Saturday, March 23, 2024

Pearl Seas Cruises The Great Lakes

Don't Miss

Cruising The Great Lakes

Viking Octantis – largest cruise ship to sail Great Lakes – stops in Detroit

It’s amazing that when you’re on one of the Great Lakes, you’d think you were on the ocean. They’re truly that huge. They’re vast and impressive. You’d be amazed at how much there is to do and see on them.

There are five Great Lakes that each offer unique sites and experiences. Great Lakes cruises are a little pricier than European River Cruises in many cases but they’re well worth the investment for a unique way to explore North America. It also helps support our local economies in the United States and Canada, which is its own way of keeping cruises sustainable.

Sault Saint Marie Michigan

Located at the northeastern edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Sault Saint Marie is the site of the Soo Locks, a marvel of engineering that connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron. The locks themselves are the big attractions in Sault Saint Marie head to the observation deck at Soo Locks Park to watch freighters passing by and learn more at the Soo Locks Visitor Center.

But there are other allures, including the Museum Ship Valley Camp. It’s a retired Great Lakes freighter that you can climb into and explore. In addition to touring the living quarters for its 29-person crew, you’ll find a 20,000-square-foot maritime museum in its cargo hold with exhibits on the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald and more.

Lake Ontario: History Lovers

Lake Ontario is the easternmost of the Great Lakes and attracts about 13 million visitors a year. It is the smallest on a map, but its water runs so deep it holds four times the volume of its neighbor, Lake Erie. Historically, it has been used as a trading hub for centuries. Also, several Native American communities, including the Huron and Iroquois, still call the area home their history is displayed in many of the local museums.

Toronto is on Lake Ontario, as is the Thousand Islands, both popular places of interest on Great Lakes Cruise itineraries. Cruise ships often sail from Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River towards Quebec, or vice versa.

Going on a cruise? Also check out:

You May Like: Bermuda Cruises 2022 From New York

Best Great Lakes Itineraries

A relatively small number of ships sail in the Great Lakes during any given year. But, even so, they offer a wide range of Great Lakes itineraries. Some of the ships that operate in the region will alternate between three or even four different routes during the short summer season, giving you lots of choices.

Lengthwise, you’ll find Great Lakes voyages ranging from seven to 15 nights. Some of the sailings travel across all five of the Great Lakes. Others focus on just three or four of the interconnected bodies of water. Some of the ships also offer sailings that combine travel on one or more of the Great Lakes with a passage through the St. Lawrence Seaway. In some cases, these latter trips include travel all the way to Montreal.

The diversity in Great Lakes itineraries extends to their start and end points. A large percentage of all Great Lakes cruises begin or end in Chicago, Milwaukee or Toronto. But there also are Great Lakes sailings that begin or end in Thunder Bay, Ontario Duluth, Minnesota Montreal and Detroit.

In most cases, Great Lakes sailings are one-way trips. You’ll start in, say, Toronto, and work your way west to Chicago or vice versa. But one line, American Queen Voyages, offers round-trip sailings from Chicago, in addition to multiple one-way itineraries. American Queen Voyages is, notably, the only cruise line that currently has the authority to begin and end voyages in downtown Chicago, with its ships operating from the city’s Navy Pier.

Why Cruise The Great Lakes

Pearl Seas Cruises Canadian Maritime and St. Lawrence Seaway Cruise ...

The Great Lakes region may not be a bucket list destination on the scale of Alaska or Antarctica. But it has a lot to offer more than many people may realize.

Along the banks of the five lakes that are at the core of the region Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior you’ll find some of Middle America’s greatest cities, charming small towns, historic sites and wonders both natural and human-made. Plus, there are the lakes themselves, which together are roughly the size of the U.K. and make up the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet. Accounting for 21% of all the world’s fresh water, they truly are a marvel.

All this can be seen via an overland trip, of course, and many people explore the Great Lakes region by car or on motorcoach tours. 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.

On a single Great Lakes cruise, you can see the world-class architecture and museums of Chicago, take a carriage ride through the carless streets of Mackinac Island, Michigan, and gaze upon the splendor that is Niagara Falls along the New York border all without having to get behind the wheel of a car or unpacking and re-packing your suitcase more than once.

Don’t Miss: Which Cruise Line Is Best For Bermuda

Great Lakes Cruises That Will Inspire You To Explore North America

Five inland lakes make up the Great Lakes in North America, and one of the best ways to explore them is by signing up for Great Lakes Cruises. The lakes include Lake Superior, Michigan, Erie, Huron, and Ontario. They stretch across eight U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario, spanning over 745 miles. Together they supply an astonishing 20% of the freshwater of Earth, apart from providing a host of other uses like transportation and recreation.

The Great Lakes are truly beautiful and majestic. When considered as one vast body of water, the surface of the Great Lakes accounts for the largest body of fresh water on Earth. And cruises on the Great Lakes have extraordinary routes and stops on their journey.

