St. Lawrence Cruise Lines booking for 2023, extends season due to high demand

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines says it has officially sold out all 2022 cruises and is now booking passengers for 2023. 

The strong demand was initially fueled by the decision of many Canadian and American travellers to plan their travel close to home and abstain from international travel during the most recent stages of the pandemic, the company said in a news release this week. 

In response to the growing demand for North American river cruising, the Canadian-based small ship operator has extended its 2023 season and added an additional cruise to accommodate travellers. 

The Seaway Discovery Cruise is a 7-night, 8-day cruise that will run from Aug. 19-26, 2023 from Kingston to Montreal and Return, and will focus on the historic ports and locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Another factor that is impacting consumer demand is a growing recognition of the benefits of small ship cruising, and the ability of smaller cruise vessels to offer a more private, intimate experience with a focus on safety, comfort and relaxation, the company says. 

“We are hearing from many of our passengers that they are taking a fresh look at small ship cruising to avoid large crowds and they appreciate our ability and willingness to maintain health and safety measures during the most recent stages of the pandemic," said Jason Clark, president of St. Lawrence Cruise Lines.

During the 2022 season, all passengers and crew are required to be vaccinated and receive an antigen rapid test prior to boarding the vessel. 

The cruise line operates a single vessel, the CANADIAN EMPRESS, which features 32 staterooms with twin fixed beds, private bathrooms, and access to fresh air and a view of the river. 

Information on the cruise schedule, itineraries, and safety measures is available here. 

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