Copyright thewest
More than $46 million has been spent “enhancing passenger experience” at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. It comes as the cruise centre prepares to handle growing cruise travel demand in Asia. And Singapore is a convenient start-and-finish point for West Australian cruise enthusiasts. Indeed, it was the “nursery” of our interest in cruising, when I think back 20 or so years. CRUISE CENTRE’S KEY IMPROVEMENTS + MBCCS has partnered with third-party providers to offer baggage transfer services to all Singapore hotels and Changi Airport. + There are also shuttle services to popular attractions, including Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown, on select cruise days. + MBCCS has also re-introduced the Cruise-Fly Service for international passengers disembarking in Singapore. This enables them to check-in and tag their baggage for same-day connecting flights. The spokesperson explains: “This enables travellers to explore the city baggage-free before continuing their onward journey.” + The cruise centre now has PortDeck in terminal areas — an innovative convertible bench-table system. + A new ground transport area has an early baggage drop-off facility, with bags going directly to the ship. A spokesperson for MBCCS says: “This helps travellers move through the terminal more quickly, reduce wait times at the terminal and start their cruise journey with ease.” + A looped shuttle service on some cruise days links Marina South Pier MRT station to the terminal, making travel to and from MBCCS easier. + The number of ride-hailing lots has more than doubled. + The number of coach bays has increased, and roads leading to MBCCS have been widened. SIMULTANEOUS MEGA SHIPS + MBCCS can now handle two “mega ships” at the same time, through its existing two berths. + There is a new check-in hall for Pier 2, with 70 counters and more than 500 seats. This is on Level 1. + The existing Level 2 check-in hall will now serve Pier 1. + Both check-in halls have VIP lounges. BEHIND THE SCENES MBCCS now has an innovative vehicle slot management system, which uses real-time tracking and automated scheduling to streamline provision handling and minimise congestion.
