We have received the 09 brochures for these cruises which operate on a variety of programmes between Kingston, Ontario and Quebec City, Quebec.
Contact us for your free copy.
Archive for the ‘St. Lawrence’ Category
So far, the lakes will see two new operators in 2009, with Pearl Seas Cruises bringing in its first newbuilding, Pearl Mist, and Travel Dynamics returning after an absence of five years, while American Canadian Caribbean Cruises will increase its 2009 capacity by 40%. In 2011, a third new operator, Ponant Cruises, will return with another newbuilding. Despite some setbacks, the iron is in the fire.
Size Limits
In the 1970s, the Georgian Bay Line (which was by then owned by the Arison family of Carnival fame) announced that it would bring Kloster’s 600-berth Sunward into the Great Lakes and in the 1980s there was a plan to bring the 760-berth Cunard Countess in under US flag. Neither project came about as there was too much business for the ships in the Caribbean. After that, cruise ships just got larger and larger and the possibility of finding one to cruise the lakes diminished each year.
However, in 1997, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises finally built the 420-berth Columbus, to a design that would allow her to cruise the lakes. Columbus spent ten seasons cruising the lakes but recent changes in US security regulations have made it easier for her owners to charter her out in the Mediterranean during what was normally her Great Lakes season. Columbus, the largest ship to have cruised the Great Lakes, usually offered some 1,260 berths on three 10 or 11-day Great Lakes cruises each autumn.
The maximum beam for any ship to navigate the St Lawrence Seaway’s 80-foot-wide locks remains 78 feet, or about 23 metres, which to-day, for all intents and purposes puts the Great Lakes firmly into the "small ship" market.
Passengers Carried
In the early 1960s, the Georgian Bay Line’s 450-berth North American and South American, Canadian Pacific’s 290-berth Assiniboia and Keewatin and Owen Sound Transportation’s 100-berth Norgoma carried close to 30,000 people a year on Great Lakes cruises. All were retired by 1967, with Keewatin and Norgoma surviving to-day as museum ships.
This summer will see the lowest passenger numbers on the Great Lakes for over a decade – about 3.800 on three small vessels of American Canadian Caribbean Line and St Lawrence Cruise Lines. By comparison, more than 40,000 people visit the Antarctic each year. Hapag-Lloyd’s 420-berth Columbus and Cruise West’s 102-berth Spirit of Nantucket, having left the Great Lakes at the end of 2007 have reduced Great Lakes cruising possibilities, but only temporarily.
This will change when Clelia II, Pearl Mist and a new Ponant ship enter service over the next couple of years, bringing passenger berth offerings up to 7,060 in 2009 and about 10,000 in 2010. In an area with a population of 180 million in its immediate vicinity this is still quite small, but the competition is the economies of scale offered by to-day’s huge cruise ships that can still charge the same fares as twenty-five years ago. On top of that, pilotage costs and tolls on the Great Lakes have to be spread over a much smaller number of passengers. Nevertheless, progress is being made. In essence, as well as being a small ship market, the Great Lakes is now turning into a luxury market.
American Canadian Caribbean Line
The longest-running operator of Great Lakes cruises, Rhode Island-based ACCL operates two 183-foot vessels, Grande Caribe and Grande Mariner, each carrying 100 passengers under US flag. ACCL will be able to book up to 1,700 guests this year but additional cruises in 2009 will boost this to 2,400.
The line will offer 17 cruises in 2008 that include the Great Lakes at some point and this will increase to 24 in 2009. New for 2009 will be four 11-night "Canals of America" voyages between Warren RI and Buffalo via the Hudson River, Erie Canal and Welland Canal, at between $2,915 and $3,555 plus $150 in port charges.
The shortest cruise, at 6 nights, is from Chicago’s Navy Pier around Lake Michigan to Mackinac Island and back, from $1,645 to $1,920 plus $75 port fees. ACCL will offer five such departures this year and six in 2009. The longest is 14 nights from Warren RI to Chicago via the Hudson River, Erie Canal and the Great Lakes from Oswego to Chicago, with calls at Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Mackinac Island and other ports, for between $3,705 and $4,555 plus $150 port charges.
Other departures include a 12-night cruise from Warren to Montreal, Quebec and the Saguenay Fjord via Lake Ontario, an itinerary that ACCL has been performing since 1967, and a similar cruise that turns at Quebec City, all priced accordingly.
St Lawrence Cruise Line
Operating its 66-passenger Canadian Empress since 1981, St Lawrence Cruise Lines is the smallest operator but will carry more Great Lakes passengers this year than ACCL by virtue of its more frequent departures, although this will change in 2009.
