The Kingston: Sunset Dinner Cruise offers a memorable way to experience the scenic beauty of Ontario’s Kingston waterfront and the 1000 Islands. For $97 per person, this 3-hour evening cruise combines a delicious three-course meal, live entertainment, and breathtaking sunset views. The tour departs from Crawford Wharf and uses two different boats depending on the day, giving passengers a choice of ambiance and sights. It is well-suited for those looking to enjoy a relaxing evening with good food, beautiful scenery, and a touch of live music, all within an accessible, family-friendly setting.

While the cruise provides a fantastic experience overall, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. The full-service bar is available at extra cost, and seating arrangements can impact your view and experience. The guide’s commentary is informative but can be difficult to hear if the deck is crowded or noisy. Nevertheless, the combination of scenery, food, and entertainment makes this cruise a popular choice for celebrating special occasions or simply unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Key Points

Price: $97 per person for a 3-hour sunset cruise with dinner and live entertainment
Meal: A three-course a-la-carte dinner with a choice of 4 entrees
Boats: Island Queen (Mondays & Tuesdays) and Island Star (Wednesday to Sunday)
Highlights: Stunning sunset views, scenic cruising through the Admiralty Islands, and live music
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible and no smoking or pets allowed
Booking: Arrive 30 minutes early at 1 Brock Street for ticket pickup, with no parking at the dock

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Kingston Sunset Cruise Fleet: Island Queen and Island Star

This tour departs from Crawford Wharf in Kingston, with two main vessels used depending on the day of the week. The Island Queen operates on Mondays and Tuesdays, featuring a classic paddle-wheeler with three decks, offering a nostalgic vibe. The Island Star runs from Wednesday to Sunday, providing a modern, glass-topped canopy that gives 360-degree views of the surrounding scenery. Both boats are equipped to host a lively dinner cruise, but the Island Star‘s panoramic design makes it especially popular for sunset viewing.

This vessel choice allows visitors to select their preferred atmosphere, whether the historic charm of the paddle-wheeler or the sleek, contemporary feel of the glass-topped boat.

Scenic Cruising Through Kingston’s Admiralty Islands

The cruise takes you through the Admiralty Islands, an area known for charming cottages and grand mansions that line the shoreline. As the boat winds through this region, passengers enjoy spectacular sunset views that cast a warm glow over the water and land. The scenery is consistently praised as superb, with some reviews highlighting the beautiful, peaceful environment that offers a perfect backdrop for relaxing.

During the cruise, the captain leads commentary about the sights, providing insights into the history and features of the islands and waterfront properties. However, some travelers find it hard to hear the guide, especially when sitting away from the speakers or if the deck is crowded with chatter.

What’s on the Menu: Three Courses with a Variety of Choices

A key part of this cruise is the three-course dinner, served at your table, featuring four entree options. The meals are prepared onboard, ensuring freshness and quality. Reviewers frequently praise the delicious food, with some calling it fabulous and exceeding low expectations.

The menu includes vegetarian options and is subject to change, but specialty items cost extra. The full-service bar offers wine, cocktails, and beer, available for purchase throughout the cruise. For those with dietary restrictions, it’s advised to inform at the time of reservation to ensure suitable choices.

Live Entertainment and Commentary: Dinner with a Musical Touch

The cruise’s live onboard entertainment adds a lively element to the evening. A musical performer provides background music, enhancing the relaxed atmosphere as the sun sets. The entertainment receives high praise, with reviews highlighting skilled singers and engaging performances.

Plus, the crew and captain deliver commentary about the sights and local history, adding educational value. Some guests mention that background noise from fellow passengers can make it difficult to hear the guide, especially when seated farther from the speakers, so choosing a seat at the front might improve the experience.

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Practical Details: Boarding, Timing, and Accessibility

The meeting point is 1 Brock Street in Kingston, where travelers exchange vouchers for tickets 30 minutes prior to departure. The boats leave from Crawford Wharf—there’s no parking available at the dock, so visitors should plan accordingly.

This tour is wheelchair accessible, and assistance dogs are permitted. It is non-refundable, so planning ahead is advised. The cruise usually takes place in the evening, making it an ideal option for sunset viewing and dining.

What the Reviews Say About the Kingston Sunset Dinner Cruise

The 196 reviews give this tour an impressive rating of 4.4 out of 5, reflecting broad satisfaction. Food quality, scenery, and service are consistently praised. Many comment on the friendly and attentive staff, and some mention the cruise’s suitability for special occasions, such as weddings or anniversaries.

A few reviews note the difficulty in hearing the guide, especially when the boat is crowded or noise levels increase. One reviewer mentions a cold fish dinner—so check your meal if you have temperature preferences. Despite these minor issues, the overall consensus is that the Sunset Dinner Cruise offers a delightful experience with spectacular views and excellent food.

Final Thoughts: A Relaxing Way to Celebrate Kingston’s Waterfront

The Kingston Sunset Dinner Cruise provides a value-rich experience for $97, blending scenic cruising, live music, and a hearty meal. Its panoramic vessels and charming sunset views make it especially appealing for romantic evenings or special celebrations. The friendly crew and quality food contribute significantly to its popularity.

While some may find the sound system could be louder or prefer more spacious seating, these are minor points compared to the overall enjoyment. This cruise is most suitable for those who appreciate scenic waterway views, good live entertainment, and delicious food in a relaxed setting.

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