Kingston: Sunset Dinner Cruise

Imagine gliding through calm waters as the sun dips toward the horizon, casting a golden glow over Kingston’s waterfront and the 1000 Islands. While I haven’t personally taken this cruise, the detailed reviews and descriptions paint a picture of a truly memorable evening on the water. It’s an experience that combines scenic beauty, good food, and lively entertainment—all within a cozy, social atmosphere.

What draws us to this cruise? First, the chance to enjoy spectacular sunset views while cruising past charming cottages and grand mansions. Second, the three-course meal served right at your table, with a variety of entrees to choose from. Last, the live entertainment that adds a lively, musical backdrop to your evening. A possible snag? The commentary can be hard to hear if you’re seated away from the speakers, so choosing your seat wisely might make all the difference.

This cruise seems best suited for couples celebrating special occasions, families wanting a relaxed scenic outing, or anyone looking to unwind with good food and gentle entertainment. It’s a well-rounded experience for those who appreciate a mix of nature, good cuisine, and a touch of local storytelling.

Good To Know

• Stunning sunset scenery over Kingston and the 1000 Islands.
• Three-course a-la-carte dinner with four entree options.
• Live onboard entertainment and commentary enrich the experience.
• Two different vessels operate during the week—Island Queen and Island Star.
• Cost of $97 per person offers a balanced mix of views, food, and entertainment.
• Wheelchair accessibility makes it an inclusive activity.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Scenic Voyage with a Touch of Elegance

The Kingston Sunset Dinner Cruise is designed to offer a relaxing yet visually stunning evening on the water. It lasts around three hours, making it a nice window to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. From the moment you arrive at Crawford Wharf, the anticipation builds as you exchange your voucher for tickets and board one of the two ships depending on the day: the Iconic 3-deck paddle-wheeler Island Queen on Mondays and Tuesdays, or the glass-topped Island Star from Wednesday through Sunday.

Expect to settle into a comfortable setting with plenty of room to enjoy the views. The dining experience involves a full-service, three-course meal served to your table – a feature that elevates this cruise from mere sightseeing to a culinary outing. Reviewers mention that the food exceeded expectations, with some describing it as “excellent,” and the service attentive throughout.

The Itinerary and What You’ll See

As the cruise sets off, you’ll sail into the Admiralty Islands, an area famous for its picturesque cottages, historic homes, and the peaceful waterways of the Thousand Islands. The highlight, of course, is the sunset, with many passengers praising the opportunity to witness the sky transform into shades of pink, orange, and purple. One reviewer even called the sunset “perfect,” and others appreciated the 360-degree views under the glass canopy of the Island Star, allowing for unobstructed photo opportunities.

The commentary onboard, often praised for its interesting sight descriptions and stories, offers context about the sights and the history of the islands. Several reviews mention that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, although at times, noisy guests can make it difficult to hear all the details—so choosing a seat near the speakers or in a quieter corner might improve the experience.

While the main focus is on the scenery, the cruise also includes light entertainment—a live music performance that adds to the relaxed vibe. Some reviewers note the musical entertainment was lively and well-performed, enhancing the overall mood, especially as the sun begins to set.

Dining Experience

The three-course dinner is a highlight for many onboard. The menu is described as a la carte, with four entree options to cater to different tastes. Reviewers frequently comment on the quality of the food, with words like “delicious” and “fabulous,” and appreciate the attentive service from servers like Shay, who was singled out for her attentiveness.

Extras such as specialty menu items, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at additional costs. This means that while the main meal offers good value, you might want to budget extra if you plan to indulge in drinks or special dishes. Some guests noted that beverages are at your own expense, and there’s no complimentary alcohol, but a full-service bar is available onboard.

