Is This the Best 1000 Islands Cruise? Boldt Castle & Single Castle Stopover Cruise – Rockport Cruises

Alina's Field Notes contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclosure Policy for details. Thank you!

Would you take a 1000 Islands Cruise? The Thousand Islands makes for a great day-trip or weekend trip throughout the summer time for Ontarians. The scenery is world-class, the history is rich, and along with gorgeous cottages, there’s even a few castles! 

The best way to explore the 1000 Islands is on a day cruise. And I took the 6-Hour 1000 Islands Two Castle Stopover Cruise with Rockport Cruises, and I think this might be the best one!

Table of Contents

What and Where are the 1000 Islands?

The Thousand Islands is a shared region between the province of Ontario, and the state of New York. It’s an 80km stretch of islands up the St. Lawrence River. On the Canadian side, it stretches from Kingston to Brockville. 

There’s actually 1,864 islands on this archipelago! To count as an island here, the island  must have at least 1 square foot of land above water year-round, and it must support a living tree.

On the Canadian side, cruise companies operate out of Kingston, Gananoque, Rockport, and Brockville for day cruises of the region. While on the New York side, there are cruise companies in Alexandria Bay and Clayton.

Below is a map showing the different cruise departure companies on the Canadian side of the 1000 Islands, as well as Thousand Islands National Park, and Boldt Castle and Singer Castle.

My Experience with Rockport Cruises

6-Hour 1000 Islands Two Castle Stopover Cruise Itinerary

I wanted to take the most comprehensive cruise offered in the 1000 Islands, so that is why I chose the 6-Hour 1000 Islands Two Castle Stopover Cruise with Rockport Cruises. While it’s not possible to see all 1,864 islands in the region, I felt like this cruise showed all of the most famous sights in the Thousand Islands. It also included a picnic lunch! 

We booked this cruise in May, and we sailed June 27th, 2026. This cruise is only offered a few times throughout the season so if you want to do this one I’d recommend booking early in the cruise season. The other cruises have more timing options. We paid $154 for each of us. I felt like this was more than worth the price for the length of the cruise and how much was included.

This cruise includes 3 hours of cruising, and 1.5 hours at each castle. Please note that both Boldt Castle on Heart Island and Singer Castle on Dark Island, are in American waters. A passport is required to take this cruise as you are technically crossing into a different country. 

Note: If you don’t have a passport, you can still see Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, just take one of the cruises that simply cruise past them instead of allowing you to get off on the islands. Even though you’re still travelling into U.S. waters, you don’t need a passport if you remain on the boat.

Arriving in Rockport

We arrived in Rockport about 45 minutes before our cruise’s departure time. Rockport Cruises suggests arriving 1 hour in advance, as you do need to check-in for their cruises at their ticket office. 

At the ticket office we showed the staff our cruise confirmation, as well as our passports. We then received a paper copy of the cruise itinerary, a lanyard with our cruise group listed on it, as well as a ticket for entry into Boldt Castle. They also directed us to the correct boarding dock. 

One of my favourite things about Rockport Cruises is that they have their own parking lot, and parking was free! They have lots of space right next to their ticket office, and there is overflow parking nearby. 

While we waited for boarding time we explored a little bit of Rockport. Nearby there were a few different restaurants, and also a general store. We were also able to see Rockport Cruises’ different boats that are used for other tours.

11:30 – 1000 Islands Cruise Departs

About 15 minutes before our cruise departed, we made our way over to our dock. We were on the Sea Prince II, and I’d say they were about 50 people total on the tour. Seating was first come first-served, but people did move around the boat since it was such a long day.

The top deck of the Sea Prince II had a lot of bench seating, and there was also a snack bar. We spent most of the cruise up here. The bottom level had sit-down tables and chairs and was enclosed, but there was a small front deck to go out on. 

As we cruised through the 1000 Islands, Rockport Cruises had pre-recorded audio that corresponded with the sights we were seeing. The audio also repeated in French and I thought this was a great touch. 

The first section of the cruise was quite beautiful, and we quickly approached Zavikon Island which features the world’s shortest international bridge! I did learn that both the islands here are actually on the Canadian side of the 1000 Islands still. The actual border is about 200m South, but hey close enough!

12:00 – Explore Boldt Castle on Heart Island & U.S. Customs

After about 30 minutes of cruising we had docked at Heart Island, which is home to the most famous landmark in the Thousand Islands—Boldt Castle. 

This is where we went through the U.S. Customs. There was a small building right on the dock that housed the American custom officers. With 3 customs officers checking our passports, they made it through our tour group quickly. It definitely took less than 10 minutes in total. 

