things to note before embarking on DREAM CRUISE
Recently I went on a 3 day 2 night cruise to melaka on dream cruise and these are some things to note before you go for your trip.
Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore is a 10-15 mins sheltered walk from Marina South Pier MRT. They just upgraded the place so there is proper drop off areas now.
Check in area is at level 2 of the cruise centre and imo, reach there at least 2hrs earlier than your boarding time as they will let u go in before your stipulated boarding time.
Once you are in, there is no data/free wifi available. So you need to go to their screens to scan QR code to purchase WIFI on board. If you gamble, the points in your card can help offset your wifi fees. Payment will be on the last night of your trip. I suggest to go around dinner time to avoid the long queues, or you can do your payments online but im not sure if you can use your points to offset wifi charges.
If you do not have a membership card, get it before your dinner as after dinner, everyone will be trying to apply for a membership card to gamble and by then, most/all of the machines will be taken.
During my trip, I frequent Dream Dinning Room as they serve a pretty good meal imo as they serve appetiser, soup, 3 main dishes and dessert. Order more first as it will take quite some time for your food to come. I also frequent The Lido as its a self service buffet but it tends to be very crowded. Walk-ins only so go early!! Food menus will be available online thru the QR code too! They refresh daily so make sure you check the menu before choosing. Once they tap your card, it will be free for the 1st meal but if you would like to go for a 2nd serving in a different restaurant, there is 2nd meal surcharge for the same meal period.
During my trip, I disembarked to melaka and had a meal before going back to the cruise. The boat ride took about 15 mins and we waited for our turn at zodiac theatre for about 15 mins too.
They will remind you that no cooked food will be allowed back on the ship and all fruits accept durian, mangosteen and rambutan are allowed to bring back up. So consume them there before going back and when you go back to the ship, there will be security checks too to ensure safety!
Covered shoes are a must if you want to go to the high elements and the gym, and a proper swimsuit is needed as well.
Upon reaching SG, rmb to submit your SG arrival card. After clearing security in SG, free shuttle bus are available right at the exit so theres no need to walk back to the mrt. But take note the bus trip is about the same duration as you walk back as the bus goes 1 big round.
Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!
#dreamcruise #melakatrip #quickgetaways #cruise #thingstodoinsingapore
From my experience on the Dream Cruise, having a smooth check-in process really sets the tone for your entire journey. I recommend arriving at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore at least two hours before boarding to avoid the rush, especially if you want to make the most of the VIP check-in lanes if available. Remember to keep your booking PDF and passport handy, as they check these before security. Once onboard, connectivity options are limited. WiFi isn’t free, so consider purchasing a package early – just scan the QR codes available near the screens onboard. If you gamble, you can use your membership card points to offset wifi fees, but it’s easier to handle this around dinner time when lines are shorter. Dining on the Dream Cruise is an experience itself. I really enjoyed meals at the Dream Dining Room, which offers a multi-course meal with appetizer, soup, mains, and dessert. Do order extra dishes early since the food can take some time to arrive. The Lido buffet is popular but can get crowded, so try to go early for walk-in seating. Be aware that the first meal at each dining venue is included, but if you want a second round in a different restaurant during the same meal period, there is a surcharge. If you plan shore excursions in Melaka, remember the boat ride to shore is about 15 minutes and waiting times at the Zodiac Theatre vary. Also, be mindful of what you can bring back onboard – no cooked food and restricted fruits like durian, mangosteen, and rambutan. Enjoy these before returning, as security checks are strict. For activities, covered shoes are a must for areas like high elements and the gym, and proper swimwear is required for pools and jacuzzi areas. Upon return to Singapore, don’t forget to submit your SG arrival card and you can use the free shuttle buses that depart close to the cruise terminal exit – although they take about the same time as walking due to their scenic routes. Overall, these practical pointers made my Dream Cruise trip stress-free and enjoyable. Packing the right items, planning your dining and gaming strategy, and knowing what to expect at check-in and shore excursions will enhance your cruise adventure.
