Cruise vs Bintan Resort: Which Weekend Getaway is Better Value? (Comparison)

Cruise vs Bintan Resort: Which Weekend Getaway is Better Value? (Comparison)

If you want pure beach time, privacy and flexible pacing, a Bintan resort usually gives better per-night value for a short weekend — but if you value hassle-free entertainment, dining variety and no transport planning, a short cruise can be better value. The best pick depends on budget, who’s travelling, and whether you prioritise convenience or space.

Cruise vs Bintan Resort: Which Weekend Getaway is Better Value? (Comparison) — How we judge value

To make this comparison useful, we look at five practical dimensions that matter to Singapore travellers: total price (including transfers), travel time & convenience, activities & entertainment, privacy & room size, and suitability for families or couples.

Summary comparison (snapshot)

• Cost (2D/1N weekend): Bintan resort — typically better value per night for beachfront rooms and private-pool villas; Cruise — higher all-in cost but often bundles meals/entertainment.
• Travel time: Bintan resort — ~55–75 mins ferry + transfer; Cruise — boarding time at Singapore port, then 1–3 nights aboard (minimal land transfers).
• Convenience: Cruise wins for no-planning entertainment; Bintan wins if you prefer beaches and relaxed pacing.
• Activities: Cruise — shows, casino (where available), pools, kids’ clubs; Bintan — watersports, snorkelling, spa, local dining.
• Best for: Cruises — groups, friends, couple experiences with activities; Bintan resort — families wanting space, couples wanting private villas, travellers who prefer beaches.

Estimated weekend budgets (Singapore travellers) — ballpark costs per person (S$)

• Short Cruise (1–2 nights): S$220–S$600+ per person (depending on cabin type, promotions, and whether drinks/casino/shore excursions are included).
• Bintan Resort (2D/1N): S$120–S$450+ per person (ferry + resort room; private villas cost more but split across guests).

Note: Promos, peak-season surcharges, and package inclusions (ferry, transfers, meals) will change prices significantly — always check current deals before booking.

Practical travel-time & transfer notes

• Ferries to Bintan generally depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal or HarbourFront (check operator and terminal when booking).
• Typical sea crossing time: around 1 hour (varies by route and service and weather).
• Most Bintan resort packages include resort pick-up from the ferry terminal—confirm arrival logistics and transfer time to your resort.
• Cruises embark in Singapore (Marina Bay / Marina South / other cruise terminal depending on operator). Boarding/immigration procedures can add time, but you don’t need to arrange ferry transfers.

Comfort & accommodation: what you actually get

• Bintan resort: Beachfront rooms, family villas, private pools, resort spa and on-island restaurants. Space and outdoor access are usually superior to cabin size on a cruise.
• Cruise: Compact cabins, lots of on-board entertainment, many dining outlets and pools; cabins vary widely from inside rooms to suites with balconies.

Activities & experiences

Bintan resort highlights

• Beach time, snorkelling, island boat trips, mangrove tours, spa treatments, local seafood dining, golf at some resorts.
• Great for slow-paced holidays and day trips around Lagoi or Tanjung Pinang.

Cruise highlights

• Live shows, themed dining, pools & water slides, casinos (where offered), kids’ clubs and organised onboard activities — ideal if you want entertainment included.
• Short cruises often package most meals and activities (some extras chargeable).

Who should pick which option?

• Choose Bintan resort if: you want beach time, private space (villa or pool), travel with kids or multi-generational family, or prefer local food and island tours.
• Choose a Cruise if: you want a hassle-free weekend with built-in entertainment, varied dining without leaving the ship, or quick short breaks without arranging transfers.

Sample 2-day itineraries (ready to copy)

Option A: Bintan resort 2D/1N (relaxed beach weekend)

1. Day 1 morning: Ferry from Singapore -> Bintan. Resort pick-up and check-in. (Plan: arrive early to get full day.)
2. Afternoon: Beach + watersports or pool + spa.
3. Evening: Seafood dinner at resort or nearby local restaurant.
4. Day 2: Sunrise walk, breakfast, optional short island tour (mangrove/firefly or local village). Transfer to ferry and return to Singapore late morning/afternoon.

Estimated cost per person (mid-range): S$150–S$300 (ferry + resort twin-share). For luxury villas expect S$350–S$700+ per person depending on occupancy.

