Cruising options expand in the Great Lakes
As the 2025-2026 cruise season approaches, the Great Lakes of North America region is emerging
as a premier destination for both foreign and domestic cruisers.
Spanning 750 miles with 10,000 miles of coastline, this region offers a perfect blend of nature, rich history, and urban exploration.
Cruising the Great Lakes provides an accessible alternative to traditional ocean voyages. Passengers can explore all five Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario – each with its own distinct character.
It’s a diverse region too, from Niagara Falls to the serene Georgian Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
One of the key attractions of Great Lakes cruising is the variety of shore excursions.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant urban cultures of Chicago, Detroit, and
Toronto, or back in history on the car-free Mackinac Island.
Nature enthusiasts can hike through pristine forests, kayak and observe diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, moose, and bears.
Additionally, the region’s rich history is brought to life through visits to world-class museums and historic sites.
Cruise guests can explore the colonial past along the St. Lawrence River, marvel at the engineering feat of the Soo Locks, or delve into the car making heritage of Detroit.
Great Lakes cruises are particularly appealing to seniors, offering accessibility and convenience.
Ships are designed to accommodate various mobility needs,with professional guides and staff.
For the 2025-2026 season, cruise lines are introducing exciting new itineraries to showcase the best of the Great Lakes:
Great Lakes Treasures: A 10-day roundtrip from Milwaukee, featuring stops in Chicago Illinois,
Mackinac Island & Saut Sainte Marie Michigan, Wisconsin Milwaukee, Door Peninsula Wisconsin,
and Canada’s Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Niagara & Great Lakes Treasures: A 17-day journey from Toronto to Milwaukee, Wisconsin,
including Detroit and Alpena, Mackinac Island, Sault Sainte Marie and Michigan.
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TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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