Exploring the historic Kingston waterfront has never been easier. The Waterfront Discovery Cruise aboard the Island Belle offers a captivating 1.5-hour sightseeing experience, showcasing the city’s rich heritage and UNESCO-recognized landmarks. Guests can enjoy stunning views and live English commentary as they float along the serene waters, all for an affordable price. With comfortable seating and food service available onboard, this cruise provides an immersive way to discover Kingston’s vibrant waterfront. But what other delights might this journey have in store?
This experience made our list of the 7 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Kingston Ontario.
Key Points
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The Island Belle sightseeing cruise along Kingston’s historic waterfront offers a 1.5-hour experience highlighting iconic landmarks like Royal Military College and Fort Henry.
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The cruise explores Kingston’s UNESCO World Heritage Destination, providing an immersive opportunity to appreciate the city’s history and natural beauty.
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Onboard amenities include seating options in the covered lower area and open-air top deck, as well as food and drink service, and accessible facilities.
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Guests should review the cruise’s non-refundable cancellation policy and arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, as the meeting point may vary.
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The cruise’s downtown waterfront location is easily accessible by public transportation, with a public parking lot available adjacent to the departure point.
Activity Overview
The Waterfront Discovery Cruise in Kingston offers an engaging 1.5-hour sightseeing experience on the Island Belle.
Priced from $33.32 per person, the cruise takes visitors on a journey through the city’s historic waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage Destination.
The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, and the non-refundable cancellation policy should be noted.
With live commentary in English, the cruise showcases iconic landmarks like the Royal Military College, Fort Henry, and the Murney Tower.
Passengers can choose between the lower covered area or the top deck for optimal viewing, while onboard amenities include food and drink purchases and accessible washrooms.
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Cruise Experience and Highlights
Guests embark on a 1-hour sightseeing cruise aboard the Island Belle, where live commentary in English brings to life the stunning waterfront scenery.
The cruise showcases Kingston’s historic landmarks, including the Royal Military College, Fort Henry, and the iconic Kingston Penitentiary.
Passengers also enjoy views of the Murney Tower, the Tett Centre, the Gord Downie Pier, and the impressive Wolfe Island wind turbines.
This waterfront discovery cruise explores a UNESCO World Heritage Destination, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of Kingston’s picturesque shoreline.
Onboard Amenities
Passengers have several seating options aboard the Island Belle, including a lower covered area and a top deck that offer scenic vistas.
Food and drinks are available for purchase, though outside items aren’t permitted. The vessel also features washrooms located on the second deck, accessible via stairs.
For those with mobility needs, manual wheelchairs and walkers narrower than 30 inches are allowed onboard.
Key onboard amenities include:
- Covered lower area and open-air top deck seating
- Food and beverage service (no outside items)
- Washrooms on the second deck
- Accessibility for manual wheelchairs and walkers
Restrictions and Policies
Smoking, large bags, pets (except assistance dogs), and coolers are not allowed aboard the Waterfront Discovery Cruise. Luggage restrictions are also in place, likely to ensure a comfortable and safe journey for all passengers. A quick reference table for key policies and restrictions is provided below:
| Restriction | Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Bags/Luggage | – | Large bags |
| Pets | Assistance dogs | All other pets |
| Food/Drinks | – | Outside food/beverages |
| Smoking | – | Smoking |
These policies help maintain a pleasant onboard experience and ensure the safety of passengers. Adhering to the restrictions is essential for a smooth and enjoyable Waterfront Discovery Cruise.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback and Ratings
Travelers have generally praised the Waterfront Discovery Cruise, with an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars based on 77 reviews.
The cruise’s guide and transportation services received particularly high marks, earning 4.2 and 4.4 out of 5 stars, respectively.
However, the service and organization ratings were slightly lower at 3.9 out of 5 stars each.
Some reviewers noted distracting children on certain tours, suggesting that choosing a later cruise time could provide a more peaceful experience.
The Waterfront Discovery Cruise offers a scenic and informative sightseeing opportunity along Kingston’s historic waterfront.
- Overall rating: 3.8/5 based on 77 reviews
- Guide rating: 4.2/5
- Transportation rating: 4.4/5
Booking and Reservations
To book the Waterfront Discovery Cruise, guests can purchase tickets directly from the tour operator’s website or through select third-party platforms.
Reservations are non-refundable, so guests should plan their visit accordingly. The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so it’s essential to review the details before arrival.
Guests are advised to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Luggage restrictions are in place, and large bags aren’t permitted on the cruise.
Getting to the Cruise
The Waterfront Discovery Cruise departs from the downtown Kingston waterfront, which is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.
Visitors can:
- Walk to the embarkation point, as the cruise is located in the heart of the city’s historic district.
- Take public transportation, with the closest bus stop just a short stroll away.
- Utilize nearby parking options, including a public lot adjacent to the departure point.
The convenient location and accessibility of the Waterfront Discovery Cruise make it an ideal choice for both local residents and visitors exploring Kingston’s vibrant waterfront.
Additional Information
Although the Waterfront Discovery Cruise offers a scenic and informative journey, there are a few additional considerations travelers should keep in mind. The cruise has a non-refundable cancellation policy, and the meeting point may vary based on the option booked. Onboard, guests can enjoy seating in the lower covered area or on the top deck, with food and drinks available for purchase. While manual wheelchairs and walkers narrower than 30 inches are allowed, larger bags, pets (except assistance dogs), and coolers are prohibited. A summary of the key restrictions and onboard amenities is provided in the table below.
| Restrictions | Onboard Amenities |
|---|---|
| No smoking | Seating options: lower covered area or top deck |
| No large bags | Food and drinks available for purchase |
| No pets (except assistance dogs) | Washrooms located on the second deck |
| No coolers | Manual wheelchairs and walkers narrower than 30 inches allowed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cruise Suitable for Families With Young Children?
The cruise is generally suitable for families with young children, though some reviews mention distracting children on certain tours. Choosing a later cruise time may provide a quieter experience for those seeking a more peaceful outing.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Beverages?
You can’t bring your own snacks and beverages on the cruise. The cruise prohibits outside food and drinks, but you can purchase refreshments onboard.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?
There don’t appear to be any widely advertised discounts or special offers for the Waterfront Discovery Cruise. However, it’s always worth checking the company’s website or contacting them directly to inquire about any potential promotions or deals.
How Accessible Is the Cruise for Individuals With Mobility Challenges?
The cruise offers some accessibility features, including allowing manual wheelchairs and walkers narrower than 30 inches. However, the washrooms are located on the second deck, accessible only via stairs, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
What Is the Policy for Rescheduling or Changing My Reservation?
The cancellation policy is non-refundable, but customers may be able to reschedule or change their reservation subject to availability. It’s best to contact the tour operator directly to discuss any changes to the booking.
Recap
The Kingston Waterfront Discovery Cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and picturesque waterfront. With stunning views, informative commentary, and comfortable amenities, this cruise provides an immersive experience for visitors. Whether you’re interested in the city’s heritage or simply seeking a leisurely sightseeing tour, the Kingston Waterfront Discovery Cruise is a must-try activity during your visit.
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