Ponant Explorers Cruises | Lake Superior - A Life Size Expedition "New"
11 Day Cruise | Milwaukee to Thunder Bay (or Reversed) | 2024
Set sail with PONANT aboard Ponant Explorer Cruises Le Champlain for an 11-day cruise discovering the vast unspoiled expanses of the North American continent. This itinerary includes two emblematic cities in the province of Quebec: Montreal, renowned for its liveliness and its cultural vibrancy and Quebec City, for its historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ramparts and churches.
Whales, dolphins and seals await you. At the mouth of Saguenay River, you will reach Tadoussac in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, an unmissable site for whale watching as the mammals gather to feed before winter. Further on, you will reach Percé, one of the most scenic villages of Quebec, close to a National Park famed for its natural, historical and geological heritage. The Magdalen Islands offer an unusual variety of landscapes, from the white of the sandy beaches to the red of the sculpted cliff faces. You will be captivated not only by the natural setting but by the hospitality of the inhabitants. Le Champlain will then cruise along the coasts of Nova Scotia, home to great historical towns and villages of unrivalled cachet.
You will conclude your journey in Boston, considered to be the cradle of the United States for the key role it played during the American Revolution.
Whales, dolphins and seals await you. At the mouth of Saguenay River, you will reach Tadoussac in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, an unmissable site for whale watching as the mammals gather to feed before winter. Further on, you will reach Percé, one of the most scenic villages of Quebec, close to a National Park famed for its natural, historical and geological heritage. The Magdalen Islands offer an unusual variety of landscapes, from the white of the sandy beaches to the red of the sculpted cliff faces. You will be captivated not only by the natural setting but by the hospitality of the inhabitants. Le Champlain will then cruise along the coasts of Nova Scotia, home to great historical towns and villages of unrivalled cachet.
You will conclude your journey in Boston, considered to be the cradle of the United States for the key role it played during the American Revolution.
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Day 1 - Embarkation Toronto Day 2 - Scenic Cruise: Saint Lawrence River and Locks Day 3 - Montreal Day 4 - Quebec Day 5 - Tadoussac Day 6 - Perce Day 7 - Cap-Aux-Meules, Magdalen Day 8 - Louisbourg Day 9 - Lunenburg Day 10 - Bar Harbor Day 11 - Boston |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Embarkation Toronto, Ontario
Toronto
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The largest city in Canada and capital of the province of Ontario, Toronto fascinates as much by its incredible diversity as by its size. Make sure you visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the western hemisphere, as well as the St. Lawrence Market whose stalls reflect the multicultural wealth of this city known as the global city. Not far from there, the historic Distillery District unveils its brick-paved streets imbued with romantic charm and its myriad of small restaurants, cafés, boutiques, theatres and art galleries. The Royal Ontario Museum and its impressive collections devoted to the world’s natural and cultural history will also be an unmissable stop during this port of call.
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Day 2 - Scenic Cruise of Saint Lawrence River and through the Locks
St Lawrence River
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Linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes region inland, the Saint Lawrence Seaway was inaugurated in 1959, more than 250 years after the initial construction aiming to avoid the rapids obstructing navigation in these parts. This large engineering project, which required four years of huge work, offers a unique sailing experience, punctuated by the passage of the different locks marking out this corridor, which is almost 4,000 km long. |
Day 3 - Montreal
Montreal
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Famous for its gentle way of life, Montreal, Canada’s second-largest city, is a warm and cosmopolitan metropolis. Situated on the eponymous river island, it is home to a multitude of districts, each as unique as the other. Set off to discover Old Montreal, most of which is declared a historic area, Little Italy, where you’ll be able to stroll around the largest open-air market in North America, or the Golden Square Mile, the luxurious district located on one of the hills of Mount Royal and which has sumptuous Victorian-style residences. Simultaneously marked by the influences of the Old Continent and North-American gigantism, Montreal will never cease to amaze you.
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Day 4 - Quebec
Quebec
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The capital of ﾓLa Belle Provinceﾔ sits at the confluence of the St Charles River and the Gulf of St Lawrence in south-east Canada. Founded in the 17th century, the city still has an encircling wall ﾖ a historic civil engineering work and the only one of its kind remaining in North America. You will love the postcard-perfect stone houses of Old Quebec, the historic district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shopping is a pleasure in pedestrian streets such as Petit-Champlain Street, or you can relax over a spruce beer, seasoned with pine buds. Dufferin Boardwalk, an esplanade near the emblematic Château Frontenac, is the perfect place for views of the river and old city.
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Day 5 - Tadoussac
Tadoussac
Hotel Tadoussac
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The Quebec village of Tadoussac stands at the confluence of the Saguenay River and the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence, in south-east Canada. The village is bright with multicoloured houses nestling in an emerald-green pine forest. From the waterfront, it’s easy to spy out Tadoussac Chapel, thanks to its bright red roof. Not far from this church built of wood, one of the oldest in North America, stands a century-old village holiday resort, Hotel Tadoussac. Treat yourself to tea on the terrace overlooking the shoreline. In addition, at the marine mammal interpretation centre, you can hone your knowledge of the cetaceans that regularly frequent Tadoussac bay.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE - PREMIUM SHORE EXCURSIONS
whale watching by zodiac
This excursion is not recommended for guests suffering from back or neck problems, nor for pregnant women. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by a parent. Each participant will be equipped with a personal floating suit. Dress warmly and wear waterproof clothing. The zodiac will be exclusive to Ponant. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed. This tour can welcome a maximum of 72 participants.
Duration: 3.5 Hours Ready for an adrenaline rush? Embark on a zodiac to look for whales. Your guide-naturalist captain will take you where the river meets the ocean, the perfect spot to meet these giants of the sea and other sea mammals. This adventure will also enable you to discover the wild and scenic beauty of the Saguenay Fjord. Two hours of pure discovery await you on the Saint Lawrence River. From biblical stories to current tales, whales have always captured our imagination. Even though Aristotle presented the whales as mammals, these creatures have often been portrayed as water-spewing monsters in stories and legends. Millions of years of evolution in the ocean have transformed these mammals into the present whales, incredibly well adapted to aquatic life. The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is like a kingdom for the whales and presents a true natural laboratory for biologists fascinated by these giants. To ideally complement your whale-watching expedition, you will next visit the GREMM centre of Interpretation (Group of Research and Education of Marine Mammals). A great complement to your whale-watching cruise. The GREMM is a non-profit organisation founded in 1985, dedicated to the education and conservation of the marine environment and scientific research on the marine mammals of the St-Lawrence River. Cost Per Per Person: Please check with our Cruise Specialist at 1-888-756-9008 for reservations. whale WATCHING by local boat
For this excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and to dress warmly. Please note the local boat is not privatized.
Duration: 4. 5 Hours Ready for an unforgettable experience? This excursion will give you an exciting opportunity to admire whales in the Saint Lawrence Estuary. Your tour starts with a visit to the GREMM centre of Interpretation (Group of Research and Education of Marine Mammals). A great introduction and complement to your whale-watching cruise. The GREMM is a non-profit organisation founded in 1985, dedicated to the education and conservation of the marine environment and scientific research on the marine mammals of the St-Lawrence River. From biblical stories to current tales, whales have always captured our imagination. Even though Aristotle presented the whales as mammals, these creatures have often been portrayed as water-spewing monsters in stories and legends. Millions of years of evolution in the ocean have transformed these mammals into the present whales, incredibly well adapted to aquatic life. The Gulf of Saint Lawrence is like a kingdom for the whales and presents a true natural laboratory for biologists fascinated by these giants. Your boat will take you where the river meets the ocean, the perfect spot to meet these giants of the sea and other sea mammals. This adventure will also enable you to discover the wild and scenic beauty of the Saguenay Fjord. Three hours of pure discovery await you on the Saint Lawrence River. Cost Per Per Person: Please check with our Cruise Specialist at 1-888-756-9008. TADOUSSAC ON FOOT
This tour is done entirely on foot; walking distance is approximately 1.5 km (1 mile). We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. This tour can welcome a maximum of 40 participants.