For those with dietary restrictions, the menu is flexible enough to accommodate vegetarian options, and it’s recommended to advise the crew beforehand. A noteworthy point from reviews: some guests were surprised by the VIP tables, which offer better seating and a cheese platter, so if this interests you, inquire in advance.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Live music is a key element of this cruise, with performers providing a musical backdrop that complements the scenic views. Many found the music to be lively and engaging, often encouraging guests to sing along or head up to the deck for a better view. The cruise host also shares interesting tidbits about the islands, although some guests mention that noise from other guests sometimes makes it hard to hear the commentary—something to consider if you’re eager for detailed stories.

The ambiance is notably relaxed, making it perfect for celebrating special moments like anniversaries or simply unwinding after a day of sightseeing. A few guests, however, commented on the challenges of noise levels caused by chatty fellow travelers, which can detract from the experience if you’re seeking complete tranquility.

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Practicalities and Tips

Arrive early—about 30 minutes before departure—to exchange your voucher for tickets and pick your preferred seat. The boarding point is at 1 Brock Street, with boats departing from Crawford Wharf next door. Remember, there’s no parking at the dock, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Since the cruise runs mainly in the evening and lasts three hours, it’s an ideal activity for those looking for a relaxed, scenic evening. It’s wheelchair accessible, but be sure to advise at booking if assistance is needed.

Pricing at $97 per person strikes a good balance considering the included three-course meal, scenic views, and live entertainment. It’s worth noting that additional charges may apply for drinks and specialty menu items, so budget accordingly.

Genuine Review Highlights from Passengers

Many reviews highlight the quality of the food and attentive service, with some describing the meals as “fabulous” and praising servers like Shay for their excellent service. The scenery and sunset views are consistently rated as superb, with many guests snapping photos of the colors changing over the islands.

A recurring theme is the knowledgeable guides who provide interesting commentary about the sights, although a few mention that noise levels from other guests or the environment can make hearing difficult at times. Still, most agree that the combination of beautiful vistas, good food, and lively music makes the cruise a memorable experience.

Final Thoughts

The Kingston Sunset Dinner Cruise offers a well-rounded experience that combines spectacular scenery, delicious food, and entertaining music in a relaxed setting. It’s a perfect outing for celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding after a day of exploring Kingston. The blend of good value and memorable views makes it an attractive option for visitors and locals alike.

While the commentary can be hard to hear at times, the overall experience is charming and enjoyable. The three-hour duration strikes a good balance, allowing enough time to soak in the views without feeling overlong. The cost of $97 is reasonable for what’s included, especially considering the quality of the food and the scenic cruise.

In summary, if you’re seeking a peaceful yet engaging way to enjoy Kingston’s waterways, this cruise offers an authentic and fun experience. Just remember to arrive early, choose your seat wisely, and be prepared for some lively company onboard.

FAQs

What is the duration of the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, usually starting in the evening, making it a perfect early evening activity.

How much does the cruise cost?
The ticket price is $97 per person, which covers the cruise, a three-course dinner, live commentary, and onboard entertainment.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended. You’ll need to exchange your voucher for tickets at 1 Brock Street before boarding.

Where do the boats depart from?
They depart from Crawford Wharf dock, adjacent to the ticket office on Brock Street.

Is there parking available?
No, parking at the dock isn’t available, so plan to arrive early and find parking nearby before heading to the dock.

Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, but it’s advised to inform the provider at the time of booking if assistance is needed.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is appropriate. Consider bringing layers in case it gets cooler after sunset.

Can I buy drinks onboard?
Yes, a full-service bar is available, but beverages are at your own expense. Additional charges apply for specialty drinks.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, but it’s best to advise the crew at the time of reservation.

What if I want a better seat or VIP experience?
VIP tables offer better seating and a cheese platter but need to be booked in advance. Check with the cruise provider to confirm availability.

To sum it up, the Kingston Sunset Dinner Cruise is a delightful way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Thousand Islands, complemented by good food and lively entertainment. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy scenic vistas in a relaxed, social setting—ideal for celebrating special occasions or just treating yourself to a memorable evening on the water.

You can check if your dates are available here: