Singapore with Genting Dream Cruise

This holiday comes in two halves. For the first three nights, you explore Singapore from a hotel in the city, with its gardens, skyline and island playground. For the last three, you hand over the planning to a floating resort and let the Genting Dream carry you up the Strait of Malacca to the ports of Malaysia or Thailand, while you swim, eat, watch shows and sleep to the gentle movement of the sea. Today is simply about arriving well and finding your feet.

Most flights from India reach Changi Airport in the early morning or late evening, after four to six hours in the air. Singapore is two and a half hours ahead of Indian time, so a flight that leaves Delhi or Mumbai at midnight lands here around breakfast. Before you fly, complete the free SG Arrival Card online within the three days before you land, and keep your Singapore visa, return ticket and cruise booking together, as officers occasionally ask about onward travel. At the automated gates or the counters, the process usually takes only a few minutes.

Our representative meets you in the arrivals hall, and a private car takes you to your hotel in the city, a drive of about 25 minutes along the East Coast Parkway, with glimpses of container ships anchored offshore. It is a good moment to notice something you will see again in a few days from the deck: Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world, and the waters around it are always full of vessels waiting their turn.

Standard check-in is usually from 2 or 3 PM. If you arrive early, leave your luggage at reception and go for a walk or a meal; most hotels are happy to store bags. Think ahead about packing for the cruise. On Day 4, you will carry your suitcases to the cruise terminal, so it helps to keep one small bag with passports, medicines, swimwear and a change of clothes for the first evening on board, as main luggage is sometimes delivered to cabins a few hours after boarding.

The rest of the day is yours. If you have energy in the evening, Marina Bay is the natural first stop. Walk the promenade from the Merlion towards the Helix Bridge, whose steel spirals were inspired by the structure of DNA, and look back at the three towers of Marina Bay Sands with their ship-shaped SkyPark balanced across the top. You will be standing on that deck in two days' time.

Alternatively, Orchard Road, Singapore's main shopping street, is lined with malls for more than two kilometres, and many shops stay open until 10 PM. The basement food courts of the big malls, such as ION Orchard and Takashimaya, are an easy introduction to local food, with stalls selling everything from dosas and biryani to noodles, dumplings and fresh fruit juices at reasonable prices.

Getting around is easy. The MRT, Singapore's metro, is fast, clean and air-conditioned, and you can tap in and out with a contactless debit or credit card, so there is no need to buy a separate travel card. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab are also widely used and reasonably priced for short trips. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere, so carry a refillable bottle.

A few local rules are worth knowing on day one. Littering, eating or drinking on the MRT, jaywalking and smoking outside marked areas can all lead to fines, and chewing gum is not sold in the city. None of this is a problem for considerate visitors, and it is part of what makes Singapore so pleasant to walk around, even late at night.

If you are travelling with children or older parents, a quiet first evening is often the best choice. Many hotels have rooftop pools or gardens, and a swim followed by an early dinner nearby helps everyone adjust to the time difference. Singapore's humidity can feel tiring after a long flight, so drink plenty of water and wear light cotton clothes.

Money is straightforward. The Singapore dollar is the local currency, cards are accepted almost everywhere, and ATMs are easy to find. It is still useful to carry a little cash for hawker stalls and small shops, and you may want some Malaysian ringgit or Thai baht for the cruise ports, which our team can advise on before you sail.

Get an early night if you can. Tomorrow is your first full day in the city, with a morning tour and an afternoon and evening on Sentosa Island.

Included today: private arrival transfer from Changi Airport to your hotel, hotel stay.

Good to know: complete the SG Arrival Card within 3 days before arrival, and carry your visa, return ticket and cruise booking. Pack a small bag for the first evening on the ship. Read our guide to the SG Arrival Card and the Singapore visa for Indians.

Today is your first full day, and it gives you a quick overview of the city before the cruise and then an afternoon of fun on Sentosa. After breakfast, you are collected from your hotel for a half-day city tour, shared with other guests. Pickup times are fixed, so be ready in the lobby a few minutes early; the coach collects from several hotels and the driver cannot wait long.

The tour is a good way to understand how compact Singapore is. The whole country is smaller than Mumbai's metropolitan area, yet it contains a world-class financial district, old shophouse streets, nature reserves and one of the world's busiest airports and ports. The first stop is usually Merlion Park, at the mouth of the Singapore River, where the half-lion, half-fish statue spouts water into the bay. The lion recalls the city's Sanskrit name, Singapura, the lion city, and the fish its origins as a fishing village called Temasek.

