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Phuket (Thailand)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Asia

Local Time 2024-04-14 02:23

Port Phuket cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Phuket, Thailand. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Phuket is a port city and Thailand's only island province, with total population around 420,000. Phuket City is on the island's southeastern coast and has population around 80,000 (metro over 250,000). The city is one of Thailand's oldest (16th-century-founded as part of the Ayutthaya Kingdom) and developed by Chinese immigrants as a major seaport in the 18th-century.

By land area (approx 543 km2 / 210 mi2), Phuket Island is Thailand's largest, similarly sized as Singapore (approx 710 km2 / 270 mi2). The island is in the Andaman Sea and is connected to mainland-Thailand via Sarasin and Thepkasatri Causeway. Phuket Island has numerous traditional villages, lush vegetation, pristine white-sand beaches, scenic seascapes (with huge limestone pillars towering over Phang-Nga Bay's turquoise waters).

Apart from tourism, much of the wealth of the province derives from tin production, which started in the 16th century. Phuket Town was presumably the first city in Thailand to feature paved roads and cars. Even today, the city of Phuket remains Thailand's center of tin production, with coconut, seafood and rubber also adding to the prosperity of the island. Much of its revenue is reinvested to further develop Phuket. The island's capital is Phuket Town. It was built in the middle of the last century in order to replace Thalang, which was destroyed in 1800 by the Burmese. The architecture features attractive Sino-Portuguese style, reflected in the spacious residences created by wealthy Chinese tin barons as testimony to their success.

Phuket cruise terminal

Cruise ships to Phuket Island dock (anchor) at the following ports:

During high season (November through April) cruise ships anchor near Patong Bay - the island's main tourist / beach destination (where the Sunset Beach Resort is located) and passengers are tendered to shore (via the ship's tender boats).

During summer / rainy season (May through October) ships dock at Ao Makarm port (deep-water port with 1 pier) located approx 8 km (5 mi) from Phuket Town. When ships stay in Phuket overnight, they usually dock at Ao Makarm and tender their passengers to Patong and back. The tender boat ride between the cruise port and the beach resort is approx 1,5 km (1 mi).

Passenger tendering to Patong Bay (Sunset Beach Resort) includes boat docking on a jetty across the Sunset Hotel. There are many taxis that offer sightseeing tours. Depending on whether (sea condition), passengers may be tendered to a different location. Kalim Beach (on the Patong's north end) can also be used as tender boat pier.

Large cruise ships dock at Phuket Port, which is about 20-min drive to Phuket Town. Passengers are usually transported via chartered by the cruise ship company shuttle buses. Taxis are available at the docking pier, but their rates are generally expensive (and negotiable). Taxi drive distance from the cruise ship port to Patong is about 45 minutes.

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Phuket - user reviews and comments

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Phuket cruise port

Phuket cruise port fast facts:

• Cruise ships either dock at the south of the island.
• Or cruise ships tender you to Patong beach.
• Taxis are a great way to explore the island.
• Usually no shuttle busses are provided.

Phuket cruise port guide: docked or tender

Cruise ships either dock at the south of the island of Phuket or tender right off the beach in Patong. The choice on wether to dock or tender is completely up to your cruise line. Cruise ships are free to decide what they think is best for their ship operations and guests.

Docked at Phuket port

At the southern part of the island is where you will find Phuket Deep Sea Port close to Vanish Bay Front Ville. This port offers a cruise berth where it accommodate large vessels that will make Phuket their port of call for the day. At the cruise dock you will find a cruise terminal (which is often closed to the public), a souvenir market, a taxi stand, currency exchange, Wi-Fi and restaurants. Please keep in mind the cruise dock is at a remote part of the island. There is little of interest in the near area of the dock.

Shuttle bus at Phuket cruise port

There is usually no shuttle available as the taxi union will simply not allow this. This means that you will have to rely on your cruise ship’s shore excursions, an independent tour or a taxi. There are usually private taxis waiting at the port to bargain for a good deal. Phuket is not as cheap as other cruise destinations in Asia. And make sure to negotiate for a good deal.

Taxis at Phuket cruise port

If there are no taxis available at the port or if you feel like there is not enough, then please walk to the exit of the port. There might be some there and if not you can wave one down at the main public road.

Around the cruise port

The exit of the port lies one of the main roads of the islands. You will find a small fishing community living here. There are some restaurants, a 7 eleven and sometimes you can ever rent a scooter here.

Distances from Phuket cruise port to…

Here are some distances from the Phuket cruise dock to some of the things to see and do: Phuket town – 10 km – 15 to 20 minutes drive Big Buddha – 20 km – 30 to 40 minutes drive Patong beach – 22 km – 30 to 40 minutes drive Freedom beach – 27 km – 40 to 50 minutes drive Tiger Kingdom – 18 km – 30 to 40 minutes drive Kokchang Safari – 21 km – 30 to 40 minutes drive Phi Phi Island – far away, take a shore excursion! There is no beach within walking distance of the cruise port. There is however a small resort nearby, but this is still a taxi ride away.

Tender port: Patong

If your ship decides to tender in Phuket than they will tender you to the jetty opposite of The Bliss South Beach Hotel. This jetty is located near Patong beach. Depending on whether you could also be tendered to another pier.

Taxis at the Phuket tender pier

Taxis will be waiting for you on the pier to sell sightseeing tours. Make sure to negotiate before you step into the taxi.

