3 day great lakes cruise3 day great lakes cruise

Niagara FallsKnown for its jaw-dropping scenic beauty, thundering roars and shimmering rainbows, Niagara Falls has captivated millions of visitors. The Great Lakes, February 2018, NOAA satellite, American Queen 16 Day - Chicago Roundtrip (2023-2024), American Queen 13 Day - Montreal to Chicago (2023-2024), American Queen 11 Day - Montreal to Detroit (2023), American Queen 11 Day - Toronto to Chicago (2023-2024), Pearl Seas 12 Day - Great Lakes & Georgian Bay (2022-2023), Pearl Seas 8 Day - Great Lakes Cruise (2022-2023), Ponant 8 Day - Voyage Along the Great Lakes with Smithsonian Journeys (2022-2023, Ponant 8 Day - Great Lakes of North America (2022-2023), Viking 15 Day - Great Lakes Collection Cruise (2023), Viking 8 Day - Great Lakes Explorer Cruise (2022), Viking 8 Day - Niagara & the Great Lakes Cruise (2022), Viking 8 Day - Undiscovered Great Lakes Cruise (2022), Pearl Seas 16 Day - Canadian Maritime & St Lawrence Seaway (2022-2023), Pearl Seas 11 Day - Canada & New England Fall Foliage (2022-2023), Ponant 13 Day - St Lawrence River to the American East Coast, Viking 16 Day - Canada & the Atlantic Coastline (2023), Viking 13 Day - Canadian Discovery Cruise (2022), Windstar 12 Day - Southeast Canadian Explorations (2022-2023), American Queen 11 Day - Montreal to Boston (2022-2024), American Queen 9 Day - Boston to St John (2022-2023), American Queen | Ocean Voyager & Ocean Navigator, Native American Cultures of the Great Lakes Region, Combined, our team has multiple decades of experience in the Great Lakes and North American cruise industry. It warms up considerably by July and August, with high temperatures in the 70s and 80s. 2024 Great Lakes Cruises 2025 F E A T U R E D D E S T I N A T I O N Mackinac Island Join one of our many Great Lakes cruise itineraries that calls in quaint Mackinac Island - home to forts, fudge, history, and the spectacular Youll start in, say, Toronto, and work your way west to Chicago or vice versa. Greatlakescruises.com took all the guesswork out of finding the right Great Lakes Cruise. Sat, 9:00am to 4:00pm Eastern Time The diversity in Great Lakes itineraries extends to their start and end points. On our unique Great Lakes tour boats, you will traverse great depths, watch the sun rise and set over distant horizons and learn compelling details about the region both on- and offshore. The rugged beauty of the area combined with the incredible August weather makes this 7-night Great Lakes cruise unforgettable. The iconic attraction on the island is the 135-year-old Grand Hotel, with its seemingly endless, rocker-lined front porch (the longest in the world). Pack smart. The cruise season in the Great Lakes is also limited in its length by the opening and closing of the St. Lawrence Seaway the system of locks, canals and channels that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. But one line, American Queen Voyages, offers round-trip sailings from Chicago, in addition to multiple one-way itineraries. Explore the highlights of the Great Lakes on this 13-day discovery cruise from Chicago, Illinois to Montreal, Quebec aboard the Ocean Navigator. Toronto, Ontario: Once a fur trading post, Toronto is home to intriguing neighborhoods that include Chinatown and trendy, boutique-filled Bloor-Yorkville. Wisconsin's biggest city is often surprisingly delightful to first-time visitors, home as it is to a Santiago Calatrava-designed art museum with a world-class collection, a Harley-Davidson Museum that our sister site Lonely Planet has dubbed "badass" plus stylish eating and shopping enclaves. Most Great Lakes cruises travel one way. Or a birds eye view if you opt for the helicopter. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. American Queen Voyages weaves in more bigger city stops. 