From there, the coach passes the colonial civic district, with the Padang playing field, the old Supreme Court and City Hall, and stops for photographs near the Singapore Flyer, a giant observation wheel beside the bay. You then head to Chinatown, where narrow streets of brightly painted shophouses surround temples, markets and traditional medicine shops. Your guide will point out how Chinese, Indian, Malay and colonial influences sit side by side here: a Hindu temple and a mosque stand within a few minutes' walk of the great Buddhist temples of the district.

The tour usually ends with a stop at a duty-free shop. There is no obligation to buy anything, but it is a chance to compare prices on watches, electronics and perfumes with what you might find on board the ship or at the airport later.

In the afternoon, a shared transfer takes you to Sentosa, the island resort just south of the city. You arrive by cable car, gliding over the harbour from the mainland in a small glass cabin. From up here, you have your first view of the cruise and container ships in the strait, and of the cranes of the port stretching along the coast, a reminder of where you will be heading in two days.

Sentosa itself has an interesting history. Before it became a resort, it was a British military base known as Pulau Blakang Mati, and the old gun emplacements and tunnels of Fort Siloso, at its western end, still stand among the trees. Today, it is home to resorts, golf courses, attractions and a nature walk through the rainforest canopy.

On Sentosa, your combo ticket includes three rides each on the Skyline Luge and the Skyride. The luge is a gravity-powered cart that you steer down a winding concrete track through the trees, braking and accelerating as you like. After each run, the Skyride chairlift carries you back up the hill, with views over the beaches and the sea. Children can ride with an adult, and the staff give a short safety briefing before your first run.

Between rides and the evening show, spend some time on the beaches. Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches run along the southern shore, with soft sand, palm trees and beach bars. The sea here is calm and shallow, and on a clear afternoon you can see the islands of Indonesia on the horizon. Palawan Beach has a suspension bridge to a small islet that claims to be the southernmost point of continental Asia, a fun spot for a photograph.

Lunch is at your own cost, and Sentosa has plenty of choice, from food courts near the cable car station to cafés along the beaches. If you prefer Indian food, you will find options in the main food courts, and many restaurants mark vegetarian dishes clearly on their menus.

Singapore's weather is warm and humid all year, with short, heavy showers that often arrive in the afternoon and pass quickly. Carry a small umbrella or a light rain jacket, and do not let a shower spoil your plans: the luge and Skyride pause only during lightning, and most rain clears within an hour.

In the evening, the tour finishes with Wings of Time, an outdoor show on Siloso Beach. Fountains, lasers, flames and music are projected onto giant screens of water against the night sky, telling the story of a young boy and a mythical bird who travel through time. It lasts around 20 minutes, and the shared coach takes you back to your hotel afterwards.

Dinner tonight can be on Sentosa, where restaurants range from beach shacks to elegant terraces, or back in the city. If you are still hungry late at night, many hawker centres stay open until 10 or 11 PM.

Included today: half-day Singapore city tour (shared), Sentosa combo with one-way cable car, Skyline Luge and Skyride (3 rides each), Wings of Time show, shared transfers, breakfast.

Good to know: wear comfortable shoes and closed toes for the luge, and bring sunscreen, a hat and water. Lunch and dinner are not included. Read our Sentosa Island guide.

Your last day on land in Singapore begins slowly, with a free morning before an afternoon at Gardens by the Bay. It is the perfect time to see Little India, the most colourful neighbourhood in the city and the one where many Indian visitors feel instantly at home.

Little India grew in the 19th century around cattle trading and brick kilns along the Serangoon Road, and it is still the heart of the city's Tamil community. Walk along Serangoon Road in the morning, when flower sellers are threading jasmine and marigold garlands, spice shops are opening their sacks of chillies and cardamom, and the smell of filter coffee drifts from the cafés. The Tekka Centre, on the corner of Serangoon Road and Buffalo Road, has a wet market downstairs, tailors and textile shops upstairs, and one of the best hawker food courts in the city for Indian, Malay and Chinese food at very low prices.

The district also tells a story of migration. Many of the Indians who settled in Singapore in the 19th and early 20th centuries came from Tamil Nadu as labourers, traders and soldiers, and later from across India, and their influence can be seen in the city's food, festivals and temples. During Deepavali, in October or November, Serangoon Road is lit with spectacular street decorations, and during Thaipusam, devotees carry kavadi in a procession from the Srinivasa Perumal Temple.