Distances from Phuket tender port to…

Phuket town – 15 km – 20 to 30 minutes drive Big Buddha – 23 km – 35 to 45 minutes drive Patong beach – You are there when your tender docks! Freedom beach – 4 km – 10 to 20 minutes drive Jungceylon – 2,5 km – 5 minutes drive Bangla Road – 1,5 km – 5 minutes drive Tiger Kingdom – 8 km – 10 to 15 minute drive Kokchang Safari – 14 km – 20 to 30 minutes drive Phi Phi Island – far away, take a shore excursion!

If you are not on a shore excursion organised by your cruise ship we highly recommend you to have local currency with you. In Thailand the official currency is the Bath. You can often exchange it in the port. If not, there are lots of ATM’s around and your cruise ship often also offer a exchange facility on board. US dollars are often not accepted in Phuket. Although you might be able to negotiate a price in US dollars with your taxi driver, you might have trouble finding a restaurant or sight that will take it.

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Royal Caribbean returns to Phuket port calls

Cruise line Royal Caribbean celebrated the return of port call sailings in Phuket on October 30, with the popular Thai destination now offered on four- to seven-night cruises with Spectrum of the Seas .

Speaking at a commemorative event, Angie Stephen, vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International, said: “Thailand is hugely popular with our guests from Singapore – its distinctive food, culture and welcoming locals have made the country a destination of choice for many, and we are thrilled to be able to visit Phuket again so travellers can fully experience the wonders and rich heritage of the Southeast Asian region.”

The celebratory event was attended by Cherngchai Chomcherngpat, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy and deputy director of Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center, as well as Phuket governor Narong Wun Siew.

Stephen said the cruise line’s return to Phuket will uplift the local travel and tourism industries.

Royal Caribbean continues to work closely with governments in the Asia region to rebuild cruise tourism, with itineraries to Vietnam, China and Japan set to be offered in its 2023-24 sailings.

Meanwhile, Spectrum of the Seas has brought back its All Access Tour, which takes guests behind the scenes to show how the Royal Caribbean experience is brought to life. Conducted by the most senior officers onboard, participants can learn more about the technological side of cruising along with exciting fun facts through exclusive access to onboard facilities such as the navigational center of the ship.

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In general: On high season(November-April) you will be tendered to Patong beach(main tourist area) and on Monsoon season(May-October) you will be docked at Phuket Deep Sea Port at Ao Makarm. Overnight stops sometimes do both: tender you first to Patong and then reposition to the dock later. The dock only has one berth, so the use of tenders is more likely. The tender ride is about 1.5km.

Cruise ships dock at the Port of Phuket. It is a 20-minute drive to Phuket Town. Taxis or bemos (typical local transport) are usually available at the pier. Rates are relatively expensive and should be negotiated. It is suggested writing down the agreed price to avoid any dispute. There is not much around except for a temporary market set up by local people. Taxis to Patong Bay, a 45 minute drive will cost about $50 round trip. A taxi to nearby beaches will be around $10.

If tendered to Patong , it will be to the jetty opposite The Bliss South Beach Patong Hotel. There will be taxis waiting offering tours and sightseeing. If sea conditions require so, at times you will be tendered to another location. This is important if you have booked a local tour, so have a cell phone with you.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of Ao Makham and Port Location on Google Maps

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers of South Patong Beach and Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Phuket

Sightseeing:

Thailand's only island province is connected to the mainland by the Thep Krasettree Causeway. Known as the "Pearl of Thailand," Phuket offers pristine beaches, lush vegetation, traditional villages and seascapes of huge limestone pillars that rise above the turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay. With a land area of 215 square miles, Phuket Island is Thailand's largest island and about the same size as Singapore.

Arab and Indian navigators have called here since the end of the 9th century, while the first Europeans arrived in the 16th century. Apart from tourism, much of the province's wealth derives from tin production, which started back in the 1500s. In fact, this industry generated much wealth enabling Phuket Town to have the first paved roads and cars in all of Thailand. Even today, Phuket remains the center of tin production in the country, with rubber, coconut and seafood adding to the island's prosperity. Much of the revenue is reinvested to further develop Phuket. With a culture all its own, Phuket combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with that of the indigenous ocean-going people.

Phuket Town is the island's capital located in the southeast. It was built in the mid-1800s to replace the earlier capital of Thalang, which was destroyed by the Burmese in 1800. The architecture features the attractive Sino-Portuguese style, which is reflected in the spacious residences built by wealthy Chinese tin barons as testimony to their success. The majority of visitors come here because of the glorious beaches, especially those on the west coast. Patong Beach is about a 45-minute drive from the port and offers a wide selection of water sports. Although the influx of tourists each year exceeds the local population by far, the island seems big enough to absorb the large numbers and at the same time maintain a semblance of tradition and great charm. In fact, Phuket still casts its spell on all that come to its shores.

Beaches The areas of Kata, Karon and Patong feature excellent beaches. Patong is best known for its nightlife and souvenir shops, while Kata and Karon boast superior resorts and restaurants.

Marine Research Center and Aquarium The aquarium's exhibits are interesting examples of Phuket's marine life and its environment. Thalang National Museum The displays in this small museum provide insight into Phuket's history and culture. A majority of the exhibits refer to Phuket's tin industry. Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park Located about 16 miles from Phuket Town, the park is a remnant of the island's natural forest ecosystem. A large variety of animals, including wild boars and monkeys lives in this natural habitat.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

A visit to Promthep Cape, then the ‘big Buddha’ near Chalong and of course an elephant ride are on many itineraries.

For a bit of island hopping the long tail boats are a great way to do so. Prices must be negotiated and are approximately 500 baht per hour or no more than 1,800 baht per day. Do not eat a large meal beforehand, as the ride will be bumpy.

Avoid taking the mini truck tuk-tuks since they will either overcharge or scam you.

