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Admire the stunning views of Lake Superior

Great Lakes - Wilderness and History on vast Lake Backdrops

Toronto to Milwaukee - Example 13 Day Cruise aboard Hanseatic Inspiration
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Relax on a on a 13-day cruise through the enchanting landscapes of the Great Lakes. Sail the majestic Lake Erie, conquering locks with heights rivaling Niagara Falls. Navigate Parry Sound's scenic water labyrinth and discover the captivating Thirty Thousand Islands. Witness the pristine beauty of Killarney and conquer the world's largest lock system at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. Visit Mackinac Island, a car-free paradise with Victorian mansions and Fort Mackinac. Cruise to Milwaukee, where industrial history and the American dream come alive on Lake Michigan.
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Lake SuperiorExplore the picturesque shoreline of Lake SuperiorViews on Mackinac IslandAdmire the stunning views of Lake Superior
Highlights
  • American dream: all five lakes as one great experience
  • Embark on lock adventures, witnessing nautical masterpieces in the Welland Canal and Sault Ste. Marie Canal.
  • Visit Sault Ste. Marie Canal's world's largest lock system
  • Experience new dream landscapes daily, featuring skerries, islands, waterfalls, cliffs, and lighthouses
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Toronto | Lake Ontario | Embark

Embark on your ship in Toronto.

Day 2: Cruise on Lake Erie

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore the Great Lakes, covering 244,000 km². Sail through eight locks, conquering almost 100 m of height—equivalent to Niagara Falls. HANSEATIC inspiration effortlessly navigates the challenging Welland Canal with retractable bridge wings. Experience this lock adventure firsthand on open deck areas, offering the best views for your Lake Erie cruise.

Day 3: Windsor

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Departing Windsor, savor an unobstructed view of Detroit's skyline, the former "Motor City." Delve into the diverse facets of Detroit with insights from on-board experts, whose knowledge mirrors the variety of shores you'll explore.
 

Day 4: Tobermory | Lake Huron

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Absorb captivating background details as your Lake Huron cruise unfolds towards Tobermory, a charming fishing village. Create lasting memories amidst idyllic bays, deep-green forests, and limestone coastlines. Explore the Bruce Trail at your own pace for an enriching experience.
 

Day 5: Parry Sound

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Navigate a scenic water labyrinth to Parry Sound with HANSEATIC inspiration. Explore town and lakeshore via marine trails or opt for a boat trip through the Thirty Thousand Islands. Marvel at the archipelago's diversity—emerging islands, narrow channels, and imposing cliffs. Alternatively, seize unforgettable panoramas in Killbear Provincial Park, where pink granite banks and autumnal forests blend into majestic scenery.

Day 6: Killarney

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discover the pristine beauty of the islands around Killarney, a crown jewel in wild, unspoiled nature reminiscent of the time of the first trappers. This El Dorado for nature lovers is best explored individually.

Day 7: Sault Ste. Marie Canal

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Embark on an exciting adventure through the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, featuring the world's largest lock system, the Soo Locks—a marvel of engineering. For around 150 years, this system has allowed huge container ships, including the small HANSEATIC inspiration, to navigate a change in height of approximately 6 m (20 ft) between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. Be an on-deck observer of the maneuvers unfolding during this remarkable passag.
 

Day 8: Thunder Bay | Lake Superior

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
On Lake Superior, Canada’s Thunder Bay welcomes you with spectacular coastal landscapes. Marvel at the “Niagara Falls of the north”, where the water plunges down around 40 m (131 ft), when you visit historic Fort William and the Kakabeka Falls*. A hiking adventure in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park* will have you climbing a flat-topped mountain ridge with dramatic granite cliffs.


*The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are discussed in the planning stage. Subject to change.

Day 9: Lake Superior

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruising along the northern shore of Lake Superior, you can relax and enjoy the panoramic view or learn interesting details about the First Nations from the team of experts on board before your small ship passes the locks again at Sault Ste. Marie.

Day 10: Sault Ste. Marie, USA

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In Sault Ste. Marie , in-depth insights into the city’s history await you. Sault Ste. Marie is not only divided by a river, but also by the state border between Canada and the US.