Then we walked through a gate, and our Boldt Castle tickets we were given upon cruise check-in got scanned by a different worker. We were then free to explore Boldt Castle and Heart Island on our own. 

I’d recommend downloading the Boldt Castle app, as it includes an audio guide of the castle and its renovations.

Boldt Castle History

Boldt Castle has quite the fairytale history. The property was owned by famous hotelier George C. Boldt. The Boldt family had a cottage on the island (which was originally called Hart Island), but in 1900 Boldt sought out to construct a huge Rhineland style castle as a present to his wife.

300 workers were employed to construct Boldt Castle, which is 6 stories tall and features an indoor pool, tunnels, and gardens. There are other structures on the island including a large tower used as a children’s playhouse, and a powerhouse. 

However, Boldt Castle would never be finished. In 1904, Boldt’s wife Louise suddenly died. Brokenhearted, George C. Boldt halted construction, and he never returned to Heart Island. The castle was left abandoned for decades.

Nowadays Boldt Castle is maintained by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, who acquired the property in 1977. They have been instrumental in restoring and maintaining Heart Island, with renovations still ongoing. You can see before & after pictures on the Boldt Castle website.

Boldt Castle Grounds – Power House & Alster Tower

Before heading into Boldt Castle, we took some time to explore the grounds outside. Along with Boldt Castle there are a few other structures that inhabit the Heart Island.

You can enter the Power House, which looks like a castle in itself and has a large clock tower on it. The Power House housed two steam generators that powered everything on the island, but today there are only a few pieces of the original equipment left. 

The other big structure you can enter is the Alster Tower, which was used as the Boldt children’s playhouse. Within the tower is a kitchen, library, theatre, and even a bowling alley!

There are also numerous gardens, fountains, and statues around the grounds of Boldt Castle. Definitely look for the Dove-Cote, where George Boldt housed his bird collection, and the Entry Arch by the Swan Pond which was the main entryway onto Heart Island with a few antlered-deer statues on top.

Boldt Castle – Interior

We then made our way inside Boldt Castle. Definitely take one of the maps because there is a lot to explore! We went level by level and room by room and made sure we did not miss anything. It was very interesting seeing the parts that had been renovated, compared to the parts of the castle that were still unfinished.

The rooms are decorated the way George and Louise Boldt intended. The Grand Hallway is especially striking, as is the Ballroom. The Billiard Room and Library were also standouts, as was George Boldt’s bedroom.

At the top there is a lookout point with a gorgeous view of Alexandria Bay, New York. We finished in the basement levels and actually got to walk through one of the tunnels! 

Make sure you check out the gift shop on the second level.

1:30 – Back on board the Sea Prince II

I did feel like 90 minutes was enough time to see everything on Heart Island, but if you’d prefer a more leisurely tour you can take a cruise that allows you a 2.5 hour stop or even a 3.5 hour stop at Boldt Castle.

When we got back onboard the Sea Prince II, Rockport Cruises staff had prepared our picnic lunches on the bottom deck of the boat. We each received a picnic basket with food we preordered when we purchased the cruise tickets online. 

We had the Island Wrap which was grilled chicken with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and mayo, on a white tortilla. Rockport Cruises also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options for lunch. We also got a small garden salad with 1000 Island dressing, a bottle of water, and the best butter tart I’ve had in my life. 

We ate on the bottom deck as we sailed away from Boldt Castle and during this time we passed by many of the iconic sights in the Thousand Islands like Just Room Enough Island, the smallest inhabited island in the region, and Millionaire’s Row. We also got to circle around Heart Island for another iconic view of Boldt Castle. 

As we were cruising along to Singer Castle we got to see a lot of the freighter boats that carry shipments along the St. Lawrence Seaway. We also saw Sister Island Lighthouse and Grenadier Island. William Dodge was once the lighthouse keeper here, and we were told the story of his Newfoundland dog which swam to Grenadier Island to bring messages back and forth!

3:15 – Guided Tour of Singer Castle on Dark Island

After around a 1.5 hour cruise we arrived at Singer Castle on Dark Island. This is the only completed castle in the Thousand Islands region. Dark Island is also on the American side of the 1000 Islands, and is just a few yards south of the Canadian border.

 As we disembarked the Sea Prince II, we were divided into small groups of approximately 10-15 people as you can only visit Singer Castle with a guided tour. We started by exploring the grounds of the castle before heading inside and along the way our tour guide Eliza told us about the castle’s history and architecture. 

