Currently Blount Small Ship Adventures has suspended operations as a result of the ongoing global health crisis and will not be conducting cruises in the future.
Please check with us for alternate cruise suggestions.
The Grande Caribe & Grande Mariner Cruise Ships
Now in their 54th year, we invite you to enjoy a casual cruising experience onboard the Grande Mariner and or the Grande Caribe. BLOUNT SMALL SHIP ADVENTURES offers a less commercialized environment that makes each guest feel like they are a personal guest of the Blount family. Today, small ship cruising in North America has never been more popular and we are pleased to offer you two wonderful Great Lakes Cruise Itineraries from Blount.
Itineraries are specially tailored to the active, inquisitive and eco-conscious travelers and you will visit places that few other cruise ships can go. Their Grande Caribe and Grande Mariner ships have shallow drafts and the wonderful innovation of retractable pilot houses, which allow them to navigate narrow locks, canals, and shallow ports across the Great Lakes. They are the only overnight cruise line able to transit the Erie Canal.
Whether your interest is history, architecture, birding, touring or just relaxing with friends, Blount cruises offer something for everyone. The ships accommodate only 83 passengers, so your cruise experience onboard ship is personal, exclusive, and unique.
Itineraries are specially tailored to the active, inquisitive and eco-conscious travelers and you will visit places that few other cruise ships can go. Their Grande Caribe and Grande Mariner ships have shallow drafts and the wonderful innovation of retractable pilot houses, which allow them to navigate narrow locks, canals, and shallow ports across the Great Lakes. They are the only overnight cruise line able to transit the Erie Canal.
Whether your interest is history, architecture, birding, touring or just relaxing with friends, Blount cruises offer something for everyone. The ships accommodate only 83 passengers, so your cruise experience onboard ship is personal, exclusive, and unique.
Blount Cruise Cuisine
Daily, fresh-from-the-oven desserts and breads.
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Dining on board BLOUNT small cruise ships, the Grand Caribe and Grande Mariner, is a comfortable and casual affair. An open seating plan, so you can meet new friends at every meal. Meals are prepared with attention to local ingredients and recipes, and complimentary beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner on most itineraries. Unique to Blount, passengers are welcome to BYOB -- bring your own bottle -- allowing guests to stick to their favorites while avoiding high tabs on the journey. BLOUNT will provide mixers and barware!
Coffee, soft drinks, baked pastries and snacks are available 24/7. Special requests are available for special occasions or dietary restrictions. 
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Blount Small Ship Adventures Enrichment Program
Bicycle Rentals available onboard
Go Where the Big Ships Cannot!
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BYOB Welcomed
BLOUNTS' relaxed “Bring Your Own Bottle” policy allows you to enjoy your favorite beverages at no extra charge. Unlike most cruise lines, Blount encourages it. Enjoy the cocktail of your choice while crying - mixers and barware provided by the cruise line. Unplug & Unwind You won’t find televisions in the cabins so you can disconnect, socialize with fellow passengers and enjoy the ride. Panoramic Views Pack your binoculars! Enjoy 180-degree panoramas from our vista-view lounge and unmatched views from the top deck as we cruise rivers, canals and coastal waterways! Enrichment Programs BLOUNT invites guest lecturers and local historians onboard to explain the unique cultures, wildlife an history of each destination. On some cruises, enjoy photography lessons and other tutorials to bring destinations to life. Unique to BLOUNT, bikes and kayaks are also available to rent on most cruises, so you are free to explore each port at your own pace. Shore Excursions Optional excursions are available at an additional cost, along with itineraries, and other cruise information will be emailed 60 days prior to departure date. You may pre-purchase excursions up to 2 weeks before sailing by calling 888-756-9008. Excursions are not included in the cruise only fare. Casual Dress Informality is the word and there are no dress up events. Be comfortable, pack less, experience more. There are no laundry facilities onboard. While in port some laundromats may not be readily available, so we suggest that you pack accordingly. |
Blount Ships Decks and Lounges
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BLOUNT ships offer extra large windows in public spaces, including a 180-degree panoramic view from the indoor Vista View Lounge. For some sun and fresh breezes, head to the upper deck as you watch the world go by. Catch a lecture from an on-board expert, have a midday pint with friends, or retreat with a book as your ship sails to its next destination. |
Special Features
Blount Small Ship Adventures
Retractable Pilot House This patented feature allows our vessels to slip beneath low bridges and transit locks that typically exclude cruise ships. As a result of this invention, our ships are the only overnight cruising vessels able to navigate the historic Erie Canal.
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With a shallow 61/2 ft draft Blount’s ships can cruise in less than seven feet of water, which means you can enter areas other ships cannot navigate. This avoids crowded ports and tourist traps so can see the best an area has to offer. Disembark directly from the ship’s bow for direct access to the loveliest of beaches and interesting terrain possible.
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For reservations and more Information please call our Travel Specialist Toll Free at 1-888-756-9008 |
Inclusions
BLOUNT SMALL SHIP ADVENTURES, per person fare includes passage, accommodations, all food and service throughout the cruise includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, as well as coffee, tea, soft drinks, house wine and beer during lunch and dinner.
NOT INCLUDED
Fares do not include shore excursions, port charges, fees or gratuities for onboard staff or shore excursion tour guides and drivers. Including personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and internet service. A fuel surcharge may be charged for cruises that have not yet sailed.
NOT INCLUDED
Fares do not include shore excursions, port charges, fees or gratuities for onboard staff or shore excursion tour guides and drivers. Including personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes, and internet service. A fuel surcharge may be charged for cruises that have not yet sailed.