Day 11: Mackinac Island | Lake Huron

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Mackinac Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the US. In the 17th century, European explorers came to the island that was inhabited by people of the Odawa tribe. Soon Mackinac Island occupied a strategically important position as a trading centre for the fur trade in the Great Lakes region. The British built Fort Mackinac on the island during the American War of Independence. Discover Victorian mansions and the 19th-century Grand Hotel on foot, by bike and on a horse-drawn carriage ride, as the island is car-free to this day.

Day 12: Fayette | Lake Michigan

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the 19th century, Fayette drove industrialization with one of the most productive iron smelters at the time. If the authorities grant permission, you can learn more about what it was like working at the blast furnaces and about life in the historic wooden buildings. By the time you reach Lake Michigan, your personal American dream will have come true in Milwaukee. 

Day 13: Milwaukee | Lake Michigan | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Hanseatic Inspiration

Hanseatic Inspiration

Embark on a journey of self-discovery aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration, a Polar Class 6 expedition ship. Explore remote corners of the planet, enjoy open deck spaces, and engage in immersive adventures.
Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag-Lloyd)

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,300 2-3 travelers
Select a Date
Category 1: Outside
Heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service. Dimension: 22/237 ft²
Select a Date
Category 2: Panoramic
Heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service. Dimension: 21/226 ft²
Select a Date
Category 3: French Balcony
Heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service Dimension: 21/23m²
Select a Date
Category 4: Balcony
Modern and luxurious rooms with heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and a fully accessible layout in cabin and equipment Dimension: 27 m²/291 ft², including private balcony (5 m²/54 ft²)
Select a Date
Category 5: French Balcony
Heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, complimentary mini bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service Dimension: 21/23m²
Select a Date
Category 6: Balcony
Modern and luxurious rooms with heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and a fully accessible layout in cabin and equipment Dimension: 27 m²/291 ft², including private balcony (5 m²/54 ft²)
Select a Date
Category 7: Balcony
Modern and luxurious rooms with heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and a fully accessible layout in cabin and equipment Dimension: 27 m²/291 ft², including private balcony (5 m²/54 ft²)
Select a Date
Category 8: Balcony
Modern and luxurious rooms with heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and a fully accessible layout in cabin and equipment Dimension: 27 m²/291 ft², including private balcony (5 m²/54 ft²)
Select a Date
Category 9: Junior Suite
The cabin boasts a separate living/sleeping area, a distinct dining area, panoramic views from the sleeping space, separable beds, TVs in both living and sleeping areas, a bathroom with two sinks and a rain shower, a separate toilet, a steam sauna in the shower area, a heated wall for towels, a free mini bar, a coffee machine, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and the convenience of a table reservation in the main restaurant along with personalized butler service. Dimension: 42 m²/452 ft², including private balcony (6 m²/65 ft²)
Select a Date
Category 10: Grand Suite
The cabin features a separate living/sleeping area, dining space, panoramic sleeping views, separable beds, dual TVs, a veranda with space heaters, a daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower, and veranda access, along with amenities like a steam sauna, heated bathroom wall, separate toilet, free mini bar, coffee machine, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, butler service, and the convenience of a table reservation in the main restaurant, plus the freedom to choose a Zodiac group for your excursions. Dimensions: 71 m²/ 764 ft², including private veranda (16 m²/ 172 ft²)
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard gratuities
  • International gourmet cuisine – full board
  • All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
  • Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise
  • Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
  • Extensive sports program: fitness area with ocean view, course program, additional sports activities onshore depending on the destination
  • Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkeling equipment
  • OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area
  • Welcome champagne, mini bar restocked daily with a selection of soft drinks coffee machine, 24-hour cabin service
  • Internet free of charge for one hour per guest and day; service depends on satellite positioning, especially in polar regions)
  • Comprehensive pre-cruise information
  • Harbour and airport fees
  • Cancellation fee insurance
  • German- and English-speaking ship and expedition management as well as mostly German- and English-speaking service crew
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional selection of spirits in the Junior and Grand Suites
  • Spa treatments and Hairdresser
  • Personal training for sports program
  • The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are discussed in the planning stage. Subject to change.

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 175 reviews on
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1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
review score
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent. Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio. In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day. Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took. Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
review score
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
Tina
review score
5 days ago
Rapid response.
kym
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5 days ago
Jess and her non pushy salesmanship!!!!!
Cristen Crawford

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