We learned that the original owner of the castle was Frederick Gilbert Bourne, who was the president of Singer Manufacturing Company, they made the famous Singer sewing machines, hence the name Singer Castle. Though when the Bourne family resided here the property was known as “The Towers”.

 Most of the architectural work was done in 1905 by Ernest Flagg, while Bourne’s daughter Marjorie made additions to the castle when the castle passed to her ownership.

Singer Castle features 28 rooms and we got to see many of them, including Marjorie’s additions, and we even got to peek at some of the secret passageways. Once back outside we got to walk through one of the tunnels hidden under the garden. 

At the end of the tour we were taken to the gift shop before heading back on board the Sea Prince II. We also learned that you can stay in the Royal Suite if you felt the guided tour wasn’t enough time!

4:45 – Aboard the Sea Prince II Again

After our guided tour of Singer Castle we once again boarded the Sea Prince II for a 45 minute journey back to Rockport. This section didn’t have anything particularly notable, but it nonetheless had pretty scenery.

5:30 – Disembark in Rockport & Canadian Customs

Around 5:30 we arrived back at the docks in Rockport. As we disembarked 2 Canadian customs officers were waiting for us, and they looked at everyone’s passports as we disembarked the Sea Prince II.

All in all, both customs experiences at Boldt Castle and upon our return in Rockport were quick and easy. If you’re not American or Canadian, make sure to check the VISA requirements before booking this cruise.

Other Cruises Offered by Rockport Cruises

While I have only taken the 2 Castle Cruise with Rockport Cruises, they do offer many more options! This is great if you’re more pressed for time, or don’t have a passport with you. 

Here’s a quick overview of their cruises:

1-Hour Heart of the Islands Cruise

• great for those with limited time 
• features Zavikon Island, Boldt Castle & Millionaire’s Row
• no passport required 
• $37 for adults

2-Hour Palaces & Palisades 1000 Islands Cruise

• Rockport’s most popular tour 
• sail under the 1000 Islands International Bridge
• also see Millionaire’s Row & Boldt Castle
• no passport required 
• $43 for adults 

3-Hour Two Castle 1000 Islands Cruise

• sail past Boldt Castle & Singer Castle
• no passport required 
• $49 dollars for adults

4-Hour Boldt Castle 1000 Islands Stopover Cruise

• sails around many 1000 Islands sights
• includes 2.5 hour stop at Boldt Castle (entry included in cruise price)
• passport is required
• $69 dollars for adults

5-Hour Boldt Castle 1000 Islands Cruise

• sails around many 1000 Islands sights
• includes 3.5 hour stop at Boldt Castle (entry included in cruise price)
• also includes a boxed lunch
• $99 for adults

How to Get to the 1000 Islands Cruise in Rockport

• By driving:
  • From Toronto – 3 hours east on Hwy 401
  • From Ottawa – 1.5 hours southeast on Hwy 416 & Hwy 401
  • From Montreal – 2.5 hours west on Hwy 401
• By bus or by train:
  • If you plan on taking train or bus transportation to a 1000 Islands cruise, just know that there are no stations in Rockport. Instead, you should take a cruise from Kingston, Gananoque, or Brockville. These cities are served by VIA Rail, and Flixbus.

What to Pack for a 1000 Islands Cruise from Rockport

• your passport
• the credit card you booked with
• sunscreen
• water
• appropriate clothing (cruises sail rain or shine)

Quick Tips for a 1000 Islands Cruise from Rockport

• arrive early to check-in to the ticket office and have your passports verified 
• make sure you enter the correct address for the cruise
  • there are several other cruise companies operating in the 1000 Islands region, and some people end up in the wrong spot and miss their cruises 
• no pets are allowed, only registered service dogs wearing vests 
• onboard concession stands only accept cash
• no outside food or drink is permitted on board
  • you can take a small packed lunch to eat at Boldt Castle if doing a stopover cruise 
• if stopping at Boldt Castle your ticket is included in the cruise price
• if stopping at Singer Castle a guided tour is required 
• there is onboard prerecorded commentary in English and in French

What is the Best 1000 Islands Cruise?

So far I have taken cruises of the 1000 Islands with Rockport Cruises and Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises. I plan on doing a cruise with City Cruises in Gananoque and 1000 Islands  and Seaway Cruises in Brockville to fully compare the cruise offerings on the Canadian side of the Thousand Islands. 

All the cruises have their pros and cons, but if you’re looking for the most comprehensive tour of the Thousand Islands and don’t mind a long cruise or bringing your passport then the 6-Hour 1000 Islands Two Castle Stopover Cruise with Rockport Cruises is for you!