Kingston, Ont., has been shortlisted for the Destination of the Year award at the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Awards. The city has gained recognition for its welcoming atmosphere as a port of call for Great Lakes cruise ships. Kingston is celebrated for its natural resources, vibrant culinary scene, and rich historical community, providing a diverse experience for cruise passengers. Tourism Kingston works closely with Great Lakes cruise ships to ensure that passengers have memorable and authentic experiences during their visit. Visitors are connected with cultural attractions, including tours of Kingston’s historic sites like Fort Henry and the Great Lakes Museum. Stephen Burnett, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Cruise Association, expressed that being nominated alongside world-class cruise destinations is a huge honor for Kingston.
Kingston is one of three cities shortlisted for the Destination of the Year award, alongside Abu Dhabi and Fowey Harbour. The city goes above and beyond to welcome ships making their inaugural visit by having a Town Crier, a bagpiper, and representatives from the City of Kingston and Tourism Kingston greet them. Departing ships are treated to a farewell performance by the Ollin drum circle. Noelle Piche of Tourism Kingston highlighted that what sets Kingston apart from other ports is the beautiful arrival and departure ceremonies they offer, as well as the attractions in the city such as Fort Henry and the Keewatin at the Great Lakes Museum. These attractions provide cruise ship guests with enjoyable activities during their stay in Kingston.
The Seatrade Cruise Awards ceremony will take place on Sept. 11 in Malaga, Spain, at the Seatrade Cruise Med, which is the largest gathering of the global cruise industry. This event will bring together key players in the cruising industry to celebrate excellence in various categories, including the Destination of the Year award. Kingston has made significant efforts to establish 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 nomination for this prestigious award is a testament to Kingston’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience for cruise passengers and showcasing the city’s offerings to a global audience.
Tourism Kingston collaborates with Great Lakes cruise ships to ensure that passengers have a memorable and authentic experience during their visit. The city’s vibrant culinary scene and rich historical community offer a diverse range of activities for cruise passengers to enjoy. Guests are connected with cultural attractions, such as tours of historic sites like Fort Henry and the Great Lakes Museum. The unique way in which visitors are welcomed to Kingston has contributed to the city’s nomination for the Destination of the Year award. The efforts made by Kingston to create a strong presence in the Great Lakes cruising world have not gone unnoticed, and the city continues to charm visitors with its welcoming atmosphere and attractions.
In addition to its natural resources and cultural attractions, Kingston is also recognized for its captivating arrival and departure ceremonies for cruise ships. The city goes the extra mile to welcome ships making their inaugural visit by organizing performances by the Town Crier, a bagpiper, and representatives from the City of Kingston and Tourism Kingston. Departing ships are treated to a farewell performance by the Ollin drum circle, further enhancing the overall experience for cruise passengers. Noelle Piche of Tourism Kingston emphasized that these ceremonies, along with the city’s attractions like Fort Henry and the Keewatin at the Great Lakes Museum, set Kingston apart from other ports and provide guests with a truly memorable visit. Kingston’s nomination for the Destination of the Year award reflects the city’s commitment to providing exceptional service and experiences for cruise passengers.
