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River Boat Cruising on Canadian Empress
The Canadian travel industry opened its doors this spring to welcome double-vaccinated travelers from Canada and abroad, as pandemic numbers decline and health and safety restrictions continue to be relaxed in Ontario and around the world.
Canada-based St. Lawrence Cruise Lines is thrilled that so many folks are ready and eager to travel again, with their 2022 season aboard the 66-passenger Canadian Empress completely sold out.
The classic river boat Canadian Empress, with the Statue of St Laurens in the background. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines
In fact, the 2023 calendar is filling up fast too. For the best choice of cabins, book your 2023 Canadian Empress cruise now.
Remember, there are only 32 cabins on Canadian Empress, with a limited number of the Ottawa staterooms (second deck), Sterling rooms (corner rooms with five windows), and Premier rooms (double bed instead of twin beds).
One of the two Sterling staterooms on Canadian Empress. * Photo: St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
Why St. Lawrence Cruise Lines?
This Kingston, Ontario-owned tour operator was founded by local business owner Robert Clark in 1981.
St. Lawrence Cruise Lines continues to be family-owned and operated, offering travelers their expertise in overnight calm water Canada river boat cruising on the 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.
Canadian Empress cruising the Thousand Islands. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines
Small Ship Cruise Lines Leading the Way
While it was especially challenging for the large international cruise companies to operate their megaships in 2020 and 2021, small-ship cruise lines led the way throughout the pandemic.
In Canada, small ships carrying less than 100 passengers were able to remain active due to their size and their ability to implement strict and effective health and safety regulations in line with federal and provincial standards.
With an experienced all-Canadian crew and routes that stay in Canadian waters, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines successfully operated for one month in 2020 and four months in 2021 with robust health and safety standards.
The St Lawrence River. * Photo: St Lawrence Cruise Lines
For 2022, the full season — May through October — is operating.
“We are excited to offer travellers a small-ship cruising alternative in beautiful Canada. And we’re proud that our COVID-19 Health and Safety program has been recognized for its high standards, including being awarded the Safe Travels Stamp by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) for adherence to global standards of health and safety,” says Clark.
Relax & Rejuvenate Aboard the Canadian Empress
With the comfortable and cozy 66-passenger Canadian Empress as your home base, 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.
A selection of 4- to 7-night cruises depart from Kingston, Ottawa, and Quebec City, and travel exclusively in domestic Canadian waters, stopping at ports such as Brockville, Prescott, and Morrisburg in Ontario, and Montebello, Montréal and Trois Riviéres in Quebec.
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.
Anchored off MacDonald Island. * Photo: St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
The atmosphere aboard the classic riverboat is warm and friendly and the crew is well-trained to deliver top notch service while keeping passengers comfortable and safe.
All Canadian Empress staterooms have access to fresh air, climate controls, and an intimate view of the river.
To get a first-hand account, read writer Judi Cohen’s review of her Canadian Empress cruise last summer, when she sampled this very special small-ship cruise for the first time.
RELATED: Read Judi Cohen’s review of her summer 2021 Canadian Empress cruise HERE.
Judi enjoying a drink in the dining room of the Canadian Empress. * Photo: Judi Cohen
* 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
Canadian Empress at sunset at Les Coteaux. * Photo: St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
Interested in Canada River Boat Cruising on Canadian Empress?
Go to www.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com or call 1-800-267-7868.
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HEIDI SARNA
