Book a Great Lakes Cruise TodayAre you looking for an unforgettable luxurious cruise on the Great Lakes? Book with our experts today and let us help you book your dream cruise today! Essentials for First-Time Great Lakes Cruise TravelersIf you're new to cruising the Great Lakes, you're in for a one-of-a-kind adventure. The Great Lakes offer an incredible blend of natural beauty, history, culture, and bucket list destinations. At Great Lakes Cruises, we specialize in helping travelers plan and book the cruise that best fits their must-see destinations and price point! We have been doing this for a while now, so let us help put your mind at ease for your first, but most likely not last, cruise on the Great Lakes. Whether you want to see scenic beauty, dive into the culture of other places, or enjoy the luxury of being on the cruise, GLC is here to guide you every step of the way. When Is the Best Time to Book a Great Lakes Cruise?Cruise ships on the Great Lakes are much smaller than those that you would see on an ocean cruise, making them more exclusive with less availability. Due to this fact, we suggest booking at least 6 to 12 months in advance to secure your spot and get the best cabins available! Booking well in advance also gives you the chance to secure some of the most desired itineraries before those are fully booked! We are here to help you book early and secure the best of the best! How Many Cruise Lines Are There?There are a lot of options available when it comes to cruises on the Great Lakes. These are some of the top cruise lines we work with! Victory Cruise LinesVictory Cruise Line is the hallmark of North American cruising specializes in scenic coastal cruises across the Great Lakes. Pearl Seas CruisesPearl Seas Cruises bring small ship luxury cruises to the Great Lakes with an outstanding on-board experience. Pontant Explorer CruisesPontant Explorer Cruises are a french cruise line is known for its incredible excursions, outstanding French cuisine, and luxurious amenities. Viking Expedition CruisesViking Expedition Cruises are known for inventing modern river cruises and continuing to refine it as an art. Tauck CruisesTauck Cruises are known for their inclusion of expansive shore excursions and tours aboard luxury cruise ships. How Many Days Are Great Lakes Cruises?The length of a cruise on the Great Lakes varies based on the destinations and the cruise lines. They typically range anywhere from 7 days to 16 days. The shorter ones typically only cover 1 or 2 lakes, and the longer ones cover a larger area and possibly all of the great lakes. Whether you are ready for a week long cruise or a two week long cruise we are here to find the one that best suits your needs! What Is the Cost of a Great Lakes Cruise?The cost of a Greats Lakes Cruise varies depending on the cruise line you choose, the itinerary, the length of cruise, the destinations, the excursions, and the cabin you choose. There are more budget friendly options that are around $6,000 per person, or more luxury options that range depending on the level of luxury you are looking for. You can visit our Great Lakes cruises 2025 and Great Lakes cruises 2026 pages for detailed pricing and availability! When Is the Cruising Season on the Great Lakes?Cruise Seasons on the Great Lakes fall between the months of May and October and you can experience every season except Winter on a Cruise on the Great Lakes. SummerSummer brings out all of the exciting and fun excursions including water-sports and other fun outdoor activities. FallDuring the fall, the leaves start to change colors and you get the chance to see the real beauty of all of the fall foliage. SpringDuring Spring everything is blooming so you get to see the beauty in bloom, this time also is a less crowded time. WinterDuring the Winter time, the Great Lakes freeze over so cruising is not quite possible! No matter what season you go, as long as it is not Winter, you will have a wonderful time and get to enjoy the beauty of nature. How Many Great Lakes Will I Visit?There are a total of 5 Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Some cruises visit all 5 of them while others may only visit 1 to 3 of the great lakes. The amount of great lakes that you will ultimately visit will depend on the cruise you choose! Many of the shorter cruises focus on Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario, while others