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Great Lakes Cruises

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A Great Lakes cruise may take you to Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, or the Saint Lawrence River that flows between the lakes into the Atlantic Ocean. All lakes are bordered by both the United States and Canada except Lake Michigan, which is only part of the United States. There are many things to do on the largest freshwater lake in the world, such as viewing landscapes of forests with sparkling colors, cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and dunes as far as the eye can see. Most of the best Great Lakes cruises start in, finish in, or visit great US or Canadian cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, and Green Bay.

Contact our Great Lakes cruise ship specialists for help planning your dream trip!
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Great Lakes Cruise Highlights


Journey across North America's Great Lakes, the world’s largest freshwater system. Our Great Lakes cruises connect busy cities, historic towns, and beautiful scenery in the United States and Canada. From the majestic Niagara Falls to bustling cities like Chicago and Toronto, each stop offers something special. Travel through the connected waters of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, and discover the beauty and rich history of this region.

Highlights of a Great Lakes Cruise Ship Itinerary:
  • Explore the iconic skyline, Millennium Park, and the renowned Art Institute in Chicago, Illinois
  • Discover the city’s rich brewing history and vibrant arts scene before setting sail on Lake Michigan
  • Step back in time at Fayette Historic State Park, a preserved 19th-century industrial town that was once a busy iron smelting community
  • Experience the island’s car-free charm by exploring on a bicycle or horse-drawn carriage, and visit the historic Fort Mackinac
  • Navigate the Soo Locks, and learn more about the engineering that connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron
  • Delve into the Motor City’s automotive legacy at the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, Michigan and enjoy its lively and renewed downtown area
  • Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and explore Cleveland’s diverse neighborhoods and lakefront attractions
  • Witness the powerful beauty of Niagara Falls
  • Explore Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and discover its cultural districts, museums, and scenic waterfront


 

Best Cruise Ports in the Great Lakes


The Great Lakes are home to big cities and small towns, and choosing to cruise the Great Lakes will acquaint you with both as you visit the most popular ports:

Thousand Islands at a Glance


Adventure seekers on our Great Lakes cruise ships rejoice at all that the Thousand Islands archipelago has to offer those hoping for a more active tour. The name "Thousand Islands" underestimates the some 1,800 islands that make up this chain in the St. Lawrence River between the U.S. and Canadian borders.

What was once a getaway for the elite in the 19th century, is now a great place for avid fishers, boaters, and outdoor explorers.

This makes for an exciting day when you cruise the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

Get to Know Mackinac Island


Tucked between the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan, tiny Mackinac Island State Park is a great stop on our Great Lakes cruises that pass through Lake Huron.

As you explore the winding trails, enjoy the pristine nature made up of virgin woods and limestone, including the Arch Rock limestone formation. The small island is also home to Fort Mackinac on the coast, dating back to 1780, and the Mackinac Art Museum. From cute shops to cozy cafes, Mackinac Island makes for a great day on any of our Great Lakes cruise ships.

FAQs: Great Lakes Cruises

Which ships and cruise lines cruise the Great Lakes?

Our Great Lakes cruises are aboard one of the finest vessels navigating the region - the luxurious and innovative Le Bellot. This exquisite ship features comfortable and spacious cabins, excellent onboard amenities, exciting itineraries, and gourmet cuisine.
 

How much do Great Lakes cruises cost?

Most of the best Great Lakes cruises range from 8-16 days and cost between $6,799 - $12,900 per person. There are many different destinations and sites you will visit during any one of these cruises on the Great Lakes - both natural and manmade. The endless activities you’ll experience make these lakes and river cruises definitely worth it!
 

When is the best time to go on a Great Lakes cruise ship?

The season to cruise the Great Lakes runs from late May through mid-September, from the end of the North American spring season through summer and into early autumn. The most popular time to cruise the Great Lakes is during the generally sunny summer months of July and August when temperatures can reach into the 90s F during the day.
 

What are the five Great Lakes?

An easy way to remember the names of the five Great Lakes is to think of the acronym HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior. You might be interested to know that together, the Great Lakes is the largest freshwater system on earth and accounts for more than 20% of the surface freshwater in the world. So how much water is in the Great Lakes? About 6 quadrillion gallons!
 

Is Niagara Falls part of the Great Lakes?

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 best Great Lakes cruises.
 

Are Great Lakes cruises good for kids and families?

The best Great Lakes cruises are ideally suited for adults. But inquisitive youngsters and teens might enjoy these cruises on the Great Lakes too, if they like to stroll through museums, enjoy nature tours (like Niagara Falls) and like urban exploration like walking tours of cities.
 

Where do Great Lakes cruises visit?

There are five lakes that collectively comprise the largest freshwater system on the planet, known as the Great Lakes. By volume from largest to smallest, the lakes are:

Together, the Great Lakes store more than 20% of the world's freshwater, covering a surface area of 94,600 square miles; half of the water is in Lake Superior alone (or 3 quadrillion gallons!). 

The Great Lakes split the border between Canada and the United States, but Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake that is entirely within the United States. Because of this, that means that the state of Michigan actually has the most coastline of freshwater of any state in the United States. 

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.
 
What are the Soo Locks?

A marvel of modern engineering, the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan connects Lake Superior to the Lower Great Lakes through a set of parallel locks. 

The Locks are maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, who have nicknamed them the "Linchpin of the Great Lakes."

Experience the Soo Locks through any of our Great Lake cruises visiting Sault Ste. Marie.

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