Penang & Phuket Cruise 4 Nights • Singapore, Singapore • Ovation of the Seas

Heading out on a cruise from Singapore? You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Just make sure you set aside a few days before your sailing to really get to know the best of Singapore while you’re there. This vibrant island-state is a true cultural hub. It boasts four official languages and is home to a community that represents countries around the world. If you want to stretch your legs, climb to the summit of Mount Faber. At just over 300 feet, it’s more of a hill than a mountain, but it offers pretty panoramic views of the skyline and bay. Or spend some time exploring the impressive Orchid Garden and Botanic Garden, where you’ll find 250 different types of ginger growing. It’s the perfect lead-up to a meal of Singapore’s world-famous street food, like sweet and buttery kaya toast, flaky roti prata (sometimes called the “Asian croissant”), and tender Hainanese chicken rice, considered by many to be Singapore’s national dish.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.

Take the easy walk from the port in George Town to the city's UNESCO World Heritage zone — see 18th-century Fort Cornwallis, and check out the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple with its traditional Chinese architecture and ornamental dragons. Then, hail a cab to Penang Hill and take the tram to the cool, forested summit. Or head to Batu Ferringhi Beach, where you can relax in the smooth sands or jet-ski through clear blue waters.

Get the best of Phuket's famous beach scene at Kata Noi, where lush green mountains hang over turquoise waves. Then, meet the local wildlife: Pet elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or hang out with macaques on Monkey Hill — great mountain views await here, too. Or enjoy the islands just off the coast: Head to James Bond Island and see the distinctive pointy rock you may remember from 1974's "The Man With the Golden Gun."

After arriving at the Singapore Cruise Centre, hit the ground running and begin your activity of choice — hike Mount Faber Park, and take in the panoramic views of the city from the Terrace Garden. Stroll among 250 different types of ginger at the Botanic Gardens, then taste the flavor of the spicy plant in the form of fragrant chicken rice from one of the city's many street hawkers.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.