The 108-foot Empress continues to offer a choice of three itineraries – 6 nights between Kingston and Quebec ($1,955 to $2,779) or 5 nights between Kingston and Ottawa ($1,629 to $2,316), both of which touch at Montreal, and a 3-night Thousand Islands Encounter ($995 to $1,411), round trip from Kingston. This seasons thirty-two cruises can accommodate about 2,100 cruisers, which is more than ACCL will offer for 2008.
Travel Dynamics
Meanwhile, the first of the new operators, Travel Dynamics, will be returning to the Great Lakes, where it operated the 100-berth Orion in 2004. This company’s most recent acquisition, the 100-guest Clelia II, will be managed by International Shipping Partners (ISP) of Miami, as is its fleetmate, the 114-berth Corinthian II.
June to September 2009 will see the 324-foot Clelia II perform eleven 7-night cruises between Toronto and Duluth. Visiting all five Great Lakes, ports will include Toronto, Port Weller (for Niagara Falls), Little Current (Georgian Bay), Mackinac Island (Lake Michigan), and Houghton, Thunder Bay and Duluth on Lake Superior. Rates will run from $5,595 to $10,695 per person.
As well, she will cruise from St John’s NF to Rochester NY in June and from Toronto to Halifax NS in September, for a total of thirteen Great Lakes cruises offering space for up to 1,300 passengers.
Pearl Seas Cruises
The second new operator, Pearl Seas Cruises, is the foreign-flag subsidiary of US-flag Connecticut-based American Cruise Lines, and will introduce its new Pearl Mist 210-berth all-balcony newbuilding into the Great Lakes in 2009. This ship will be delivered by Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax this year and although further orders are likely to follow, no shipyard has yet been named. At 335 feet in length, she will have six lounges and 108 balcony staterooms ranged over six decks.
She will perform four cruises in June/July, reaching as far as Chicago, and two in September/October from Quebec to Toronto and back, as well as a number of St Lawrence cruises. These half dozen Great Lakes cruises will be able to accommodate up to 1,260 cruisers, or as many as the Columbus used to. 
Fares will run from $3,955 to $7,140 for a 7-day Quebec to Toronto cruise via the St Lawrence Seaway and Thousand Islands, $5,605 to $8,105 for a 10-day Toronto to Chicago cruise and $6,165 to $8,915 for an 11-night Chicago to Toronto cruise, both the latter including Georgian Bay and Mackinac Island.
Ponant Cruises
Meanwhile Ponant Cruises, the new marketing name for Compagnie des Iles du Ponant, announced in March orders for two new 264-berth ships from Fincantieri for delivery in late 2010, at a total cost of $300 million.
One of these will sail the Great Lakes in 2011. Like Travel Dynamics, Ponant Cruises is returning to the Great Lakes, where it previously operated several seasons of lakes cruises with its 90-berth Le Levant.
Although she will carry only 264 passengers, at 466 feet the new Ponant ship will be the second largest to cruise the Great Lakes after the 473-foot Columbus. With 75% of her 130 suites including balconies, if the new ship offers a dozen cruises in a season this would add 3,000 berths to the Great Lakes inventory, which in turn could boost the total above 10,000 for the first time in decades.
A Future for the "Cape" Ships?
In addition to Travel Dynamics, Pearl Seas and Ponant Cruises, two ships that Great Lakes interests have been paying close attention to are the 224-berth Cape May Light, which cruised the Great Lakes in 2001 and her 286-foot sister ship Cape Cod Light, which lies uncompleted in the St John’s River in Florida. They have been laid up ever since their original owner, American Classic Voyages, went under in September 2001, and the US Maritime Administration, which had financed them, repossessed them. Since then, two groups with headquarters on the Great Lakes, Hornblower Marine Services and Hannah Marine, had attempted to revive the ships for Great Lakes cruising. 
Earlier this month however the Clipper Group of Denmark succeeded in obtaining the pair at a reported price of $9 million each, compared to an original construction price of $42 million each. To be managed by ISP of Miami, they will reportedly remain under US flag for a minimum of three years. Although their foreign ownership will make them ineligible for trading under the Passenger Vessel Services Act between US ports this would not stop them from cruising Chicago/Chicago or Detroit/Detroit as long as they made a call in Canada, say in Georgian Bay.
