Kingston shortlisted as cruise destination of the year

Kingston shortlisted as cruise destination of the year

City shortlisted for Seatrade Cruise Award, along with two other destinations

Kingston, Ontario - Kingston has been shortlisted for the Destination of the Year award in the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Awards. Kingston has been recognized as a welcoming port of call for Great Lakes cruise ships, offering amazing natural resources, a great culinary scene, and a vibrant and historic community for passengers of these small cruise ships to explore. Tourism Kingston works closely with Great Lakes cruise ships to offer their passengers a warm welcome to the city, and provide them with memorable, authentic experiences during their stay. Visitors are connected with cultural experiences, including tours of Kingston’s many unique historic sites, like Fort Henry and the Great Lakes Museum.

The Pearl Mist visiting Kingston in May 2024. Photo credit: Garrett Elliott for Tourism Kingston.

Stephen Burnett, Executive Director, Great Lakes Cruise Association, says, “Each year the global cruising industry recognizes excellence in several categories, and to be nominated alongside world-class cruise destinations is a huge honour for our Great Lakes community. Kingston has made a significant effort to create a strong presence in the Great Lakes cruising world and visitors coming ashore are charmed by the unique way in which they are welcomed to the city.”

The Pearl Mist visiting Kingston in May 2024. Photo credit: Garrett Elliott for Tourism Kingston.

Kingston is one of just three cities shortlisted for this honour, along with Abu Dhabi and Fowey Harbour, U.K. Great Lakes cruise ships making their inaugural visit to Kingston are welcomed by Kingston’s Town Crier, a bagpiper, and representatives from the City of Kingston and Tourism Kingston. Upon each ship’s departure, they are treated to a performance by the Ollin drum circle. Ships are also connected to local music and cusine during their stay in Kingston. This year, Kingston welcomed the Pearl Mist in May on a Great Lakes cruise. This ship and two others will make stops in Kingston this fall.

The Seatrade Cruise Awards will be given out September 11 in Malaga, Spain at the Seatrade Cruise Med, the largest gathering of the global cruise industry.

About Tourism Kingston

Tourism Kingston is the city’s destination marketing/management organization responsible for promoting Kingston, Ontario as a uniquely historic and hip destination to explore year-round. Tourism Kingston’s vision is to excel in creating, promoting, and growing opportunities for Kingston, Ontario to be a premier destination for individuals, groups, and businesses; to leverage tourism as a key driver of a healthy economy of Kingston; and to champion Kingston as a destination for local, regional, national, and international tourism. 

Learn more about Tourism Kingston: https://www.visitkingston.ca/about-tourism-kingston/