We Reviewed Great Lakes Cruises 2025 – Best Routes, Ships & Prices Revealed!

Planning a Great Lakes cruise in 2025? This in-depth guide covers every cruise line, itinerary, ship, and pricing, from luxury expeditions to budget-friendly voyages. Whether looking for themed cruises, fall foliage tours, or hidden deals, this research saves time and ensures you find the perfect Great Lakes adventure.

A Brief History of Cruising on the Great Lakes

Cruising on the Great Lakes dates back to the 19th century when steamships transported passengers and cargo across these vast inland seas. By the early 20th century, luxury liners like the SS Noronic and SS South American offered grand voyages, catering to wealthy travelers exploring destinations from Chicago to Montreal. However, as air travel and highways expanded, passenger cruising declined by the 1960s.

In the 21st century, a revival began with small-ship cruise lines offering luxury, expedition, and heritage voyages, attracting travelers eager to experience the Great Lakes’ stunning scenery, historic ports, and unique maritime culture. Today, modern cruise lines like Viking, Ponant, and Pearl Seas provide a new era of Great Lakes exploration, blending history with contemporary comfort.

Pearl Seas Cruises – Pearl Mist (210-passenger)

Itineraries & Routes: Pearl Seas offers four Great Lakes cruises in 2025, ranging from 8 to 16 days. All sail on the Pearl Mist and include all meals, drinks, and excursions. Highlights include:

• 8-Day Great Lakes Cruise (Milwaukee ? Toronto): Focuses on Lakes Michigan, Huron (Georgian Bay), and Ontario. Typical port calls include Milwaukee, Muskegon/Holland (Michigan), Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario), Little Current (Manitoulin Island), Parry Sound, Midland (Ontario), and Toronto?. (Reverses direction on alternate dates.)
• 12-Day Great Lakes & Georgian Bay (Toronto ? Milwaukee): Expands to include Lake Erie in addition to Michigan, Huron, and Ontario. Ports of call feature Toronto, a Welland Canal transit with a stop for Niagara Falls (Port Colborne, Ontario), Cleveland (Ohio), Detroit (Michigan), Georgian Bay stops like Midland, Parry Sound, and Little Current, plus Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, Muskegon, and Milwaukee?.
• 15-Day Great Lakes Explorer (Toronto ? Duluth): An all five Great Lakes journey. Eastbound, it departs Toronto and stops in Niagara Falls (Port Colborne), Cleveland, Detroit, Midland, Parry Sound, Mackinac Island, Traverse City (Michigan), Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette (Lake Superior, Michigan), Thunder Bay (Ontario), and finishes with two days in Duluth (Minnesota)?. Westbound itineraries reverse this route?.
• 16-Day Great Lakes & St. Lawrence (Quebec City ? Milwaukee): Combines the Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence Seaway. For example, the westbound route begins in Quebec City and calls at Montreal, Kingston (Ontario), Toronto, transits the Welland Canal (Niagara Falls), Cleveland, Detroit, Georgian Bay (Midland), Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, Muskegon, and ends in Milwaukee?. (Eastbound starts in Milwaukee and ends in Quebec City with similar stops.) This voyage navigates all five Great Lakes plus the St. Lawrence River?.

Ships & Onboard: Pearl Mist is a small, elegant ship designed for destination-focused cruising. Pearl Seas emphasizes regional cuisine and culture – onboard chefs showcase Great Lakes culinary traditions, and many shore excursions have food and wine themes.?

The atmosphere is intimate and enrichment-oriented, with experts on history and nature of the region.

Pricing: Pearl Seas is a premium-midrange line. Shorter cruises (8–12 days) start around $6,000–$8,000 per person for an entry-level cabin.?

Longer expeditions (15–16 days) range upward to about $11,000–$18,000 per person depending on cabin category?

Fares include a pre-cruise hotel night and most excursions, representing a good value for an upscale, all-inclusive experience.

Themed Experiences: Pearl Seas cruises blend history and nature. You’ll tour frontier forts, lighthouses, and museums in port, then enjoy scenic cruising among islands and shorelines. The line’s focus on local gastronomy makes these trips appealing to culinary enthusiasts. Fall departures double as autumn foliage cruises, timed so guests can witness the changing leaves along the lakeshores?

