Take a few days off and set sail on the ultimate tropical cruise to Phuket.
Pristine white beaches, dreamy isles, and vibrant cultural gems, it's no wonder why so many travellers can't get enough of Phuket. Thailand's Andaman Coast is the ultimate summer destination, a place where a blissful postcard getaway is never out of reach. Coming from Singapore and Malaysia, the best way to get immersed in this blissful tropical landscape is by exploring it by water. Even for first-time sea voyagers, cruising Phuket is exceptionally glorious: It's comfortable and convenient, equipped with everything travellers need when exploring the world.
Already imagining your sailing adventure to Phuket? Here's everything you need to know for a journey at sea that's just as magical as your Thailand destination.
Planning a cruise to Phuket
Getting there
Sail to a tropical paradise with Resorts World Cruises' three-day cruises to Phuket from Singapore and Port Klang, Malaysia.
Travellers in Malaysia can kick off the cruise from Port Klang, head to Singapore, and then sail off to Phuket before returning to Port Klang. On the other hand, a Singapore cruise to Phuket will take passengers straight to the mesmerising island of Thailand. Either way, Resorts World Cruises will take you on an unforgettable sightseeing tour. If you're coming from Port Klang, you'll even enjoy exploring the shores of two countries!
Best time to cruise Phuket
Whether you're in town to swim, shop, or soak up the sun, Phuket is a year-round tropical destination. Even when there's rain in Thailand — the monsoon season is usually from May to October — tourists will typically see rain showers interspersed with plenty of sunshine, too. Thus, you can pretty much enjoy exploring and cruising in Phuket any time of the year!
Meet your ride, Genting Dream
What better way to make the most of your vacation time than by starting the adventure literally the moment you step on board? It's the best thing about cruising to Phuket or other places: You don't have to wait to get to your destination to get the party started. With a holiday cruise, a ship is more than just a means of transportation — it's the first destination of your whirlwind adventure!
And we can't ask for a better ride than Genting Dream. One of the biggest ships sailing Asian waters, Genting Dream feels like a floating resort. It's decked out with plush rooms and fancy suites, exceptional dining spots, exciting nightlife options, and world-class recreation and entertainment.
Dining and entertainment
Although you're cruising to Phuket, don't be surprised if your time onboard ends up being one of the highlights of your trip. For one, food and drink are top-notch; the buffet-style Lido is a crowd-favourite, serving a wide array of international cuisine. The only halal-certified cruise in Asia, Genting Dream spoils its diners with delectable halal, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian options every meal.
Bar City is your stop when you're ready for a nightcap, with the bar's premium wine, whiskey, and cocktail drinks. Party animals typically head to the Zouk Beach Club for pool parties that go on till the wee hours of the night. Expect a night to remember as you dance with fellow revellers to high-octave DJ sets.
When it comes to entertainment, Genting Dream doesn't disappoint either. The ship guarantees there's space for everyone, from the Zodiac Theatre for mesmerising ballets to the 6 Waterslide Park for exciting and splashy escapades in the water. Cruise passengers who are up for even more thrills will be psyched to find an entire rope course aboard the ship. There's even a zipline for anyone who wants to take their adrenaline rush to the next level.
Prefer to be pampered? Indulge in "me time" at the tranquil Crystal Life Spa, where professionals will treat you to Asian and Western spa treatments that will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated.
Incredible accommodations
Balcony Stateroom
After sightseeing in Phuket and exploring the magnificent Genting Dream, you deserve a perfect night's sleep — so you can do it all over again the next day, of course! Luckily, you'll have your pick of comfy rooms on the ship, from the small yet pristine Interior Stateroom to the sprawling Balcony Stateroom that's appointed with a cosy outdoor terrace over the ocean.
Best things to see and do in Phuket
Phuket Old Town
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It's easy to get lost in the delights of Genting Dream but Phuket is just as much of a dream to explore. Bask in the vintage, old-world vibe of Phuket Old Town, a historic quarter teeming with colourful colonial buildings.
Now, these beautiful Portuguese- and Chinese-style buildings serve as cafes, boutique shops, galleries, and guesthouses — not to mention, it's a stunning backdrop for travel snaps on the 'Gram! Stay until the sun comes down and you'll see the streets come alive with bustling night markets.
Wat Chalong & Big Buddha
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Temples are one of the mainstays of any Thailand itinerary. And so when you're visiting Phuket, make sure you don't miss the largest and most popular one, Wat Chalong. Don't miss dropping by the Grand Pagoda for a peek at the temple's most sacred relic: a bone fragment of Buddha encased in glass.
Also worth a visit is the Big Buddha. As the name suggests, it's a massive marble statue perched on a hill in the southwestern part of Phuket. Tourists can catch a glimpse of the massive Buddha statue from kilometres away. But we recommend taking the hike up the hill for a closer look; not only is it much more majestic up close, but the panoramic views from the top are one of the best on the island.
Patong Beach
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You can't go cruising to Phuket and not make your way to a beach. The famous Patong Beach is always a good pick, a white stretch of the coast that's home to sandy shores and, perhaps more notoriously, a legendary nightlife scene. Chase the wildest parties on Bangla Street, where the party is known to go on till morning.
Even for travellers who aren't keen on ragers and bars, Patong Beach is a fun stop. Besides the ocean, there are shops and dining spots that are worth exploring.
Beautiful islands
Bamboo Island | Image credit: Pjjaruwan's Images via Canva Pro
What's a tropical getaway without visiting a handful of beautiful isles? Luckily, you'll never run out of islands when cruising around Phuket Province — it's home to 39 tiny ones, after all! It'll take you a couple of trips to see them all, but try to hit a few on your next visit. Off-shore excursions in Phuket with Resorts World Cruises include island hopping to picturesque islands like Phi Phi Leh Island, Phi Phi Don, and Bamboo Island.
Mouthwatering Thai cuisine
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When in Thailand, you can't miss out on world-class Thai food! It's one of the biggest draws of the country, after all, whether you're visiting the bustling capital or hopping from island to island. Expect a bit of a milder flavour in Phuket compared to the eye-popping spice found in the rest of Thailand, but don't worry — the dishes are definitely just as much of a highlight on this island as it is elsewhere.
Phuket Town, as the capital, features some of the best dining spots on the island, from noodle restaurants to street food stalls. On Sundays, the vibrant Phuket Walking Street Night Market in the Old Town is especially famous among locals and tourists, with authentic local delights such as pad thai, satay, fried noodles, noodle soups, and many more.
Before leaving Phuket, we also recommend dropping by Cashew Nut Factory for a few bags of one of the island's most beloved products.
Ready to seize the day and see the best of Phuket by sea? Resorts World Cruises invites you to hop aboard Genting Dream for a summer holiday sailing the high seas. See you there?
Brought to you by Resorts World Cruises.
