Dex QuekSingapore’s cruise industry has grown rapidly in recent years, with larger ships and more frequent sailings from Marina Bay Cruise Centre and HarbourFront. If your last voyage was a few years ago, the on-board experience now feels markedly more high-tech, activity-packed and tailored to regional tastes.
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What has changed since your last cruise?
Image credit: Antanasc
Dining remains at the heart of the cruise experience, but the variety has expanded significantly. Major lines sailing from or via Singapore, such as Royal Caribbean and Resorts World Cruises, now have a refreshed suite of offerings. Multiple specialty restaurants, flexible dining times and better options for vegetarian, halal and regional Asian palates are some strategies they have adopted.
On newer ships, restaurant reservations and menu viewing are increasingly handled through mobile apps or interactive screens, making it easier to manage meal times for families and groups. Some vessels also use passenger profiles to remember dietary preferences and flag potential allergens, a practical form of personalisation rather than a purely novelty feature.
Entertainment that rivals land-based attractions
Image credit: Royal Caribbean
Today’s large resort-style ships function as floating entertainment complexes. Royal Caribbean’s big ships feature offerings such as full-scale theatres, ice rinks, surf simulators and multi-deck waterslides, while Genting Dream from Resorts World Cruises includes a water park, cinema, VR arcade and bowling alley.
Purpose-built show lounges host Broadway-style productions, live music and themed party nights, alongside family-friendly game shows and movie screenings under the stars. Esports-style gaming spaces, virtual reality experiences and high-tech simulators are now common on some ships in the regional market, adding to the appeal for younger travellers and gamers.
Sustainability and wellness
Image credit: Star Cruises
Newer ships emphasise more efficient energy use and cleaner fuels. Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class and other upcoming large vessels, for example, use LNG-capable engines combined with energy-saving technologies and fuel cells to reduce emissions. These developments are part of broader corporate goals to cut carbon intensity and move towards net-zero emissions over the coming decades.
Wellness has also moved beyond traditional spas and gyms. Modern ships typically offer well-equipped fitness centres, running tracks, yoga or group exercise classes, as well as thermal suites with saunas and steam rooms. Some higher-end ships may add more advanced spa treatments and dedicated relaxation areas. Post-pandemic design updates often include improved air management and more attention to crowd flow.
Technology that anticipates your needs
Image credit: Royal Caribbean
Technology now shapes almost every step of the cruise journey. Online check-in, timed arrival slots and increasingly common facial-recognition or biometric systems in terminals can speed up embarkation. On board, wearable devices or apps are used to open doors, make purchases, book activities and locate companions.
Connectivity at sea has improved dramatically. Royal Caribbean Group, for instance, markets its “Voom” internet (now powered by Starlink across its fleet), offering much faster and more stable broadband than earlier satellite systems, though speeds can still vary by location and regulatory constraints. Combined with dedicated work-friendly lounges or quiet areas, it is now possible to mix periods of remote work with holiday time.
Hyper-personalisation for Asian travellers
Credit: Royal Caribbean Youtube
Cruise lines deploying ships in Asia have made clear efforts to localise their product. Onboard offerings may include regional cuisines, Asian-language entertainment, mahjong rooms, and staff who speak Mandarin or other Asian languages, alongside familiar Western options.
Cabin configurations also reflect multi-generational travel patterns common among Singapore-based cruisers. Family suites, interconnecting staterooms and flexible bedding arrangements allow larger family groups to stay close together while preserving some privacy. Combined with tailored shore excursions that focus on shopping, food or cultural highlights in nearby ports such as Penang, Phuket and Port Klang, these touches make cruises feel more aligned with regional expectations.
Where to book your next voyage
Official websites such as Royal Caribbean and Resorts World Cruises remain the primary sources for ship information, itineraries and direct-booking promotions. Established agencies in Singapore, including major travel firms, offer cruise packages that bundle sailings with flights, pre-cruise hotel stays, transfers and travel insurance.
Online activity and travel platforms such as Klook and Traveloka have added or expanded cruise products and related shore excursions, sometimes with promotional rates or value-added perks. For broader comparison of international sailings, global cruise-focused sites can be useful. Travellers should check currency, taxes and any service fees carefully before booking.
Overall, cruises departing from Singapore in 2026 combine large-scale entertainment, better connectivity and more regionally attuned hospitality, building on technologies and ship designs already in service today. Travellers should still confirm specific ship features, itineraries and terms at the time of booking, as offerings differ between cruise lines and are updated frequently.
