Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Great Lakes Cruises: What You Need to Know for 2022

cruise ships on the great lakes

From rugged rock formations to peaceful coves, explore the natural beauty of the area at a leisurely pace, perfect for beginners or those who have never kayaked before. Stop for breaks to take in the views and enjoy light refreshments at the end of your exploration. Situated along beautiful Penetanguishene Bay, this picturesque historic site is a reconstruction of an original 19th century British naval and military base. Originally conceived during the War of 1812, the actual construction of a Naval Establishment would have to wait for peacetime. Becoming operational in early 1817, the base served as an important supply link to more northerly British outposts, and safeguarded presents destined for Britain’s indigenous allies.

Canadian Discovery

A local guide will provide you with a narrated experience along the town's bicycle trails. Pass by the main downtown strip and follow the shoreline of Georgian Bay. Further down the trail, you will learn about local plants, reptiles, migratory birds and other species at risk. Finish your excursion at Parry Sound Bikes, formerly the old fire hall, with the option to be escorted to the ship or explore downtown on your own. Join us on an Interpretive Indigenous guided exploration of Whitefish Island, located in the heart of Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario).

Great Lakes Cruises That Include the Erie Canal

Unlikely bond between luxury cruise line, Great Lakes climate scientists - Bridge Michigan

Unlikely bond between luxury cruise line, Great Lakes climate scientists.

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Explore Michigan’s pristine wilderness and scenic landscapes in Marquette, lined with miles of Lake Superior shoreline. Great architecture and cultural institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago — along with lots of nightlife, shopping and world-class dining — make Chicago the premier city destination in the Great Lakes region. Many Great Lakes cruises begin or end in Chicago, with some including an overnight in the city, allowing time to explore. Don't miss a stroll down the Magnificent Mile and a sightseeing boat ride on the Chicago River (a great way to get an overview of the city and see some of its architectural gems).

Great Lakes Cruise Lines

A stop is made at the Lake Ontario port of Rochester, NY, before entering the Erie Canal, passing through New York Harbor and ending in Warren, RI. Ports of call on Great Lakes cruises vary slightly with Mackinac Island, Little Current and Niagara Falls among the scheduled highlights. Georgian Bay, often called the sixth Great Lake, is a large, picturesque, island-filled bay off the eastern side of Lake Huron.

As you traverse the waterways, keep an eye out for magnificent wildlife such as bald eagles and blue herons while learning about the area's significance to Indigenous communities. Board your motorcoach and journey to the historic Union Depot, now home to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Your guide will set the stage, by first sharing the industrial significance of the area in route to the depot. Upon arrival at the depot, don’t miss the Iron Range No. 227, a “Yellowstone”-style locomotive that was one of the biggest steam engines ever built. After exploring the depot, board your vintage train car for a trip on the North Shore Scenic Railroad, a heritage railroad that runs through Duluth and will take you along the shore of Lake Superior.

Anishinabe-Ojibwe tradition holds that the island was a sacred place populated by the first people and was home to the Great Spirit Gitchie Manitou. With exhilarating speeds of up to 38mph, cruise Midland Harbor and the 30,000 Islands region aboard the Tobermory Flash, an all-aluminum, open-air speedboat. Along the way, the captain's live commentary will include points of interest, historic facts, and fascinating legends about the region.

(What are your thoughts on flying internationally to cruise vs. leaving from the U.S.? Take the Cruise Critic survey). Viking Octantis will be in the Great Lakes from late April through the end of October. The ship is currently sailing from Barbados to New York; Cruise Critic is onboard and will be filing a live report. Pearl Seas Cruises is also returning to the Great Lakes with its single vessel, the 210-pasenger Pearl Mist, in late May. The ship will only stay in the Great Lakes for a few months, however, before concentrating on coastal New England sailings. We will update this article to reflect developments that can impact cruisers when it becomes available.

Detroit is commonly known as The Motor City, as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler have been producing cars there for more than a century. Though, it’s equally famous as the birthplace of Motown Records, and for its many beloved sports teams. In the Tremont neighborhood, visit the home where the famous movie A Christmas Story was filmed, and have a cold brew at a bar said to have been frequented by Eliot Ness, the famous crime fighter who brought down Al Capone. No trip to Cleveland is complete without a trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where you can view Michael Jackson’s white sequined glove, Jim Morrison’s boy scout uniform, and Elvis’ motorcycle. Whether in the midst of the Geogian Bay or navigating through the Milwaukee channel locks, enjoy the personalized service, exquisite cuisine, and world-class entertainment that Pearl Seas is known for. On this enchanting 11-night cruise, travel through four of the Great Lakes and the Georgian Bay to admire the magnificent scenery that surrounds you from the comfort of the Pearl Mist.

cruise ships on the great lakes

Why Viking

Along the way, enjoy interactive drum and song performance, as well as storytelling. Next meet and greet with world renowned Anishnaabek artist James Simon Mishibinijima. Enjoy a private viewing of his gallery, followed by an introduction by James who speaks about his career, his inspirations, and his artwork, most often with the theme of islands and water. Embark on an awe-inspiring half-day kayaking through the picturesque waters of Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario). Navigate the serene St. Mary's River towards the scenic Bellevue Park, marveling at the captivating landscapes that unfold before you. Our seasoned guides, well-versed in indigenous culture, will accompany you on this enriching expedition, imparting their wisdom about the local ecosystem, traditions, and history.

As American Queen Steamboat Company, the line became synonymous with river cruises in the U.S. After purchasing Victory Cruises in 2019, the line became American Queen Voyages in 2021 as it eyed an expansion into North American lakes and ocean cruises. While they were set to launch in 2020, the pandemic put plans on hold (which continued until Canada lifted its ban on cruise ships this year). With COVID-19 variants and continued fears over testing and quarantine, travelers are searching for cruises that are easy, Bierdz said. And Great Lakes itineraries include homeports such as Chicago, Toronto and Montreal that are high on tourists' must-visit lists in their own right.

No attention to detail was spared in the design of these modern staterooms. Each comes with sliding glass doors leading to a private balcony where guests can enjoy pleasant breezes and scenic views. Some of these rooms have adjoining doors, an option for guests who are traveling in a group or who wish to have a living room. Our exclusive category R staterooms are over 450 square feet and are located in the premier sections of the ship offering an enhanced cruising experience.

Crossing it would mean backtracking to resume cruising on the other four lakes. If adding all five lakes to your bucket list is your goal, be sure your Great Lakes cruise ship actually enters Lake Superior, if only briefly. Included tours are part of what you're paying for when you pay the high prices noted above. But you might just have a no-extra-charge outing including many of the highlights of each place already planned for your voyage. Two more lines that occasionally operate sailings in the region are German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and France-based Ponant. Tour organizer Smithsonian Journeys also occasionally offers Great Lakes sailings using chartered Ponant vessels.

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