Tan Li AnnI love the excitement of planning an itinerary, but let’s be real, sometimes, the dream is to do absolutely nothing and be blissfully bored. So, with some nagging from my mother and leave to clear, I booked my first-ever cruise to Melaka!
Our 3D2N cruise was set to depart at 7pm, which meant check-in at Marina Bay Cruise Centre (MBCC) began at 3pm. As expected, we joined the long, snaking queues that felt eerily similar to JB customs.
Also read: 10 Must-Try Foods When Visiting Melaka in 2025
Checking in and boarding
Being total cruise rookies, we completely missed the web check-in that closes 48 hours before departure. Oops. But no worries, we managed to check in at MBCC without a hitch and got our room cards smoothly. Boarding began at 4pm, and despite the massive crowd, everything was surprisingly well organised.
TripZilla Tip: While waiting to board your cruise to Melaka, scan the QR codes on the seats and fill in your SG Arrival Card. Future you will thank you.
We handed our passports to the crew for safekeeping (a slightly nerve-wracking but standard cruise procedure) and made a beeline for our room. We booked a balcony stateroom, and every worry I had about cruise rooms being tiny and claustrophobic instantly sailed away. Our space was cosy and comfortable. The private balcony was perfect for curling up with a book while the ocean stretched endlessly ahead.
Food, fun, and entertainment onboard the cruise to Melaka
Luggage barely unpacked, we headed to Lido on the 16th floor for our first buffet feast. From juicy kebabs to comforting chicken soup and cakes that looked too pretty to eat, the spread was overwhelmingly indulgent. Before we knew it, our one-hour dining limit was up, and our food babies were fully formed.
Post-buffet, we wandered along the outdoor boardwalk, enjoying the ocean breeze before engaging in some competitive table hockey at the arcade (intense but fun) and a round of mini golf (embarrassing but also fun).
It’s no secret that the Genting Dream has a reputation as a ‘gambling cruise’, and this was clear from the rows of gleaming machines and the lively crowd engrossed in their games. But even if you’re not here for that, there’s no shortage of things to do onboard!
The night’s entertainment was at the Zodiac Theatre, where we caught Spellbindra, a mix of acrobatics and magic tricks. While the acrobatics were impressive, the magic tricks? Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly spellbound. With that, it was time to call it a night as our cruise sailed toward Melaka.
The next morning, I woke up to the gentle sound of waves and immediately made my way to Lido for breakfast. As someone who isn’t a big morning eater, I stuck to a comforting bowl of warm porridge while watching the sun rise. It was a rare but much-appreciated peaceful start to the day.
Exploring Melaka on a cruise
One of the perks of booking a balcony room? Priority disembarkation. We were able to leave the ship by 9am, ready to take on the charming streets of Melaka!
Also read: 5 Unique Attractions in Malacca for Singaporeans to Visit
A short tender boat ride up the Melaka River brought us to shore. The lifeboat, also called a tender boat, is typically used for emergency evacuations, but that day, it was our scenic transport into the city. I managed to snag a spot on the upper deck where the wind blasted my face, making the ride feel like a mini adventure before even setting foot in Melaka. Honestly, wouldn’t want to experience a lifeboat any other way.
Sightseeing in the historic city of Melaka
A whole fleet of brightly decorated trishaws, each one more eye-catching than the last greeted us when we landed in Melaka. Think Frozen’s Elsa battling for attention against a bedazzled Hello Kitty. These “Beca” rides are a fun, uniquely Melakan way to explore the city, but since over-the-top touristy experiences aren’t quite our thing, we decided to give them a pass.
Many of Melaka’s famous landmarks, like Christ Church Melaka and A’Famosa, were within walking distance of the ICQS Terminal. Strolling past cannons, centuries-old bulwarks and vibrant wall art like the Fan Bing Bing mural, I couldn’t help but feel like I was exploring an open-air museum.
Snack lover’s paradise & must-visit food stops in Melaka
After a bit of historical sightseeing, we made our way to Jonker Walk. But first, a necessary pit stop at San Shu Gong, a paradise for anyone who loves traditional snacks. With enthusiastic staff handing out free samples at every corner, resistance was futile. We left with bags of neatly packaged goodies for our family, friends, and, let’s be honest, our own snack stash.
From there, we wandered into various shops, including souvenir stores like Jonker Gallery, which sells knick-knacks like your typical tourist magnets and Art Flea Market, which had an impressive selection of traditional wooden homeware.
If time had been on my side, I would’ve 100% rented a kebaya, indulged in Nyonya high tea at Casa Del Rio and explored the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum pretending to be the main character in my own version of The Little Nyonya. Next time, perhaps.
For those who love the Nissin Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka, here’s some exciting news — Melaka has its very own version at Mamee Jonker House! For just RM15 (~S$4.50), visitors can decorate their own Mamee cup and pick a flavour from chicken, tom yam, curry laksa, or vegetarian. Just so you know, if you pick anything other than tom yam, I am judging you.
TripZilla Tip: I wasn’t feeling too well, so I gave this a miss, but you have to try chicken rice balls when in Melaka!
A quick shopping spree and cafe stop
Being true-blue Singaporeans, we couldn’t leave Melaka without a quick shopping detour. We grabbed to AEON Bandaraya, determined to make full use of the exchange rate. The mall itself felt like any typical shopping mall back home — bright, spacious, and packed with familiar brands, just without the overwhelming crowd.
I won’t bore you with the details, but let’s just say my wallet emerged significantly lighter, my luggage significantly heavier, and my heart undeniably happier because nothing sparks joy quite like a good bargain.
Post-shopping, we needed a sugar boost, and I had seen rave reviews about Something Bakery floating around on Lemon8. Intrigued, we stopped by for a taste test. Their signature crepe cake (RM16, ~S$4.80) was delicate, creamy, and beautifully layered. But the real MVP? The iced cheese foam yellow tea (RM13, ~S$3.90). As someone who loves cheese foam, I was delighted to see it on the menu. It did not disappoint.
Final evening on the cruise
With our Melakan adventure wrapped up, we headed back to the ferry terminal and the cruise ship. While the pools and waterslides beckoned, I chose the warm embrace of the hot tub instead. I saw families lounging by the poolside and little ones shrieking with joy at the water playground.
Dinner that night was at the Lower Dream Dining Room, which served Western cuisine. Mains included chicken, beef, or salmon, while the salad and soup were buffet-style. Here’s a pro tip: The meal is kind of an à la carte buffet, which means you can ask for more. Our tablemates requested extra onion rings (a side dish from the beef meal) and got an entire plate!
Completely stuffed, we took a final stroll around the ship before handling the necessary admin. This included passport collection, cruise card payments, and gratuity fees.
TripZilla Tip: If you want your luggage checked in for disembarkation, leave it outside your room the night before you disembark. But honestly, carrying it down yourself isn’t that big of a hassle.
I spent my last evening on the balcony, unwilling to close my eyes because I knew the trip would be over the moment I did.
At 6am, I woke to the sight of Singapore’s skyline in the distance. One last bowl of porridge later, we were officially back on home soil. While I was sad to leave, this short cruise to Melaka was the perfect recharge before diving back into routine life.
Until the next adventure!