Verification: Pearl Seas’ published itineraries and port lists are documented on their official Great Lakes cruise pages? and pricing tiers are confirmed through their 2025 rate listings.?? Please refer to the Pearl Sea’s website for official itineraries and rates.

Viking Expeditions – Viking Octantis & Viking Polaris (378-passenger each)

Itineraries & Routes: Viking, known for its expedition ships, debuts several Great Lakes routes in 2025. These are luxury expeditions with a science focus, operating April–September on the two sister ships Octantis and Polaris. Key itineraries include:

15-Day Great Lakes Collection (Toronto ? Duluth): A comprehensive voyage covering all five lakes. Eastbound from Duluth (Minnesota) to Toronto (Ontario), typical stops are Duluth and Thunder Bay (Lake Superior), the Apostle Islands (Wisconsin) or Silver Islet (Ontario) for wilderness landings, Houghton (Michigan’s Keweenaw Waterway) or Alpena (Michigan) on Lake Huron, Mackinac Island (at the Huron–Michigan junction), Detroit (via the St. Clair River), Cleveland (Lake Erie), a Niagara Falls experience (Welland Canal/Port Colborne), and Toronto?. (Westbound from Toronto to Duluth follows a similar port sequence in reverse.)

8-Day Niagara & The Great Lakes (Toronto ? Milwaukee): Focuses on Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Michigan. From Toronto it transits the Welland Canal to Niagara Falls, then visits Point Pelee National Park on Lake Erie, Detroit (Michigan), Alpena (on Lake Huron’s shores), Mackinac Island, and finishes in Milwaukee (Wisconsin)?. This itinerary showcases cultural and historic sites (like Detroit’s maritime heritage and Mackinac’s 19th-century fort) alongside natural attractions (Niagara Falls, Point Pelee’s wildlife)?.

8-Day Great Lakes Explorer (Milwaukee ? Thunder Bay): An adventure-heavy route emphasizing Lake Superior. Departing Milwaukee on Lake Michigan, it heads north to Mackinac Island, passes through the Soo Locks into Lake Superior, and then uses Viking’s expedition capabilities to explore remote Superior locales. Notable stops include Silver Islet (an outpost on Superior’s north shore reachable by Zodiac) and Thunder Bay (Ontario), where the cruise ends?. (The reverse Thunder Bay to Milwaukee operates as well.)

8-Day Undiscovered Great Lakes (Thunder Bay ? Milwaukee): Another Lake Superior-focused trip, operating in reverse direction. It typically calls at Thunder Bay, Duluth (at the far western end of Superior), the Apostle Islands (Wisconsin) for Zodiac excursions among scenic isles, Houghton, Michigan (traversing the Keweenaw Waterway), Mackinac Island, and Milwaukee?. This itinerary is geared toward off-the-beaten-path exploration – guests experience lesser-visited ports and wilderness areas of Superior and northern Lake Michigan.

Ships & Onboard: Viking Octantis and Polaris are state-of-the-art expedition vessels with amenities like science labs, lecture theaters, submarines, kayaks, and even an onboard marina (“The Hangar”) for launching Zodiacs?

The ambiance is upscale Scandinavian luxury. Each ship carries resident scientists and Great Lakes experts (geologists, historians, biologists) who lead talks and guided activities. Viking includes excursions in the fare – for example, guided hikes on Lake Superior’s wild shores, cultural tours in cities, and special experiences like the Soo Locks transit.

Pricing: Viking’s Great Lakes expeditions are luxury-priced. An 8-day sailing in 2025 starts at roughly $7,000–$10,000 per person for a Veranda stateroom, with suites costing more (often $15,000+ for highest categories) – reflective of the line’s high-end inclusions?

The 15-day Great Lakes Collection, covering all five lakes, is priced from around $12,000 per person and up. These fares include all guided shore excursions, enrichment programs, and amenities like beer/wine with meals. Note: Viking’s voyages often sell out quickly due to limited capacity and strong demand?