A short walk along Serangoon Road brings you to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali and built in the 1880s by Indian labourers who worked in the area. Its tall gopuram is covered in carved and painted figures, and you are welcome to visit; remove your shoes at the entrance and dress modestly. Other temples nearby include the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, dedicated to Vishnu.

If you want to shop before the cruise, Mustafa Centre is a Singapore institution. This huge department store, open until late every day, sells everything from gold jewellery, electronics and luggage to spices, sweets and medicines, often at good prices. Many travellers use it to buy a spare bag, travel adaptors or snacks for the ship. For lunch, Little India has vegetarian restaurants serving South Indian thalis, dosas and banana-leaf meals, as well as North Indian food.

A short walk east of Little India is Kampong Glam, the historic Malay and Arab quarter, with the golden domes of the Sultan Mosque and the narrow lanes of Haji Lane and Arab Street, full of textile shops, perfume sellers and cafés. If you have time before the afternoon tour, it is worth a brief visit.

In the afternoon, a shared transfer takes you to Gardens by the Bay, a vast park built on land reclaimed from the sea beside Marina Bay. Your ticket covers the two great conservatories. The Flower Dome recreates the mild, dry climate of the Mediterranean and other regions, with ancient olive trees, baobabs, cacti and changing seasonal flower displays. The Cloud Forest, next door, is cool and misty, with a waterfall pouring from the top of a tall mountain covered in orchids, ferns and carnivorous plants. A walkway spirals around the mountain at several levels, giving you a close look at the plants high above the floor.

Allow around four to six hours for the gardens and the SkyPark, including the transfer. Both domes are air-conditioned, which makes them a welcome break from the afternoon heat, and the paths are step-free, so they are easy to visit with strollers or wheelchairs.

From the gardens, you walk or are taken to Marina Bay Sands for the SkyPark observation deck, high on top of the three hotel towers. The view is extraordinary: the domes and Supertrees of the gardens directly below, the skyscrapers of the financial district across the water, and, out to sea, the anchored ships of the strait. Look south-east and you may be able to pick out the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, where you will board the ship tomorrow.

As darkness falls, return to the Supertree Grove for Garden Rhapsody, the free light and sound show held twice each evening, usually at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. The giant tree-like structures, some as tall as a 16-storey building, light up in changing colours in time with the music. Lie back on the ground or find a bench, and look up. It is one of the most memorable free experiences in Singapore.

Tonight, pack for the cruise. Keep passports, cruise documents, medicines, chargers and swimwear in your hand luggage, and label your suitcases clearly. If you have bought liquids or alcohol in Singapore, check the cruise line's rules on what can be carried on board.

Included today: Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands combo (Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and SkyPark observation deck), shared transfers, breakfast.

Good to know: dress modestly and remove your shoes at the temples in Little India. Lunch, dinner and shopping are at your own cost. Read our guides to Indian food in Singapore and Gardens by the Bay.

Today the holiday changes pace. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer with your luggage to the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, at the southern edge of Marina South, a short drive from the city centre. Your transfer time will be confirmed by our team, usually allowing plenty of time for check-in before the cut-off.

The Genting Dream, operated by Resorts World Cruises, is one of the largest cruise ships based in Asia, and it is designed to feel like a resort at sea. As you approach the terminal, you will see it towering above the quay, with its rows of balconies, its bright hull art and its waterslides curling above the top deck.

Check-in at the terminal is similar to an airport. Your luggage is tagged and taken by the porters to be delivered to your cabin later, so make sure your hand luggage holds everything you need for the next few hours. You then pass through security and immigration, with passports checked by the Singapore authorities, and complete the cruise line's own check-in, where you may be photographed and given a cruise card. This card is your cabin key, your identity on board and your way of paying for extras, so keep it safe. Passports must be valid for at least six months, and check-in closes some time before departure, so arrive early.

Once on board, take some time to explore. Your package includes an inside cabin, compact but comfortable, with beds, a private bathroom and storage. Then head up to the open decks. The ship has swimming pools, whirlpools, a water park with slides, a sports area, a kids' club and teen areas, a spa and gym, shops, bars and lounges, and a theatre for evening shows.

Before the ship leaves, all guests take part in a short safety drill, known as the muster drill, which shows you where to go and what to do in an emergency. Listen carefully to the instructions and the announcements; it is a legal requirement and usually takes less than half an hour.