3 Day Great Lakes Cruise When Do Cruises Go To The Great Lakes A Bomb Cyclone Affecting 200 Million Has Caused At Least 3 Deaths The Great Lakes cruise season is a short one, due mostly to the weather. What better way to explore the iconic cities, sites, and passageways of these legendary waters than with a scenic cruise? Our Great Lakes cruises are aboard some of the finest vessels navigating the region - the luxurious and innovative. All three of these lines cater to a generally older crowd, which is the main market for Great Lakes cruises. Lake Michigan cruises are those that begin in Chicago or Milwaukee. But in recent years, the region has grown enormously as a cruise destination and for good reason. The Great Lakes cruise season is a relatively short one, running from late May through mid-September. Considering the many different destinations and sites you will visit - both natural and manmade - these cruises are definitely worth it! Legendary passenger cruise ships began sailing the Great Lakes in the 1800s and that grand tradition continues today. Great Lakes River cruises are available between the United States and Canada. FIVE GREAT LAKES One Grand Adventure Cruise the Great Lakes on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to experience the unparalleled majesty of the Great Lakes with luxury small-ship cruises complete with personalized service, world-class dining, dynamic activities, and the adventure of a lifetime. Bring your patches or pills in case of rough water. Nature-lovers will be entranced by the sea-like character of these bodies of water. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. It's also a hub for outdoorsy pursuits including mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and angling, as it's nestled within boreal forests. Let us help you find the perfect cruise. Choose your cabin carefully if engine noise keeps you awake. In the end, the most important decisions are which ports you want to visit and for how long you wish to cruise the Great Lakes on a ship. Cruises on the Great Lakes visit popular Midwest towns and cities like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, and Niagara Falls, in addition to some Canadian destinations like Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City, via the St. Lawrence River. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Great Cities & TownsSome of the highlights of a Great Lakes cruise includes stops in Chicago, Toronto, Detroit, Duluth, Cleveland, and Montreal. Battle Island Lighthouse on Lake Superior's North Shore Inside Passage, For the past several years, cities and towns along Lake Superior such as. Explore the wonders of the Great Lakes on this 11-day voyage aboard the Ocean Navigator from Chicago, Illinois to Toronto, Ontario. Experience the Foliage of Canada & New England, Experience the Stunning Great Lakes & Georgian Bay, Save Up To $1,000 on Select Great Lakes Cruises. Theres more where that trip came from. Menu. Its the second-largest Great Lake and the fourth largest lake in the world. A Bomb Cyclone Affecting 200 Million Has Caused At Least 3 Deaths, Thanksgiving Road Trip 2022-Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum-Day 3, Strong Blizzard Batters Buffalo #shorts | VOA News, Best All Inclusive Cruise Lines For Couples, investigate what youre getting for the cost, Afternoon Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise, Key West Sunset Dinner Cruise With Tropical Buffet, Honeymoon Cruise Packages Royal Caribbean, What Cruise Lines Does Royal Caribbean Own, Small Boat Cruises On The St. Lawrence River. As a rule, Great Lakes sailings don't come cheap. For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Ponant Cruises operates Le Bellot and Le Dumont dUrville, both on seven-day itineraries between Milwaukee and Toronto. Roundtrip Chicago (Milwaukee) Cruises - American Queen Voyages. Built of lumber in 1887, the Grand Hotel boasts the world's longest hotel porch. The long distances covered by cruises on the Great Lakes mean lots of time spent on board. Plan your trip. HEALTH & SAFETY: Click to learn more. Check with your cruise line for package deals. When considered as one vast body of water, the surface of the Great Lakes accounts for the largest body of fresh water on Earth. Tour organizer Smithsonian Journeys also occasionally offers Great Lakes sailings using chartered Ponant vessels. As one who has had a love affair with the State of Michigan since 1940, it was a thrill to circumnavigate it! Niagara Falls is right between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario on the Niagara River and makes for an exciting day on almost all of our Great Lakes cruises. Holland's downtown is a charmer with cobblestone sidewalks and more than 100 specialty shops, breweries and restaurants. Ports of call on Great Lakes cruises vary slightly with Mackinac Island, . Dont Miss: Cruises Out Of New Orleans Cancelled. All three of these lines cater to a generally older crowd, which is the main market for Great Lakes cruises. Think about spending time before or after your