great lakes cruises

Great Lakes Cruises

10 best great lakes cruises for 2024-2025, a voyage along the great lakes – with smithsonian journeys, great lakes and thunder bay, great lakes and st. lawrence seaway, all five great lakes, great lakes - masterpieces of nature, expedition in the heart of the american great lakes, lake superior – a life-sized expedition, great lakes cruise tips & travel guide, top cruise ports in the great lakes, fast facts about the great lakes.

• Lake Superior
• Lake Michigan
• Lake Ontario

Best time to take a Great Lakes cruise

Best cruise ports in the great lakes.

• Cleveland 
• Niagara Falls (Port Colborne)
• Toronto 
• Montreal 
• Quebec City  ( Quebec )
• Mackinac Island
• Sault Ste. Marie

Thousand Islands at a Glance

Tell me more about niagara falls, how to choose a great lakes & st. lawrence river cruise, the best great lakes for cruising, top things to see and do on a great lakes cruise, what are the soo locks, get to know mackinac island, faqs: great lakes cruises, top great lakes travel destinations.

• North America

Great Lakes Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 Great Lakes trips (7)
• 2025 Great Lakes trips (12)
• September 2025 (7)

Top Experiences in Great Lakes

• Great Lakes Cruises (19)
• Great Lakes Small Ship Cruises (14)
• Great Lakes Cultural (9)
• Great Lakes Luxury (3)

Great Lakes Trips by Duration

• 8 day trips (3)
• 11 day trips (6)
• 12 day trips (3)
• 13 day trips (3)

Great Lakes Trips by Activity

• Great Lakes urban exploration (11)
• Great Lakes archaeological site visits (9)
• Great Lakes village visits (7)
• Great Lakes hiking (6)
• Great Lakes kayaking (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

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Experiencing the Great Lakes on a Luxury Cruise

Embark on an unmatched adventure through the breathtaking Great Lakes aboard Pearl Seas' luxury cruise ship. Our luxurious vessel is meticulously designed to provide the utmost comfort and sophistication as you explore the enchanting waters of Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Superior, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron.

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.

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.

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.   

Great Lakes Cruises

7-Night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay

On this 7-night voyage, enjoy the beautiful and clear waters of the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world. 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. On your way to Parry Sound, marvel at the unique geologic formations and untouched wilderness that lines the coastal environment. Throughout your journey, let our attentive crew cater to your wishes and world-class chefs create culinary delights with a local flavor.

11-Night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay

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 .

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.

As you cruise along the Georgian Bay, witness the 30,000 Islands region and visit the small ports which dot its spectacular rugged coast. Step back in time on Mackinac Island, exploring its quiet streets by horse and buggy, bicycle, or on foot.

Whether in the midst of the Geogian Bay or navigating through the Milwaukee channel locks, enjoy the personalized service, exquisite cuisine, and world-class entertainment that Pearl Seas is known for.

Great Lakes Explorer

​ Experience our most immersive exploration along The Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system in the world. Take an exhilarating boat ride in Niagara Falls and come within feet of its misty spray. Visit the Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the top art museums in the country, before traveling to the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit to learn how he changed the world of technology and manufacturing.

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.

Enjoy a day aboard Pearl Mist , cruising the scenic Keweenaw Waterway, ornamented with sandstone cliffs and sparkling spring waterfalls. Delve into its fascinating history of Duluth with an exploration of the area’s many museums, including the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes

On this comprehensive 15-night St. Lawrence Seaway & Great Lakes cruise, explore breathtaking landscapes, historic harbors, and cosmopolitan cities. Begin your journey in Milwaukee with a visit to the legendary spots that make this city famous, including the Harley-Davidson Museum. Take Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Mackinac Island, past the famous Grand Hotel, and tour the homes of wealthy lumber barons in Muskegon. Explore the Killbear Provincial Park in Parry Sound, where a local naturalist will educate you on the unique ecology of the Georgian Bay. Visit Detroit, commonly known as The Motor City, though equally famous as the birthplace of Motown Records. Venture to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to view Elvis’ motorcycle and Michael Jackson’s white sequined glove and discover the cultural treasures of Toronto, the capital city of Ontario. Exploring the narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways of Montreal, admiring the splendid architecture of one of the oldest cities in North America. End your journey in Québec City, a living museum with nearly four centuries of history.

