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Destinations

the Great Lakes

Discover the Great Lakes by Ship

Sandstone cliffs on Lake Superior, Victorian charm on Mackinac Island and the thunder of Niagara Falls. A Great Lakes cruise explores North America’s freshwater seas aboard small, modern ships.

Discover the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by area, and small-ship cruises explore them from late spring into early fall. Itineraries connect Toronto, Detroit, Mackinac Island, Milwaukee and Chicago, passing through the Welland Canal around Niagara Falls. Ashore, expect car-free Mackinac Island, lakeside lighthouses, maritime museums and lively waterfront cities.

Small-Ship Voyages
Lighthouses & Maritime History
Lakeside Cities
Natural Scenery

Great Lakes At A Glance

Cruise Season

Generally late spring through early fall, with limited seasonal departures.

Top Sub-Regions

Lake Michigan; Lake Superior; Lake Huron; Lake Erie; Lake Ontario; connecting waterways on select itineraries

Departure Ports

Chicago; Milwaukee; Toronto; Montréal and other ports depending on the route

Popular Highlights

Lakeside towns; maritime history; lighthouses; natural scenery; regional food; cultural excursions

Featured Great Lakes Cruises

Great Lakes Cruises

Toronto, Niagara Falls, Mackinac Island and Milwaukee on small expedition ships.

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Mississippi River

Pair the lakes with a river voyage through America's heartland.

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Canada & New England

Ocean voyages to Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax and Québec City.

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Travel Tips for the Great Lakes

Explore North America

Need Help Planning?

Our cruise advisors know the ships, cabins and itineraries, and are here to help you find the perfect Great Lakes cruise.

Mon–Fri 9–5 · Sat 9–2 Pacific

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

The Gold Standard of Cruising

Literally the best agency I’ve worked with. Been through quite a few and none of them have compared! Thank you guys for the best vacation and making it so stress free.

Cari Brandt

Client

What wonderful service! I had such a fantastic trip with my family. Very easy to work with and very low stress for me. Would totally book again through this company!

Taye Luke

Client

I (we) have been booking cruises with The Cruise Company since the early 90s. Angelina is quite simply our go-to for cruise bookings...now after some 40 cruises taken! Thank you Angelina, as always, for your great personalized service!

Marty Wagner

Client

Ready to Plan Your Great Lakes Cruise?

Let our experienced cruise advisors help you choose the right itinerary, ship and stateroom, and take care of the details from first question to final day.

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