may take you to all 5! No matter how many lakes you visit, you will enjoy your trip and make lasting memories! What to Expect Onboard: Ships, Cabins, and AmenitiesFor a cruise on the Great Lakes, you can expect a small luxury cruise ship that focuses on comfortability, luxury, and elegance. Because of the size, these cruises are more exclusive as the ships only hold around 100 to 200 guests creating a more intimate experience compared to that of an ocean cruise. Though these cruise ships are smaller, they still offer an array of cabin options, ranging from small cozy cabins that offer a more intimate experience or full on suites with private balconies providing a more luxury option. The cruise ships also feature a delicious cuisine typically focusing on elegance and local cuisine! It is a great chance to enjoy a romantic dinner and try some yummy foods! They also provide excursions at some destinations and provide onboard entertainment as well! Entertainment can range from performances, to lectures, and tastings. Planning Shore Excursions and ActivitiesGreat Lakes Cruises visit gorgeous destinations and while some include specially curated excursions, others do require that you plan and book your own excursions! This is where we come in! We can help you plan your excursions ahead of time so by the time you are on your cruise you have no stress and soak up every bit of the relaxation that a great lakes cruise includes. Some areas offer city tours, water-sports, kayaking, or other fun activities! Whatever your style of adventure is, we will find the excursion that suits you! Must-See Destinations on a Great Lakes Cruise ItineraryOn a Great Lakes Cruise you will visit a plethora of must see destinations! Here are some of the top must-see destinations! Mackinac Island, Michigan
Visiting Mackinac Island feels like stepping back in time—no cars, just bikes and horse-drawn carriages. Don’t miss Fort Mackinac, where you can tour restored 1880s buildings and learn about its history with both the British and American armies.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls, Ontario is a must-see destination, where the Niagara River flows from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, creating the stunning Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Chicago, Illinois
Cruising the Great Lakes from Chicago is an unforgettable way to explore the region’s natural beauty, historic towns, and vibrant cities. From stunning shorelines to iconic landmarks, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is a vibrant cruise destination on Lake Ontario, offering a mix of city energy, culture, and waterfront charm. From its iconic skyline to diverse neighborhoods, it’s a perfect starting or ending point for a Great Lakes adventure.
Soo Locks, Michigan
In Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the Soo Locks connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron and are the largest in the U.S., operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. On a Great Lakes cruise, you can take a Soo Locks boat tour to experience the locks in action—rising or lowering with 22 million gallons of water. There are also dinner and lighthouse tours, and Viking Cruises stops here on their Undiscovered Great Lakes itinerary.
Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
The Apostle Islands, along Lake Superior, are full of stunning rock formations, sea caves, cliffs, and historic lighthouses. It’s a dream for adventure lovers—with kayaking excursions in 18ft tandem kayaks that let you get up close to the rocks and wildlife. If you're craving adventure, this stop is a must!
Packing Tips for Your Great Lakes CruisePacking for a Great Lakes Cruise may leave you questioning exactly what you may need on your trip! Due to the fact that the weather and activities vary you may want to make sure you pack for diverse needs! Here are a few of the must haves when you go on a cruise!
Cruise the Great Lakes with GLCAt Great Lake Cruises we’re here as the expert to help you plan your entire trip starting with picking the right cruise line and itinerary all the way to booking the excursions and adventures that you want to take part in during your trip. Let us help simplify the process and take the stress of your shoulders so you can truly relax and enjoy your vacation! We will ensure your trip is seamless and one you will never forget!