ISP reportedly intends to spend about $10 million on the pair and report that "we expect that to take 6-8 months, and we will begin looking for charters, most likely for delivery for the 2009 summer season."The intended area of operation thus far remains a mystery although it is known that one Florida-based operator was also interested in them.
The Future
As more ships come into the Great Lakes, the future is beginning to look brighter, and as ships get larger and the overall market grows, demand should continue to grow for more expensive cruises like those planned for the lakes. For years Columbus treated the lakes as an autumn destination only but the new operators are thinking in terms of a full season from May or June through to September or October.
Although the ships may be smaller, a rising number of departures means that berth inventory on offer in the Great Lakes will finally begin to rise.
Technorati Tags: Pearl Mist,Columbus,Canadian Empress,Cape Cod Light,CapeMay Light,Norgoma,Keewatin,Assiniboa
(Source: By Mark Tré – Cybercruises.com)
Technorati Tags: Caledonia,Seadream I,Seadream II,Canadian Empress,Silver Whisper,Silver Cloud,Silver Shadow,Wind Spirit,Wind Star,Uniworld,Mississippi Queen,Delta Queen,American Queen,Empress of the North
From CLIA
At first glance, American Eagle, River Queen and Seabourn Spirit might seem to have little in common. The first carries barely 60 travellers on informal journeys through the Chesapeake Bay, the Antebellum South and other destinations on the East Coast. River Queen travels Rhine and Moselle rivers of Europe. Seabourn Spirit and her sister sail the world, accommodating just over 200 passengers.
But, in fact, these ships, while representing very different varieties of small ship cruising, have important things in common, qualities that distinguish this cruise segment from all other types of travel. And, they are just three of many small ships belonging to member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Together, almost 50 small ships belonging to CLIA offer the opportunity to explore the world from a uniquely personal perspective. From Antarctica to the Arctic, the Caribbean to Canada, Mexico to the Mediterranean, they travel the great rivers of Europe and North America, sail along Norwegian fjords and other scenic coasts, cross oceans, explore the globe’s most remote destinations, and even embark on world cruises. Their size enables a small group of travellers to go where no other cruise ships go – to the inland capitals of Europe and Asia, tiny islands in the tropics, undiscovered ports in the Middle East, remote coves and bays in Alaska, America’s Intra-Coastal Waterway, the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers and much more. The combination of out-of-the-way destinations and relatively small passenger load means that the lucky few onboard experience the world as though it was theirs alone to discover.
Whether the shipboard experience emphasizes sheer elegance and luxury while visiting some of the world’s most glamorous yachting destinations, or a more informal yet equally delightful and comfortable lifestyle for journeying through nature’s most extreme environments, all small ships have other qualities in common. They enable guests to socialize easily and share experiences with new-found friends who share their interests and tastes. They provide a true and very satisfying sense of having a home away from home, feeling cared for by staff the passengers come to know and enjoy.
Small ships virtually eliminate the hassles of travel. Getting on and off the vessel is effortless, with docking in the very centre of the action of each destination or port, and sightseeing is crowdless, often in places where there are few other visitors.
Here is a sampling of small ship cruise opportunities:
AMERICAN CRUISE LINES’ four ships – American Star, American Spirit, American Glory and American Eagle – carry no more than 100 passengers and offer comfortable accommodations, a friendly informal ambiance and such amenities as onboard naturalist and historians, enrichment activities and entertainment, dining that features regional dishes and complimentary cocktails in the evening. Itineraries encompass the length of the US East Coast, including the Rivers of Florida, the Antebellum South, the Mid-Atlantic Inland Passage, the Chesapeake Bay, the Hudson River, Maine and New England Islands.
HURTIGRUTEN, formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage, continues to offer a variety of cruises along the 1,250-mile coast of Norway with its majestic fjords on numerous small ships as well as journeys on the Gota Canal between Stockholm and Gothenburg on three Art Nouveau vintage ships. But among the most popular offerings are voyages to Antarctica, a North to South world cruise, and Greenland Exploration cruises featuring the 310-berth MS Fram, launched in 2007 and built specifically for adventure. As they visit such remote destinations at the southern tip of the world as Marguerite Bay, Whaler’s Bay, Cuverville Island and others, passengers discover that the only ones wearing tuxedoes are the penguins.