Sail-away is one of the best moments of any cruise. Find a spot on deck as the ship pulls away from the terminal and glides past the Singapore skyline, the Gardens by the Bay and the anchored ships in the strait. The city's lights shimmer behind you as you head out to sea.

Dinner on board is included in the cruise's main restaurants, which serve a wide range of Asian and international dishes. Indian vegetarian and Jain food can usually be arranged on request, so let us know your needs when you book. Speciality restaurants, most drinks packages, Wi-Fi, spa treatments and some activities are usually charged extra, as per the cruise line's policies. Gratuities or service charges may also be added to your on-board account.

In the evening, the theatre hosts live shows, from musicals and acrobatics to magic and comedy, and the lounges have live music. The casino on board is open only to adults and only when the ship is in international waters. The atmosphere is relaxed, and there is no strict dress code, though some guests enjoy dressing up a little for dinner.

Cruise ships run on their own daily rhythm. Each evening, the next day's programme is published in the cruise app or delivered to your cabin, with times for meals, shows, activities and port arrivals. It is worth reading it carefully, as some popular shows and activities need advance booking, and timings change from day to day.

Families will find plenty to keep children busy on board. The kids' club usually runs supervised activities for different age groups, and the water park, pools and games areas are popular with older children and teenagers. Life jackets are provided in each cabin, and staff will show you how to use them during the safety drill.

Even in an inside cabin, you will hardly notice the lack of a window, as most of the day is spent on deck, in the restaurants or at the shows. If you would prefer a balcony or a sea-view cabin, ask us about upgrades when you book, at extra cost and subject to availability.

If you are worried about seasickness, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck if possible, keep your eyes on the horizon, and carry ginger or a seasickness tablet. The waters around Malaysia are usually calm, and most guests find the movement barely noticeable.

Included today: transfer from your hotel to Marina Bay Cruise Centre, Genting Dream cruise in an inside cabin, meals in the included restaurants, on-board entertainment and facilities as per cruise line, breakfast at the hotel.

Good to know: keep passports, medicines and swimwear in your hand luggage, as cases may reach your cabin later. Extras such as speciality dining, drinks, Wi-Fi and excursions are usually charged. Read our Singapore travel tips.

Wake up to a new view outside the windows of the restaurants and lounges. Today, the Genting Dream calls at its first port. The exact port depends on your sailing date and the cruise line's itinerary, but popular ports for three-night sailings from Singapore include Penang in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand. Our team will confirm your ports when you book.

Breakfast on board is included in the main restaurants, and the buffet is usually busiest just before the ship arrives in port, when everyone is getting ready to go ashore. If you want to make the most of the day, eat early and be ready by the time the ship is cleared by the local authorities and the announcement is made that guests can go ashore.

When going ashore, take your cruise card, your passport or a copy as advised by the cruise line, some local currency, sunscreen, a hat and water. Entry rules for each port depend on your nationality and your sailing, and our team will advise you on the requirements before you travel. Always check the "all aboard" time printed in the ship's daily programme, and allow plenty of time to return: the ship will not wait for late passengers.

Shore excursions booked through the cruise line are convenient, as the timings are arranged around the ship's schedule and the ship will usually wait if an official excursion is delayed. Exploring independently can be cheaper and more flexible, but you are responsible for getting back on time, so allow a generous margin.

Port towns are hot and humid, so dress in light, breathable clothes, carry a refillable bottle and wear comfortable shoes for walking. If you plan to visit temples or mosques, carry a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders and knees.

Keep a little local currency for taxis, snacks and souvenirs; many shops in the port areas also accept cards. The ship's shore excursion desk can tell you which areas are within walking distance of the port and which need transport.

If the ship calls at Penang, you dock at Swettenham Pier, right on the edge of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by the British in 1786 as a trading post, George Town is a beautiful mix of Chinese clan houses, mosques, Hindu temples, colonial buildings and shophouses. Walk the streets of the old town to find the famous street art murals, such as the children on a bicycle on Armenian Street, and wander through Little India, where Indian sweets shops and banana-leaf restaurants line the lanes.

Penang is also famous across Asia for its street food. Char kway teow, fried flat noodles; asam laksa, a sour fish and tamarind noodle soup; nasi kandar, rice with curries, which has its roots in Penang's Tamil Muslim community; and cendol, a cool dessert of shaved ice, coconut milk and palm sugar, are all worth trying. Optional excursions to Penang Hill, reached by funicular railway, or the hilltop Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in South-East Asia, can be booked through the cruise line, at extra cost.