Themed Experiences: Viking positions these cruises as expedition journeys. There is a strong nature and science theme – for example, guests can participate in citizen science projects and attend lectures on Great Lakes ecology and geology. The inclusion of submarines and kayaks allows up-close nature exploration (weather permitting). History isn’t neglected: Viking’s itineraries also include museum visits (such as maritime museums in Alpena or Duluth) and onboard talks about regional history. Some departures, especially in late September, double as “fall color” cruises, emphasizing the beautiful autumn foliage around Lakes Superior and Huron.?

Verification: Viking’s port sequences and durations are confirmed by their 2025 Great Lakes brochure – e.g. the Niagara & Great Lakes 8-night route (Toronto to Milwaukee) lists Toronto, Niagara (Port Colborne), Point Pelee, Detroit, Alpena, Mackinac, and Milwaukee?

The Great Lakes Collection ports (Toronto, Niagara, Cleveland, Detroit, Algoma WI, Mackinac, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay, Duluth) are published in Viking’s materials?. Viking’s unique expedition features are described in cruise reviews and official sources.?

Ponant – Le Bellot & Le Champlain (184-passenger expedition yachts)

Itineraries & Routes: French luxury line Ponant returns to the Great Lakes in 2025 with two of its sleek Explorer-class ships. These all-inclusive voyages are bilingual (French/English) and often operated in partnership with cultural institutions. Notable itineraries include:

• 8-Day “A Voyage Along the Great Lakes” with Smithsonian Journeys (Toronto ? Milwaukee): (2025, 2026) An 8-night fall cruise co-hosted by Smithsonian Journeys, emphasizing history, culture, and autumn scenery. Starting in Toronto, it transits to Lake Erie via the Welland Canal for Niagara Falls, then heads into Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay to visit Parry Sound and Little Current (Manitoulin Island). Next is Sault Ste. Marie (Michigan) at the Lake Superior entrance, followed by Mackinac Island, and finally Milwaukee?. This sailing is timed for late September when fall colors are at their peak; Smithsonian experts onboard offer lectures on the region’s geology, indigenous cultures, and maritime history?. (In 2025, Le Champlain operates the September departure, while Le Bellot is scheduled for similar itineraries in 2026?.)

Ships & Onboard: Le Bellot and Le Champlain are elegant mega-yachts with 5-star service – think fine French dining, an infinity pool, a marina platform, and the unique Blue Eye underwater lounge. With only 92 staterooms, the atmosphere is intimate. Ponant’s cruises include open-bar drinks, gourmet cuisine, and guided excursions. Many sailings have a theme or partner: for example, the Smithsonian Journeys partnership brings expert historians and naturalists on board.?

Daily excursions might include city walking tours (e.g. architecture in Chicago or Toronto on other routes), visits to national parks (like Apostle Islands or Pukaskwa on Superior), and cultural exchanges (such as meeting local First Nations communities). Lectures are offered in both English and French, aligning with Ponant’s bilingual approach?.

Pricing: Ponant is firmly in the luxury category. Fares start around $8,000–$9,000 per person for an 8-day voyage in a deluxe stateroom?. More extended expeditions (10–11 days) begin roughly at $10,000–$11,000 per person?. Higher suite levels (Privilege Suites, Owner’s Suite) can cost $20,000–$30,000+?

These rates include all meals, drinks, and excursions; Ponant often also includes pre-cruise hotel nights or transfers. Notably, Ponant is offering early-booking discounts (“Ponant Bonus”) on 2025 Great Lakes cruises – for example, an 8-night Smithsonian sailing had a 30% discount, bringing the entry fare to about $9,120?

Despite the cost, demand is strong; some 2025 departures are already waitlisted.?

Themed Experiences: Ponant’s Great Lakes voyages blend luxury expedition with culture. The “Smithsonian Journeys” cruise is history-focused, with experts illuminating the War of 1812, the fur trade era, and environmental science.?

All Ponant itineraries in the region highlight the fall foliage in late-season, the engineering marvels of the St. Lawrence Seaway (eight locks of the Welland Canal)? and cultural exchanges (like Francophone and Indigenous heritage in Quebec and Ontario). Onboard, expect touches like French wines, elegant gala dinners, and perhaps even a tasting of Quebecois specialties when in Canadian ports.