Durations: 3 Hours On arrival at the pier, you will be welcomed by your guide who will introduce you to the highlights of Tadoussac, a little town internationally renowned for the beauty of its location, admitted to the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World in 1998. The history of the village of Tadoussac goes back as far as the arrival of the Europeans to the American Continent. Tadoussac is even known to be visited by native people as early as the prehistoric times. The origin of the word “tadoussac” takes its roots from the Indian natives’ place names. Events which have made the history of Tadoussac are concentrated within three periods, the fur trade (1600 to 1859), the wood industry (1838 to 1897) and tourism (1864 to today). Start your tour with a visit to the Greve Gardens, where you can find vegetation typical to the North Coast. Continue to the Chauvin trading post, a recreation of the first fur trading post in Canada. The exhibition concentrates on the first contacts, the trading post and the commerce. Next, your guided walking will take you to the Tadoussac Grand Hotel. With its whitewashed walls, red roof, maritime colours, dormer windows and cupola, Tadoussac Hotel calls to mind an earlier era. Overlooking Tadoussac Bay and the St-Lawrence River, the hotel is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, family holidays or couples on a romantic getaway. In the entrance hall, see the old photographs before enjoying a cup of tea while taking in the magnificent views from the hotel. Finally, visit the wooden church located on the property, the Tadoussac Chapel – also known as the “Indians’ Chapel” – built in 1747 by Jesuit missionaries in their efforts to convert the Montagnais to Christianity. This chapel is the oldest wooden church in North America and still contains some of the original religious items used when the chapel was first constructed over two and a half centuries ago. After your visit, you will go back to the pier and your ship. Cost Per Per Person: Please check with our Cruise Specialist at 1-888-756-9008 for reservations. |
Day 6 - Perce
Perce
Bonaventure Island
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If you appreciate the beauty of scenery and geological phenomena, you will fall under the irresistible spell of Percé, one of the most beautiful villages in Quebec. Apart from the attractions of the town itself, Percé owes its reputation to its proximity to the famous rock of the same name that rises opposite it in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Along with the neighbouring Bonaventure Island, this rocky outcrop forms a national park famed for its natural, historical and geological heritage. With a choice of hiking, underwater exploration and cultural activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in this fascinating region. OPTIONAL UPGRADE - PREMIUM SHORE EXCURSIONS
GANNET COLONY WALK ON BONAVENTURE ISLAND
This tour involves extensive 6 km (3.7 miles) walking over gravel, grass, dirt paths which can be muddy and slippery when wet. We recommend you wear good sturdy hiking boots and dress in layers. Please note this tour is limited to 80 participants.
Duration 3.5 Hours The National Park of Bonaventure island is an enchanting site. Sculpted by time and the sea at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, it makes an extravagant show of its rich historical heritage and amazing geological history. Its remarkable flora and fauna, including its world-renowned northern gannet colony, contribute to the park reputation as a must-see destination. After a 30-minute boat ride, you will disembark on Bonaventure Island where an experienced park warden will accompany you to the world’s largest gannet colony. The highpoint of the visit is, without doubt, the sight of 250,000 birds nesting on the island and a meeting with 50,000 couples of northern gannets. This colony of northern gannets, the most important and accessible in the world, is a unique spectacle. Experience an unforgettable excursion on Bonaventure Island, wandering from one wonderful discovery to another. Dive into the history of the fisheries by visiting the Le Boutillier house: an Anglo-French cod-fishing company established on the island in the 19th century. The island is alive with colours and heady fragrances of wildflowers spiced with the smell of the sea. Savour the tranquillity of the forests and woodland flowers, and delight in the contrasts of sound and silence, colour and shade. Your total time on the island will be around 2 ½ hours, before taking the boat back to Percé. Cost Per Per Person: Please check with our Cruise Specialist at 1-888-756-9008 for reservations. SEA KAYAKING AT PERCE ROCK
This moderate tour includes 2 hours of sea kayaking. All equipment is included: neoprene bib wetsuits, booties, paddle jackets with hoods, neoprene spray decks, paddle grips, personal floatation devices, fibreglass paddles, dry bag. Single and double kayaks are available. Children must be at least 8 years old to participate and be accompanied by a parent. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women.
Participants should be in good physical condition. We recommend you wear light clothing or your swimsuit under your clothes, bring water from the ship and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is limited to 24 participants. Duration: 3 Hours Guided sea kayaking in Percé is first and foremost a shared adventure for outdoor enthusiasts, but it’s also pure, undiluted pleasure! People who have never touched a paddle before, as well as those with experience, will enjoy discovering Percé’s waters. From the beach, a 15-minute walk will take you to the nautical club to meet your guide. After receiving kayaking instructions and a safety briefing, start your kayak tour with your trained and experienced guide. In an area renowned for its biodiversity, there are good chances you will see some seals and a host of seabirds. As you paddle along the coast, your guide will also teach you some sea kayaking techniques and tell you a bit about the history of kayaking. The quality of the gear and diversity of the experience ensure a pleasant activity, regardless of weather conditions. Cost Per Per Person: Please check with our Cruise Specialist at 1-888-756-9008. |
Day 7 - Cap-Aux-Meules, Magdalen
Cap-Aux-Meules, Magdalen
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Although it is the administrative and economic centre of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is above all considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec. OPTIONAL UPGRADE - PREMIUM SHORE EXCURSIONS
ACADIAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE
This tour does not include any particular difficulties.
Duration: 4 Hours From the pier, it will be a 25-minute drive to the apple orchard Poméloi, the only one located on the archipelago, characterized by the variety of its products, its smallness and ecological focus. The owner, Éloi Vigneau has been passionate about agriculture since he was a teenager. He started to plant apple trees in 1990 for an experimental project when he was a social worker in a hospital. Year after year he followed up how the trees were performing with the local weather regarding wind exposure and salty sea air. In 2008, he opened the Orchard and start to product different kinds of cider, working in harmony with nature. Next, visit the permanent exhibit at the Musée de la Mer (sea museum): Laboureurs du Golfe examines the history of the Islands through models of ships and lighthouses, photographs and maritime objects that show how navigation developed, stories about fishing, seal hunting and shipwrecks as well as collections of minerals, shells and rocks from the Islands. Continue to Havre-Aubert, a member of the Association des plus beaux villages du Québec (an association which includes the most beautiful villages of the province). The first Acadians to arrive on the Islands settled in Havre-Aubert; their influence can be seen today in the architecture of the fishing huts, boutiques and the courthouse. You will also visit Atelier Côtier, a one-of-a-kind studio where sand from the Islands is transformed into unique sculptures, sand treasures to forever remind visitors of the beauty of this site. You will then take a 30-minute drive along the north coast of the island and see spectacular steep and jagged cliffs. Arrive at Cap-Hérissé, which offers one of the most striking examples of cliffs sculpted by the sea. A photo stop will be made before returning to the pier and your ship. Cost Per Per Person: Please check with our Cruise Specialist at 1-888-756-9008. |
Day 8 - Louisbourg
Louisbourg
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Set in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Breton Island turns up fun-to-explore curiosities such as Louisbourg, the former capital from when it was named Ile Royale. This picturesque little town is home to one of the country’s most significant historical sites: the symbolic and beautifully restored Fortress of Louisbourg. A tour transports you back to the heart of 18th-century Canada. Access the old fortified square via the drawbridge and Dauphin Gate, which is guarded by a sentry. You can then explore the fortified town as it was in its heyday. Get ready for an extraordinary adventure that’s more than just a journey back in time.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE - PREMIUM SHORE EXCURSION
FORTRESS OF LOUISBOURG
This tour includes a one-hour guided visit with your local guide, followed by time at leisure.
Duration 3 Hours The Fortress of Louisbourg is the largest reconstruction project in North America. The original settlement was founded in 1713 by the French and developed over several decades into a thriving centre for fishing and trade. Fortified against the threat of British invasion during the turbulent time of empire-building, Louisbourg was besieged twice before finally being destroyed in the 1760s. The site lay untouched until well into modern times, when archaeologists began to reconstruct the fortress as it was in the 18th century. Thanks to their efforts and the work of Parks Canada and the Fortress Louisbourg Association, you can now experience life in Louisbourg during its heyday. There are more than a dozen buildings open to the public including three authentic working 18th-century restaurants. During the summer months hundreds of re-enactors or “animators” of all ages, from wealthy merchants to poor soldiers, populate the streets of the restored fortress working, playing, and living life as they would have in 1744. At the Fortress Louisbourg, experience living history as you explore on your own, take a guided tour, or view demonstrations of music, dancing, cooking, military drills, and much more. Take home a taste of the past with bread from the King’s Bakery and sweets from the Destouches Coffee Shop. You can even purchase 18th-century replica gifts and Fortress memorabilia from the 1744 Boutiques. Cost Per Per Person: Please check with our Cruise Specialist at 1-888-756-9008. |
Day 9 - Lunenburg
Lunenburg
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Stretching out along the eastern seaboard of Nova Scotia, the picturesque port of Lunenburg will leave an indelible impression. You can admire the colonial architecture of this fishing village whilst strolling through the chequerboard streets studded with brightly coloured houses. The enchanting charm of the old town has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The former naval shipyard town of Lunenburg is where you will also find the replica of the legendary Bluenose schooner, originally built in this port.
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Day 10 - Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor
High Seas Mansion
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With landscapes that seem to have come straight from a Stephen King novel, made up of long rocky outcrops plunging into the cold waters of the Atlantic, the region of Maine is full of unexpected delights. Bar Harbor is one of them. A seaside resort for aristocrats of another era, this former fishing port, founded in the early 18th Century reveals an atmosphere that is both chic and refined, and over time has become the ideal destination for romantics and lovers of open spaces.
