Explore Canada's New River Cruises in 2025

Did you know Canada’s 2025 river cruises offer intimate settings, cultural richness, and special discounts? Discover how to secure your spot for an unforgettable journey along the scenic St. Lawrence River or Ontario’s beautiful waterways with expert booking tips.

A Look at 2025 River Cruises in Canada

In 2025, Canada’s river cruise selections include:

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, a longstanding river cruise provider in Eastern Ontario beginning its 45th season.
Ontario Waterway Cruises, operating throughout Ontario’s Thousand Islands and Rideau Canal aboard the classic Kawartha Voyageur vessel.

Both emphasize Canadian history, cultural variety, natural landscapes, and customized onboard experiences only smaller ships can offer.

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines: St. Lawrence River Cruises 2025

Cruise Options and Itineraries

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines offers small-ship cruises lasting 4 to 7 nights along the St. Lawrence River and connecting inland waterways. Departure points include Kingston, Ottawa, and Quebec City. Their vessel, the M/V Canadian Empress, accommodates up to 64 passengers and combines Victorian-style décor with modern onboard conveniences, featuring river views from every stateroom.

Highlighted 2025 cruises include:

Celebration of Spring Cruise (May 31 - June 7, 2025): A 7-night cruise priced at the 6-night rate.
Seaway Discovery Cruise: Exploring waterways between Kingston and Montreal.
Fall Harvest & Colour Cruise: Showcasing autumn leaves and regional customs.

Themed Discovery Cruises also focus on historical and cultural themes such as the 1000 Islands Discovery Cruise and Heritage Summer Cruise.

Pricing and Special Deals

Rates vary by stateroom category, with tiered pricing available.
A 10% Spring Savings discount applies to cruises departing between May 11 and June 22, 2025.
The Celebration of Spring Cruise offers the unique pricing framework of a 6-night rate for 7 nights.
All staterooms include climate control and river views. Planned bathroom upgrades on select decks aim to enhance comfort in 2025.

Detailed stateroom prices and deposit details can be found in the 2025 brochure on page 15. The brochure is available for download or by calling 1-800-267-7868. Pricing is dependent on the selected cruise and cabin type.

Booking Procedures and Additional Services

Reservations can be completed online, by phone, or through travel agents.
SLCL assists with rail travel and hotel lodging to ease travel arrangements.
Combination packages like the Confederation Cruise Package include consecutive cruises with discounts and hotel accommodations.

About SLCL

With over 45 years in operation, SLCL focuses on expert crews and culturally immersive journeys.
All cruises occur entirely within Canadian waters.
The limited passenger capacity ensures personalized service and an intimate atmosphere.

Further details and the complete 2025 brochure are available at the official website: St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

Ontario Waterway Cruises: Exploring Ontario’s Waterways on the Kawartha Voyageur

Cruise Experience and Vessel

Ontario Waterway Cruises presents multi-day river cruises in the Thousand Islands area and along the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal aboard the Kawartha Voyageur, a classic riverboat designed for tranquil and scenic travel.

These cruises highlight natural scenery, canal locks, and historic sites, providing a distinct alternative to larger or more commercial cruises.

Pricing and 2025 Availability

The 2025 cruise price is roughly US$2,205 per person including taxes; final amounts may vary with currency fluctuations.
Cruises operate from mid-May through mid-October, coinciding with the navigation season.
Current information shows strong demand for 2025 cruises with high booking rates. A waitlist is available for those interested in registering without obligation.
The company offers a cancellation refund plan for valid reasons such as illness or emergencies.

Health and Safety Protocols

Although Transport Canada no longer mandates full COVID-19 vaccination for passengers or crew, Ontario Waterway Cruises advises adherence to provincial health guidelines and encourages booster vaccinations.
Health procedures remain in effect to maintain passenger wellbeing and comfort.

Booking and Itinerary Notes

Cruises traverse the Trent-Severn Waterway, Rideau Canal, and Quinte routes.
Schedules and flat rate pricing information are available on the company’s website.
Early inquiries are recommended due to limited availability.

For detailed dates, itineraries, and booking, visit: Ontario Waterway Cruises

What to Expect Regarding Cruise Experience and Comfort

Both cruise operators emphasize:

Small-ship cruising for a more intimate setting.
Comfortable staterooms, many equipped with climate control and river views.
Attentive crews devoted to guest satisfaction.
Excursions focused on Canadian history, nature, and urban highlights.
Onboard features blending classic and modern charm, such as the Victorian décor on the Canadian Empress and traditional styling on the Kawartha Voyageur.

Planning and Booking Your 2025 Canadian River Cruise

Steps to Reserve

Review brochures and websites for information about dates, options, and pricing.
Contact cruise companies directly via website or phone to request materials, check availability, or join waitlists.
Consider special offers, like SLCL’s Confederation Cruise Package, for extended itineraries.
Discuss transportation and lodging needs with cruise line representatives.
Confirm deposit requirements and payment schedules when booking.
Stay updated on recommended health and safety guidelines for 2025 river cruises.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Deposit amounts vary and will be communicated during the booking process.
Ontario Waterway Cruises provides a cancellation refund plan subject to specific conditions.
SLCL offers flexible booking support; cancellation policies should be reviewed at reservation time.

Summary of Pricing

Cruise Line	Price Range & Discounts	Booking Notes
St. Lawrence Cruise Lines	Pricing varies by stateroom; 10% discount May-Jun; Celebration of Spring priced as 6-night cruise	Detailed brochure pricing available; early reservations advised
Ontario Waterway Cruises	Approximately US$2,205 including taxes per cruise	High demand; waitlist option; refund plan offered

Final Thoughts

Canada’s 2025 river cruises provide chances to explore scenic waterways and cultural heritage aboard smaller vessels along the St. Lawrence River and Ontario’s inland lakes and canals. Whether you’re drawn to the historically themed itineraries and updated amenities aboard St. Lawrence Cruise Lines’ Canadian Empress or the peaceful heritage journeys on Ontario Waterway Cruises’ Kawartha Voyageur, you’ll find experiences tuned to your preferences.

Prospective travelers are encouraged to inquire early and consult official brochures and websites to obtain up-to-date pricing, booking terms, and direct assistance from cruise providers.

Sources

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