As the longest year of our lives, 2020 has been nothing but ordinary. For many families around the Northwest, celebrating the holidays has been a struggle. Most businesses had to change their operations and pivot drastically to do their part to slow the community spread of the virus. For Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises, this has also been the case.
In accordance with public safety measures, we have changed our boarding procedures to promote social distancing, low temperatures, and fewer touchpoints. We are also excited to announce a new cruising option that may help families enjoy a Journey to the North Pole with just their family and friends. Learn more below!
2020 Journey to the North Pole Cruises
This fall, Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises has implemented critical safety precautions with the health of Guests and team members in mind. These include reducing capacities and much more.
To follow state and local mask guidelines, masks are required for team members and Guests over the age of 2 years old. We also offer complimentary holiday masks for Guests. People are allowed to stand or sit next to each other in groups of six. However, if they bring more than six Guests, they will be separated into groups of six people or less.
We have also set up a North Pole Lounge. This provides an area to enjoy hot cocoa and treats while social distancing. It also decreases the number of people in line to board each cruise. We are also taking everyone’s temperatures before boarding. We have installed infrared cameras in our boarding process that lets us know if anyone is over 99.9 degrees. If someone’s temperature is that high or they feel sick, we ask that they cruise with us another time.
Our Journey to the North Pole Cruises is one of the top holiday traditions in the Northwest. 1.5 million lights across 51 light displays twinkle and shine to light the way to see Santa Claus at The North Pole. Along the way, kids will see favorite Christmas characters like the Grinch, Santa’s elves, Rudolph, and more!
Hot cocoa is available for the kids and spiked hot cocoa is available for the adults. Once arriving at the North Pole, the kids will be greeted by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Then, Santa will read each child’s name off the Nice List. Each cruise culminates in an awe-inspiring fireworks display on Lake Coeur d’Alene that children will remember for years to come.
NEW – Deluxe Private North Pole Cruises
This year, we are excited to introduce Deluxe Private Journey to the North Pole Cruises. For only $500, families and friends can rent The Kootenai cruise boat to the North Pole from now until January 3rd on select dates. Each cruise lasts one hour and brings guests across the water of Lake Coeur d’Alene to Santa’s workshop at The North Pole. Our Deluxe Private cruises also include a special Elf Concierge.
Our Deluxe Private Journey to the North Pole Cruises include boarding for up to 15 people. However, additional people can be added for only $30 per person. We are limiting the capacity for our Deluxe Private Journey to the North Pole Cruises to only 24 people to allow for social distancing. You can also reserve the cruise for more than an hour by contacting our Director of Cruise Sales, Kelly VanDewerker, at (208) 292-5670.
Each Deluxe Private Journey to the North Pole Cruise also includes holiday cookies and hot cocoa. Cocktails are also available for purchase. Check out our drink menu for some of our classic holiday cocktails. Outside food or drink is not permitted.
Book Your Tickets
By doing our part, we can all slow the spread of COVID-19 and enjoy our favorite holiday traditions. Our holiday cruises are available until January 3rd, but tickets are limited this year due to reduced capacity. We recommend arriving early before your cruise to enjoy some time in the North Pole Lounge and allow time for our new boarding procedures. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.cdacruises.com/scenic-cruises/journey-to-the-north-pole/
Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises
Are you ready to safely enjoy one of the Northwest’s brightest holiday traditions? Or, are you ready to start a new family tradition? Then contact us today to reserve your ticket or private cruise to the North Pole. We also offer a New Years’ Eve Cruise, Eagle Watching Cruises, and Hot Cocoa Cruises. Check out our website for more information.