Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking 1,000 Islands region, the Gananoque cruise offers a unique opportunity to discover the area’s natural splendor and historical significance. Passengers embark on a five-hour journey, exploring the stunning vistas of Zavikon Island and Millionaire’s Row while enjoying bilingual commentary. The highlight of the excursion is a stop at the iconic Boldt Castle, where guests can enjoy the opulent grounds and architecture. With valid documentation in hand, travelers are assured a seamless experience through this picturesque and captivating destination. The question remains, what other delights await those who choose to…
Key Points
- The 1,000 Islands Cruise, lasting five hours, offers a scenic exploration of the waterways and a stopover at Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
- Cruise pricing starts at Kč1,371 per person and includes onboard audio commentary in English and French.
- Valid passport or Nexus card is required for all passengers, and citizens outside Canada and the U.S. need a visitor’s visa and ESTA.
- The Boldt Castle experience is subject to U.S. Customs processing, and passengers must arrive 30 minutes before departure for customs.
- The cruise is highly rated, with passengers praising the beautiful scenery and the Boldt Castle visit as a highlight.
Cruise Overview and Details
The 1,000 Islands Cruise offers a captivating five-hour excursion through the scenic waterways of the Canadian and American portions of the 1,000 Islands region.
Priced from Kč1,371 per person, the cruise features onboard audio commentary in English and French, along with a stopover at the iconic Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
Passengers can expect to witness stunning vistas, including the famed Zavikon Island and Millionaire’s Row, as they explore this picturesque natural wonder.
The cruise’s highlights encompass the breathtaking Canadian and American landscapes, providing an immersive experience for visitors to the 1,000 Islands.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Gananoque
Boldt Castle Visit
During the 1,000 Islands Cruise, passengers can enjoy a stopover at Heart Island to explore the renowned Boldt Castle.
Admission to the castle is included in the cruise price, allowing visitors to bypass the ticket booth after clearing U.S. Customs and Border Control. The time spent at Boldt Castle is subject to U.S. Customs processing, so passengers should be mindful of this.
The castle, built in the early 20th century, offers visitors the opportunity to step back in time and discover the opulent lifestyle of the area’s wealthy residents.
Documentation Requirements
Given the international nature of the 1,000 Islands Cruise, it’s important for passengers to ensure they’ve the proper documentation required for the journey.
All passengers must have a valid passport and/or Nexus card. Citizens outside Canada and the U.S. will also need a visitor’s visa and an approved ESTA.
U.S. Customs and Border Control has full discretion over entry to Boldt Castle, so passengers should be prepared for additional processing.
While the cruise operator provides guidance, it’s ultimately the responsibility of each passenger to ensure their documentation is in order to avoid any issues during the trip.
Onboard Experience
Passengers aboard the 1,000 Islands Cruise can enjoy a bilingual audio commentary that provides insights into the scenic waterways and landmarks along the journey. Onboard, passengers can purchase a variety of snacks and drinks to enhance their experience. To ensure a smooth departure, guests are required to arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Plus, no pets, smoking, or outside food and drinks are permitted on the cruise.
| Onboard Amenities | Description |
|---|---|
| Audio Commentary | Bilingual commentary providing information on the cruise |
| Refreshments | Snacks and drinks available for purchase |
| Arrival Time | 30 minutes prior to departure |
| Prohibited Items | No pets, smoking, or outside food/drinks allowed |
Customer Ratings and Feedback
How do the 1,000 Islands Cruise reviews and ratings compare to the overall experience?
The cruise boasts an impressive 4.4/5 rating based on over 1,100 reviews. Passengers highlight the beautiful scenery, enjoyable boat ride, and the Boldt Castle experience.
The transportation and value for money are also highly rated at 4.5/5 and 4.3/5, respectively. However, some comments note time constraints for exploring Boldt Castle.
- Gananoque/Ivy Lea: 1000 Islands Highlights Scenic Cruise
- Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise With Boldt Castle Admission
- Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise With Boldt Castle Admission
- Gananoque/Ivy Lea: 1000 Islands Highlights Scenic Cruise
- 1000 Islands: 10, 20, 30, or 60-Min Scenic Helicopter Tour
- Thousand Islands: Helicopter Tour With Cider Mill and Lunch
Cruise Departure and Timing
The City Cruises Gananoque 1,000 Islands Cruise requires passengers to arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. This is to allow for the necessary U.S. Customs and Border Control processing before the cruise sets sail.
Passengers must be present and ready to board the vessel on time, as the cruise won’t wait for latecomers.
Once aboard, passengers can enjoy the bilingual audio commentary that provides details about the scenic route and points of interest.
With a duration of 5 hours, the cruise offers ample time to take in the stunning vistas of the 1,000 Islands region, including the famous Boldt Castle on Heart Island.
Prohibited Items Onboard
The cruise operator’s policy strictly prohibits certain items from being brought onboard the 1,000 Islands Cruise. This is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all passengers.
The prohibited items include:
- Pets, as they may disturb other passengers and the cruise environment
- Smoking, as the cruise vessels are non-smoking areas
- Outside food and drinks, as the cruise offers a selection of snacks and beverages for purchase onboard
These rules are in place to maintain a pleasant and comfortable experience for everyone.
Passengers are kindly asked to respect these guidelines to fully enjoy the scenic cruise through the beautiful 1,000 Islands region.
About City Cruises Gananoque
Frequently, City Cruises Gananoque operates the popular 1,000 Islands Cruise, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking scenery of the region.
The cruise features onboard audio commentary in English and French, allowing passengers to learn about the history and highlights of the 1,000 Islands as they sail.
Travelers can also disembark at Boldt Castle on Heart Island, where they can explore the grand estate at their own pace.
However, entry to Boldt Castle is subject to U.S. Customs and Border Control discretion, and passengers must have valid passports or Nexus cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Discount for Seniors or Children?
There’s no mention of any discounts for seniors or children in the cruise details provided. The price is stated as a flat rate of $1,371 per person for the 5-hour cruise and castle admission.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
No, passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the 1,000 Islands Cruise. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase onboard, but outside food and drinks are prohibited.
Is There an Option to Extend the Time at Boldt Castle?
There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the time at Boldt Castle. The cruise itinerary states that the time at the castle is subject to U.S. Customs processing, and passengers must adhere to the scheduled cruise duration.
Are There Any Additional Fees for Boarding the Cruise?
There are no additional fees for boarding the cruise. The ticket price includes the cruise and admission to Boldt Castle. However, passengers must arrive 30 minutes prior to departure and are subject to U.S. Customs processing time at Boldt Castle.
Can I Make a Reservation for a Specific Departure Time?
Yes, passengers can make reservations for a specific departure time. According to the information provided, the cruise operates on a scheduled basis, and passengers must arrive 30 minutes prior to their selected departure time.
Recap
The 1,000 Islands cruise from Gananoque offers a captivating journey through this picturesque region. With a visit to the iconic Boldt Castle, passengers can explore the opulent grounds and historical architecture. Ensuring proper documentation is crucial for a seamless experience. The cruise’s bilingual audio commentary and stunning vistas of Zavikon Island and Millionaire’s Row create an unforgettable excursion for visitors.
You can check if your dates are available here: