Table Of Content
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. Note that Great Lakes cruise vessels don't travel directly on the 36-mile-long strait that connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, which is known as the Niagara River (lest they go plunging over the falls). Instead, they use the Welland Canal — another marvel of engineering and an attraction in its own right. 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.
Canadian Discovery
Take your grandchild on an educational travel journey to explore Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and the roar of Niagara Falls. Visit the Butterfly Conservatory, where you and your grandchild will watch in wonder as 2,000 butterflies fly around you. Visit the beautifully colored fish at Ripley’s Aquarium and experience Niagara Falls as you’ve never imagined with a thrilling ride over the Niagara Gorge aboard an antique aero car.
Pearl Mist Deck Plan
Wind down with the slow-paced lifestyle of Mackinac Island where visitors and residents travel by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot. Nearly one-fifth of the planet’s freshwater comes from the five Great Lakes spanning Canada and America. Road Scholar has created a one-of-a-kind 11-day Great Lakes cruise to see all five lakes on a small ship.
Ships
Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan's Little Bay de Noc, Escanaba offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. With its pristine beaches, lush forests, and scenic trails, there are endless opportunities to explore the outdoors. Immerse yourself in the region's rich history at the Delta County Historical Museum, indulge in local flavors at area restaurants and breweries, or catch a performance at the historic William Bonifas Fine Arts Center. 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. Experience our most immersive exploration along The Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system in the world.
Mackinac Island says Great Lakes cruises generated nearly $2M in 2023 - 9 & 10 News
Mackinac Island says Great Lakes cruises generated nearly $2M in 2023.
Posted: Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Great Lakes Cruise Lines
View the tombstone of John D. Rockefeller, who is buried at the beautiful Lake View Cemetery. Explore the Cleveland Museum of Art, containing one of the most renowned art collections in the world. 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.
Adventures in Toronto & Niagara Falls With Your Grandchild
The iconic attraction on the island is the 135-year-old Grand Hotel, with its seemingly endless, rocker-lined front porch (the longest in the world). Afternoon tea in the hotel's parlor, or a game of croquet at its Tea Garden, are among Mackinac Island's allures. Tours in a horse-drawn carriage are another popular pastime; cars are banned on the island, leaving horse-drawn carriages as one of the main ways of getting around, along with bicycles. As the name suggests, Holland is a little bit of The Netherlands transported to the Americas.
Why Viking
The Great Lakes have more than 10,000 miles of coastline that attract millions of tourists annually. These massive lakes — the biggest lake system in the world — offer adventures in nature that leave visitors awestruck. Road Scholar offers numerous experiential learning adventures for seniors, such as these cruises on the Great Lakes. 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.
Our local guide will show you the best vantage points and will explain the importance the falls once had to Native Americans and fur traders. On the morning of your cruise, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a Toronto City Excursion. Discover the picturesque landmarks that make Toronto one of the most sensational places to visit in Canada. Explore the Saint Lawrence Markets, Chinatown, the Distillery District, and the renowned Fashion District. 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.
Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as "wave season"). Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help. 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. The two main players in Great Lakes cruising are Viking (a newcomer in 2022) and Pearl Seas Cruises.
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. Settled by Germans in the 1840s, "Brew City," as it's known, also is a mecca of sorts for beer lovers — and not just because it's home to the original Miller Brewing Company complex, which is open daily for tours. You'll also find lots of craft breweries that you can visit on your own or as part of a tour, and you can tour (and drink at) the original Pabst Brewery. One thing that all three of the main lines operating in the Great Lakes have in common is that they include tours during at least some stops and sometimes every stop in their base fares. Pearl Seas Cruises and Viking are particularly known for including lots of shore excursions in their base fares. This has turned the Great Lakes into an exclusive zone for a handful of smaller cruise operators that focus on very small vessels.
Our View: Investing in Great Lakes cruise industry promising payoffs for Duluth - Duluth News Tribune
Our View: Investing in Great Lakes cruise industry promising payoffs for Duluth.
Posted: Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Your adventure begins with a picturesque drive along Lake Superior, where the wild landscape of Northern Ontario unfolds before you. Pause at the Terry Fox Monument & Visitor Center to pay homage to the inspiring journey of a national icon and enjoy panoramic views of Thunder Bay. Venture to the Amethyst Mine on a guided exploration of the open pit mine. Learn about the history and geology of amethyst as you navigate the mine's rugged terrain. Then, experience the thrill of discovery with free time to search for your own treasures.
Both rugged and refined, the town is home to a world famous ariel lift bridge and charming neighborhoods filled with local breweries and restaurants. Midland is the main town and economic center of the area located at the southern end of Georgian Bay’s Thirty Thousand Islands. Learn about the history of this fascinating city with a visit to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, a living museum depicting 17th-century missionary life. Stroll along the Midland Harbor, a picturesque destination featuring a large statue of the trumpeter swan, considered the symbol of Midland. For bird lovers, the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is a habitat for Trumpeter Swans, Black Terns, and Least Bitterns. On this sightseeing tour of Detroit, get a glimpse into the rich history of the city as you listen to our local expert provide narration about the music that makes Michigan so special.