Great Lakes & Georgian Bay Cruise

Cruise through four of the Great Lakes and the Georgian Bay to discover grand landscapes filled with indigenous wildlife.

Redefining a New Style of Luxury Adventure

Pearl Seas Cruises defines Luxury Adventure every day with an exceptional small ship cruise experience that brings the world’s most majestic cruise destinations, diverse cultures and stunning natural beauty to life. Join us aboard the new Pearl Mist for a backstage pass to the culture, customs and cuisine of the world’s most majestic cruise destinations – many of which are not accessible by large ships. Enjoy a 7 to 15 night cruise on the Great Lakes or St. Lawrence Seaway. Let Pearl Seas Cruises introduce you to the personalized service, fine dining, enriching onboard activities and guided shore excursions that are the hallmark of small ship cruising with Pearl Seas Cruises.

Great Lakes Cruises

On our unique Great Lakes tour boats, you will traverse great depths, watch the sun rise and set over distant horizons and learn compelling details about the region — both on- and offshore. Along the way, enjoy stops at local wineries, historic lighthouses, museums, aquariums, renowned restaurants and so much more! Niagara Great Lakes Cruise As you’ll discover when you click on the individual Great Lakes cruises listed below, each and every one of our trips has something to write home about.

With our Niagara and the Great Lakes trip , for example, you can write about the sheer volume of water cascading over the world-famous Niagara Falls. (For the record, more than 3,000 tons of water cascade over the falls every second!) The roar can be heard for miles, and you’ll have a front-row seat to this magnificent natural wonder.

Or a bird’s eye view if you opt for the helicopter .

And that’s just the beginning! What follows is a trip that comprises eight days and seven nights of splendor aboard the sleek, modern Viking Octantis . Your cross-two-countries trip will include visits to Point Pelee, Ontario, Detroit, Michigan, the Thunder Bay National Maritime Sanctuary, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where you’ll disembark.

Intrigued? There’s more where that trip came from. USA River Cruises offers a multitude of Great Lakes cruises — something for every taste. Chicago to New York City Great Lakes Cruise Our Great American Waterways: Chicago to NYC trip is a case in point. Onboard the Grand Caribe , which was refurbished in 2009 and carries 84 passengers, you’ll have a grand time cruising across several great lakes. Starting in the Windy City, you’ll traverse Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. You’ll even get a taste of life on the famous Erie Canal and the Hudson River as you wind your way toward the Atlantic Ocean.

This cruise takes its time: 16 days and 15 nights, to be exact. With scenery that rivals any in North America, you’ll see vast cityscapes and picturesque villages in abundance.

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.

The itinerary also includes Buffalo, New York, Rochester, New York, and finally New York City. We promise you’ll be a changed person once you disembark in the Big Apple. Seeing the country from a USA River Cruise is a special kind of experience, after all. USA River Cruises: Great Lakes Cruises That’s just two of our exciting cruises. There’s so much to explore, and we try to design cruise itineraries that make time for both natural and manmade wonders.

Give us a call today to get started on your own Great Lakes Cruise adventure!

Niagara & the Great Lakes-Viking Polaris

Toronto to Milwaukee

• September 17, 2024, September 24, 2024, May 5, 2025 -- 7 more dates available.
• From $6,295
• Viking Polaris

St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes

Quebec City, QC to Milwaukee, WI

• September 20, 2024, September 19, 2025
• From $13,060

Great Lakes Explorer

Toronto, ON to Duluth, MN

• Please call for information on future dates.
• From $11,580

Longitudinal World Cruise IV

Milwaukee, WI to Ushuaia, Argentina

• September 15, 2025
• From $44,995
• Viking Octantis

Great Lakes Collection

Duluth, MN to Toronto, ON

• September 12, 2024, September 26, 2024, May 20, 2025 -- 5 more dates available.
• From $14,495

Great Lakes & Thunder Bay- Victory II

Roundtrip Chicago

• May 29, 2025, June 12, 2025
• From $8,699
• New Itinerary for 2025! Pricing Includes Inaugural Savings of $2000 off Per Stateroom!!