Many resorts are near the cruise dock, where one can spend a relaxing day for a few dollars.

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

Boutiques and markets are centered around Time Square Mall. Good buys include Thai silk, cotton fabric and cultured pearls. The Native Handicraft Center offers a wide range of local handicrafts. Additional shopping is available at the new Wang Thalang shopping complex. Bargaining is expected at markets; better shops have fixed prices.

The local currency is the Thai Baht, which is divided into 100 satang. ATM's everywhere.

Currency Converter

Communication:

The national language is Thai. However, English is widely understood and some Chinese dialects are also spoken.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Holidays in Thailand

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Phuket, Thailand

This island off the southwestern coast of Thailand is referred to as the "Pearl of the South." It is the country's largest island and possesses a varied terrain -- forested hills, rocky beaches and a fertile, tropical interior that supports cacao, rubber, pineapple and cashew production in addition to rice paddies. Motorcycle tours around the island are popular. See alligator, pearl and butterfly farms as well as all sorts of sea treasures at the Shell Museum. Besides the natural attractions, there are examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture in Phuket Town, harkening back to the island's 19th-century tin manufacturing boom. Thais are extremely proud of their culture and have several venues for showing it off to visitors: Thai Culture Show, Thai Village & Orchid Farm and Phuket FantaSea.

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Voyager of the Seas Cruise Experience: 4-Nights Port Klang to Phuket @RoyalCaribbeanPH

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 49-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea. I’ve never been on a cruise before, so this was very exciting for me!

For my first trip with Royal Caribbean, we sailed the Malacca Strait on a 4-Night Port Klang-Phuket Cruise aboard the Voyager of the Seas. The Voyager of the Seas is one of RCI’s biggest ships and has quite the lineup of Asia Cruises for 2018 to 2019.

Here’s my first-time experience on a cruise and some tips I learned on the trip…

ARPAN AIR, INC. International Representative – Philippines Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises Telephone:  +632 892 2701 to 03 Mobile: +63 955 213 3579 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Royal Caribbean Philippines Instagram: @royalcaribbeanphilippines Website: https://www.cruising.com.ph/

Related Post:   ROYAL CARIBBEAN: 8 Awesome Experiences onboard Voyager of the Seas! @RoyalCaribbean

Day 1 – Singapore

The Penang-Phuket Cruise sails from Singapore. Formalities and document checks are done at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre. It took us around 20 minutes to reach the port from Changi airport.

Tip #1:  Make sure you have everything you need before you board. Once you board the ship, you can no longer alight – even if you still have hours left before the ship departs.

You have to surrender your passport to the receiving area. You’ll receive a Cruise ID as a temporary replacement that will serve as your passport for the next countries you visit. For some countries, RCI also requires that you have a photocopy of your passport on-hand.

Tip #2: Also save a copy of your passport on your phone.

For our first day, we kept the activities pretty simple. Our first stop was the Bridge, where we met with the Captain to introduce ourselves and ask some questions.

And we also had a quick overview of the ship’s controls.

And then, we simply walked around to familiarize ourselves with the ship and made our way to dinner at Sapphire at 6 pm.

Sapphire is the Main Dining Room, and guests are requested to dress accordingly. Nothing too formal, but just don’t look like you came straight out of bed.

The menu at Sapphire changes daily, but here’s a general idea of what they offer.

I recommend going with seafood and pasta dishes at Sapphire as they were always a sure winner. The steaks were a hit and miss most of the time.

Afterwards, we headed to Studio B at Level 3 to watch an ice skating show. Photos and videos of the show are highly discouraged to keep the experience a surprise for the newcomers. We retreated to our rooms right after as we were pretty tired from the early flight.

Day 2 – Port Klang

The next morning, we had a quick breakfast at Sapphire…

and headed to La Scala to receive our bus number for the shore excursions.

Tip #3: Best to go early as the bus leaves as soon as all the guests arrive. Some guests are eager and even skip breakfast so you don’t wanna keep them waiting too long in the bus.

The weather was so bad when we docked at Penang. It was raining cats and dogs, but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. Also, the start of the excursion was quite early. The money changers at the ports were still closed.

Tip #4: It’s better to have your money changed to all the local currencies beforehand so you don’t line up at the money changers at the ports along with all the cruise-goers.

Our first stop was the KL Tower , which gave us a 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur.

KL Tower rises at 1,381 feet and is a telecommunications and broadcasting tower that also houses shops, restaurants, and open-air amphitheater.

It was still raining when we reached the top, so much of our view was blocked by clouds.

Although we were able to see a glimpse of the Petronas towers for a few seconds.

Our next stop was the Petronas Towers, but we didn’t get a chance to go up the top floor as we only had 20 minutes to spare, and that includes buying lunch. Petronas Twin Towers is the tallest twin building in the world, standing at 1,483 feet high.

Kuala Lumpur, much like the Philippines, takes a turn for the worst traffic-wise when it rains. Which is why much of our trip had to be compressed as we had to compensate for the traffic.

The rain stopped for a bit, so we were able to step down from the bus and take a few pictures at the Independence Square . The Independence Square is home to the Royal Selangor Club and site of the August 31, 1957 proclamation declaring Malaysia’s Independence from Britain.

We made our way back to the port earlier than expected due to the aforementioned rush hour traffic. We managed to catch the Dreamworks Parade from our rooms as soon as we settled back in. We didn’t want to squeeze in with the kids so we just stayed in the room.

After dinner at Sapphire, I made my way again to Studio B for a quick round at the ice skating rink. I haven’t had the chance to go ice skating in Manila for the longest time, so I was really excited to have even a small rink on the ship.

