Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Great Lakes Cruise Tips: Great Lakes Cruising 101

3 day great lakes cruise

As you embark upon your journey, enjoy a Welcome Aboard Reception with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. The long distances covered by cruises on the Great Lakes mean lots of time spent on board. If you bring your laptop or iPad, be prepared for long periods without connections. Cell phone service generally works well, but be aware of your location -- U.S. vs. Canada -- and roaming fees. The massive Great Lakes freighter, which was built in 1917 and retired in 1966, houses displays relating to maritime history in the cargo holds, including two lifeboats from the sinking of the legendary Edmond Fitzgerald in 1975.

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After breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark the ship to find our friendly local guide waiting at the pier to take you to Fort William Historical Park. Set on 250 acres overlooking the picturesque Kaministiquia River, this leading heritage and cultural center offers a chance to experience and learn about local life in the early 19th century at the peak of the North American fur trade. Start with an informative video presentation and continue through the Park to the old fur trading post where you’ll find dozens of finely-reconstructed historical buildings.

8 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In The Great Lakes Region - Worldatlas.com

8 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In The Great Lakes Region.

Posted: Fri, 08 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Pearl Mist Deck Plan

At over 200 square feet, these staterooms have interior entrances, large opening windows, and private balconies offering panoramic views. Begin your journey at Centennial Park, where a guided nature walk reveals the park's diverse flora and fauna. Marvel at the meticulously maintained landscapes and serene surroundings that make this park a local treasure. Led by your guide, admire an array of exotic plants, tropical flowers, and vibrant greenery.

Extend Your Trip

3 day great lakes cruise

It's also a hub for outdoorsy pursuits including mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and angling, as it's nestled within boreal forests. With winters being cold and snowy in the region, cruise lines stick to the warmer months of May to September for Great Lakes sailings. Listen to the water flowing over the red paddlewheels of the Star of Saugatuck II, and you'll be exploring in much the way travelers did along the Kalamazoo River and into Lake Michigan, in the 1860s. Please select the logo for the cruise lines listed above to be redirected to their Great Lakes cruising itineraries. All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking.

Great Lakes Cruise Lines

Motor City should probably be called Museum City, as it's home to a wonderful array of museums worth a visit, from The Detroit Museum of Art and the Motown Museum to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History. Plus, there are the lakes themselves, which together are roughly the size of the U.K. 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.

Great Lakes Explorer Cruise

Enjoy some free time to wander through the conservatory's various sections, each offering a unique botanical experience. Though area is known for its outdoor adventures, the arts and cultural scene is also very much alive, with an array of artists who invite you into their studios and galleries. Visit one of the area history museums, including the Iron Ore Heritage Museum, where you can learn about Marquette’s iron mining industry, which has flourished for more than 125 years. Venture downtown to shop at chic boutiques, jewelry stores, and specialty shops.

Keep in mind that, heading east, you’ll be dropping in elevation through one or more sets of locks (depending on your final destination). 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. In the end, the most important decisions are which ports you want to visit and for how long you wish to cruise the Great Lakes on a ship.

3 day great lakes cruise

Travel Types

On this enchanting 11-night cruise, travel through four of the Great Lakes and the Georgian Bay to admire the magnificent scenery that surrounds you from the comfort of the Pearl Mist. With Pearl Seas Cruises, every moment of your Great Lakes voyages are carefully curated to ensure an unforgettable experience. Discover the wonders of the Great Lakes region in ultimate comfort and style, and create memories to last a lifetime. After breakfast on board, begin your journey home, reflecting upon the incredible experiences you’ve had and the wonderful new friends made.

Similar Trips

Great Lakes cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do - The Points Guy

Great Lakes cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do.

Posted: Fri, 13 May 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Finish your excursion at Parry Sound Bikes, formerly the old fire hall, with the option to be escorted to the ship or explore downtown on your own. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon sipping and tasting delicious, local fare while walking through beautiful downtown Midland. Learn about the area's rich heritage and culture, and discover the stories behind Midland's murals, public art, and unique shops. On the day of your tour, dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and be sure to arrive hungry. Our premium category L staterooms are over 300 square feet and are located on the 5th deck level of the ship, allowing for plenty of privacy.

Aboard the Pearl Mist, enjoy a comprehensive exploration of the entire Great Lakes region. Located along the picturesque shores of Lake Superior, Duluth is the biggest inland harbor in the world, despite being 600 feet above sea level and over 2,000 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Both rugged and refined, the town is home to a world famous ariel lift bridge and charming neighborhoods filled with local breweries and restaurants. As we make our way to Mackinac Island, Michigan, witness the natural wonders and majestic beauty of the Great Lakes from the comfort of your fully furnished private balcony. Along the way, delight in the locally inspired cuisine prepared by our team of master chefs. On this sightseeing tour of Detroit, get a glimpse into the rich history of the city as you listen to our local expert provide narration about the music that makes Michigan so special.

Stop at the Muskegon Heritage Museum where you will learn about the economic, industrial, and social history of the region. View products made in Muskegon including the original Raggedy Ann dolls, a functioning Brunswick Bowling Lane pin setter, and more! Next, visit the LST 393 Veterans Museum and step aboard the LST, one of two LSTs remaining out of 1051 built during WWII.

Traverse the tranquil waters on a Lake Huron cruise, immersing yourself in the peacefulness of this natural paradise. Our category G rooms are a spacious retreat with all the amenities a modern traveler expects. Each room offers 275 square feet of space encompassing a full-size bathroom, a large opening picture window, and a private balcony. This room is also conveniently located near the Atlantic Lounge and Dining Room. Traverse City is known nationally as the "Cherry Capital of the World," as five of its counties make up the region that produces 40 percent of the annual tart cherry crop in the United States.

A growing number of ships sail the region from May into October, most concentrated in July, August and September. Cruise the Great Lakes (CTGL) is a coalition of states and provinces, cruise lines, ports, convention and visitor bureaus, and others working together to promote cruising on the Great Lakes. Particularly in light of the unprecedented risk presented by COVID-19, CTGL members and partners are working together to promote a safe cruise experience in 2021 and beyond. Mackinac Island is a living Victorian town where personal motorized vehicles are prohibited – all those visiting or living on the island travel by horse or horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or on foot. While Mackinac Island is known for its opulent Victorian homes and hotels, it has a long Native American history. Anishinabe-Ojibwe tradition holds that the island was a sacred place populated by the first people and was home to the Great Spirit Gitchie Manitou.

Venture to Fort William Historic Historical Park for a guided exploration of this living museum, featuring reconstructed buildings and historians dressed in period clothing. Explore the Queen Anne style Victorian mansions of two of Muskegon's most prominent lumber barons, Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume. Enjoy a ride through the Painted Ladies neighborhood as you discover of Muskegon's historic downtown.

Touring the Great Lakes by ship is by far the easiest way to see a wide range of the area's attractions — from vibrant cities to natural wonders — in a single trip. 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. The area’s cruise pioneer, Blount Small Ship Adventures, recently celebrated its 50th birthday. Indulge in the charm and elegance of our Lake Ontario cruises, where historic ports and vibrant cities offer many activities to enjoy.

Explore the Killbear Provincial Park in Parry Sound, where a local naturalist will educate you on the unique ecology of the Georgian Bay. 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.

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