Book Great Lakes cruises with confidence and let our experts help you find the right cruise line and itinerary for you. With a Great Lakes cruise, you get the opportunity to explore North America’s iconic inland seas aboard small luxury cruise ships.
Cruise the Great Lakes
Let our Great Lakes Cruises experts assist you in selecting the perfect voyage to match your travel preferences. We work with every cruise line that serves the region, big or small, and guide you on the trade-offs between all the various itineraries, ships and destinations.
Many travelers are surprised by how immersive cruises in the Great Lakes can be, as they combine scenic small ship cruises with luxury accommodations and offer the opportunity to explore an often-overlooked region in our own backyard. If you are familiar with ocean cruises, you'll be surprised by the difference that the small ships of the Great Lakes, the calm waters, and the countless places to explore make.
Whether you're looking to cruise the Great Lakes for the first time or a veteran cruiser who knows exactly what they want and where to go, this is the place. Our team at Great Lakes Cruises is here to help you book your cruise quickly, with a friendly and stress-free experience.
As experts on cruising the Great Lakes and its nearby regions, our team delivers experience and guidance that general travel agencies can't.
Many travelers are surprised by how immersive cruises in the Great Lakes can be, as they combine scenic small ship cruises with luxury accommodations and offer the opportunity to explore an often-overlooked region in our own backyard. If you are familiar with ocean cruises, you'll be surprised by the difference that the small ships of the Great Lakes, the calm waters, and the countless places to explore make.
Whether you're looking to cruise the Great Lakes for the first time or a veteran cruiser who knows exactly what they want and where to go, this is the place. Our team at Great Lakes Cruises is here to help you book your cruise quickly, with a friendly and stress-free experience.
As experts on cruising the Great Lakes and its nearby regions, our team delivers experience and guidance that general travel agencies can't.
Space on 2026 Great Lakes cruises and 2027 Great Lakes cruises is already booking fast, and there will not be much availability left if you delay. If you're planning your next adventure, our experts are here to help.
Most cruise lines' call centers are completely overwhelmed with demand. Instead, call us directly at +1-888-756-9008. Using our extensive network of cruise lines, we will find the perfect Great Lakes Cruise and sort out all the details on your behalf – all for no extra cost to you!
Countless Ways to Enjoy a Great Lake CruiseThere are many cruise lines on the Great Lakes, each with their own shore excursions, inclusions, and unique features. Choosing a cruise and booking it can quickly feel like a full-time job. Because of this taxing and often daunting task, we've made it our mission to help you navigate it all.
Combined, our team has multiple decades of experience in the Great Lakes and North American cruise industry. We do all the hard work of learning the cruise lines, getting to know the ships, and keeping track of each and every Great Lakes cruise itinerary.
Completely Free ServiceOne of our most frequently asked questions is, "Do you charge fees for your service?" Since we're paid by the cruise lines themselves, there are not added charges. In fact, we work to make sure that the quote we get you directly from the cruise line, is the absolute lowest on the market. You can be sure you're getting the best deal possible on your cruise when you travel with Great Lakes Cruises.
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Book Your Great Lakes Cruise With Confidence
We match you with the perfect cruise every time using the Engage our Experts Survey below. Once you submit it, our team of real-life experts analyzes that information before contacting you with a specific selection of offerings that meet your desires.
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Prepare for a Great Lakes CruiseThe Great Lakes of North America are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. With a surface of over 94,000 square miles, they form an elongated inland sea with waves, winds, currents, depths and distant shores.
The earliest evidence of human occupation in the region is estimated at 10,000 year ago, at the end of the last ice age. When you cruise the Great Lakes, you'll have the chance to see all this history in person, learning even more with the aid of the enriching educational programs offered by our luxury cruise lines. Contact our team of expert Great Lakes Cruisers for more help in planning and preparing your voyage across these historic waters. |
Featured | Great Lake Cruises 2026 & 2027: Itineraries & News2026 & 2027 Victory Cruise Lines | Victory Cruise Lines has just made a triumphant return to the world of Great Lakes Cruising. Contact us for the best rates on your next adventure with Victory. 2026 Viking Itineraries | Great Lakes cruise rates for Viking Expedition Cruises have been released! Please give us a call for pricing. New for 2026 & 2027 | Pearl Seas Cruises has launched 2 new itineraries. The 15 Day Great Lakes Explorer Cruise will be sailing all 5 lakes along with a a new 16 Day St. Lawrence Seaway & Great Lakes Cruise departing from Quebec City. New for 2026 | Viking Cruise Lines brings their luxury river cruise pedigree to Great Lakes cruising. Viking's Undiscovered Great Lakes Itinerary will wow you in 2025. An Extravagant 16-day Cruise | Pearl Seas' Canadian Maritime & St. Lawrence Seaway Cruise winds you through Quebec, Nova Scotia and Maine on a St. Lawrence Seaway cruise. Continental Luxury in North America | Ponant brings their French hospitality standard to a fascinating Ponant Explorers' Great Lakes of North America 8-day cruise itinerary. |
Top Destinations for Great Lakes Cruises
One of the most compelling aspects of cruises on the Great Lakes is the array of destinations included in each itinerary. From major metropolitan cities to historic waterfront towns, cruises around the Great Lakes deliver an ever-changing blend of culture and ever changing scenery!