All 5 Great Lakes-Victory II

Chicago to Toronto

• May 2, 2025, May 11, 2025, May 20, 2025 -- 11 more dates available.
• From $6,299

Viking Great Lakes Explorer

Milwaukee to Thunder Bay

• May 26, 2025, June 24, 2025, September 1, 2025
• From $6,995

Undiscovered Great Lakes

Thunder Bay to Milwaukee

• June 2, 2025, July 1, 2025, September 8, 2025

Niagara & the Great Lakes-Viking Octantis

• September 17, 2024, September 24, 2024, October 1, 2024 -- 6 more dates available.

Canadian Discovery

New York to Toronto

• April 11, 2025, April 23, 2025
• From $10,995

All 5 Great Lakes Cruise- Victory I

• May 5, 2025, May 14, 2025, June 1, 2025 -- 12 more dates available.
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FIVE GREAT LAKES

One grand adventure.

Cruise the Great Lakes on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to experience the unparalleled majesty of the Great Lakes with luxury small-ship cruises complete with personalized service, world-class dining, dynamic activities, and the adventure of a lifetime.

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.

CRUISE LINES

These ships offer intimate experiences combined with crewmembers who anticipate your every want and need. It’s everything you desire on a larger cruise ship, minus everything you wish you could cast away. Adventure is on the itinerary. We invite you aboard one of our participating cruise lines.

Pearl Seas Cruises

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines

Great lakes cruise benefits, enjoy a more intimate cruising experience, visit multiple u.s. and canadian ports, experience excursions rich with culture and history, traverse along a safe and secure border, featured ports.

Experience unique ports of call in the surrounding states and provinces as you cruise through the magnificent Great Lakes. Discover hard-to-reach destinations, thriving cities, and breathtaking landscapes.

Bay City, Michigan

Buffalo-Niagara, New York

Cleveland, Ohio

Detroit, Michigan

Duluth, Minnesota

Holland, Michigan

Houghton, Michigan

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Muskegon, Michigan

Sault Ste Marie, Michigan

Thunder Bay, Ontario

• Lake Erie Cruises
• Lake Huron Cruises
• Lake Michigan Cruises
• Lake Superior Cruises
• Lake Ontario Cruises
• St. Lawrence Seaway Cruises
• New England Cruises
• Great Lakes Attractions
• Victory Cruise Lines
• Pearl Seas Cruises
• Ponant Explorers Cruises
• Viking Expedition Cruises
• St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
• Windstar Cruises
• Seabourn Cruises
• Silversea Cruises
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Pearl Seas 16 Day - Great Lakes and St. Lawerence Seaway Cruise (2024 - 2025)
• Pearl Seas 15 Day - Great Lakes Explorer Cruise (2024 - 2025)
• Pearl Seas 12 Day - Great Lakes & Georgian Bay (2024 - 2025)
• Pearl Seas 8 Day - Great Lakes Cruise (2024 - 2025))
• Ponant 11 Day - Lake Superior - A Life Size Expedition
• Ponant 10 Day - Heart of the American Great Lakes (2024-2025)
• Ponant 8 Day - Voyage Along the Great Lakes with Smithsonian Journeys (2024-2025)
• Viking 15 Day - Great Lakes Collection Cruise (2023)
• Viking 8 Day - Great Lakes Explorer Cruise (2022)
• Viking 8 Day - Niagara & the Great Lakes Cruise (2022)
• Viking 8 Day - Undiscovered Great Lakes Cruise (2022)
• Engage an Expert
• Pearl Seas | Pearl Mist
• Ponant | Explorers Cruise Ships
• Victory | Victory I and Victory II
• Viking | Expedition Cruise Ships
• Chicago IL Cruises
• Bar Harbor Maine Cruises
• Portland ME Cruises
• Charlottetown PEI Cruises
• Halifax Nova Scotia Cruises
• Boston MA Cruises
• Detroit MI Cruises
• Holland MI Cruises
• Houghton MI Cruises
• Mackinac Island MI Cruises
• Marquette MI Cruises
• Muskegon MI Cruises
• Sault Sainte Marie MI Cruises
• Duluth MN Cruises
• Alexandria Bay NY Cruises
• Amsterdam NY Cruises
• Buffalo NY Cruises
• Clayton NY Cruises
• Kingston NY Cruises
• Niagara Falls NY Cruises
• Oswego NY Cruises
• Sylvan Beach NY Cruises
• Cleveland OH Cruises
• Little Current ON Cruises
• Midland, ON Cruises
• Niagara Falls ON Cruises
• Niagara on the Lake ON Cruises
• Parry Sound ON Cruises
• Sault Sainte Marie ON Cruises
• Thunder Bay ON Cruises
• Toronto ON Cruises
• Gaspé QC Cruises
• Montreal QC Cruises
• Quebec City QC Cruises
• Tadoussac, Quebec
• Thousand Island Cruises
• Apostle Islands WI Cruises
• Green Bay WI Cruises
• Milwaukee WI Cruises
• Sturgeon Bay WI Cruises
• Great Lakes Lighthouses
• Great Lakes Locks and Canals
• Majestic Skylines
• Natural Wonders
• Native American Cultures of the Great Lakes Region
• Great Lakes Sporting Arms
• Great Lakes Cruising Coalition
• Great Lakes Gardeners
• Great Lakes Trolling Flies
• Great Lakes Video
• Great Lakes Literary History
• Great Lakes Book
• Great Lakes Cruise News

