Which Great Lake Should I Cruise?

Are you dreaming of cruising the Great Lakes but not sure where to begin? Great Lake Cruises is here to help you plan your perfect trip!  There are five magnificent lakes to choose from, each offering different experiences. The key to planning your ideal cruise starts with learning about the Great Lakes and what they have to offer. Whether you're drawn to vibrant cities, historical charm, natural wildlife or scenic beauty, there's a Great Lake cruise that's perfect for you.

Book now to speak with a cruise expert and start planning your Great Lakes adventure today!

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How to Choose the Right Great Lake for Your Cruise

Choosing the right itinerary for cruising the Great Lakes depends on several factors:

• Your travel style (relaxation, adventure, culture, city life)
• Cruise duration (short getaway or full lake circuit)
• ​Budget and time of year
• Bucket-list destinations like Niagara Falls, Chicago, or Mackinac Island
  
  

While some itineraries visit one or two lakes, others span all five. Short cruises may focus on a single lake, while longer journeys can explore multiple or even all five Great Lakes.

Let’s explore each of the great lake’s unique features to help you find the one that fits your personality!

Lake Superior Cruises: The Best for Nature Lovers & Adventure SeekersClick To Add Text

Lake Superior, the largest and deepest of the five Great Lakes, is famous for its rugged coastline, pristine parks, and dramatic cliffs. Ideal for those who love to adventure in the great outdoors, cruises on this lake feature excursions such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, giving you the chance to see Wolves, Caribou, and More! 
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Lake Superior also features some of the best great lakes cruise destinations like Thunder Bay and the Apostle Islands! Along with getting to see these beautiful views on the cruise, many of our cruise lines, like Viking Cruises, offer small boat tours. These give you the chance to get closer to the scenery and see things you may never get the chance to see otherwise.

Explore our available Lake Superior cruises to immerse yourself in beautiful scenery and outdoor adventures!

Lake Michigan Cruises: Urban Charm and Scenic Beauty Combined

Looking for the best of both worlds? Lake Michigan features destinations that give you the chance to see opposite ends of the spectrum from modern day city life in Chicago to taking a step back in time at Mackinac Island. 

Lake Michigan offers a mix of cosmopolitan cities and picturesque coastal towns. Experience Chicago’s iconic skyline, see Milwaukee’s historic lighthouse and museums, visit the botanical gardens or wildlife sanctuary in Green Bay, or unwind on the sandy shores of Muskegon and Mackinac Island

Explore our available Lake Michigan cruises for a blend of urban charm and natural beauty.

Lake Huron Cruises: Tranquility and Hidden Gems Await

Lake Huron is a treasure trove featuring many less traveled destinations and quiet islands with peaceful inlets. Visit Georgian Bay, home to 30,000 Islands, originally thought to be a 6th great lake, the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. This lake is perfect for those seeking a quiet break from reality to renew and refresh! 

Though Lake Huron features many less traveled destinations, there are still some fun stops and destinations! You can visit the lighthouses at Cheboygan State Park to get the best and most picturesque views of Lake Huron. USS Edson at the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum is also a possible excursion on Lake Huron giving you the chance to learn more about the Vietnam Era. Mackinac Island is also a stop on this lake, giving you the chance to go back in time and see what life is like without motor vehicles since they are not allowed on the island. It is truly an unmatched experience!
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Explore our available Lake Huron cruises to uncover hidden gems and serene escapes.

Lake Erie Cruises: Historical Sites and Cultural Experiences

Lake Erie caters to lovers of history, culture, and wine! Lake Erie features one of the most popular great lakes destinations, Niagara Falls. From this great lake, you will get the chance to see Lake Erie drop into Lake Ontario creating three famous waterfalls Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. 

With stops like Lake Erie's South Bass Island, also known as Put-in-Bay, you’ll have the chance to catch a glimpse of history and visit award-winning vineyards! Lake Erie also offers relatively short cruising distances that make it ideal for shorter cruise itineraries!
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Explore our available Lake Erie cruises for a quick getaway packed with historic and cultural experiences.

Lake Ontario Cruises: Gateway to Canada and City Life

For a cosmopolitan cruise with international flair, Lake Ontario is your gateway to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and more! It’s ideal for international travelers or anyone seeking a mix of urban adventure and natural wonders. 

Marvel at Lake Ontario's side of Niagara Falls, and see the beautiful site where Lake Erie's falls into Lake Ontario creating the beauty of Niagara Falls. Toronto gives you the chance to stroll through different vibrant neighborhoods and features an array of unique cuisine, historical significance, and is a must-see destination.
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Explore our available Lake Ontario cruises for urban adventure and scenic beauty.

Still Not Sure? Let Great Lakes Cruises Help You Decide

Each of the Great Lakes offers a different cruising experience, from wild adventure to luxurious relaxation. Whether you're planning a family trip,  romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, our experts can help you find the perfect itinerary that visits your bucket list destinations!
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Are you Ready to start cruising the Great Lakes? Engage an expert today or learn more about the lakes and their itineraries at our cruise the Great Lakes page.