Canada River Cruises
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With global travel in full swing, the 64-passenger Canadian Empress is no exception, with the 2023 season nearly sold out.
River cruising is incredibly popular right now and a St Lawrence Cruise Lines spokesperson confirms that bookings are strong throughout the industry for Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River voyages.

The 64-pax Canadian Empress. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines
Classic Overnight Canada River Cruises
It’s clear lots of folks agree that the Canadian Empress provides a lovely classic cruise experience in a beautiful part of the world.
In fact, more than 90% of cabins for this season are spoken for, with itineraries that start or end in Quebec City and Montreal being the most popular.
Keep in mind, Canadian Empress has only 32 cabins, with a limited number of the Ottawa staterooms (second deck), Sterling rooms (double windows), and Premier rooms (double bed instead of twin beds). Currently four cabins are earmarked for solo cruisers.
And so if you don’t get a chance to cruise aboard Canadian Empress in 2023, consider locking in your dates for the 2024 season to secure the cabin category of your choice.
Bookings for the 2024 open soon, on June 5.

A Sterling cabin with double windows. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines
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New Canada River Cruises for 2024
There are two new 4-night cruise itineraries being offered for the first time in 2024.
They both sail round-trip from Kingston to Upper Canada Village.
- Discover the River — May 12-16 (2024)
- 1000 Islands Fall Cruise — Oct 15-19 (2024)
Both will have a different itinerary than the usual 4-night cruises (Upper River Expedition) and will focus on spring and fall in the 1000 Islands.
Other differences this pair of new 4-nighter cruises offer:
If you’ve done St Lawrence Cruise Lines’ other four nighters, this pair of new ones will give you an alternative itinerary to enjoy.
Click here to have a look at the 2024 schedule for details on dates and rates (in Canadian dollars).

Map showing the 4-night cruises round-trip from Kingston. * Map: St Lawrence Cruise Lines
St Lawrence Cruise Lines’ Many Itineraries to Consider
Choose from a handful of appealing 4- to 7-night Canada River cruises that depart from Kingston, Ottawa, and Quebec City, and travel exclusively in Canadian waters, calling at ports such as Brockville, Prescott, Morrisburg in Ontario, and Montebello, Montréal and Trois Riviéres in Quebec.

The beautiful 1000 Islands. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines
PORTS: Read more about the ports HERE.
While cruising between ports, relax on deck to soak up the natural and urban landscape along the way, while observing the fascinating life on the water, from pleasure boats to freighters.
2024 Season: Don’t delay, if you’re interested in one St Lawrence Cruise Lines’ Canada river cruises in 2024, now’s the time to reserve your cabin.
Why St. Lawrence Cruise Lines?
This Kingston, Ontario-owned tour operator was founded by local business owner Robert Clark in 1981.
All these years, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines has been family-owned and operated. Travelers choosing to cruise with St. Lawrence Cruise Lines benefit from their vast expertise in overnight calm water river cruising on Canada’s St. Lawrence River and adjacent inland waterways.
“The river is our home. We have known it and loved it for more than 40 years and we want to share it,” says President Jason Clark.

The St Lawrence Seaway * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines
Aboard the Canadian Empress
With the comfortable and cozy Canadian Empress as your home base, sit back and enjoy the view as you explore the passages and channels of the Thousand Islands. Or follow the majestic St. Lawrence Seaway into the heart of Montreal and Quebec City, passing through seven seaway locks.
The atmosphere aboard the classic riverboat is warm and friendly and the crew is well-trained to deliver professional service while keeping passengers comfortable and safe.
RELATED: Learn more about one of St Lawrence Cruise Lines beloved cruise directors, Trevor Houle.

Purser & Cruise Director Trevor Houle. * Photo: Judi Cohen
All Canadian Empress staterooms are ensuite and have access to fresh air, climate controls, and an intimate view of the river.
RELATED: Read Judi Cohen’s review of her recent Canadian Empress cruise HERE.
Here’s What’s Included in St Lawrence Cruise Lines Rates
- Onboard accommodations
- All meals and snacks
- Domestic beer or ship’s reserve wine with meals
- Daily housekeeping service
- Cruise commentary highlighting the geography and history of the river
- Shore tours and transportation
- Evening entertainment

Enjoy domestic beer or the ship’s reserve wine with meals. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines
Interested in a St Lawrence Cruise Lines Vacation?
Contact them at www.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com or by calling 1-800-267-7868.
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