Tip #5: It gets extra cold at the rink, so bundle up and have some gloves ready for when you fall. Oh, and they have two rules: No phones, and no skating backwards.

Day 3 – Phuket

On our third day, we took the Phuket Highlights Tour. The Phuket port isn’t built for bigger ships like the Voyager so it was tendered and we had to take a smaller boat to reach the port.

Fortunately for us, the weather at Phuket was much better than Kuala Lumpur’s.

Our first stop was Promthep Cape , Phuket’s southernmost hill. It gave us a good view of the sea, but there was nothing much to do here except sightseeing.

Tip #6: Don’t forget your sunblock. There was barely any shade at Promthep Cape.

Up next was the Seashell Museum . The Seashell Museum features over 2,000 species and you best believe that my Science-loving self enjoyed the museum immensely.

The Nautilus was one of the key images in my college thesis (An Exploration of Math in Art), so seeing one up close got me all excited. I didn’t buy any souvenirs though as we already have a lot of shell souvenirs in the Philippines, and they’re also rather fragile. We spent almost an hour here, which I think is a bit much given that it’s a small museum.

Next on our list was Wat Chalong . Wat Chalong is the biggest and most revered Buddhist temple in all of Phuket. The temple complex has been there since 1837.

There were a multitude of temples in the area, and it was impossible to enter each and every single one of them. The one I explored was three floors high, and was full of Golden Buddhas.

Of course I couldn’t leave without tasting authentic Pad Thai and Thai Tea.

Just when we thought we got the bit of good weather, it rained on our way back.

Tip #7: Always bring an umbrella. It’s the tropics, after all. Weather can get unpredictable.

We went souvenir shopping at the port and I picked up the tastiest mango and sticky rice I’ve ever had.

Tip #8: Don’t be afraid to haggle. Prices are reasonable at the port, but you can still haggle for a lower price especially if you’re buying in bulk.

Day 4 – Cruising

We had one full day to explore the boat as we cruised back from Phuket to Singapore.

We scheduled our galley tour right after breakfast, which took us behind the scenes of the ship’s kitchen. Personally, this was a treat for me as my sister works in the kitchen of another RCI ship and it was nice to see how things operate in her workplace.

Our tour operator was Sir Rene, a Sous Chef and fellow Filipino.

We found out that most of the Filipino kitchen crew were assigned to the bread station.

We also got a glimpse of the dessert preparations for lunch service.

All meals aboard the ship are already accounted for in the cruise fee, unless you request for room service, or eat in the speciality restaurants like Giovanni’s and Johnny Rockets. We had lunch at Giovanni’s Table which offers a prix fixe set meal at $30.

The steaks at Giovanni’s are better than those served at Sapphire.

Related Post:   CHOPS GRILLE vs GIOVANNI’S TABLE: Specialty Dining onboard Voyager of the Seas! @RoyalCaribbean

After the hearty lunch that set me into a food coma, I retreated to my room and accidentally overslept.

I woke up and found my companions on the Flowboard area. It was too late when I arrived so I wasn’t able to sign up and try it out for myself.

I did enjoy watching them try to keep their composure though.

For our last dinner, we were badly missing Filipino food so we requested for adobo partnered with copious amounts of rice.

Tip #9: You can request for food that’s not on the menu, but they can only fulfill the request if the whole table agrees with it.

And as a sort of farewell for a wonderful trip, we got to watch the most beautiful sunset aboard the ship.

SOME LAST TIPS

If you’re hungry in between meals, head to Café Promenade which offers meals 24 hours. I got some soup and a slice of pizza one time after midnight.

There’s a track on the uppermost floor which is great if you like to run in the morning.

It gives an unbeatable view of the sunrise too.

The gym is also fully equipped with high-end equipment so you don’t have to worry about missing out on your workouts while you’re on board.

If you want a heavy breakfast, you can order multiple items on the breakfast menu. I liked their French Toast and the Salmon and Bagel Set.

The shops go on their biggest sale on the last day, so watch out for their promotions. I was able to score a watch that I gifted.

Lastly, the ship offers so many activities (even a mini golf course) but don’t beat yourself up if you’re not able to try all of it. There’s always a next time.

Here is a rough breakdown of what you might spend on the cruise:

Thank you to Royal Caribbean Philippines for the great time! I come from a family of seafarers so a large part of this trip felt very personal to me. This first trip won me over and I’m definitely booking another one for next year.

Live an Awesome Life,

Monique of Team Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: Our cruise experience was courtesy of Royal Caribbean Philippines as part of their press junket.  I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.

P.S. Check out their website and Facebook page from time to time as they usually offer discounts. Take advantage of their Buy One, Get 50% off for the 2nd person promos when you catch it!

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Phuket, Thailand

Port schedule.