cruise in Chicago, Toronto or Montreal. When the last glaciers melted more than ten thousand years ago, they left behind, Great Lakes Cruise Company | Shop All Great Lakes Cruises. Also Check: Best Time To Go To Alaska Cruise. Keep in mind that, heading east, youll be dropping in elevation through one or more sets of locks (depending on your final destination). The history is fascinating enough to make that a focal point, especially as it involves King James Jesse Strang, an American religious leader and politician who back in the mid-1800s formed a monarchy and declared himself the island king. When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and the price. Sail Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. A thrilling expedition will not only uncover some enticing destinations along the five historic lakes but will aptly showcase the breathtaking splendors of its coastline and its spectacular wildlife. Niagara Falls, Ontario: Marvel at the famous falls, which are actually three distinct waterfalls, from the Canadian side. Prepare for lots of sea days. Then board a tour boat for close-up viewing. Day sales feature ice cream or the chance to catch the setting sun and bays fading light. Bring a book or deck of cards. What follows is a trip that comprises eight days and seven nights of splendor aboard the sleek, modern Viking Octantis. Viking Great Lake cruise itineraries include two eight-day trips from Milwaukee to either Toronto or Thunder Bay, and a 15-day route from Toronto to Duluth. Yes, you can get seasick on the lakes. Current Great Lakes Cruise Deals Find the latest cruise deals Contact our experts to find the latest deals for your 2024 Great Lakes cruise. There are many colourful birds to see on the lake. Cruise ships often sail from Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River towards Quebec, or vice versa. Together, they contain more than one fifth of the planets fresh surface water. Niagara Great Lakes Cruise All this can be seen via an overland trip, of course, and many people explore the Great Lakes region by car or on motorcoach tours. Some Great Lakes itineraries only include stops at relatively small towns such as Midland, Parry Sound and Little Current in Ontario; and Muskegon, Marquette and Houghton in Michigan. Some carry as few as 202 passengers. With plenty of options to choose from, choosing the right Great Lakes cruise can be an exciting experience, and were here to help. Of the three main lines operating in the Great Lakes, as noted above, Pearl Seas Cruises focuses the most on the region's small towns, with fewer stops at bigger cities. Itineraries include sailings in the U.S. from Milwaukee, Mackinac Island, Duluth, Detroit and Chicago. A large percentage of all Great Lakes cruises begin or end in Chicago, Milwaukee or Toronto. But one line, American Queen Voyages, offers round-trip sailings from Chicago, in addition to multiple one-way itineraries. Check with your cruise line for package cruise deals. Plus, there are the lakes themselves, which together are roughly the size of the U.K. and make up the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet. On longer sailings, vessels often will overnight in such places as Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Thunder Bay. Others focus on just three or four of the interconnected bodies of water. New Details Released, Universal Studios Hollywood vs. Universal Orlando Guide, Most Travel Advisors Are Gig Workers, Says New Study, Travel Insurance Means Peace of Mind for Cruise Clients, Review: Glacier View Lodge in Jasper National Park, Alberta, The Majority of Americans Will Be Taking a One-Week Summer Vacation. Beautifully situated between the rivers Vistula and Bug, at the junction of Eastern and Western culture, Lubelskie has an alluring exoticism. The Great Lakes make up the Earths largest freshwater ecosystem. American Queen Voyages is, notably, the only cruise line that currently has the authority to begin and end voyages in downtown Chicago, with its ships operating from the city's Navy Pier. They need to be out of the Great Lakes before the St. Lawrence Seaway closes for the winter . When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and the price. Sun, Closed. Parry Sound, Ontario: The world's deepest natural freshwater port is found on the east shore of Georgian Bay. Canadian cities included are Montreal, Toronto, Thunder Bay and Point Pelee. Michigan is the place to immerse yourself in nature. And thats just the beginning! Prepare for an extraordinary 11-day expedition cruise aboard Le Champlain, set sail from Milwaukee to explore the majestic Lake Superior. Looking for a freshwater cruising experience like no other? We provide guests an extraordinary cruising experience while exploring the most magnificent regions of the world. Its not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute, especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early. Compare that with $4,600 for a 7-day river cruise, for example, and you realize its a similar per-day investment. We're excited to see more Lake Superior cruises showcase the urban life, nature, and history of the North Shore. Generally speaking, any cruise that sails within Michigan, Illinois, or Wisconsin is sailing the Great Lakes. Pearl Seas Cruises offers trips with a lot of small-town stops. Cruise ships entering Lake Huron from Lake Michigan via the Straits of Mackinac typically call first at Mackinac Island (pronounced "mack-i-naw"), one of the highlights of a Great Lakes. The Harrisville area may have a great stretch of sandy beaches in the Michigan area , but St. Ignace serves as an ideal spot for a picnic or walk it has great views of Michigans Mackinac Bridge. All of the above lines operate ships in the Great Lakes that carry fewer than 400 passengers. You're given a plastic poncho to help keep you dry as the boat (not your Great Lakes cruise ship) motors up to Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most impressive of Niagara's cascades. When Will the Brightline to Orlando Open? But if. Cruise through four of the Great Lakes (Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, & Lake Michigan) and the Georgian Bay to discover grand landscapes filled with indigenous wildlife. Some of the ships that operate in the region will alternate between three or even four different routes during the short summer season, giving you lots of choices. Ride in a floatplane high above the scenic bay's 30,000 islands. That's something that you'll be hard-pressed to accomplish any other way. Lake Ontario is the easternmost of the Great Lakes and attracts about 13 million visitors a year. Georgian Bay, often called the sixth Great Lake, is a large, picturesque, island-filled bay off the eastern side of Lake Huron. Some of the ships also offer sailings that combine travel on one or more of the Great Lakes with a passage through the St. Lawrence Seaway. You wont have time to visit these great cities if you dont book some hotel time. The weather isn't the only limiting factor. Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase, at no cost to you. The 2,342-mile St. Lawrence Seaway connects the Atlantic Ocean to the western edge of Lake Superior in a system of locks, canals and channels. Located at the northeastern edge of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Sault Saint Marie is the site of the Soo Locks, a marvel of engineering that connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron. Great Lakes Explorer Experience our most immersive exploration along The Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system in. Pearl Seas Cruises 210-passenger Pearl Mist sails the 14-night Canadian Maritimes & St. Lawrence Seaway Cruise that explores destinations such as Montreal and Baie-Comeau, known for its plethora of harbor seals. Five inland lakes make up the "Great Lakes" in North America, and one of the best ways to explore them is by signing up for Great Lakes Cruises. Passports are required as you'll be entering Canada. You may get sticker shock from an $8,000 cruise but then realize its 12 days. In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in a gateway city such as Chicago, Milwaukee or Toronto and dont need to book flights. Visit the Museum on Tower Hill near the base of a fire lookout tower. Cruise vessels that operate in the Great Lakes can't access the region until the locks on the St. Lawrence Seaway open for the summer, something that typically happens the last week of March. On the Canadian side, four lakes (Lake Michigan is entirely within the U.S.) border the province of Ontario. Seeing the country from a USA River Cruise is a special kind of experience, after all. 1. Pearl Seas Cruises and Viking are particularly known for including lots of shore excursions in their base fares. Visit the stunning port towns of Colborne, Parrysound, Little Current, Sault Ste. COVID-19 has changed a lot in recent years, not just in travel, but in our day-to-day lives. And cruises on the Great Lakes have extraordinary routes and stops on their journey. But, even so, they offer a wide range of Great Lakes itineraries. Car-free Mackinac Island at the top of Michigan is a common stop on Great Lakes voyages, as is Niagara Falls, which sits between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. What should you pack for cruising the Great Lakes? Learn lighthouse history and maritime lore via our expert guide with the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. On the Ocean Voyager, delve into North Americas maritime history with a visit to all five of these natural wonders. The five Great Lakes cover a vast expanse. Five inland lakes make up the Great Lakes in North America, and one of the best ways to explore them is by signing up for Great Lakes Cruises. If you wait to book, youre not entirely out of luck. Prices based on double occupancy. Set out on Le Champlain's 11-day adventure voyage to discover the natural and cultural wonders of North America's Great Lakes, surrounded by flamboyant nature painted in the Indian summer's vibrant hues. The first Great Lakes Collection trip is due to set sail on June . The beautiful and clear waters of the Great Lakes is home to a handful of towns and villages that delight in having guests come and visit. Sail among the Thirty Thousand Islands and enjoy breathtaking views from the comfort of your private balcony. Join us aboard the new Pearl Mist for a backstage pass to the culture, customs and cuisine of the worlds most majestic cruise destinations many of which are not accessible by large ships. Great Lakes Cruises Take a Great Lakes cruise. When visiting, don't miss Fort Mackinac, which dates to the 1700s. Theres even the chance to sleep on board through the regular Bed and Breakfast sails or themed windjammer cruises on which you can pick the theme from among wine, the night sky and more, but not the direction. Blount Small Ship Adventureswww.blountsmallshipadventures.com, Pearl Seas Cruiseswww.pearlseascruises.com, Victory Cruise Lines www.victorycruiselines.com, Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Call 1.406.541.2677. Youll ready, haul and heave away then watch the 300 feet of canvas catch the wind in Grand Traverse Bay when you book one of the largest ships sailing the Great Lakes. Leaf-peepers may catch fall colors in late August or early September, especially in the most northern areas. American Queen 16 Day - Chicago Roundtrip (2023-2024), American Queen 13 Day - Montreal to Chicago (2023-2024), American Queen 11 Day - Montreal to Detroit (2023), American Queen 11 Day - Toronto to Chicago (2023-2024), Pearl Seas 12 Day - Great Lakes & Georgian Bay (2022-2023), Pearl Seas 8 Day - Great Lakes Cruise (2022-2023), Ponant 8 Day - Voyage Along the Great Lakes with Smithsonian Journeys (2022-2023, Ponant 8 Day - Great Lakes of North America (2022-2023), Viking 15 Day - Great Lakes Collection Cruise (2023), Viking 8 Day - Great Lakes Explorer Cruise (2022), Viking 8 Day - Niagara & the Great Lakes Cruise (2022), Viking 8 Day - Undiscovered Great Lakes Cruise (2022), Pearl Seas 16 Day - Canadian Maritime & St Lawrence Seaway (2022-2023), Pearl Seas 11 Day - Canada & New England Fall Foliage (2022-2023), Ponant 13 Day - St Lawrence River to the American East Coast, Viking 16 Day - Canada & the Atlantic Coastline (2023), Viking 13 Day - Canadian Discovery Cruise (2022), Windstar 12 Day - Southeast Canadian Explorations (2022-2023), American Queen 11 Day - Montreal to Boston (2022-2024), American Queen 9 Day - Boston to St John (2022-2023), American Queen | Ocean Voyager & Ocean Navigator, Native American Cultures of the Great Lakes Region. We work with all of the cruise lines serving the region, and can guide you on the trade-offs between the various itineraries, ships and destinations. 51.248056 22.570278. If a cruise includes only one of the Great Lakes, that lake is most typically Lake Ontario, with a cruise starting or ending here, then sailing past the Thousand Islands in Canada, and onto the St. Lawrence River. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The best Great Lakes cruise ports include the handful of relatively big cities in the region, such as Chicago, that are loaded with cultural sites, nightspots and restaurants, as well as charming small towns such as Holland, Michigan.