MAJESTIC AMERICA LINE offers voyages from Alaska to the Mississippi River. The intimate, 112-stateroom Empress of the North is small enough to explore the wilderness and waterways of Alaska’s Inland Passage. The 142-passenger Queen of the West and the 75-stateroom Columbia Queen were built to cruise the rivers of the Northwest, including the Columbia and the Snake. On the mighty Mississippi, the historic, 176-passenger Delta Queen, in her last season of operation, is the last operational steam-powered sternwheeler reminiscent of those piloted by Mark Twain, while the 436-guest American Queen is the world’s largest river cruise ship. In addition to capturing a romantic and unique era in American history, both glamorous ships are fully modernized for to-day’s travellers. Mississippi Queen is currently out of service. Majestic America Line is currently up for sale.
PEARL SEAS CRUISES’ first ship, as yet unnamed, will begin service in 2009 offering 214 passengers accommodations with private balconies equipped with flat screen TV/DVD systems, a well-stocked library, six lounges, a sports and exercise deck and multiple observation areas. The ship will sail on seven- to 11-night itineraries in the Caribbean during the winter months and a variety of voyages in North America during the spring, summer and fall. These include trips through the Canadian Maritimes, the St. Lawrence Seaway and Thousand Islands, a circumnavigation of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Great Lakes. Under construction in Halifax, NS, her completion has been delayed.
SEABOURN CRUISE LINE also offers the very highest levels of luxury on its three 208-guest yachts, Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend. In 2009, they will be joined by the somewhat larger, all-new Seabourn Odyssey. With staff members almost outnumbering guests, Seabourn passengers are treated to gourmet cuisine created by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, a casino and spa, all-suite accommodations, complimentary wines, spirits and champagne and such signature experiences as “Caviar in the Surf.†In addition to the world cruises and transatlantic crossings, Seabourn voyages take in the entire world from Asia to Europe to the Americas and Caribbean.
SEADREAM YACHT CLUB offers a true luxury yachting experience in two 110-passenger ships, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Facilities and amenities include fine dining with complimentary red and white wine, a casino, library, a piano bar and Top of the Yacht bar, a Main Salon and a water sports marina offering a full range of equipment for enjoyment right off the ship. From May through October, the ships offer seven-night itineraries to classical yachting ports in the French and Italian Riviera, Costa del Sol, the Amalfi Coast, Greek Islands, and the Adriatic and Black Seas. In the winter, SeaDream visits some of the most exclusive islands in the Caribbean, including St. Barts, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke and the Grenadines.
SILVERSEA CRUISES’ new Prince Albert II is an adventure ship carrying no more than 132 passengers on luxurious expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica and many points in between. During her inaugural 2008 season she will feature special Sea of Cortez expeditions in September, complete with eight Zodiac boats for up close viewing of birds, dolphins, whales and sea lions. The company’s other four larger ships also fit the small ship category, with Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper carrying no more than 382 passengers and Silver Cloud and Silver Wind accommodating only 296. Offering worldwide itineraries, the vessels feature ocean-view suite accommodations, complimentary shoreside experiences, entertainment and onboard enrichment, complimentary beverages and in-suite beverage cabinets and other amenities for an ultra-luxury experience.
UNIWORLD RIVER CRUISES is the leading operator of river cruises in Europe, offering intimacy and personalized service on a variety of ships that typically carry no more than 134 guests. Combining old world elegance with modern amenities, the vessels feature expansive views of passing countryside, libraries, a lounge with full-service bar, boutiques, a beauty salon and 24-hour coffee bar. Operating for more than 30 years, Uniworld offers itineraries on 12 rivers in 20 countries across four continents, including Europe, Russia, Egypt and China. Among the most popular European itineraries are Castles Along the Rhine, Danube Discovery, Enchanting Danube, European Jewels, Eastern Europe Explorer and Tulips & Windmills. One 17-day voyage features the Ukraine, the Black Sea and Istanbul.
WINDSTAR CRUISES operates three sailing yachts – Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf – known for offering a pampered luxury lifestyle and the ability to visit the hidden harbours and secluded coves of some of the world’s most sought after destinations. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the ships visit 50 countries, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. Windstar appeals to contemporary travelers with a casual onboard ambiance, alternative dining venues, a diversity of shore excursions, deluxe spa facilities and a complimentary water sports program. Popular with honeymooners because of the ships’ innate romantic elegance, Windstar also offers voyages through the Greek Islands and in-depth explorations of Costa Rica.
Other companies offering popular small ship programmes are St. Lawrence Cruise Lines with sailings in Canadian Empress to and from Kingston, Ont. to Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa; and Canadian Sailings Expeditions with its 245 foot sailing vessel Caledonia in the Caribbean, Maritime Canada and Quebec.
Brochures, unbiased information and reservations for all these cruises is available from The Cruise People, Ltd.