What better way to explore the iconic cities, sites, and passageways of these legendary waters than with a scenic cruise? A thrilling expedition will not only uncover some enticing destinations along the five historic lakes but will aptly showcase the breathtaking splendors of its coastline and its spectacular wildlife.

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post, which means we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase, at no cost to you. We truly only recommend hotels, products, and services we personally use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Lake Ontario: History Lovers
  • Pearl Seas Cruises Cuisine

    PEARL SEAS prioritizes fine cuisine as a central part of your cruise experience. With an emphasis on seasonal fare, local dishes and locally-sourced ingredients, each menu offers something new to compliment each destination. Dietary needs can be accommodated and special menu are available to Pearl Mist cruise passengers with restricted diets. Beverages and snacks are available 24 hours a day, and complementary evening cocktail parties offer a chance to meet and mingle with fellow travelers.

    Read Also: Are Infants Free On Disney Cruises

    Best Great Lakes Cruise Lines

    Most of the world’s biggest cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line can’t operate in the Great Lakes because their ships are too big to enter the region through the St. Lawrence Seaway. This has turned the Great Lakes into an exclusive zone for a handful of smaller cruise operators that focus on very small vessels.

    The three main players in Great Lakes cruising are Viking , Pearl Seas Cruises and America Queen Voyages. The first two lines each have one vessel devoted to the region . The latter line has two Great Lakes vessels: Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager.

    All three of these lines cater to a generally older crowd, which is the main market for Great Lakes cruises. Viking’s itineraries have the most outdoorsy options mixed into its itineraries. Pearl Seas Cruises offers trips with a lot of small-town stops. American Queen Voyages weaves in more bigger city stops.

    Two more lines that occasionally operate sailings in the region are German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and France-based Ponant. Tour organizer Smithsonian Journeys also occasionally offers Great Lakes sailings using chartered Ponant vessels.

    All of the above lines operate ships in the Great Lakes that carry fewer than 400 passengers. Some carry as few as 202 passengers. In general, the vessels are intimate and relatively high-end, with pricing to match.

    Pearl Seas Ready To Cruise Again

    Great Lakes Cruise Ship Pearl Mist

    Pearl Seas Cruises is pleased to announce the 2022 cruise season aboard 210-passenger Pearl Mist begins this week.

    The 2022 season opens May 7, with a departure of Pearls 7-Night Maine Coast & Canadian Harbors cruise, roundtrip from Portland, ME followed by the Lines longest itinerary, a 15-Night Canadian Maritimes & St. Lawrence Seaway cruise, from Portland, ME to Toronto, Canada.

    Both itineraries operate again in the fall when Pearl also offers 10-Night Canada & New England Fall Foliage cruises between Quebec, Canada and Portland, ME.

    Pearls 2022 summer season will be spent exploring The Great Lakes. From June through August, Pearl Seas offers two of the best Great Lakes cruise experiences available: an 11-night Great Lakes & Georgian Bay itinerary and a shorter 7-night Great Lakes itineraryboth cruises operate between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Toronto, Canada, and visit numerous American and Canadian ports of call. Pearls first official 2022 Great Lakes cruise departs from Toronto on May 29th, 2022 and the entire Great Lakes summer season is nearly sold out.

    After a long hiatus, we look forward to exploring again with our guests, and to visiting and supporting the many communities and shore side partners we work with in each region we cruise. We anticipate a great season exploring the historic and picturesque coastal towns throughout New England, Canada, and The Great Lakes, said Carter Robertson, President of Pearl Seas Cruises.

    You May Like: What Excursions To Do On Alaska Cruise

    Best Time To Cruise The Great Lakes

    Great Lakes cruises are only offered during warmer months and that’s the best time to cruise. You don’t want to necessarily be outside with strong wind, a winter coat, gloves, and a hat.

    Cruises on the Great Lakes usually operate from April through October, with the majority of itinerary options happening in June, July, and September.

    Late September and early October would be the best time to see the leaves change colors for fall . It may be colder during this time yet the opportunity to see the splendor of autumn’s colorful leaves is a bucket list adventure for many people.

    Although there aren’t many itineraries in April, keep in mind it is chilly that time of year in the Great Lakes area. You also risk there being leafless tree branches and a lot less greenery in bloom in April than sailing during summer, for example.

    Lake Huron: Sand Dunes And Relaxation

    Lake Huron is known for its sand dunes, wildlife, and islands. Its extensive shoreline is rocky and the lake is home to over 30,000 islands. The Harrisville area may have a great stretch of sandy beaches in the Michigan area , but St. Ignace serves as an ideal spot for a picnic or walk it has great views of Michigan’s Mackinac Bridge. Bruce Peninsula National Park in Canada, on the Georgian Bay shoreline, is also a popular destination with a grotto visitors enjoy.

    It’s the second-largest Great Lake and the fourth largest lake in the world. The Strait of Mackinac connects Lake Huron with Lake Michigan.

    The most common area that Great Lakes Cruises stop in on Lake Huron is Mackinac Island.