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7 Best Great Lakes DestinationsA Great Lakes cruise offers the opportunity to explore some of North America's must-see destinations. From beautiful islands to explore to breathtaking natural wonders that will leave you in awe, each stop promises a new experience that you sure won’t want to miss! We offer cruises that stop at some beautiful locations and offer the opportunity to travel in a luxurious way. We know you will love taking the cruise much more than driving and exploring on your own. The best part? You get to relax and have a great time even between destinations making a cruise on the Great Lakes a stress free, relaxing way to see parts of the world. We would love to help you plan your cruise today so you have a break from reality and enjoy a luxurious break from your day-to-day life! Here are our favorite must-visit destinations for you to consider when you book your next Journey with us! Mackinac Island, MichiganWhen you visit Mackinac Island, Michigan, you will feel like you took a step back in time as you will quickly notice horse-drawn carriages and Bicycles covering the island, because motor vehicles are prohibited! You will also have the chance to enjoy some historic sights such as Fort Mackinac, which served as a stronghold for both the British and American armies throughout its time as an active fort. When you visit you can tour the fort and explore its original buildings, each restored to their original 1880s appearances.  Niagara FallsNiagara Falls is one of the most popular natural attractions in North America. Yearly, it draws millions of visitors to both its Canadian and American sides, because it's one destination that lands on a lot of Bucket Lists! One thing our guests love to see is the spectacular view where the Niagara River flows from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, where it then forms three beautiful waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. If you want to see the falls make sure you book soon! We have many cruises that visit the falls including the Great Lake Cruise hosted by Tauck Cruises.  Parry SoundThe town of Parry Sound, found on the eastern shore of the Georgian Bay in Lake Huron, is a charming little Canadian town. The area was designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and is home of the world's largest freshwater archipelago known as the 30,000 islands. While visiting the Parry Sound, you will get to see many beautiful sights and get the chance to visit some very Popular Events. The popular Festival of sound is hosted at the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts and Bobby Orr Hall of Fame are home. There are also a multitude of options for adventure lovers whether you want to enjoy boating, hiking, or even cycling, there is something for everyone!  Apostle Islands, WisconsinThe Apostle Islands can be found lining the shore of Lake Superior, where you will notice some beautiful rock formations! They are home to 8 Historic Lighthouses, some beautiful sea caves, rock formations, wildlife & sea life, cliffs, and so much more! If you are looking for an adventure, no matter what type, you will find one to enjoy while visiting the Apostle Islands! If you are looking for a big adventure, The Apostle Islands also offer a one-in-a-kind Kayaking Adventure in 18ft Kayaks that take 2 people just to paddle! This excursion gives you the chance to get so close with the beautiful sealife and the neat rock formations that you can even touch them! If you are an adventure lover, you won’t want to miss a cruise here!  Soo Locks, MichiganIn Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, The Soo Locks connect Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The Soo Locks are a set of parallel locks which are maintained by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District. They are the largest locks in the United States. When you take a great lakes cruise that visits this area, you will have the opportunity to go on an Soo Lock boat tour excursion.This will allow you the opportunity to fully experience Soo Locks and the tour boat rising or lowering with the 22 Million Gallons of water. Aside from the Soo Lock Boat Tour, they also offer dinner boat tours and lighthouse boat tours as well. One of our top cruise lines, Viking Cruises, visits this area on their Undiscovered Great Lakes Cruise.  Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, CanadaWhile this destination may not land directly on the Great Lakes, it is a popular destination for cruises that extend into Canada. Charlottetown is considered the ‘Birthplace of Confederation’. This small history rich town is a culture filled adventure for any traveler! You can take time to enjoy the culture, take in the beautiful sights, or have an adventure for your taste buds and enjoy the unique cuisine! If you want to go out on more of a historic adventure you can head to destinations like Prince Edward Island National Park, the Confederation Bridge, and the Wood Islands. If you love historically rich places and visiting new destinations you should check out our Canadian Maritime Cruises as many visit Charlottetown.  Thunder Bay, OntarioThunder Bay, located on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior, is a must-see destination that blends urban attraction with the beauty of nature. Thunder Bay is known to locals as the Largest City on the Edge of the World. Whether you are wanting a destination that contains historical significance, natural attractions, or unique cultural aspects, Thunder Bay has something for you!  Plan your Great Lakes Cruise Today!No matter what destinations you go to on your Great Lakes Cruise, you will have an unforgettable trip that anyone in your group is sure to enjoy! We are excited to help you book your dream vacation today! Reach out to us below and we can help you find the cruise that visits the destinations that you want to visit!
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GREAT LAKES CRUISES
Part of the Authentic Voyages Group
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GREAT LAKES CRUISES
Part of the Authentic Voyages Group
