Great Lakes Cruises

Located on the scenic shore of Lake Michigan and featuring a Port cruise dock located in the heart of downtown, Milwaukee offers an exceptional blend of stunning natural beauty, big city arts, exciting entertainment, and Midwestern charm. Milwaukee is home to award-winning restaurants, acclaimed architecture, and cultural attractions. These include the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum and the stunning Milwaukee Art Museum with its iconic “wings”, designed by world-renowned architect and sculptor Santiago Calatrava.

One Grand Adventure

Shoppers will delight in Queen Street West, where chic boutiques replaced this old warehouse area and Kensington Street, where retro style abounds. A guided tram tour will take you around the 158 acre campus where you can view stunning horticultural displays showcasing a beautiful array of plants appropriate for the Midwest and specialized plants from around the world. Gardens include Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, an 8-acre Japanese garden, an English perennial garden, a 1930’s-era Michigan farm garden, an arid garden, carnivorous plant house, and more. Travel to picturesque Manitoulin Island, the world’s largest freshwater lake island. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. Please select the logo for the cruise lines listed above to be redirected to their Great Lakes cruising itineraries.

Ports of Call

Take Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Mackinac Island, past the famous Grand Hotel, and tour the homes of wealthy lumber barons in Muskegon. End your journey in Milwaukee with a visit to the legendary spots that make this city famous, including the Harley-Davidson Museum. By day you'll hula hoop on the catamaran deck to Disney tunes and a donut snack, but by night, the hula hoops might be glowing as you sip champagne and dance to local bands. The ferry between Charlevoix and Beaver Island is a tourist attraction in itself for boat lovers who line the Pine River channel to watch the 130-foot-long beauty pass under the drawbridge. Spirit of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY – Spirit of Buffalo is a classic 73 foot topsail schooner.

Viking River Cruises

Discover the cultural treasures of Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, and venture to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to view Elvis’ motorcycle and Michael Jackson’s white sequined glove. Visit Detroit, commonly known as The Motor City, though equally famous as the birthplace of Motown Records. Explore the Killbear Provincial Park in Parry Sound, where a local naturalist will educate you on the unique ecology of the Georgian Bay.

Manitou Island Transit – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

In the middle, it reaches depths of more than 900 feet, shipwrecks the evidence of its considerable power. There’s a story-worthy vacation heritage too from the days (still happening) when vacationers would cruise from major cities to sandy shorelines with sweet beach towns, sprawling resorts and family-owned cottages. Discover the lost art of conversation with newfound friends, read a good book, marvel at the breathtaking array of stars, get back in touch with yourself. Many folks have told us that this is the best stress reliever they have ever found. While underway, you are free to leave the sailing to our experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor. After Manitou tucks into a snug anchorage for the evening, take out our sea kayaks or rowing dinghy for a little exploration.

Historic Princess booking Lake Michigan shoreline cruises for 2023 season - MLive.com

Historic Princess booking Lake Michigan shoreline cruises for 2023 season.

Posted: Mon, 06 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Lake Michigan Ports of Call

From local breweries to the pristine shores of Lake Michigan, Holland is the perfect one-stop destination. Stops include Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Mackinac Island, Michigan, where horse-drawn carriages are likely the only traffic you’ll see, and Cleveland, Ohio, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

It’s everything you desire on a larger cruise ship, minus everything you wish you could cast away. Category H staterooms are the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. Each 275 square foot room has a large opening picture window and a private balcony offering spectacular views of the passing scenery. The room also offers a full-size bathroom with all the modern amenities of a fine hotel. 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.

Delight in an aerial adventure over Parry Sound Harbor and a guided bike ride around Georgian Bay. Enjoy a narrated cruise on the beautiful St. Mary’s River in Sault St. Marie and learn the rich 300-year-old history of the area and the story behind the Soo Locks. Explore Michigan’s pristine wilderness and scenic landscapes in Marquette, lined with miles of Lake Superior shoreline. Be awed through the cruise to Niagara Falls as our local expert guide shows you the best vantage points. Discover the history of American Music at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH, visit Motor City Detroit, and stop in Sainte-Marie, Ontario’s first European community.

Fireworks Valentine’s Day Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan 02/10/2024 - Choose Chicago

Fireworks Valentine’s Day Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan 02/10/2024.

Posted: Sat, 10 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Wind down with the slow-paced lifestyle of Mackinac Island where visitors and residents travel by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot. Tall Ship Cruises, Toronto, ONT – Tall Ship Cruises offers cruises aboard its Kajama and Challenge ships. Kajama is a traditional 165 foot three-masted schooner and Challenge is a 96-foot, also, a three-masted schooner.

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 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. From historic ships and lighthouses to the restored mansions built by Muskegon’s most famous lumber barons, delight in the history and scenery of this quaint Michigan town. Referred to as “The Riviera of the Midwest,” Muskegon has grown from a fur trading and lumbering town to a vibrant tourist destination.

Explore the delightful town of Holland where hundreds of Dutch immigrants live and immerse yourself in its genuine Dutch culture. Because the Great Lakes has such a short season with a limited number of ships, sailings in the region are often in high demand and people plan early. Newcomer Viking, notably, has told TPG it has seen brisker sales this year for its Great Lakes trips than sailings to Antarctica — one of the world's ultimate bucket list destinations.

Explore the Killbear Provincial Park where a local naturalist will educate you on the unique ecology of the Georgian Bay and guide you on a geology stroll through the windswept pines and to Parry Sound’s stunning shoreline. Explore the #1 sculpture park in the country, the #2 botanical garden in the country, and one of the top 45 most-visited museums worldwide. Admire masterpieces of art and nature with both indoor and outdoor gardens and a world-renowned sculpture park.

But the region is so sprawling — the Great Lakes touch eight U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario — that logistically it's almost impossible to experience the area in a broad way on a single trip without going by ship. The Great Lakes probably isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of cruising. But in recent years, the region has grown enormously as a cruise destination — and for good reason.

Using the detailed map provided, explore the many naval and military sites on the harbor, including a variety of historic naval vessels, sailor’s barracks, a square for military drills, and original officer’s quarters. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon sipping and tasting delicious, local fare while walking through beautiful downtown Midland. Savor a curated lineup of food and drink from popular local culinary spots. Learn about the area's rich heritage and culture, and discover the stories behind Midland's murals, public art, and unique shops.