New River Cruises in Canada 2025: Prices and Details

Developments in 2025 Canadian River Cruises

Canada’s river cruise market in 2025 features new itineraries focusing on educational experiences, historical exploration, and journeys across Eastern Canada’s waterways. The main offerings focus on the St. Lawrence River cruises with the family-owned St. Lawrence Cruise Lines (SLCL), accompanied by luxury and expedition-style cruises across the Great Lakes region operated by various companies.

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines’ 2025 Season Details

• Vessel & Capacity: The Canadian Empress, a 64-passenger ship designed to reflect the style of Victorian-era steamboats, operates cruises on the St. Lawrence River and the 1000 Islands area.
• Duration & Routes: Cruises vary from 4 to 7 nights with departures from Kingston, Ottawa, and Quebec City; ports include Brockville, Prescott, Montebello, Montréal, and Trois Rivières in Ontario and Quebec.
• Discovery Cruises: New in 2025 are two educational Discovery Cruise itineraries that explore the history and natural environment of the St. Lawrence River.
• Confederation Cruise Package: SLCL offers a combined 11-night itinerary consisting of two connected cruises, including a hotel stay in Ottawa or Quebec City, a shore tour in Kingston, and a 5% booking discount.
• Upgraded Amenities: Bathrooms in Premier, Sterling, and Ottawa Deck staterooms have been renovated for added comfort.
• Spring Savings: Bookings between May 11 and June 22 are eligible for a 10% discount; also, the “Celebration of Spring” 7-night cruise (May 31–June 7, 2025) is available at the rate of a 6-night cruise.

Expanded Great Lakes Cruise Offerings in 2025

Several cruise lines are expanding Great Lakes itineraries in 2025, providing both luxury and expedition-style cruises that complement the river cruises on the St. Lawrence River.

• Pearl Seas Cruises: Introduced two new Canadian itineraries:
• A 15-day Great Lakes Explorer cruise covering all five Great Lakes.
• A 16-day St. Lawrence Seaway & Great Lakes cruise starting from Quebec City, combining lake and river cruising.
• Viking Expeditions: Entered the Great Lakes market with the new “Undiscovered Great Lakes” itinerary, leveraging their river cruise experience alongside North America’s inland waterways.
• Victory Cruise Lines & Ponant Explorers: Planning additional itineraries in 2025 and 2026, including eight-day luxury voyages focusing on cultural and natural highlights.

What Typically Is Included in Fares for 2025 Canadian River Cruises?

Travelers booking Canadian river cruises in 2025 can expect comprehensive fares generally including:

• Accommodations: Comfortable staterooms equipped with modern amenities and climate control. For example, the Canadian Empress has upgraded bathrooms.
• Meals: Most cruises provide meals onboard featuring regional cuisine, usually served in windowed dining areas with views.
• Onboard Amenities: Entertainment, educational lectures, guided shore excursions, and hospitality suited to small-ship cruising.
• Transfers and Shore Tours: Some packages, such as SLCL’s Confederation Cruise Package, include complimentary hotel stays and shore excursions.

Information on Pricing and Booking for 2025 Canadian River Cruises

Pricing Overview

• St. Lawrence Cruise Lines: Detailed per-person cabin pricing is generally available upon inquiry, with discounts such as:
• Up to 10% off spring sailing departures (May 11–June 22).
• Special rate pricing on select cruises, such as the “Celebration of Spring” cruise offered at the price of a 6-night cruise for a 7-night itinerary.
• Great Lakes Cruises: Prices vary depending on cruise line and itinerary duration. Luxury and expedition-style cruises, such as the 15- to 16-day Pearl Seas Cruises routes or Viking’s new itineraries, typically carry premium pricing reflecting the nature of these offerings.
• Emerald Cruises: At publication, Emerald Cruises does not offer Canadian river cruises and focuses on European itineraries with available discounts elsewhere.

Booking Recommendations

• Direct Contact: For the most current and detailed pricing, availability, cabin options, and promotions, contacting the cruise line directly or using authorized booking agents is advisable.
• St. Lawrence Cruise Lines: www.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com or call 1-800-267-7868.
• Great Lakes Cruises: GreatLakesCruises.com offers booking assistance for Great Lakes and St. Lawrence cruises without service fees. Call +1-888-756-9008 for agent help.
• Advance Reservations: Early booking is suggested to access full cabin choices and applicable discounts as capacity on some sailings may be limited.

Eligibility and Travel Requirements for 2025 Canadian River Cruises

Those considering Canadian river cruises in 2025 should keep these general factors in mind:

• Passports and Visas: Valid passports are required. U.S. and Canadian citizens usually do not need visas for domestic river cruises, but travelers from other countries should verify visa requirements.
• Health and Safety: Cruise operators follow current health protocols that may include vaccination or testing; travelers are encouraged to confirm policies at booking as health guidelines can change.
• Travel Insurance: Recommended for protection due to the duration and nature of cruise vacations.
• Age Restrictions: Many river cruises have minimum age limits (commonly 18 or 21 years old). Some sailings emphasize cultural or leisurely experiences suitable for adult travelers.

Experiences Onboard and Onshore

The 2025 Canadian river cruise experience offers:

• Scenic Views: Ships like the Canadian Empress have ample deck space and panoramic windows for viewing waterways, historic towns, and seasonal foliage.
• Cultural and Educational Activities: Itineraries include educational content and shore excursions focused on the ecological, historical, and indigenous aspects of the St. Lawrence River region.
• Smaller Ship Environment: With passenger capacities around 64, cruises provide personalized service in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Shore Excursions: Stops at smaller towns and cities allow visits to local museums, cultural events, and dining experiences mostly within Ontario and Quebec.

Summary

In 2025, new river cruise itineraries in Canada emphasize the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes, with options from established lines such as St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Pearl Seas Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. Prices are typically packaged to include accommodations, meals, and shore excursions. Early bookings may qualify for discounts, especially for spring sailings. Travelers are encouraged to verify detailed pricing and availability directly with cruise operators or authorized agents to ensure access to current offers and to plan accordingly for any eligibility and travel requirements.

Sources

• [St. Lawrence Cruise Lines 2025 News & Cruise Schedule

  QuirkyCruise.com](https://quirkycruise.com/st-lawrence-cruise-lines-2025/)

• [Great Lakes Cruises 2025 & 2026

  GreatLakesCruises.com](https://www.greatlakescruises.com/cruise-the-great-lakes.html)

• [Emerald Cruises Great Escapes Sale 2025

  EmeraldCruises.ca](https://www.emeraldcruises.ca/offers/great-escape-river)

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