Phuket, Thailand cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

• Resilient Lady 2.860 passengers 14 Apr 2024 - 10:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 15 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Oceania Insignia 803 passengers 26 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Oceania Riviera 1.447 passengers 01 May 2024 - 07:00
• Seabourn Sojourn 540 passengers 06 May 2024 - 08:00
• Silver Moon 691 passengers 09 May 2024 - 07:00
• Coral Princess 2.400 passengers 23 Sep 2024 - 08:00
• Coral Princess 2.400 passengers 22 Oct 2024 - 07:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 18 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 23 Nov 2024 - 08:00
• Celebrity Millennium 2.590 passengers 27 Nov 2024 - 07:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 30 Nov 2024 - 08:00
• Seabourn Encore 638 passengers 05 Dec 2024 - 08:00
• Azamara Pursuit 748 passengers 05 Dec 2024 - 13:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 12 Dec 2024 - 08:00
• Celebrity Millennium 2.590 passengers 16 Dec 2024 - 09:00
• Silver Whisper 466 passengers 19 Dec 2024 - 08:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 22 Dec 2024 - 08:00
• Celebrity Millennium 2.590 passengers 23 Dec 2024 - 07:00
• Marella Discovery 2 2.198 passengers 23 Dec 2024 - 07:00
• Resilient Lady 2.860 passengers 14 Apr 2024 - 18:00
• Oceania Nautica 803 passengers 17 Apr 2024 - 17:00
• Oceania Insignia 803 passengers 26 Apr 2024 - 17:00
• Oceania Riviera 1.447 passengers 01 May 2024 - 17:00
• Seabourn Sojourn 540 passengers 06 May 2024 - 21:00
• Silver Moon 691 passengers 09 May 2024 - 16:00
• Coral Princess 2.400 passengers 23 Sep 2024 - 20:00
• Coral Princess 2.400 passengers 22 Oct 2024 - 17:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 18 Nov 2024 - 18:00
• Anthem of the Seas 4.825 passengers 23 Nov 2024 - 20:00
• Celebrity Millennium 2.590 passengers 27 Nov 2024 - 19:00
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If Patong , there will be shopping and food close by, if Ao Makham, there will not be much in the direct vicinity.

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Phuket Travel Guide: Making the Most of Your Day Trip in 11 Hours

Exclusive to TTI readers: From now till 30th September 2018, book a 4-night Port Klang & Phuket Cruise at only S$399*. Applicable sailing dates: Nov 5 , Nov 12 , and Nov 19 . Promo code and other details below!

Roughly the same size as Singapore, Phuket is home to three-wheeled tuk-tuks, hills that are waiting to be explored and white sand beaches that offer fun water activities like snorkelling and parasailing.

While most people spend a couple of days here, this Phuket travel guide is written for those who wish to experience the best of Phuket with a limited time.

For us, we had 11 hours on land from our  5D4N Phuket and Penang Royal Caribbean Cruise . While Royal Caribbean Cruise Line provides  numerous shore excursion packages , we decided to take things into our own hands.

Read till the end for an ideal one-day itinerary for those here from the cruise!

Phuket Essentials

Getting around : Tuk-tuks are great for travelling short distances and usually cost between ฿100 – ฿400 (S$4.20 – S$16.80). If you’re travelling with limited time, we’d highly recommend  hiring a private driver in Phuket for 8 – 12 hours starting from S$90. You can plan your own itinerary or if you’re not the type to plan, these friendly drivers will be more than willing to offer recommendations!

Connectivity:  If you’re one who needs to be connected, even if it’s for a day, purchase your SIM Card  (S$5.99) at least 2 days before you board the cruise!

In your day bag: For those disembarking your cruise, don’t forget to bring an extra set of clothes, swimwear, a mat and towel for the activities you’re about to do!

Things to Do in Phuket

Zip line adventure with flying hanuman.

Begin your day trip in Phuket with an exhilarating  zip-lining  experience with the 16 or 28 platform route.

The adrenaline will rush through your body as you cross sky bridges to abseil and zip line across this natural rainforest at  Flying Hanuman . The views are breath-taking, that is if the zip-line hasn’t taken it away already!

Lockers are provided before the flight and the experience will be led by 2 hilarious guides who will ensure your safety and welfare throughout. Don’t forget to pick up your Flying Hanuman complimentary shirt at the end of your adventure too!

The package also includes a delicious Thai-style lunch served after your adventure — choose between the Chicken or Seafood Phad Thai, both come with a fruit platter!

Cost: S$66.69 Opening Hours:  8AM – 5PM daily Address:  89/16 Moo 6, Soi Namtok Kathu, Wichitsongkram Road, Kathu, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand

*Pro-Tip: Make your trek uphill easier by wearing sandals or shoes. You get to avoid worrying about losing your flip-flops too!

Explore an Upside Down House

Baan Teelanka is the perfect place to get creative with poses as you play around with the furniture in this upside down house.

Mind-boggle your friends when you upload pictures of yourself with everything around you hanging from the ceiling! The staff will even help you get creative with your poses and get the right angles!

Entrance Fee:  S$14 Opening Hours:  10AM – 6PM Daily Address:  Baan teelanka, Koh Keaw, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Head to the Khai Islands for your  half-day 3 islands excursion tour . Alternatively, contact  Khai Island Travel  for a more private guide around the Khai Islands. Both provide speedboats that whisk you away to island-hop for the next 5 hours!

A guide will be present to bring you around. Refreshments are provided too!

Khai Nai Island

Plenty of fresh seafood awaits you here at Khai Nai Island. Most people stop at Khai Nai Island for lunch and we can see, uh I mean, smell why! The smell of meats wafting through the area was insane, we couldn’t resist buying some despite arriving on a freshly filled lunch belly.

Walk around, buy fresh seafood off the grill and head to any of the beach chairs that have peppered the white sandy beaches to enjoy your afternoon snacks.

Khai Nui Island

Snorkel amongst the rainbow tropical marine life and colourful reefs at Khao Nui. This is the ideal place for beginner swimmers and children as the waters are shallower.

Life vests and snorkelling gear are provided on the boat as well.

Khai Nok Island

Bathe in the sun on yet another sandy white beach or participate in even more water activities available here in the clear waters.

Water Sports at Banana Beach 

An adrenaline junkie’s paradise, Banana Beach is a must for its wide variety of water activities like riding a banana boat (S$30), sea walking (S$62.50), scuba diving (S$62.5) and even parasailing (S$48) !

Cost: From S$30 Opening Hours:  10AM – 4PM Daily How To Get There:  Head to Ao Chalong Pier to take a 15-minute Speedboat ride to Banana Beach

Wat Chalong (Temple)

Built in the 19th century, Wat Chalong is the oldest and most respected temple in Phuket. If you only have time for one temple to visit in Phuket, this is it.

For the best views, take the climb to the top tower. It will be worth it!

Note, do wear clothes that cover your shoulders, legs, chest, and stomach as a sign of respect. Avoid wearing expensive shoes to reduce the risk of theft as you might have to remove them when entering the halls.

Entrance Fee:  Free Opening Hours:  7AM – 5PM Daily Address:  70 หมู่ที่ 6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Tambon Chalong, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83130, Thailand

*Pro-Tip:  Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups. They usually arrive at 10AM – 12PM.

What to Eat and Drink in Phuket

Tamachart restaurant.

Highly raved amongst locals and expats,  Tamachart Restaurant  is the place to go if you’re looking for authentic local cuisine at reasonable prices. An array of dishes are served in a cosy but spacious treehouse, and cost around ฿120 or S$5 per dish on average.

Cost: Average of ฿120 or S$5/dish  Opening Hours:  10.30AM – 11.30PM Location: 62/5 Soi Phutorn, Phuket Town

The Phad Thai Shop

You can’t leave Thailand without having their signature Phad Thai dish (฿50/S$2)! Portions are huge and come with generous amounts of tofu, vegetables and a choice of shrimp or chicken here at the Phad Thai shop.

The Phad Thai Shop also offers noodle soup with beef or chicken if you’re craving for something soupy!

Opening Hours:  8AM – 6 PM Daily; Closed on Fridays Address: Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

Thailand is the 4th leading producer of sugar canes, and that is why a young French couple decided to set up home in Phuket and founded  Chalong Bay Rum Distillery . This Natural Rum consists of only locally grown sugar cane, leaving out the typical molasses in the production process.

This distillery provides hourly guided tours from 2PM to 6PM daily in English, French, and Thai. Included at the end of the 30-minute tour is a complimentary glass of cocktail mixed with their own rum!

Guided Tour Cost: ฿450 (S$18.50) Opening Hours:  11AM – 10PM Address:  14/2 Moo 2, Palai soi 2, Tambon Chalong, Amphur Muang Phuket, Phuket 83130, Thailand

If you’re like me, eager to taste people’s take on Singaporean food whilst overseas, head on down to Kopitiam ! This is perfect for the cruisers who are missing your local Singaporean food too.

Owned by the Bumrungwong family, the menu has a variety of Thai-Chinese cuisine like Phuket Style Grilled Pork, Singaporean favourites like Char Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee and Bak Kut Teh as well as authentic Thai dishes like Tom Yum Koong.

Cost:  ฿105 – 145 (S$4.30 – 6)/dish Opening Hours: 11AM – 5PM, 6.30PM – 9PM Daily Address:  14 & 18 Talang R., Phuket Old Town, Muang Phuket, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Our Phuket Day Trip Itinerary — Ideal for Cruisers

9am: dock and meet your driver.

Depending on the season, the Voyager of the Seas docks at two different ports — Phuket Deep Sea Port (Ao Makham) or Patong Beach. If you’re at the Deep Sea Port, cater 30–40 minutes of buffer time as it takes time for the shuttle boats to leave and reach the ship.

If, like us, you’ve booked the  Flying Hanuman  package as your first activity, make sure to confirm this with the concierge on the cruise beforehand as the driver will need to know where to pick you up.

Alternatively, there are many taxi drivers at the entrance of the port will be available to bring you around. You’d need to bargain a little according to your plans and should cost around ฿1500 (S$60).

*Pro-Tip:  If you’re not in a rush to explore Phuket, we’d recommend scheduling your activities later and waiting an hour to two before disembarking. This way, you’d get to avoid the massive crowds scrambling to explore Phuket the moment the ship docks.

Read Also:   5D4N All-You-Can-Eat-Play-Chill Getaway Guide on the Voyager of the Seas with Royal Caribbean

10AM: Zipline and Lunch at Flying Hanuman

We’d suggest you do the 16 platform route if you wish to cover other activities during your day in phuket. this hour long activity was more than enough to satisfy the adrenaline junkies in us..

One thing great about this package is that lunch is covered and you don’t have to waste time figuring out where to eat!

12.30PM: Island Hopping with the Half-Day 3 Island Excursions Tour

Get a change in scenery from the suntanning decks of the cruise with this  half-day 3 Islands Excursions Tour .

We enjoyed our time laying on the sand with Pina Coladas in hand on one island, snorkelling at another and savouring the fresh seafood at our last. It felt like we accomplished a lot within what few hours we had!

5.30PM: Head Back to Enjoy the Rest of Your Night!

After a whole day of activities, it’s time to head back to the cruise to freshen up for Formal Night.

It might seem early to return back to the ship but you’ll need to factor in travel time, especially if the port is at the Deep Sea Port.

5D4N Penang and Phuket Royal Caribbean Cruise

Don’t stop at just visiting Phuket! Visit Penang too when you travel with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line on the Voyager of the Seas for 5 days and 4 nights! Get to visit 2 different destinations on top of an All-You-Can-Eat-Play-Chill Getaway Cruise , the most fuss-free way to spend your vacation!

If you enjoyed reading this Phuket Day Trip Guide, check out our Penang or Port Klang day Trip Guide as well! Let us know in the comments below if you have any other recommendations.

Book Your Holiday with Royal Caribbean Now

From 1-25th September 2018, book a 4-Night Port Klang & Phuket Cruise at only $399* exclusive to TTI readers!