Popular ports of call include:
Many Great Lakes cruises visit multiple lakes to offer a large array of destinations. Cruises around the Great Lakes can feel like multiple trips combined into one journey, allowing you to see the best of each destination in a shorter stretch of time than you can by land.
Along the way, you'll also visit smaller ports with hidden gems that are best experienced aboard Great Lakes cruise ships designed specifically for navigating these inland waterways.
Popular ports of call include:
- Niagara Falls, Ontario / Niagara Falls, New York | Niagara Falls is considered by many to be the 8th wonder of the world. The iconic North American waterfall with its natural wonders is a highlight of many cruises on the Great Lakes. Viewing the falls from the ships while on the water can offer a new perspective and view of the falls.
- Mackinac Island, Michigan | Mackinac Island is one of the top destinations on the Great Lakes right now. It is famous for its ‘step back in time’ feel where the island is car-free, and horse drawn carriages are a popular way of transportation. The island also has a lot of beautiful natural views, old-time architecture, historical forts, and beautiful views of Lake Huron.
- Toronto, Ontario | Toronto is Canada’s largest city and is a popular stop on many cruises in the Great Lakes. It offers sites with historic landmarks, culture, and beautiful views of Lake Ontario.
- Chicago, Illinois | Chicago may seem like a place we hear about all of the time, so most people do not realize that it is also a popular stop or embarkation point for Great Lakes Cruises. It has a beautiful skyline, lakefront parks, and world-class museums. It's what seems like a mundane place, but a cruise on the Great Lakes to Chicago can offer views and experiences you would not have otherwise.
Many Great Lakes cruises visit multiple lakes to offer a large array of destinations. Cruises around the Great Lakes can feel like multiple trips combined into one journey, allowing you to see the best of each destination in a shorter stretch of time than you can by land.
Along the way, you'll also visit smaller ports with hidden gems that are best experienced aboard Great Lakes cruise ships designed specifically for navigating these inland waterways.
Learn more about each Great Lake
Select one of the buttons below to find out more about each Great Lake's cruise destinations and sights.
Map of the 5 Great Lakes
Expert Advice on Cruising the Great Lakes
There are several cruise lines on the Great Lakes, each with its own unique shore excursions, differing inclusions, and varying feel. Selecting the right cruise line and itinerary, then actually having to book it can be a lengthy process that quickly feels like a full-time job.
Because of this taxing -- and often daunting task -- we've made it our mission to make Great Lakes cruising easy.
Combined, our team has multiple decades of experience in the Great Lakes and North American cruise industry. We do all the heavy lifting by learning ins-and-outs of the cruise lines, getting to know the ships, and keeping track of each and every Great Lakes cruise itinerary.
Our team's firsthand experience allows us to match guests with the right cruise of the Great Lakes, based on itineraries, cruise length, onboard enrichments, and inclusions. This expert-guided approach ensures each cruise of the Great Lakes aligns with your expectations for style, length, and accommodations.
Because of this taxing -- and often daunting task -- we've made it our mission to make Great Lakes cruising easy.
Combined, our team has multiple decades of experience in the Great Lakes and North American cruise industry. We do all the heavy lifting by learning ins-and-outs of the cruise lines, getting to know the ships, and keeping track of each and every Great Lakes cruise itinerary.
Our team's firsthand experience allows us to match guests with the right cruise of the Great Lakes, based on itineraries, cruise length, onboard enrichments, and inclusions. This expert-guided approach ensures each cruise of the Great Lakes aligns with your expectations for style, length, and accommodations.
Learn more about Great Lakes Cruises
Our Great Lakes Cruise Lines
Updated 02-03-26
