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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

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Cruise Lines

Cruise Lines That Sail to the Great Lakes

The lines with the Great Lakes sailings in our booking engine right now, most sailings first.

Viking Ocean Cruises88 sailingsView cruises

Departure Ports

Popular Ports for the Great Lakes Cruises

Where the Great Lakes cruises leave from, ranked by the number of sailings in our booking engine. Pick a port to see its the Great Lakes cruises.

Numbers show sailings currently listed from each port. Port guides: New York City. See all departure ports →

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More Cruise Destinations

Destinations

Destination Advice

the Great Lakes Cruise Advice

Planning guides from our advisors and the latest news for the Great Lakes cruisers.

Cruise GuidePlanning a Great Lakes Cruise: Routes, Ships and SeasonsWhat to expect on a Great Lakes cruise: the short summer season, which lakes and routes ships follow, small-ship options, departure cities and documents for Canada.Read more

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Google Reviews

What Our Clients Say

Real reviews from travelers our advisors have helped, straight from Google.

    
 
 
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   Marty Wagner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
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   Haik Yapoudjian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have booked cruises with your company for 20+ years.  Most professional, VIP and Five Star Service each and every time!  Thank you for helping me book 27 cruises including friend and family.
  
 
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   Chrissie F 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great communication and awesome job with providing thorough information on cruise options. Quick response time! Still fighting with spouse on which cruise choice to go with and appreciate their patience with answering our on demand questions.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
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   Taye Luke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow! I have never had such a great experience with any other travel agency! Super professional and personable, would definitely recommend!

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