Following the SS Keewatin winning museum ship of the year from the Steamship Historical Society of America, the MV Canadian Empress was named ship of the year.

Launched in 1981, the Canadian Empress was designed by Bob Clark using a Victorian design that endures today.

“It is true that the Empress was the result of the vision of my uncle, Robert Clark, and it was he who chose the initial Victorian design theme — not only the classic Riverboat profile of the vessel, but also the original décor — with Victorian accents like the brass railings, tin ceilings, draperies and light fixtures,” said Jason Clark, owner of St. Lawrence Cruise Lines.

“However, it is important to recognize that the Empress is not frozen in time. She has been a working vessel for 44 years and has hosted countless passengers from all over the world,” Clark added. “And to be the best host that she can be, she has had to change to provide the best possible cruise experience to our passengers.”

The ship of the year award came a year after the Canadian Empress was among the larger vessels trapped in Kingston’s Inner Harbour due to the closure of the LaSalle Causeway.

“The M/V Canadian Empress is not a replica of any specific vessel. It is a composite replica of many vessels that were common in the St. Lawrence region during the last century,” the Steamship Historical Society of America stated in a news release announcing the award.

“In its more than 40-year history, the Canadian Empress has hosted guests from virtually every province of Canada, every state in the United States, and numerous countries throughout the world.”

The Steamship Historical Society of America is a Rhode Island-based non-profit dedicated to preserving the history and development of engine-powered vessels.