If the ship calls at Phuket, you may come ashore by tender boat, a smaller vessel that carries guests from the ship to the pier, depending on the port arrangements. Phuket is Thailand's largest island, with lively beaches such as Patong, the Big Buddha on its hilltop above Chalong Bay, and Old Phuket Town, with its colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and markets. Shore excursions, such as island-hopping tours, are available at extra cost.

If you prefer to stay on board, port days are some of the most relaxing times on the ship. The pools and waterslides are quieter, the spa has more availability, and you can enjoy lunch in peace while watching the activity in the harbour. Children can join the kids' club, and there are activities and classes throughout the day.

When you return to the ship, you pass through a security check, and your cruise card is scanned so that the crew know everyone is safely back on board.

If you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary on board, let us know when you book, and we will pass the details to the cruise line so the crew can add a small touch to your day.

In the evening, after the ship sails, there are more shows, live music and themed nights. Many guests enjoy watching the coast slip away from the open decks at sunset, as the lights of the port town come on.

Included today: cruise in an inside cabin, meals in the included restaurants, on-board entertainment and facilities as per cruise line.

Good to know: ports depend on the sailing. Shore excursions, entry fees, transport ashore and local purchases are at extra cost. Always be back on board before the "all aboard" time. Read our guide to places to visit in Singapore for ideas on your return.

Depending on your sailing, today the Genting Dream either calls at a second port or spends a relaxing day at sea before heading back towards Singapore. Check the ship's daily programme, delivered to your cabin or available in the cruise app, for the details and times.

If the ship docks at Port Klang, Malaysia's main port, you are about an hour by road from Kuala Lumpur, the capital. A day in the city can include the Petronas Twin Towers, which were the tallest buildings in the world when they were completed in 1998 and are still the tallest twin towers; Merdeka Square, where Malaysia's independence was declared in 1957; and the colourful street stalls of Chinatown and Little India. The Batu Caves, north of the city, are a series of limestone caves containing Hindu shrines, reached by 272 brightly painted steps beside a giant golden statue of Lord Murugan, a sight many Indian visitors find very moving. Shore excursions to Kuala Lumpur can be booked through the cruise line, at extra cost; allow plenty of time for traffic on the return.

If you are visiting Kuala Lumpur, remember that the drive from Port Klang can be slow in heavy traffic, so most guests choose an organised excursion. The Petronas Towers' Skybridge and observation deck require timed tickets, which sell out early, so book ahead if you want to go up.

If the ship calls at Melaka, on the west coast of Malaysia, you will visit one of the oldest trading cities in South-East Asia. Melaka was ruled by a Malay sultanate, then by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British, and each left its mark. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the red-painted buildings of Dutch Square, the ruins of the Portuguese fort A Famosa and St Paul's Church on the hill, and Jonker Street, lined with antique shops, cafés and food stalls. The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, one of the oldest Chinese temples in Malaysia, and the Kampung Kling Mosque stand side by side on Harmony Street. Small boats sometimes ferry passengers from the ship to the shore at Melaka, depending on the port arrangements.

In Melaka, the best way to explore is on foot or by trishaw, the brightly decorated bicycle rickshaws that carry visitors around the old town, often playing music and covered in flowers. A river cruise along the Melaka River is also a lovely way to see the town's murals, old warehouses and bridges.

If today is a day at sea, the ship is yours to enjoy. Have a long, lazy breakfast and then spend the morning by the pool, in the whirlpools or on the waterslides. The spa offers massages and treatments, and the gym has views over the ocean. Children can spend time at the kids' club, with organised games, crafts and activities, and families can try the sports facilities, such as mini golf or the climbing wall where available.

Sea days are also good for trying something new. There are often cooking demonstrations, dance classes, quizzes and talks, and the shops may hold special sales. In the afternoon, find a lounger on deck with a book and watch the sea go by. The Strait of Malacca is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, and you will often see tankers, container ships and fishing boats passing in the distance.

On the last afternoon, many guests take one more swim, enjoy a final spa treatment or simply sit on deck and watch the sea. It is a good time to collect any photographs you have bought from the ship's photographers, and to say thank you to the crew who have looked after you.

The final evening on board is often a highlight. Many guests dress a little more smartly for dinner, and there may be special shows, music and entertainment. Take some photographs on deck as the sun sets over the sea.