Great Lakes Cruises

Learn more about each great lake.

Great Lakes By the Numbers

Learn more about great lakes cruises.

Our Great Lakes Cruise Lines

Our great lakes cruise lines.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Toronto, Ontario to Duluth, Minnesota
• Duluth, Minnesota to Toronto, Ontario

Great Lakes Collection

• From $13,995
• 10 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Toronto, Ontario to Duluth, Minnesota Duluth, Minnesota to Toronto, Ontario

Great Lakes Collection Map

Legendary waters & scenic landscapes

Join Viking for a unique voyage across the historic waterways of all five of the majestic Great Lakes. Experience culture-rich urban centers and admire the awesome power of thundering Niagara Falls. Explore the granite islands and sheltered inlets of Georgian Bay and traverse the famous Soo Locks. Study the aquatic ecosystems of the lakes as you journey and venture into the dense boreal forests that line the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.

End of Summer Sale

Viking Inclusive Value

We include more features & services than others

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge

Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries)

All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

55" OLED flat-screen TV featuring CNN, CBC, MBC2, beIN Sports

Interactive TV with complimentary movies and documentaries, as well as Viking.TV proprietary content, lectures and expert interviews

Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections

Floor-to-ceiling heated drying closets for expeditions gear

Spacious glass-enclosed shower

Heated bathroom floor

Anti-fog mirrors

Premium Freyja® toiletries

110/220 volt outlets & USB ports

Meopta Optika MeoPro 8x42 binoculars

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

Explore more before or after your expedition. Ask your Viking Expert for more information. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Georgian Bay

From $2,799 | 3 Nights

Pre: Toronto

From $1,099 | 2 Nights

Post: Duluth

From $1,399 | 2 Nights

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Viking River Cruises

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Viking Expeditions

• Great Lakes
• Longitudinal World Cruises

2024-2026 EXPEDITION CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from September 1 - 30, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all itineraries except World Cruise products. Special fares plus FREE airfare valid on select departures of Antarctic Explorer, Antarctic Explorer & the Americas, Antarctica & South Georgia Island, Argentina & the Chilean Fjords, Canada & East Coast Explorer, Canada & the Atlantic Coastline, Canadian Discovery, Chilean Fjords & Patagonia Explorer, Chilean Fjords & Scenic Shores, Great Lakes Collection, Great Lakes Explorer, Niagara & the Great Lakes, Panama & Scenic South America, Panama Canal & the Americas, Patagonia, Fjords & Panama Canal, Patagonian Shores & Chilean Fjords, The Americas & Antarctic Explorer, Undiscovered Great Lakes, Great lakes Treasures . Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by October 31, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by April 30, 2025. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Offers Expires September 30, 2024.

*$25 DEPOSIT:  For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to February  & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to April  & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $999 per person addon or Business Class air from $3,499 per person addon based on select itineraries, gateways, and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.