FAQs
Yes, because we know the river – the St. Lawrence River is our home. Our personal care and attention, along with more than 40 years of cruising experience and knowledge will ensure you receive full value for your cruise.
River cruising is all about the experience. Our cruises allow you to experience the beauty and history of Canada’s rivers. All of our staterooms are outboard (river-facing) and our Grand Saloon has expansive windows for spectacular, intimate views of the the ever-changing scenery along the river.
We don’t have any hidden costs on board. Our cruise rates includes full onboard accommodation with daily housekeeping service, all meals and snacks, domestic beer and private reserve wine with meals, private shore tours and transportation, deck and parlour activities, and nightly entertainment.
Passengers are responsible for private transportation to and from the ship at the points of embarkation and disembarkation. You are also responsible for gratuities, bar expenditures, and port and sales taxes where they apply.
Our passengers are never without beautiful scenery to watch from our on-deck chaise lounges. Additionally, there are on-board group activities, individual puzzles and games, evening entertainment including a dance, interesting shore excursions, and some of the most magnificent natural scenery in the world. There is also the delight of meeting fellow passengers from many different places around the world. On our ship you are the happy master of how you spend your time. You do what you want to do. It’s your vacation and the officers and crew will do everything they can to make it a comfortable, happy and memorable one.
Relaxation and comfort is the key to a great river cruise. When it comes to shipboard activities, informality is the watchword for riverboat travel, unlike the sometimes regimented and rigid traditions for ocean voyages.
It is not likely. That is one of the reasons calm water cruising has become so popular. There is none of the “heave-ho” of ocean, open-lake or coast-line cruising in our sheltered waters. We make it a point to avoid large bodies of open water.
Comfort and relaxation are watchwords with river cruising. Men’s clothing may include a sport shirt and slacks, but sport coats are optional. Women will find resort wear (sweaters, slacks, skirts, and blouses) most appropriate. Dinner attire is informal, although on the final celebration evening some guests prefer to dress up to smart or dressy casual. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
You will want to be cool and comfortable during the day and warm on some cool evenings. An iron and ironing board are available for your use. For activities above decks and touring on shore, sun hats and comfortable walking shoes are good choices. Tailor your needs to the season and the kinds of activities you’ll be enjoying on board. Don’t forget your cameras and binoculars!
Unfortunately, no. The crew are very busy preparing the ship and cannot accommodate early arrivals. Boarding commences at 4:30 p.m. and extends for one full hour.
As the voyage is entirely in Canadian waters, no additional ID is required en route. However, it is now considered advisable to carry Passports or photo ID. Homeland security measures in North America are exercised along the river. English is the standard language on board.
The minimum age for cruising on board is 12 years. Pets are not allowed unless it is a certified service animal. After you book your cruise with deposit, you will receive a confirmation and a Pre-boarding Booklet. Upon final payment you will receive maps and additional information answering many supplementary questions you may have.
The preferred currency and pricing on board is Canadian dollars, but U.S. currency is also accepted. VISA and MasterCard can be used for on-board purchases.
During your cruise there is a virtual cornucopia of information available about the river and its history and attractions. A splendid souvenir “SHIP’S LOG” will give you a precise and thorough account of every stop and every part of the journey. In addition, you will hear cruise commentary through the public address system at appropriate locations on your journey. Orientation information is abundant and useful. The daily newsletter will keep you right up to date on each day’s activities.
You can extend your vacation adventure by taking advantage of all that our marvelous ports have to offer. We have selected a fine range of hotel accommodations for you, based on quality and location. Rates are confirmed at the time of booking. In Quebec City: the Manoir Victoria or Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. In Kingston: the Holiday Inn Waterfront. And in Ottawa: The Lord Elgin Hotel.
In the interest of safety and good health, and as a courtesy to non-smoking passengers, smoking by passengers is permitted on the upper sundeck only and downwind of other guests and crew
While cannabis has been legalized in Canada, it is illegal to transport cannabis across borders in or out of the country, and transported is restricted on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Therefore, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines prohibits cannabis products on board.
Yes you can. We have a variety of round trip packages available and you can save money too! Ask our Reservations staff about round trip savings by calling 1-800-267-7868.
That’s easy. One call can do it all. Advise us or your agent of your cruise choice and stateroom preference as far in advance as possible. A deposit of $500 per person will confirm your reservation. Fare balances are due 60 days prior to your cruise date. When you call, let us answer all of your immediate questions. If you wish, we will be happy to arrange your rail and hotel requirements. After you have confirmed your cruise with your deposit, we will mail confirmation and other documents. Please do not hesitate to check with us for last minute bookings. Cancellations do occur and you may be accommodated. Any booking made within 60 days of sailing requires full payment to confirm reservations. We maintain and monitor a current waiting list.
All bookings are protected by the Ontario Government’s Tourism Industry Council (TICO #2168740). St. Lawrence Cruise Lines has $500,000 security deposit registered.
If a passenger finds it necessary to cancel a cruise earlier than 60 days prior to the departure date, refunds will be made in full less a $100 per person administrative cost. You will receive a $100 voucher that can be used as a credit on your next reservation (good for 2 years). No refund in whole or in part can be made to passengers who do not complete the cruise once it has started. If a passenger cancels 60 to 46 days before sailing they will receive a 75% refund; 45 to 16 days before sailing, 50%; less than 15 days before sailing, no refund. To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines strongly recommends the purchase of a comprehensive cancellation and interruption insurance package. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Inc. reserves the right to cancel any cruise, in which event a refund of total deposits will be made.
Absolutely. A cancellation insurance package is available and should definitely be purchased to protect against those unforeseen circumstances. The rate is modest and the plan is quite comprehensive.