Remember that the ship's on-board account must be settled before you leave, either by card or in cash, so check your statement for any charges you do not recognise.

Before you go to bed, pack your suitcases. Cruise lines usually ask guests to leave their luggage outside the cabin door by a certain time on the last night, so that it can be taken off the ship first in the morning. Keep your passports, cruise card, medicines, chargers, a change of clothes and anything valuable in your hand luggage. Settle any outstanding charges on your on-board account, either at the guest services desk or through the cruise app.

Included today: cruise in an inside cabin, meals in the included restaurants, on-board entertainment and facilities as per cruise line.

Good to know: ports and sea days depend on the sailing. Shore excursions and extras are at your own cost. Follow the ship's instructions for packing and luggage on the last night. Read our guide to Kuala Lumpur and Genting.

Wake up to the sight of Singapore's skyline. Overnight, the Genting Dream sails back down the Strait of Malacca, and early in the morning it glides into Marina Bay Cruise Centre. If you are up early, go on deck as the ship arrives, to watch the city emerge from the morning haze and to see the islands, ships and port cranes from a new angle.

After breakfast on board, disembarkation begins. Guests usually leave the ship in groups, according to cabin number, luggage tags or flight times, and the process can take some time. Listen for the announcements, and do not leave the cabin until your group is called. Before you go, check the cabin carefully: the safe, the drawers, the wardrobe and under the beds are where passports, phones and chargers are most often forgotten.

At the terminal, you pass through immigration and collect your suitcases in the baggage hall, then meet our team for the transfer to Changi Airport. The drive usually takes 25 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Because disembarkation can take a few hours, we recommend booking an afternoon or evening flight home. Always plan to reach the airport at least three hours before your departure time. If you have a few hours to spare, Changi is one of the most enjoyable airports in the world to spend time in.

If you have a very early flight, ask our team to plan the transfer carefully. Disembarkation times vary by sailing, and in some cases it is better to book a later flight or spend a final night in Singapore than to risk missing a morning departure.

At the centre of Changi stands Jewel, a vast glass dome connected to the terminals and open to everyone, whether or not they are flying. Inside, the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, pours down from an opening in the roof into a pool surrounded by a terraced forest. Around it are shops, restaurants, cafés and attractions such as the Canopy Park, with its walking nets, bouncing nets and hedge maze, at extra cost. Lockers are available if you want to store your luggage while you explore.

Changi also has plenty of comfortable places to rest, including lounges, transit hotels and quiet zones with reclining seats, and free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals. Families with young children will find play areas, nursing rooms and family toilets in every terminal.

Once you have checked in and passed through immigration, the departure areas also have plenty to see and do: gardens of orchids, sunflowers and butterflies, play areas for children, free movie theatres and a huge range of duty-free shops. In some terminals, security checks take place at the boarding gate rather than when you enter the departure area, so allow enough time to reach the gate.

If you have bought goods in Singapore, you may be able to claim back the goods and services tax under the Tourist Refund Scheme, if your purchases meet the minimum spend at participating shops. Look for the eTRS self-help kiosks in the departure area before immigration, and have your passport, receipts and goods ready.

Indian customs has limits on duty-free goods, gold and electronics, so keep bills for anything valuable and declare anything over the allowance when you land. Pack liquids, perfumes and sauces in your checked luggage.

Keep your phone charged for your boarding pass and messages home, and if you are connecting through another city, check your connection time and terminal so you are not rushed.

Changi's free Wi-Fi and charging points make it easy to share your cruise photographs with family before you fly home.

As your plane takes off, look out for the city and the sea below. In one week, you have explored the gardens and skyline of Singapore, ridden the luge on Sentosa, wandered through Little India, and sailed to new ports in Malaysia or Thailand. Many guests come back for a longer cruise or to combine Singapore with Malaysia, Bali or Thailand on their next holiday.

Before you leave, take a moment to look back at the week. Few holidays combine a city as exciting as Singapore with the ease and fun of a cruise, and many families tell us it was the perfect introduction to travel by sea.

Thank you for choosing Dreamland Vacations. Our team will stay in touch until you are home safely, and we would love to hear about your favourite moments.

Included today: breakfast on board, transfer from Marina Bay Cruise Centre to Changi Airport.

Good to know: book an afternoon or evening flight, and reach the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Keep receipts for any GST refund claim. Read our guide to the best time to visit Singapore and the Singapore trip cost from India.