Simply select from the following dates:  Nov 5 , Nov 12 , and Nov 19 , select ‘ Balcony ‘, key in < RCTTI > under promo code and enjoy the discounted price of S$399*/pax on your ‘ Spacious Ocean View Balcony ’ rooms!

*Excluding taxes & fees

This post was brought to you by the Royal Caribbean International .

For more travel visuals, follow us on IG @TheTravelIntern . 

A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Aug 25, 2017 at 8:03pm PDT

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10 comments.

Very informative post. I have a few questions. When going on excursions and hiring drivers to take you around. Do they usually understand and can communicate in English?So, there will be no issues with communication. Also, since you are travelling to multiple countries, do you have to exchange your currency with that country’s currency or do they take us dollars? And where should you exchange currency if needed? Thank you!

There are many atms and currency exchange places in Phuket but nope they don’t really accept US Dollars. Usually I prefer to have local currency on hand. For the drivers, most only know basic english. We used google translate for tougher instructions and didn’t have much problems.

I have booked a Royal Carribean cruise as well and is planning what actitivities to do in phuket. The half-day 3 Islands Excursions Tour (Klook) mentioned in this post looks interesting. By any chance would you know whether the round-trip transportation provided the in the package can pick up from the pier Royal Carribean cruise dock?

Hi Crizalo! When will you be heading to Phuket? The ship docks at different places depending on the season (due to weather). So if the pick-up point is out of Phuket Town, there may be a surcharge from the operator.

Hi, I have booked a Royal Carribean cruise And is planning to do the half-day 3 Islands Excursions Tour (Klook) mentioned. By any chance would you know whether the round-trip transportation provided the in the package can pick up from the pier Royal Carribean cruise dock? We will be docking in Phuket on 23rd Jan.

yup! They did for this group but do write in to double confirm just before your trip!

For your transpo from the pier is included in your klook purchase?

It depends on the season that you arrive because the docking location is different based off the waves and water levels. There may be a surcharge depending on where the ship docks. You can find out from Royal Caribbean after you have a date in mind!

Hi, I have also booked a Royal Caribbean Cruise to Penang & Phuket. We are travelling in a large group of 10 adults and 4 children. Mostly elderly. Where would you recommend for our group to visit – given that all the adventurous tour will be out of the question.

Hi Kathleen,

You can consider some of these things in our other articles! https://thetravelintern.com/destinations/asia/thailand/phuket/

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How to find a cruise excursion you’ll actually enjoy

Ben Souza has had some unforgettable shore excursions. On a cruise from Singapore to Thailand , he and his wife visited an elephant sanctuary, a high point in their dozen years of cruising. On a Caribbean voyage, he booked a tranquil day at a Bahamas resort. The property turned out to be ratty, with a trash-filled pool and a mediocre beach.

Unlike the animal encounter in Phuket, he wishes he could wipe that outing from his memory.

“If I had been on my own private tour, I could have left and went to a better place to relax,” said Souza, the editor of Cruise Fever who has sailed on 75 ships with 18 cruise lines.

For passengers, the land is as important as the sea. Many travelers choose a voyage based on the ports. However, because shore time is limited, they must be savvy when planning their excursions.

The most convenient option is to sign up for an outing through the cruise ship. The cruise line makes the arrangements and vets the operators, which is especially important in destinations with safety concerns. Onboard credits apply to excursions. In the event of a cancellation or disruption, the cruise line will issue a refund. Most important, the captain will always wait for tour groups to return, even if they arrive past the scheduled departure time.

“Some guests value having the cruise line handle everything,” said Michael Consoli, who owns a travel agency that specializes in cruises. “So they just have to leave their house and come home.”

Booking an excursion with the cruise line comes with disadvantages. If the trip requires a minimum number of guests, the ship will cancel outings that do not meet its quota. Alternately, if too many people sign up, you may feel like a lost lamb in a flock. On a recent Royal Caribbean excursion in St. Kitts, we waited in a broiling parking lot while the guide tried to find us a spot on the packed tour bus. He finally plopped us down on a hard jump seat that blocked the exit.

Excursions organized by cruise lines can also feel like a highly touristy way to see a port destination. During our trip aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise , shore excursions ranged from a $59-per-person beach day, including chair and umbrella reservations, to ethically questionable wildlife experiences like an “Up-Close Encounter” with dolphins.

The cost is also higher than booking with a third-party operator, because cruise lines place a premium on extras. Independent travelers can save 25 to 40 percent on tours they plan themselves, according to Souza. On a Hawaii cruise, he arranged an island adventure that was nearly identical to one offered by the ship, except for the price.

“We all ended up on the same river cruise together. The only difference was we took different buses to get there and everyone who booked through the cruise line paid double,” he said.

Organizing your own excursions has additional benefits, such as greater flexibility, smaller group size, a wider variety of activities and a more personalized experience.

“If you want a truly unique experience while traveling,” said Souza, who organized a side trip to Capri for an upcoming Princess cruise that stops in Naples, “sometimes you just have to do your own thing.”

For advice on planning shore excursions, we spoke with cruising experts and tapped into our own seafaring adventures. Here are our top tips.

1. Book excursions as early as possible

Cruise lines open up reservations weeks or months before the ship’s departure date. Consoli said excursions sell out on luxury cruises that offer free shore activities, such as Regent Seven Seas and Silver Sea. The limited spots also fill up on mega cruise ships with thousands of passengers, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas .

“When you have a ship with 7,000 passengers, it’s going to be harder to get excursions,” he said.

If you change your mind, you can often cancel without penalty, depending on the ship.

You should also plan ahead if you are booking with a local outfitter. Tours and guides can be hard to come by on busy cruise days or during peak travel periods.

