Embark on an unforgettable 11-day 5 Great Lakes cruise aboard Victory I, starting in Chicago and ending in Toronto. Stay at a hotel in Chicago before setting sail from Navy Pier. Explore vibrant cities like Detroit and Cleveland, marvel at the natural beauty of Mackinac Island, and witness the engineering marvel of the Soo Locks. Experience scenic sailings on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie, with stops in charming towns like Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie. Discover the cultural treasures of Niagara Falls and the scenic landscapes of the Niagara Peninsula. This cruise offers a perfect blend of urban exploration, historical insights, and natural wonders.
Highlights
Discover the natural beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Explore Detroit's Henry Ford Museum and its remarkable exhibits
Stroll Chicago’s vibrant Navy Pier and famous Magnificent Mile
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.
Stay in Chicago and dive into the pulse of the Midwest. Walk Navy Pier, explore towering skyscrapers, and shop along the Magnificent Mile. Taste local staples like deep-dish pizza, Italian beef, and classic Chicago-style hot dogs. Listen for the city’s unique accent and uncover neighborhood spots that locals frequent. From bold architecture to beloved comfort food, Chicago delivers a strong start to your journey.
Begin your journey in Chicago, a city packed with landmarks and energy. Visit the Art Institute, stroll through Millennium Park, and take a river cruise past iconic architecture. Savor bold flavors at top-rated restaurants and explore lively neighborhoods after dark. Chicago sets the stage with culture, history, and unforgettable views before you head out on the water.
Relax as you sail the clear waters of Lake Michigan. Take in the stunning coastal views, watch for local wildlife, and enjoy the peacefulness of the open water.
Explore the natural beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visit the historic Fayette Historic State Park, hike the trails of Hiawatha National Forest, and discover the region’s rich history at the Delta County Historical Museum.
Included Excursion:
EXPLORING ESCANABA’S HISTORY
Get to know a little about “Esky,” the third largest city on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visit the iconic Sand Point Lighthouse, once a beacon of safety for passing marine traffic here along the coastal shoals of the Little Bay de Noc. And soak up some valiant local history at a pair of museums that highlight Escanaba’s legacy of military heroism.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Sand Point Lighthouse, Delta Chamber of Commerce Museum, UP-Military Museum
Step back in time on the charming Mackinac Island. Tour the historic Fort Mackinac, ride a horse-drawn carriage through the picturesque streets, and savor the island’s famous fudge.
Included Excursion:
MACKINAC ISLAND CARRIAGE EXPLORATION
Step back to quieter times on a scenic survey ride around Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage with stops at the key must-sees. With its period architecture and ban on motorized vehicles, sightseeing on Mackinac is like time-traveling to the 1800s, but with cell service. VCL guests enjoy complimentary admission to Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Mackinac by authentic carriage, Surrey Hill, Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, Grand Hotel
Day 6: Sault Ste. Marie (Soo Locks), Michigan | Lake Superior
Witness the impressive Soo Locks in action. Visit the Tower of History for panoramic views, explore the River of History Museum, and enjoy outdoor activities like boating and fishing in the St. Marys River.
Enjoy a scenic sailing day on Lake Superior. See untamed beauty unfold as dramatic cliffs & historic hidden harbors whisper tales of the past.
Included Excursions:
SOO LOCKS WITH DOWNTOWN STOP
From a commanding observation deck, watch the parade of boats, ships, and freighters navigate the Soo Locks on the St. Marys River, an engineering marvel linking Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Learn about how the locks came to be at the Visitor Center. And see how sailing can go very wrong at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Society.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Soo Locks Observation Deck & Visitor Center, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, downtown Sault Ste. Marie
LSSU CENTER FOR FRESHWATER RESEARCH & EDUCATION
Spend time at your leisure exploring the Lake Superior State University freshwater research center. Located right at the dock, this state-of-the-art facility is committed to the study and conservation of vital Great Lakes resources through education, research, and community engagement. Docents are on hand to field your questions.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
LSSU Center for Freshwater Research and Education (dockside)
Cruise across the expansive Lake Huron. Marvel at the beautiful shoreline, enjoy the spectacular sunsets, and relax in the tranquility of the open water.
Day 8: Detroit, Michigan | Scenic Sailing on Lake Erie
Dive into Detroit’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, explore the revitalized RiverWalk, and experience the city’s vibrant music scene.
Included Excursions:
THE HENRY FORD MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INNOVATION
Have your mind expanded and your imagination inspired as you explore a unique museum dedicated to the breakthrough innovations that have shaped America’s history. Encounter vehicles, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that demonstrate how those who blaze trails in transportation, technology, and manufacturing can make an enduring difference.
Activity Level: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Cleveland’s vibrant renaissance. Visit the Cleveland History Center, explore the trendy Ohio City neighborhood, and take a relaxing walk in the Rocky River Reservation. Don’t miss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Included Excursion:
ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME
Lose yourself in a purple haze of incomparable rock history and memorabilia, all housed within a sleek six-floor I.M. Pei-designed museum building on the Lake Erie waterfront. From Prince’s #2 Blue Angel Guitar to the set from Pink Floyd’s The Wall to a signature gallery of every RRHOF Inductee and much more – everything about this place rocks.
Activity: Light
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Day 10: Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Ontario | Scenic Sailing on Lake Ontario
Experience the breathtaking power of Niagara Falls. Explore the charming town of Port Colborne, visit the Welland Canal, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the waterfront parks.
Scenic sailing on Lake Ontario is exhilarating. Urban beauty unfolds as you cruise past towering skylines and experience captivating sunsets as they paint the horizon.
Included Excursion:
VOYAGE TO THE FALLS
Experience nature’s power at its most exhilarating on the ever-popular Voyage to the Falls boat excursion. Time will seem to stand still as you feel the mist, hear the roar, and listen to your heart pound! Enjoy up-close views of Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – and a face-to-face encounter with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Activity: Moderate
Duration: Half Day
POINTS OF INTEREST
Boat trip into Niagara Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls
Day 11: Toronto, Ontario | Disembark
1 Breakfast
End your journey in Toronto, Canada’s dynamic metropolis. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum, take a ferry to the Toronto Islands, and enjoy the vibrant arts and food scene in the Distillery District. From the iconic CN Tower to the eclectic neighborhoods, Toronto offers something for everyone.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,299
Select a Date
Cat. D - Outside Stateroom
Area: 158 sq. ft.
Located on the Main Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
Select a Date
Cat. C - Outside Stateroom
Area: 152 sq. ft.
Located on the Saloon Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
Select a Date
Cat. B - Outside Stateroom
Area: 146 sq. ft.
Located on Cabin Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
Select a Date
Cat. A - Outside Stateroom
Area: 185 sq. ft.
Located on the Cabin Deck. Room amenities include a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, and interior access.
Select a Date
Cat. AA - Deluxe Outside Stateroom
Area: 161 sq. ft.
Room amenities include direct access to the open-air Promenade Deck, a Queen bed or two single beds, a full bathroom with shower, a writing desk with chair, exterior access, and a mini refrigerator.
Select a Date
Cat. OS - Owner's Suite
Area: 335 sq. ft.
Room amenities include a semi-private terrace, a Queen bed, a full bathroom with shower, a sitting area with sofa and dining table, an interior entrance, and a mini refrigerator.
Initial deposit is $500 pp for double occ, $1000 for single occ, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 190 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For more info, please see our privacy policy.