    Read Also: All-inclusive Cruises Alcohol Included

    Best Great Lakes Cruise Companies

    A Great Lakes cruise is ideal if you want to see some of the United States and Canada and have time during late spring to early fall. These cruises are in the north, in areas like Michigan and Illinois, so take the weather into consideration when you book. With six cruise lines serving this region, this guide will assist in helping you make a call when deciding on the ships, itineraries, and respective destinations worth traveling to.

    Generally speaking, any cruise that sails within Michigan, Illinois, or Wisconsin is sailing the Great Lakes. Many itineraries that go from Canada to New England, or the reverse, usually include Lake Ontario, which is to say the cruise itinerary includes at least one of the Great Lakes if not more.

    If a cruise includes only one of the Great Lakes, that lake is most typically Lake Ontario, with a cruise starting or ending here, then sailing past the Thousand Islands in Canada, and onto the St. Lawrence River.

    Lake Superior: Outdoor Activities

    Pearl Seas Cruises Schedule, Itinerary, Ships, and Prices. Plan your ...

    Lake Superior is the coldest and clearest of all the five lakes. This is perhaps because of its somewhat remote location in the north. It is known for its iconic rock formations, gorgeous agate gemstones, and shipwrecks. Lake Superior shines like a beacon for outdoor explorers and nature buffs.

    One of the biggest assets of Lake Superior is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Its multi-colored sandstone cliffs and formations attract nature-lovers on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the towering rocks is by staring at them from the waterline. You can either kayak or take a Minising Bay lake cruise, departing several times a day.

    Cities on Lake Superior cruise ships often visit include Duluth, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

    Read Also: Disney Cruise Out Of San Diego

    Pearl Seas Cruises Enrichment Program

    PEARL SEAS Cruises offers enrichment opportunities both on board and ashore. Optional shore excursions include guided tours and behind-the-scenes museum visits. On board the Pearl Mist cruise ship, engaging lecturers bring each destination to life, while musical entertainment, culinary demonstrations, and a host of onboard programs fill your evenings with entertainment.

    Cruise Ships Return To The Great Lakes

    Pearl Sea Cruises | Capital News Service

    The Pearl Mist is pictured docked at Port Milwaukee. The Great Lakes cruise season will begin in May and end in October.

    LANSING After a two-year hiatus, Great Lakes cruise ships are back, and the industry is trying to prepare itself.

    Theres a huge pent-up demand for cruising, said David Lorenz, the vice president of Travel Michigan. Theres a bigger pent-up demand for cruising travel than most categories of travel, and I think the reason for that is people want to be treated in a slightly different way after COVID-19.

    Thats good economic news for ports and nearby communities that attract tourists getting off the ships.

    Meanwhile, the industry says its working to become more environmentally sustainable.

    The Great Lakes cruise ship industry paused for two years after the pandemic began in spring 2020.

    Since then, would-be passengers have been docked at home, booking spots on future cruises and waiting for the chance to sail once again on the big, blue, beautiful bodies of water surrounding Michigan.

    People have been booking all through COVID-19, Lorenz said. Theres a big list of people waiting to get on these ships, and were thrilled to see them back.

    Lorenz said ships on the Great Lakes are smaller than cruise ships elsewhere, holding between 200-400 passengers.

    Cruise companies will start expeditions in May and end them in October, he said.

    He also said ships kitchen staff like to shop locally when they can.

    You May Like: Port Of Tampa Cruise Terminal

    What To Expect From Pearl Sea Cruises

    People looking for small, luxurious and scenic cruises in the Northeast U.S. and southern Canada should look into Pearl Sea Cruises. This small, high-end cruise line focuses on experiential cruises, combined with beautiful destinations and luxurious amenities. They offer the romance and excitement of the sea in an intimate and personal setting.

    With the Pearl Mist, a 210-guest ship, the company is able to offer some of the best small-scale cruises in North America. Staterooms are over 300 square feet large, reminding passengers of high-end hotel rooms, while spacious lounges and stylish furnishings provide comfort and luxe. Additional amenities include a gym, library, sundecks and a dining room.

    Great Lakes Cruise Guide: Best Itineraries Planning Tips And Things To Do

    Milwaukee set to become a tourist spot for Pearl Seas cruises after inaugural call

    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. 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.

    When planning Great Lakes cruises, you have many things to consider: when to go for the best Great Lakes cruise experience, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Great Lakes cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. Its not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute, especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early.

    For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter.

    Here, The Points Guy offers up a guide to everything you need to know about planning a sailing in the Great Lakes.

    Don’t Miss: Hotels In Fort Lauderdale Near Royal Caribbean Cruise Port

    When To Book A Great Lakes Cruise

    The best time to book a Great Lakes cruise is right when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. Youll have your pick of itineraries and cabins and often the best fares.

    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.

    If you wait to book, youre not entirely out of luck. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year . You can take advantage of discounted fares and other perks. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

    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 dont need to book flights. While some less preferred sail dates or cabin categories may have availability a few months out, spurring cruise lines to drop rates, you might have trouble finding affordable airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations that do not eat up your cruise savings.

    More articles

    Popular Articles