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That signals a continued interest among U.S. travelers in domestic travel, which is now expanding deeper into cruises across the United States. He also sees an emergence in drive-to cruises in the Great Lakes region, noting plenty of interest from travelers in Michigan as well. In 2022, Ponant will offer a handful of fall Great Lakes cruises between Toronto and Miwaukee on its expedition ship Le Bellot. The new focus on Great Lakes cruises opens up a variety of ports that have rarely seen ships, with a season that runs early May through late September. While a few small cruise ships sailed the Great Lakes before the COVID-19 pandemic, it wasn't necessarily a route that attracted much attention, particularly from American cruisers. There are a number of cruise lines to choose from, including Great Lakes Cruise Lines, Viking, American Queen Voyages, Pearl Seas Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Ponant, Hagap-Loyd, Plantours Cruises, Tauck, and Windstar.
Great Lakes & Georgian Bay Cruise
Rather, you’ll be cruising the Great Lakes in a smaller vessel with just a couple hundred other travelers. This is partly due to the size of the locks that connect the lakes, as only the smaller ships can pass through them. Bierdz says that AQV's Great Lakes cruises are drawing passengers from California, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and Florida.
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Holland, Michigan
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. Viking Great Lake cruise itineraries include two eight-day trips from Milwaukee to either Toronto or Thunder Bay, and a 15-day route from Toronto to Duluth. The longer route is always aboard Viking Octantis, while Thunder Bay is always visited aboard the Polaris. Both ships, however, are the same in terms of size, layout and design.
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That's something that you'll be hard-pressed to accomplish any other way. In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in a gateway city such as Chicago, Milwaukee or Toronto and don't need to book flights. Included tours are part of what you're paying for when you pay the high prices noted above. So you can go off on your own in any of the places these ships visit.
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Longer cruises on the Great Lakes trace a similar route from Chicago, adding stops at Cleveland, Ohio and Buffalo, NY, both on Lake Erie. 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. Pearl Sea Cruises operates the 210-passenger Pearl Mist on seven- or 11-night cruises between Milwaukee and Toronto or Midland.
Great Lakes cruise weather can be chilly at the start of the season, with low temperatures in the 40s in May in some areas and highs in the 60s. It warms up considerably by July and August, with high temperatures in the 70s and 80s. The cruise season in the Great Lakes is also limited in its length by the opening and closing of the St. Lawrence Seaway — the system of locks, canals and channels that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and the price. Cruises at the beginning of the Great Lakes cruise season in May are generally a bit less expensive than those in June, July, August and September. Choose from dozens of itineraries as you explore iconic destinations along the Great Lakes. From the rich history of Mackinac Island and French Canadian villages to the breathtaking shoreline of Lake Superior and the cultural epicenters of iconic cities such as Detroit and Chicago, you can create memories to last a lifetime.
From the perfect comfort of the Pearl Mist, sail among the 30,000 Islands and visit the many remarkable destinations along the way.Explore the delightful town of Holland, home to the only authentic Dutch windmill in North America. Wind down with the slow-paced lifestyle of Mackinac Island where visitors and residents travel by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot. Indulge in the charm and elegance of our Lake Ontario cruises, where historic ports and vibrant cities offer many activities to enjoy.
Traverse the tranquil waters on a Lake Huron cruise, immersing yourself in the peacefulness of this natural paradise. Experience the great beauty of Lake Michigan cruises, where pristine shores and stunning vistas await. Delve into the rich history and vibrant culture of the region with our Lake Erie cruises, offering captivating insights into this storied waterway. Journey through beautiful landscapes on our Lake Superior cruises, renowned for its rugged beauty and preserved wilderness. There's a lot to see and do in the Great Lakes region, and it's hard to argue that there's a better way to see and do it than on a cruise. Cruise vessels departing from such cities as Chicago and Toronto can take you to all of the highlights of the region — from the breweries of Milwaukee to thundering Niagara Falls — in a single trip.
Enjoy luxurious accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and personalized service every day on board our modern cruise ships. 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. Even better, AQV will be docking its overnight ships at Navy Pier in Chicago -- an advantage no one else has.
While Great Lakes ships have traditionally been smaller, more modest coastal vessels, Viking is shaking things up by bringing a polar-class expedition ship to the region. French cruise line Ponant is also sailing the Great Lakes this fall and next with luxury expedition ships complete with underwater lounges. We provide guests an extraordinary cruising experience while exploring the most magnificent regions of the world.
With a capacity of 378 passengers, Viking Octantis (and now its sister ship) holds the distinction of being the largest modern cruise ship to sail the lakes. Everyone cruising in Canada must also undergo precruise testing (something that the majority of cruise lines also still require) even though prearrival COVID testing has been dropped for international air arrivals into Canada. Make sure to check with your cruise line and the latest government restrictions as requirements can and do change. According to the marketing association Cruise the Great Lakes, nine ships are on the lakes this year, which marks a return after no cruises at all in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The cruises also attract foreign tourists because it enables them to see different landscapes, historical sites, and attractions in the U.S., many of which they may not have ever even heard about before. Great Lakes Cruise Company, a niche line that was one of the pioneers of modern cruising on the lakes, is now entering its 25th year. The Great Lakes are an inland waterway of five interconnected freshwater lakes located along the U.S.-Canadian border. They include Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario from west to east. Viking has brought expedition-style cruising to the region, complete with submarines. The ships have a subtle contemporary decor and both casual and more formal dining options, 188-seat theaters, spa and fitness areas, and a fleet of nine Zodiacs (for use in Canadian waters).
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