Popular Bintan resort packages you can check:

• Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry
• Bintan | Mayang Sari Beach Resort + Ferry
• Bintan | Banyu Biru Villa + Ferry
• Bintan | Angsana Resort & Spa + Ferry
• Bintan | Bintan Spa Villa Beach Resort + Ferry

Option B: Short cruise 2D/1N (entertainment-packed weekend)

1. Day 1 afternoon: Board cruise in Singapore. Explore ship, buffet/dinner, evening show or casino.
2. Day 2: Onboard activities (pools, classes), optional paid shore excursion (if any port stop), dinner and night entertainment.
3. Day 3 morning: Disembark in Singapore after breakfast.

Estimated cost per person (inside cabin, promotion): S$220–S$450+. Add-ons such as specialty dining, drinks and shore excursions cost extra.

Popular cruise deals you can check:

• Resort World Cruises | Genting Dream Cruise
• Royal Caribbean | Ovation of the Seas
• Royal Caribbean | Navigator of the Seas

Step-by-step booking & travel checklist

1. Decide dates and cabin/room type. Weekends and public holidays sell out fast.
2. Check ferry/embarkation terminal and included transfers — confirm pick-up times with resort or operator.
3. Bring passport (valid for at least 6 months recommended) and any required ID.
4. Confirm what’s included: meals, transfers, resort taxes, port fees, and whether baggage handling is included.
5. Buy travel insurance for peace of mind (recommended for water activities and medical coverage).

Visa & immigration basics (Singapore travellers)

• Singapore passport holders can enter Indonesia (Bintan/Batam) visa-free for short tourist stays — check current Indonesian immigration rules before travel.
• For other nationalities, check visa requirements with Indonesian authorities before booking.
• Bring passport, return ticket (or onward), and proof of accommodation when requested at immigration.

Money, tipping & practical tips

• Local currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Some resorts accept major cards but carry cash for local vendors and small purchases.
• On cruises, onboard spending is cashless in most cases (charged to your cabin account); check payment methods before boarding.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a light rain jacket in wet season.
• If you value private space and beach time, split-villa deals can be excellent value when shared among 4–6 people.

Quick decision flow — which should you pick?

• If you want the easiest weekend with built-in entertainment and multiple dining options: choose a cruise.
• If you want private space, beaches and island time at lower per-night room cost: choose a Bintan resort.
• If you travel with family and want more room/kids-friendly sand & shallow sea: favour Bintan resort.

Helpful packages & related guides (quick links)

Resort & ferry packages (compare prices and inclusions):

• Bintan | Nirwana Resort Hotel + Ferry
• Bintan | Mayang Sari Beach Resort + Ferry
• Bintan | Bintan Spa Villa Beach Resort + Ferry
• Resort World Cruises | Genting Dream Cruise
• Royal Caribbean | Ovation of the Seas

Relevant guides to read next:

• Why Bintan Is the Perfect Weekend Escape from Singapore
• Top 5 Bintan Resort in May 2025
• Batam vs Bintan: Which is Better for a Weekend Trip? (Comparison)
• Genting Dream Cruise 2025: Complete Guide & Best Deals
• What to Pack for Your Bintan Island Adventure

FAQs (quick answers)

Q: How long is the ferry to Bintan?

A: Typical crossings are around 1 hour from Singapore to most Bintan terminals — check your operator for exact durations and terminal information.

Q: Do I need a visa for Bintan?

A: Singapore passport holders typically enjoy visa-free short stays in Indonesia. If you hold another passport, check Indonesian visa rules before travel.

Q: Are transfers included in Bintan resort packages?

A: Many Bintan resort packages include ferry + resort transfer; always verify pick-up times and return transfer details before booking.

Q: Which is better for kids?

A: Bintan resorts often offer more space, sand play and kid-friendly shallow beaches — generally better for families with younger kids. Cruises can be great for older kids who enjoy organised kids’ clubs and onboard activities.

Q: How do I find deals?

A: Look for package promotions that bundle ferry + hotel, off-peak midweek discounts, or last-minute cruise cabin deals. Compare inclusions (meals, transfers, taxes) — a low headline price isn’t always the best value.

Final verdict — pick based on these 3 priorities

1. If your priority is private beachfront time and lower per-night room value: choose a Bintan resort.
2. If your priority is zero planning and lots of built-in entertainment: choose a cruise.
3. If you travel in a group and want to split villa costs, Bintan private villas often give the best per-person value.

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