The Kingston Waterfront Discovery Cruise offers an engaging 1.5-hour experience, showcasing the city’s historic waterfront. Guests can choose between seating options, exploring the scenic route with live commentary. From the Royal Military College to Fort Henry, this UNESCO World Heritage Destination provides an opportunity to take in Kingston’s rich history and natural beauty. Whether seeking a relaxing lakeside adventure or a chance to learn about the area, the cruise presents an enticing option worth considering.
About Your Stay
- 1.5-hour cruise along Kingston’s historic waterfront, departing from Crawford Wharf dock and priced from $31.04 per person.
- Offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Royal Military College and Fort Henry, with live commentary in English.
- Seating options available in a covered lower area or an open-air top deck, providing a comfortable and unique lakeside experience.
- Cruise route includes significant historical sites such as Point Frederick, Navy Bay, Deadmans Bay, and Cedar Island.
- Onboard amenities include the availability of food and drinks, while certain restrictions apply for guest safety and enjoyment.
Cruise Overview
The Kingston: Waterfront Discovery Cruise is a 1.5-hour experience that includes a 1-hour cruise along the historic waterfront of Kingston, Ontario.
Priced from $31.04 per person, the cruise departs from the Crawford Wharf dock. While the cancellation policy is non-refundable, the tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Kingston’s waterfront, including views of the Royal Military College, Fort Henry, and other notable landmarks.
The cruise features live commentary in English and provides options to sit in the lower covered area or on the top deck to catch the breeze.
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Experience Highlights
The Waterfront Discovery Cruise offers a captivating exploration of Kingston’s historic waterfront. Guests embark on a 1-hour journey, taking in breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like the Royal Military College, Fort Henry, and Kingston Penitentiary. Live commentary in English provides fascinating insights into the region’s rich history and significance. Passengers have the option to sit in the covered lower area or on the open-air top deck, where they can enjoy the refreshing lakeside breeze.
| Experience Highlights | | |
|———————-|————–|—————-|
| Explore Waterfront | Live Commentary | Seating Options |
| See Iconic Landmarks | English Narration | Covered Lower Deck |
| Discover History | Refreshing Breeze | Open-Air Top Deck |
Scenic Route and Historical Significance
The Waterfront Discovery Cruise begins at the confluence of the Rideau Canal, St. Lawrence River, and Lake Ontario. This strategic location is why Kingston has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Destination for its 19th-century defense fortifications.
During the tour, the cruise route includes Point Frederick, Navy Bay, Deadmans Bay, and Cedar Island. Along the way, passengers can catch glimpses of Wolfe Island’s wind turbines.
This scenic journey offers a unique perspective of Kingston’s rich history and natural beauty, with the guide providing live commentary in English to enhance the experience.
Onboard Amenities and Restrictions
Food and drinks are available for purchase onboard the Waterfront Discovery Cruise, but passengers can’t bring their own outside the vessel.
Wheelchairs and portable mobility devices narrower than 30 inches are permitted, but the washrooms are located on the second deck, which isn’t accessible.
Smoking, large bags, pets (except service animals), and coolers are prohibited.
The cruise offers a covered lower area and an open top deck for enjoying the breeze.
While onboard amenities cater to most guests, the restricted items ensure a comfortable and safe experience for all passengers.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
Passengers have generally positive impressions of the Waterfront Discovery Cruise, with an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 89 reviews.
Reviewers praise the cruise’s knowledgeable and professional guides, who earn a 4.1/5 rating. The transportation aspect also receives high marks at 4.4/5.
However, some suggest that quieter cruise times would be preferable to avoid distractions from children.
Duration and Pricing
The Waterfront Discovery Cruise offers a 1.5-hour experience, with the actual cruise lasting 1 hour.
Priced from $31.04 per person, the cruise provides a unique perspective of Kingston’s historic waterfront. Guests can explore sights like the Royal Military College, Fort Henry, and the Gord Downie Pier.
The cruise departs from the Crawford Wharf dock and is a non-refundable event.
While the duration and pricing may vary, the Waterfront Discovery Cruise offers a convenient and affordable way to discover Kingston’s rich history and natural beauty from the water.
Departure Location and Cancellation Policy
The Waterfront Discovery Cruise departs from the Crawford Wharf dock, located at 1 Brock Street in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
This convenient location allows guests to easily access the tour, which explores the historic Kingston waterfront.
It’s important to note that the cruise is non-refundable, so travelers should plan accordingly. Cancellations aren’t permitted, so guests should ensure their schedule allows for the full 1.5-hour experience, which includes a 1-hour cruise along the scenic route.
With these practical details in mind, visitors can look forward to an engaging and memorable exploration of Kingston’s unique waterfront sights.
Accessibility and Other Considerations
Although manual wheelchairs and portable mobility devices narrower than 30 inches are permitted on the Waterfront Discovery Cruise, the second-deck washrooms aren’t accessible.
Guests can purchase food and drinks onboard, but outside food and beverages are prohibited. Smoking, large bags, pets (except assistance dogs), and coolers aren’t allowed either.
The cruise offers a unique perspective of Kingston’s historic waterfront, with live commentary in English. However, some reviewers suggest choosing quieter cruise times to avoid distractions from children.
Questions About Your Stay
Is There an Option to Join a Group Tour?
Yes, the cruise offers group tour options. Patrons can join a scheduled group cruise or arrange for a private group booking, allowing them to experience the Kingston waterfront together with family, friends, or colleagues.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Cruise?
The best time to take the cruise is typically during the quieter weekday mornings or early afternoons, as reviews suggest this avoids distractions from children and provides a more tranquil experience on the water.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages Onboard?
No, passengers are not permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages on the cruise. The cruise line prohibits outside food and drinks to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
Are Audio Guides Available in Languages Other Than English?
According to the information provided, audio guides are only available in English. The cruise offers live commentary onboard, but there are no options for audio guides in other languages.
Can I Disembark and Reboard During the Cruise?
No, passengers cannot disembark and reboard during the 1-hour cruise. The cruise operates as a continuous journey without the option to get off and rejoin the boat midway through the tour.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Kingston Waterfront Discovery Cruise offers a delightful 1.5-hour experience. Guests can enjoy a scenic one-hour journey along the historic waterfront, featuring stunning views of landmarks like the Royal Military College and Fort Henry. With flexible seating options, onboard amenities, and reasonable pricing, this cruise is an excellent way to explore Kingston’s UNESCO World Heritage Destination.
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