I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Island Queen Cruise, and it was an incredible experience. This guided ferry trip takes you on a nonstop adventure around the picturesque route of 30,000 islands in Georgian Bay, starting from Parrysound island. We opted for the three-hour afternoon cruise (1 PM to 4 PM), as we missed the morning departure. However, I recommend checking their website for different packages that cater to various preferences. The cruise commenced promptly at 1 PM, and the ticket price was a reasonable c$65 per person. We were delighted to discover that the cruise covers an extensive distance of almost 41 km, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the two Provincial Parks and the rugged, awe-inspiring channels of the 30,000 islands. What made it even more special was that this cruise offered the exclusive opportunity to explore these islands, as there are no roads connecting them. Onboard, the Island Queen Cruise provided excellent amenities, including on-board eateries where we indulged in tasty snacks and refreshing drinks. Throughout the tour, the crew provided informative commentary, enriching our understanding of the surroundings and enhancing our overall experience. One of the most delightful aspects of the cruise was witnessing the charming beach houses lining the island banks. The occupants warmly greeted us, waving their hands as we passed by. It created a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, adding to the beauty and elegance of the tour. I was thoroughly impressed and fell in love with every moment of it. In the future, I plan to revisit the Beauty of Islands in Parry Sound, and this time, I'm excited to try the lunch tour for a different perspective and experience. Additionally, the availability of a seaplane caught my attention, promising an even more adventurous and unique outing.
I must mention that the upcoming fall season has also made it onto my bucket list. I can only imagine how unforgettable it would be to witness the vibrant colors of the foliage against the backdrop of the 30,000 islands. It truly is an experience not to be missed.
Furthermore, the Island Queen Cruise offers free car parking, adding convenience to the overall trip. In the cruise ticket counter area, there is a gift shop and an ice cream shop. I must say that the ice cream was not only tasty but also a delightful treat during the journey.
In conclusion, I highly recommend the Island Queen Cruise to anyone seeking a beautiful and classy tour of the 30,000 islands. With its breathtaking scenery, excellent amenities, and informative commentary, it provides an exceptional and...
Read moreThe cruise experience itself was overall good and the ship docked off from the town on time and arrived on time. Only thing dissapointing is the fact that the front desk staff who hands out the tickets needs to be more welcoming. I had an unfortunate encounter with the front desk staffs that left me deeply disappointed. The lack of warmth and professionalism exhibited by the staff members was truly disheartening. From the moment I stepped infront of the two staff, I was greeted with indifference by them. Their lack of a welcoming smile or even a simple greeting made me question their commitment to customer service. As a customer and a tourist visiting the town, I believe it is essential to be treated with respect and courtesy, and unfortunately, this was sorely lacking in their demeanor.
As I approached the front desk to receieve the tickets, I encountered a particularly rude staff member who seemed more interested in completing tasks quickly than attending to the needs of guests. When I inquired about certain amenities and services, their responses were curt and dismissive. It was evident that they lacked the patience and willingness to address my queries properly. It is important to note that the overall ambiance of a the cruise service or any business service is heavily influenced by the front desk staff. They serve as the first point of contact and should set the tone for the entire guest experience. Unfortunately, in this case, their unwelcoming and rude demeanor created a negative atmosphere that overshadowed the positive aspects of the cruise.
I hope that the management takes this feedback seriously and addresses these issues promptly to ensure that future guests have a more welcoming and...
Read moreMy husband and I took our 2 granddaughters (cousins) for a 2-day summer trip. The Island Queen is perfect for any age. We lucked in with beautiful weather. The scenery was spectacular and it was interesting to learn about a part of our beautiful province so close to home. We live in North Bay. Highly recommend. One thing that I was not pleased about -- absolutely no recycling containers on the boat. I had my own water bottle but I had to buy water on the boat for the girls and told them not to throw them into the garbage, which we ended up having to do. A container with 3 separate compartments would not take up much more room than the containers being used now. A little more cost of course.
The second day we went on the Island Adventure Tour to Henry's Fish Restaurant. A gorgeous sunny day, spectacular scenery and very friendly, knowledgeable, and capable Captain and First Mate. Our granddaughters, love this cruise as well. The restaurant was amazing. The 'but', here is is: we kept hearing, there are no bad seats on that boat so when everyone was lining up we stayed sitting in the shade. There are bad seats...back breaking, narrow little seats on the sides of the boat. There should be a different price for the middle seats and the side seats. A very obese person would not have survived an hour ride on that seat if he had arrive late. As much as I loved the entire experience, I would think twice about going again, not being guaranteed a proper seat, without having to race like a...
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