Verification: Ponant’s official site and partners list these itineraries. The “Heart of the American Great Lakes” 10-day cruise (Milwaukee to Toronto) is confirmed with ports Milwaukee, Mackinac, Sault Ste. Marie, Killarney, Parry Sound, Midland, Point Pelee, Port Colborne/Niagara, Toronto?. Pricing examples ($8,130 starting fare, etc.) come from Ponant’s 2025 cruise announcements.?

Victory Cruise Lines – Victory I & Victory II (190-passenger each)

Itineraries & Routes: Victory Cruise Lines (recently revived under founder John Waggoner) offers all-inclusive small-ship cruises on the Great Lakes in 2025?. These voyages are typically 10 to 13 days and are a great mid-range option. Both Victory I and Victory II are identical sister ships (formerly known as Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager). Key itineraries for 2025 include:

• 10-Day Great Lakes Grand Discovery (Chicago ? Toronto): This 9-night cruise (with a 1-night pre-cruise hotel, billed as “10-Night Cruise & Hotel”) hits all the highlights of Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario?. Westbound from Toronto to Chicago, for example, the ship visits Niagara Falls (docking at Port Colborne and transiting the Welland Canal), Cleveland (Ohio), Detroit (Michigan), then sails across Lake Huron to Mackinac Island (Michigan)?. Next is Escanaba (a port in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Lake Michigan), and a full day cruising Lake Michigan before concluding in Chicago?. Eastbound trips follow the reverse order. Notably, the route passes through the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie (“Soo”) connecting Lake Huron and Lake Superior, giving a taste of Lake Superior even though no port stop is made there on this itinerary?. Victory operates this itinerary many times from late April through September 2025 – Victory I and Victory II trade off departures, with almost semi-monthly sailings in each direction.
• 13-Day Great Lakes & St. Lawrence (Chicago ? Montreal or reverse): A longer 12-night journey that extends beyond the lakes. One example departs Chicago, visits Milwaukee (Wisconsin) and Mackinac Island, then continues through Lake Huron and Lake Erie with stops such as Detroit, Cleveland, Niagara Falls (Welland Canal), and Toronto, and then sails down the St. Lawrence River to Montreal, Quebec. In total it touches all five Great Lakes (Superior via the Soo Locks transit) and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Victory has at least one eastbound (Chicago to Montreal) in late September and a westbound (Montreal back to Chicago) in October 2025?. These are ideal for travelers who want to see the Great Lakes and autumn colors in Canada – for instance, the Sept 27, 2025 departure from Chicago arrives in Montreal on Oct 8, during peak fall foliage.
• 11-Day Great Lakes & Lake Superior (Chicago/Milwaukee ? Thunder Bay): A new itinerary that adds Lake Superior’s north shore. While exact details are still being finalized, Victory’s 2025 schedule shows voyages in late May that likely go from Milwaukee or Chicago up to Thunder Bay, Ontario?. We can infer ports from Victory’s marketing: expect Milwaukee (as a starting point), Green Bay or Sturgeon Bay (Wisconsin), Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette (Michigan on Lake Superior) and Duluth or Thunder Bay as endpoints?. In fact, John Waggoner has stated Victory I & II will “cruise all five lakes with sailings between Chicago and Toronto or Montréal, or roundtrip Chicago”?, meaning Thunder Bay/Duluth are likely included via additional segments or as part of round-trip Chicago offerings. Victory’s category “Great Lakes + Thunder Bay” indicates dedicated cruises that reach Lake Superior’s western terminus (Thunder Bay) in spring/early summer 2025, with sample sailing dates May 30 and June 13, 2025?. By late summer, the focus shifts to the St. Lawrence route mentioned above.

