Melaka cruises can be entertaining and full of history. This ancient village turned major Dutch harbor is full of religious and cultural heritage. Almost all cruises through Melaka include guided tours.

Day Cruises

A particularly favorite cruise for tourists is a short boat tour up Malacca River through the heart of Melaka. This tour takes place at high tide and travels about 10 km up river with a guide pointing out and explaining the sights you will see. The cost is extremely reasonable at 10 RM, roughly $3 USD, for adults and 5 RM for children.

Melaka cruises also include day tours from Singapore which can be booked through hotels. These private tours take you through the rich religious history, primarily Muslim and Catholic, of Melaka. These tours can cost anywhere from $385 USD to 500 USD but are well worth it.

Extended Cruises

With so many large ports in the region, few cruises spend more then several hours in Melaka's port. Melaka cruises, however, do have many excursions to fill your day. Princess Cruises offers several day trips off of the ship, between May and June, that cover everything from the history of Melaka to a bus ride through the countryside. This cruise line offers a 21-day voyage through Southeast Asia which includes stops in Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore and, of course, the day trip to Melaka.

The Star Clipper. a 4-mast, 360 foot sailboat, also offers a cruise through the area. The 8-day journey includes Thailand and Malaysia with a stop in Melaka. Though the Star Clipper is expensive (lowest price $1,800 USD) it is certainly a nice and relaxing way to travel.

Star cruises also runs a Straits of Malacca voyage which travels up the coast of Malaysia and Thailand, stopping in Singapore, Melaka, Port Klang, Penang and Phuket Island.  This week long trip costs $800 USD and provides a fantastic tour of the region.