2. Stick with cruise lines on complicated outings

When deciding between a ship’s excursion and your own, consider the complexity of the outing. If the adventure involves several modes of transportation or long distances, signing up with the cruise line is the safer bet. On the other hand, if the excursion is close by and straightforward, you can easily make your own arrangements.

“If I was going to Cozumel and I wanted to do the pyramids or ruins on the mainland, I would book a tour through the cruise line because you’re leaving the island and you want to make sure you get back on time,” said Doug Parker, guest host of Cruise News Today . “But in Nassau, where I can see the ships from most places on the island, I would … do something on my own.”

In some countries that require tourist visas, only passengers who are touring with a licensed operator can disembark without the document. Souza discovered this arrangement on a Mediterranean cruise that stopped in Algeria and Tunisia. Consoli said China recently introduced similar restrictions.

3. Research tour options before the cruise

Part of the appeal of cruising is that the company oversees every detail. However, you should still read reviews of excursions posted on Cruise Critic , Tripadvisor or reputable cruise blogs to guide your decisions.

If you strike out on your own, carefully research the guides and operators in your destination, including the ones who solicit business inside the cruise terminal. Check their credentials and ask to see pertinent licenses.

Many cruisers use the same outfitters as landlubbers, such as Viator and Tours by Locals . Shore Excursions is also popular. You may also be able to find your own activities like cooking classes and food tours on Airbnb Experiences .

Parker said some excursions, such as hop-on/hop-off buses, are a set price, regardless of whether you book through the ship or the outfitter. However, if the purveyor has an online promotion, you might save a sliver of money.

If you book your cruise with a travel agency, the agent can also arrange private shore excursions. In addition to overseeing the planning, the adviser provides a safety net and can reschedule or cancel the tour on your behalf. Consoli said some planners, such as himself, do not charge for this service; they earn their commission through the cruise line and tour operators.

4. Look outside the terminal for better prices

Tour operators, rental agencies and taxi drivers hike up prices in cruise terminals. For lower rates, venture a short distance away from the disembarkation point.

If you take a cab to an attraction where taxis seem scarce, arrange a pickup time. Ilana Schattauer, who blogs at Life Well Cruised , recommends hiring the driver for the entire excursion.

“If I was doing something that was a little bit off the beaten path or if I wanted to go to a more secluded beach, I would have the driver stay with me,” she said. “Or I would book a tour where the tour guide and driver stay there.”

During our Margaritaville at Sea sailing, we used Google Maps to find a scooter rental company in Grand Bahama. Around 9 p.m. we called Bullseye Car Rental , a local agency with strong reviews. Despite the late time, owner Raymond Bowe answered on the second ring. He knew our cruise schedule, offered to pick us up and drop us off from port, and gave us clear instructions for where to find him when we docked. The total for the day’s rental: $49, including transfer and helmets — about half the cost of taking the cheapest shore excursion from the cruise line.

5. Ask locals what to do, eat and drink

If you haven’t planned your off-ship day down to the minute, talk to taxi drivers, shop keepers and other locals to get tips. Crew members, who are often familiar with the ports, also are great resources.

In Grand Bahama, Bowe was an invaluable source of intel for how to spend our day. We’d made no plans and instead took Bowe’s suggestions for beaches and restaurants.

That’s how we ended up at Bernie’s Tiki Hu t , where lunch for two — Bahama Mama cocktails and a fresh lobster tail fried on the spot — cost $35. We ate on the beach in front of the tiki shack, then swam in the sea before driving down to Terry’s Conch Salad Stand . Owner Terry Pratt showed us the process of breaking a live conch out of its shell and preparing it into a Bahamian ceviche. It was $11 for a bowl and far better than anything we ate on the ship.

6. Give yourself at least an hour for the return

If you have ever left an airport during a long layover, this rule will sound familiar: Don’t cut it close . Give yourself an hour or two before final boarding time.

“If the ship is sailing at 4, I try to be back at 3,” Parker said.

Schattauer reminds cruisers that in some destinations, such as Caribbean islands, the small roads can get congested, especially when passengers are returning to the ships around the same time. She said a few years ago, she rode a shuttle to Magens Bay on St. Thomas. The trip to the beach was a quick 15 to 20 minutes. The return took an hour longer. Because she gave herself a two-hour buffer, she arrived at the terminal before the ship sailed off.

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14 Night Dubai To Singapore Cruise

Your ship voyager of the seas.

DISCOVER ADVENTURE ON EVERY DECK

Typhoon℠ and Cyclone℠

Teen Spaces

FlowRider ®

Adventure Ocean ®

Gourmet globetrotting.

Chops Grille℠

Giovanni's Table

Chef's Table

Shows that hit every high note.

Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme

Ice Skating Shows

Schooner Bar

Day 1 - 2: dubai, united arab emirates.

Old Ways Still Alive

On Top of the World

Maze of Modern Life

Local Cuisine

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon., day 3 - 4: cruising.

The Perfect Storm℠

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Day 5 - 6: mumbai, india.

Memorable Mumbai

Seaside Meditation

Carved From History

Day 7: Cruising

Main Dining Room

Café Promenade

Day 8: cochin, india.

Multicultural Roots

Caught in a Net

Get an Ayurvedic Treatment

Day 9 - 11: Cruising

Music In Pictures

English Pub

Day 12: phuket, thailand.

Big-Screen Islands

Get Underwater

Day 13: Penang, Malaysia

Malaysian Mansions

Neighborhood Flavor

Rich in Religions

Day 14 - 15: Singapore, Singapore

Multicultural Medley

Two Sides of Nature

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