Tour the Grand Mariner & Grande Caribe
The Grand Mariner Deck & Stateroom Plans
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Length: 184' | Beam: 40' | Draft: 6'6" | Passenger Capacity: 83 | Passenger Cabins: 44 | Commissioned: 1997
Refurbished: 2009 | Flag: United States | Built by: Blount Industries, Inc. Warren, RI USA
Refurbished: 2009 | Flag: United States | Built by: Blount Industries, Inc. Warren, RI USA
The Grand Caribe Deck & Stateroom Plans
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Length: 84' | Beam: 40' | Draft: 6'6" | Passenger Capacity: 84 | Passenger Cabins: 44 | Commissioned: 1998
Refurbished: 2010 | Flag: United States | Built by: Blount Industries, Inc. Warren, RI USA
Refurbished: 2010 | Flag: United States | Built by: Blount Industries, Inc. Warren, RI USA
Blount Cruise Staterooms and Suites
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BLOUNT'S Grand Caribe and Grand Mariner have 4 cabin types to suit your cruising style. Cabins average 100 square feet, with portholes or large fixed windows. Storage for luggage is available under the bed and in the closet. Each cabin includes ensuite bathroom, individual climate control, hair dryers and fresh towels daily.
Unique to BLOUNT are a category of single cabins, located on the sun deck and perfectly appointed for the single traveler. Single travelers may also make use of Blount's "willing to share" policy, which books single travelers with same-gender companions in a double room. |
Category I
These cabins are the lowest priced option, located on the main and lower deck. Select Category I cabins have no window and doors to an interior hallway.
CATEGORY II
These cabins are located in the bow of the ship on the main deck. They all have porthole windows, and their doors open onto an interior hallway.
CATEGORY III
These cabins are located on the main deck and have large fixed windows. The windows cannot be opened, but let in lots of light. These cabins are slightly larger than Category I and II cabins.
CATEGORY IV
These cabins are located on the Sun Deck, with doors that open out onto an interior hallway or onto the sun deck. They are the most spacious cabins available, with large fixed windows that open to allow a natural breeze.
designated single cabins
These cabins are located on the sun deck, with doors that open to the exterior deck. Single cabins have a twin bed, private shower and toilet. They have sliding windows. **These cabins book quickly, so single travelers preferring single cabins should reserve well in advance**
In order to participate in a Small Ship Adventure, BLOUNT Travel Protection is recommended but not required.
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Rates are per person, based on double occupancy and cruise fare only and subject to change. While children are welcome over the age of 13, there are no specific programs for them and parents are responsible for them at all times. Due to the size of each vessel, the Caribe & Mariner cannot allow pets. All Cabins are Non-Smoking. There are no elevators onboard. Stair lifts are available between the main, sun and top decks. In order to safely navigate the vessel, passengers must have the ability to walk up steep gangways, step over thresholds and open doors.
For reservations and more Information please call our Travel Specialist at 918-393-2900 or Toll Free 1-888-756-9008 Email: [email protected] |
2021 - Great Lakes Cruise Guide - Grande Mariner & Caribe
Itinerary Name |
Embark & Disembark Ports |
Number of Days |
Sailing Dates Available |
Ports of Call |
Cruise Rate Per Person Based on Double Occupany |
Chicago to New York (or Reversed) |
Grande Mariner No Scheduled Cruises for 2022 Grande Caribe No Scheduled Cruises for 2022 |
No Scheduled Cruises for 2022 |
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Locks, Legends & Canals |
New York to Montreal (or Reversed) |
14 Day Cruise |
Grande Mariner No Scheduled Cruises for 2022 Grande Caribe No Scheduled Cruises for 2022 |
New York, NY • West Point, NY* • Kingston, NY • Troy, NY • Fonda, NY • Sylvan Beach, NY • Oswego, NY • Clayton, NY • Alexandria Bay, NY • Quebec, QC • Three Rivers, QC • Montreal, QC |
No Scheduled Cruises for 2022 |
*Priority Early Boarding can be arranged at the additional cost of $150.00 per person.
*Optional sightseeing tours are at an additional cost and options are finalized 60 days prior to departure.
*Optional sightseeing tours are at an additional cost and options are finalized 60 days prior to departure.
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Ways to Save |
Blount Small Ship Adventures offer several ways to save on your cruise adventures:
- For new travelers: reserve 2 or more cabins on the same itinerary and get $100-$250 per cabin (depending on cruise length).
- $100 off on cruises 10 days or under
- $250 off on cruises 11 days or more
- For groups: For group leaders, Blount provides marketing materials and tips to increase your numbers and a discount on your trip
- Frequent Travelers have 2 ways to save:
- Book 2 trips in a calendar year and receive a 10% discount per passenger on your second trip.
- Travel with Blount for 120 cruise nights, and earn a FREE cruise of up to 12 days
Blount Small Ship Adventures Health & Safety Covid-19 |
Blount's History
* Prices displayed are per person, based on double occupancy and cruise fare only. Single Supplements also available.
All itineraries including ports, activities and routes are subject to change based on availability, weather, river, water levels and sea conditions. Subject to market conditions, a fuel surcharge may be put into effect at any time.
Any such charges will be in addition to your quoted cruise price and will be added to your final invoice.
Travel to West Point is subject to availability. Valid passport required for Niagara Falls Tour.
Rates and Schedules are subject to change at any time.
Updated: July 24, 2020 - LLS
All itineraries including ports, activities and routes are subject to change based on availability, weather, river, water levels and sea conditions. Subject to market conditions, a fuel surcharge may be put into effect at any time.
Any such charges will be in addition to your quoted cruise price and will be added to your final invoice.
Travel to West Point is subject to availability. Valid passport required for Niagara Falls Tour.
Rates and Schedules are subject to change at any time.
Updated: July 24, 2020 - LLS
