More maiden ship calls in Singapore with opening of Marina Bay Cruise Centre

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said Singapore expects to more than triple the number of maiden ship calls this year, compared with last year.

Speaking at the official opening of Singapore's second cruise terminal - the Marina Bay Cruise Centre  - Mr Teo said Singapore's location makes it a natural hub to catalyse the growth of the cruise industry.

"Cruise tourism is a sector where we see potential for ASEAN to jointly market ourselves to the world. Together, we can create a winning product that will appeal to transports and bring economic benefits to all our countries."

Mr Teo said the new cruise terminal will help Singapore better serve the growing industry.

The 28,000 square- metre terminal can cater to the largest generation of large and contemporary cruise ships.

Mr Teo said he's confident the new facility will draw more global cruise lines, which will offer varied itineraries to different ports-of-calls in the region.

Now that the the cruise season is entering its peak period, this new terminal is expecting over 70 ship calls by cruise liners.

This will translate into passenger traffic of more than 200,000 from now, till March next year.