$40m Marina Bay Cruise Centre facelift to include new check-in area, more lounge facilities
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An artist’s impression of the completed ground transport area at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
PHOTO: SATS
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SINGAPORE – A $40 million facelift for the Marina Bay Cruise Centre is under way, and following completion, cruise passengers will enjoy a new check-in area and smoother traffic access, among other upgrades.
The expansion works started in February and are expected to last for nine months, after which the centre’s capacity will grow to 11,700 passengers from the current 6,800, operator Sats-Creuers Cruise Services and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said jointly on April 11.
The revamp includes converting the land in front of the centre to a ground transport area, which will increase the number of coach bays and double the number of ride-hailing spaces.
A part of Marina Coastal Drive will also be widened.
These enhancements would significantly improve passenger access to and from the centre, the two parties said.
Also, a portion of the current ground transport area will be transformed into a new check-in area, and allow the centre to accommodate two large ships at the same time.
There will be more lounge facilities and larger seating areas for embarkation and disembarkation.
Upgrading works will be carried out in phases to ensure minimal disruption, the joint statement said. The centre will continue operations on ship call days.
This is the centre’s most extensive upgrade since it opened in 2012. The centre has handled more than eight million passengers from over 2,000 ship calls since then.
STB assistant chief executive for industry development group Ong Huey Hong said the enhancements address the global trend towards larger cruise ships, as well as projected growth of the cruise industry here.
An artist’s impression of the completed ground transport area outside Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
PHOTO: SATS
She said: “These improvements will solidify Singapore’s position as a leading cruise hub, offering world-class facilities that cater to the evolving needs of cruise lines and passengers.”
STB has extended Sats-Creuers’ operator agreement for the centre for eight years, with the option to extend it for another two years. The extension could run from May 2027 to March 2037.
Sats-Creuers chairman Bob Chi said the upgrade will improve visitor experience and the efficiency of cruise ship operators as the centre gears up for more intensive operations ahead.
He added: “This terminal refresh underscores our intent to make Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore one of the best stopovers for cruise ship passengers.”