OPTIONAL UPGRADE - PREMIUM SHORE EXCURSION
GILDED AGE WALKING TOUR
This moderate tour is entirely done on foot and involves a total walking distance of approximately 2.4 km (1.5 mile) on hilly and slightly uneven paved sidewalks through town. Participants must be able to stand and walk for 2 hours. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). This tour is conducted in English only and is limited to 25 participants.
Duration: 2 Hours Step back in time to the turn of the century, when Bar Harbor was one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. As painters, poets and authors began to tell their tales of the island’s natural beauty, America’s elite – including the Astors, Fords, Morgans, Rockefellers, Carnegies, and Vanderbilts – transformed the island with elegant estates, often referred to as “cottages”. Your guide will be happy to share the intimate secrets and tales of a magnificent era when fabulously wealthy residents tried to outdo each other with their lavish parties and opulent lifestyles. From the pier, your tour of Bar Harbor’s bygone days begins with a walk on a beautiful path along the shore, where you will enjoy stunning vistas of Frenchman Bay on one side and elegant summer cottages on the other. Passing the Village Green, you will see the town clock and the village bandstand where townspeople often gathered on summer evenings to hear the marches of John Philip Sousa and other popular music, often ending with a rousing rendition of “Goodnight, Ladies”. As you stroll through the beautiful downtown area, you will pass a number of Victorian Mansions that survived the Great Fire of 1947. Your tour will stop by St. Saviour's Church for a visit of the interior (provided there are no other functions going on at the time). The church was constructed in 1877 and its wood and stone structure is a fine example of an English Gothic parish church. The church, on the National Register of Historic Places, houses a number of formal English stained glass windows, including Tiffany windows, ranging in date from 1886 to 1992, as well as a variety of historic memorabilia. Cost Per Per Person: Please check with our Cruise Specialist at 1-888-756-9008. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK & CADILLAC MOUNTAIN
This tour is essentially panoramic. Please note the order of the stops might be reversed to avoid congestion at the different sites. Should traffic and time enable it, a stop at Thunder Hole will be made as well. We recommend your wear comfortable clothing and protect yourself from the wind. The tour involves approximately 270m (0.17 mile) of walking on uneven pavement. This tour is conducted in English only and is limited to 40 participants.
Duration: 2 .5 Hours Depart the pier and pass through the quaint town of Bar Harbor to view some of the charming Victorian mansions built by America’s rich and famous at the turn of the century. Upon entering the National Park, your journey along the 27-mile Park Loop Road will take you along the ocean’s edge, passing Sand Beach, Schooner Head overlook, and the High Seas Mansion built by a wealthy gentleman whose wife perished on the Titanic. Travel through pine forests and past the Jordon Pond House with a beautiful view of the Penobscot Mountains and Bubbles Hill. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles and white tail deer as you make your way around Park Loop Road. Weather permitting, enjoy a photo stop atop the 466-metre (1,530-foot) Cadillac Mountain, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of granite cliffs, coastal mountains, forests, lakes, and the valley, before returning to the pier. Cost Per Per Person: Please check with our Cruise Specialist at 1-888-756-9008. |
Day 11 - Boston
Boston
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Nicknamed “America's Walking City”, the city is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Founded in 1630, the tenth largest agglomeration in the United States, is a pleasure for walkers. To get around, just follow the Freedom Trail circuit that serves most of the tourist sites with its red line traced on the ground. Don’t miss all the delicious local specialities on offer at Quincy Market, like the lobster sandwich, and then take time to explore North End, the Italian quarter. For the more romantic among you, Beacon Hill, the historic quarter, with its absolutely charming cobbled streets, is really worth a look.
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For reservations and more Information please call our Travel Specialist Toll Free at 1-888-756-9008 Email: [email protected] |
2021 Sailing Dates: Other Ponant Cruises
*Cruise Rate includes all applicable Port Charges .
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* Cruise fares quoted are in U.S. dollars, per person (based on double occupancy). Single Supplements also available.
Cruise Fares do not include, airfare, travel insurance, gratuites, shore tours, personal expenditures or
transportation costs incurred while traveling to and from embarkation ports.
Rates and Schedules are subject to change at any time.
Cruise Fares do not include, airfare, travel insurance, gratuites, shore tours, personal expenditures or
transportation costs incurred while traveling to and from embarkation ports.
Rates and Schedules are subject to change at any time.
Complete Directory of all our Great Lakes Cruises
Updated: 12/26/23-LLS
