful Tioman Island
If you only have a few days to spare for a cruise, Tioman Island is in perfect striking distance for a weekend adventure. The 2-day round trip takes you from Singapore’s bustling metropolis to the stunning beaches and towering mountains of Tioman Island, one of Malaysia’s untouched gems. Tioman is a densely forested island with lush green peaks ending in white sand and crystal clear water. The cruise there will also take you through the Malaysian Peninsula marine park – blue open water dotted with a string of beautiful islands. We guarantee that even in two days you’ll totally forget about your worries back home – emails… What emails?
The 2-day Singapore to Tioman Island cruise is offered by Star Cruises from $687 SGD. For more information see their website here.
Cruise to Kuala Lumpur’s humming metropolis and Phuket’s idyllic beaches
If you’re the kind of person that gets bored lying on the beach all day, you need a cruise that incorporates a city break alongside nature exploration. Luckily – South East Asia boasts a multitude of buzzing cities just a stone’s throw from stunning coastline. Take a cruise to Malaysia’s bustling capital Kuala Lumpur, where you can explore exotic food markets, shop ’till you drop in the retail quarter, and watch the iconic Petronas Twin Towers light up the night sky. When you’re at your city limit, cruise back past Phuket and enjoy some chilled relaxation on white sand beaches, or enjoy the view from your deck chair, cocktail in hand.
4-day Port Klang and Phuket cruise is offered by Royal Caribbean Cruises from $438 SGD. For more information see their website here.
Wander Bangkok’s bustling streets and relax on the Ko Samui coast
Thailand is another fabulous option to combine a city break with some beach relaxation. Begin with a cruise to Bangkok, where you can see beautiful Thai palaces and temples, explore lively night markets and enjoy some of the country’s famed nightlife. Once back on board, cruise back to Singapore via the up and coming beach paradise of Ko Samui. Party at beach bars, eat delicious local Thai food, snorkel through a reef paradise and watch the sun set over the ocean. Heaven!
The 5-day Thailand cruise is offered by Princess Cruises from $623 SGD. For more information see their website here.
Journey to temples, forests and beaches around the Indonesian archipelago
For travellers with more time to spare, the options for a 10-day or two-week cruise are endless. There are literally hundreds of beaches within striking distance of Singapore and via boat is the best way to experience them all. Take an Indonesian archipelago cruise to explore a diverse cross-section of Indonesia’s island hideaways – from the popular tourist haunts of Bali and Lombok to the isolated untouched bliss of Semarang and Komodo. Beaches, snorkelling, animal watching, shopping, nightlife and gastronomic adventures – Indonesia has it all!
The 10-day Temples, Dragons and Beaches cruise is offered by Azamara Club Cruises from $2199 USD. For more information see their website here.
Adventure to Hong Kong through Vietnam’s famous ports
Hong Kong is a popular destination from Singapore year round, but why fly there when you can cruise? Over the course of two weeks, take in bustling Bangkok, historic Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Dine on fresh Vietnamese delicacies, photograph colonial architecture, explore historic temples and pick up some beautiful authentic silk. After your Vietnam adventure, sail into your final destination of Hong Kong – a modern city with an ancient past, seeped in culture and discovery. After exploring Hong Kong you can take a short flight back to Singapore, or if you’re game – cruise home too!
The 14-day Northbound Asian Allure Cruise is offered by Celebrity Millennium Cruises from $1796 SGD. For more information see their website here.
Explore mystic Myanmar and the beautiful Orchard Isles
Myanmar is one of the last untouched destinations in South East Asia – a diverse and mysterious country immersed in culture and old world charm. Cruise to Rangoon, the economic centre of Myanmar famed for its historic colonial architecture and stunning pagodas. Over your two-week cruise adventure you’ll also visit the island paradises of Phuket and Langkawi, and Kuala Lumpur’s city hub. This is a journey that explores some of South East Asia’s cultural and historic gems off the beaten track, in as little as a fortnight – who could ask for more!
14-day Myanmar and Orchard Isles cruise is offered by Seabourn Cruises at $4999 USD. For more information see their website here.
