Singapore Cruise Centre has begun operations at its new Harbourfront terminal, which introduces streamlined self-service passenger processing that media reports describe as being similar to an airport experience.
The new Singapore Cruise Centre (Harbourfront) terminal opened following a 24-month development and testing period and began full operations on 15 July 2026. Since then, it has handled more than 720,000 ferry and cruise passengers, including 18,000 departing passengers on one peak travel day.
At the centre of the upgrade is SCC’s Cruise and Ferry Operating System, a common platform developed with travel technology company Sqiva that brings ferry and cruise operations together and connects with SITA’s FAST self-service solution for check-in, bag drop and boarding. The system is also linked to the terminal’s baggage handling system, allowing operations teams to monitor bag movements through real-time tracking and image capture.
SCC chief executive Jacqueline Tan said the new terminal gives the operator “the opportunity to rethink how ferry and cruise journeys are managed from end to end,” adding that connecting systems that previously operated separately would make the journey simpler for passengers while improving visibility for operations teams.
Senior Minister of State Murali Pillai added that technology and innovation would be increasingly important in making regional ferry and cruise travel smoother and more effortless.
Checking in
Upon arrival, passengers can check in at one of 25 self-service kiosks – including 20 fixed and five mobile units – to print boarding passes and baggage tags before proceeding to one of six automated baggage drop counters and six automated boarding gates.
New self-service baggage drop stations among the series of passenger processing efficiency upgrades.
The new process replaces the former system, where passengers who purchased ferry tickets offsite must still collect printed boarding passes from their ferry operator's counter. Service counters will remain available for passengers requiring manual check-in or assistance, while those travelling with oversized items such as bicycles will be directed to a dedicated processing area.
Smarter baggage handling
Meanwhile, kerbside baggage drop is also available at two dedicated counters.
Checked baggage is now screened before it reaches the arrival carousel, allowing passengers to collect their bags and proceed directly to the exit without a separate X-ray screening step. SCC also plans to deploy autonomous mobile robots to help handle oversized or irregularly shaped baggage such as golf bags and surfboards.
Biometric border clearance
The upgraded terminal also incorporates the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority's Automated Border Clearance System, with a total of 46 automated clearance lanes enabling passport-less immigration clearance using facial biometrics.
Arrive by public transport
Passengers are encouraged to use public transport to the terminal as parking spaces are very limited.
There will be sheltered walkways serving the pedestrian route connecting the new terminal to Harbourfront MRT station and Vivocity mall.
Located approximately 70m from the former terminal within HarbourFront Centre, Singapore Cruise Centre (Harbourfront) is housed within a red terracotta building directly across the entrance of The Reef at King’s Dock condominium, and behind HarbourFront Tower 2.