Kingston, Ont., has been shortlisted for the Destination of the Year award at the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Awards, highlighting its reputation as a welcoming port of call for Great Lakes cruise ships. The city is known for its natural beauty, vibrant culinary scene, and rich historical community, offering a diverse experience for cruise passengers. Tourism Kingston works closely with Great Lakes cruise ships to ensure that visitors have memorable and authentic experiences during their time in Kingston. Passengers are connected with cultural attractions such as tours of historic sites like Fort Henry and the Great Lakes Museum. The Executive Director of the Great Lakes Cruise Association, Stephen Burnett, expressed that being nominated alongside world-class cruise destinations is a huge honor for Kingston, recognizing the city’s efforts to establish a strong presence in the Great Lakes cruising world.
Kingston is competing for the Destination of the Year award alongside Abu Dhabi and Fowey Harbour. The city has unique arrival and departure ceremonies for cruise ships, with new ships being welcomed 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. Noelle Piche of Tourism Kingston highlighted that Kingston sets itself apart from other ports by offering these beautiful ceremonies along with attractions like Fort Henry and the Great Lakes Museum, providing a perfect experience for cruise ship guests to enjoy. The Seatrade Cruise Awards ceremony will take place on September 11 in Malaga, Spain, at the Seatrade Cruise Med, which is the largest gathering of the global cruise industry.
The recognition of Kingston as a top cruise destination is a testament to the city’s efforts in promoting its unique offerings to visitors. The welcoming atmosphere, cultural attractions, and historical sites contribute to making Kingston a memorable stop for cruise passengers traveling through the Great Lakes. By collaborating with cruise ships and providing authentic experiences, Tourism Kingston has played a key role in showcasing the city’s charm and appeal to a global audience. The nomination for the Destination of the Year award alongside prestigious destinations reflects Kingston’s commitment to excellence in the cruising industry and its dedication to providing top-notch experiences for visitors.
As one of the top contenders for the Destination of the Year award, Kingston’s nomination underscores its status as a standout cruise destination in the Great Lakes region. The city’s efforts to create a strong presence in the cruising world have not gone unnoticed, with visitors being charmed by the unique welcome they receive upon arriving in Kingston. The arrival and departure ceremonies, along with the diverse attractions available in the city, set Kingston apart from other ports and create a memorable experience for cruise ship guests. The recognition by the global cruising industry is a significant achievement for Kingston and highlights the city’s commitment to offering exceptional experiences to visitors.
The Seatrade Cruise Awards ceremony in Malaga, Spain, where the winners will be announced, represents a major milestone for Kingston and its tourism industry. Being nominated for the Destination of the Year award alongside top cruise destinations like Abu Dhabi and Fowey Harbour is a remarkable achievement for Kingston and a testament to the city’s dedication to excellence in the cruising industry. The ceremonies and attractions offered in Kingston provide a unique and memorable experience for cruise ship guests, showcasing the city’s rich history, natural beauty, and culinary scene. The awards ceremony will bring international recognition to Kingston as a top cruise destination and further enhance its reputation as a must-visit port of call for Great Lakes cruise ships.
In conclusion, Kingston’s nomination for the Destination of the Year award at the Seatrade Cruise Awards is a testament to the city’s status as a top cruise destination in the Great Lakes region. The city’s welcoming atmosphere, cultural attractions, and unique ceremonies for cruise ship arrivals and departures have set Kingston apart from other ports and have endeared it to visitors from around the world. The recognition by the global cruising industry is a significant achievement for Kingston and a testament to the city’s commitment to excellence in providing exceptional experiences to cruise passengers. The upcoming awards ceremony in Malaga, Spain, represents an exciting opportunity for Kingston to showcase its tourism offerings on an international stage and further solidify its reputation as a premier destination for Great Lakes cruises.