Ships & Onboard: Victory I and Victory II are intimate, classically styled ships (maximum ~202 guests, 101 cabins)? They provide a cozy, country-club atmosphere – expect polished wood interiors and a wraparound promenade deck. Onboard life centers on regional enrichment: Victory partners with the National Museum of the Great Lakes to bring “Lakelorian” educators on board for lectures about Great Lakes history, ecology, and lore?. The vibe is friendly and casual, with a 2.5:1 guest-to-crew ratio ensuring attentive service?. Fares include a one-night pre-cruise hotel, all excursions, open bar, gratuities, and even port taxes? – truly all-inclusive. Dining highlights local specialties (you might find Lake Erie walleye or Michigan cherry pie on the menu). On certain sailings, special guest lecturers (historians, naturalists) come aboard, and in port, exclusive excursions like architectural tours in Chicago or a private Niagara Falls experience are arranged.

Pricing: Victory Cruise Lines is often considered the “best value” on the Great Lakes given its inclusions. A 10-night Chicago–Toronto cruise in 2025 starts around $7,399 per person (double occupancy) for an entry-level cabin, with upscale categories up to ~$11,999?. Special launch fares for the inaugural 2025 season bring additional saving. Longer 12–13 night cruises (Chicago–Montreal) begin around $7,999–$9,699 per person?. By contrast, Victory’s rates are generally lower than Viking or Ponant for similar length trips, making them attractive to travelers seeking the Great Lakes experience on a mid-range budget. Solo travelers also benefit from periodic promotions (reduced single supplements) in shoulder season.

Themed Experiences: Victory’s cruises are immersive and historically rich. Many itineraries are marketed around themes like “Frontier History & Great Lakes Heritage,” emphasizing visits to forts (e.g. Fort Mackinac), maritime museums (Cleveland’s Great Lakes Science Center, Kingston’s Marine Museum if included), and even a stop in Kingston, Ontario on some sailings to explore 19th-century Canadian history. In 2025, Victory is also tapping into fall foliage cruises – the late September Chicago–Montreal voyage is essentially a Harvest/Autumn theme, with excursions to places like Upper Canada Village or Ottawa offered as the ship transits the St. Lawrence (exact details TBC in their brochure). Onboard, expect fun touches like a “Taste of the Great Lakes” culinary event, where passengers can sample local craft beers, Wisconsin cheeses, or Canadian butter tarts. Given the ships’ small size, themed guest interactions are intimate – the captain might join guests for trivia night, or the Lakelorian might lead stargazing on deck, recounting tales of Lake Superior shipwrecks (like the Edmund Fitzgerald) under the night sky.

Verification: Victory’s own website and press releases detail their 2025 return: Victory I & II will operate across all five lakes with numerous departures?. The Chicago–Toronto 10-day itinerary is explicitly listed with ports Chicago, Day at Sea, Escanaba, Mackinac Island, “Soo” (Sault Ste. Marie), Day at Sea, Detroit, Cleveland, Niagara Falls, Toronto?. Victory’s brochure also confirms the inclusive nature of their fares and starting prices. Their joining of the official Great Lakes cruise coalition and planned port visits (700+ Great Lakes port calls in 2025) is noted by industry news.?

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – Hanseatic Inspiration (230-passenger)

Itineraries & Routes: German line Hapag-Lloyd offers at least one expedition cruise in the Great Lakes in Fall 2025. The Hanseatic Inspiration (a 5-star expedition ship) will sail an 18-day Great Lakes voyage from Halifax to Milwaukee, September 19, to October 7, 2025?

This cruise is noteworthy for covering all five Great Lakes in one trip?. Highlights of the itinerary (billed as “Great Lakes and St Lawrence River – lifeline of North America in Indian summer”) include:

Hapag-Lloyd’s 2026 Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cruise Aboard Hanseatic Inspiration

This 19-day luxury expedition sails from Halifax, Canada, to Milwaukee, USA, combining the rugged beauty of the Canadian Maritimes with an in-depth exploration of the Great Lakes during peak autumn colors.

Itinerary Overview:

• Halifax Departure (Sept 19) ? Sail along Canada’s Atlantic coast before reaching Prince Edward Island & Îles de la Madeleine (Sept 21-22) for a mix of history, scenic landscapes, and culinary delights.
• Gaspe (Sept 23): Explore Forillon National Park, known for stunning cliffs and rich birdlife.
• Tadoussac (Sept 24): A top whale-watching destination, with potential sightings of blue and humpback whales.
• Saguenay Fjord (Sept 25): A striking natural landscape at peak fall foliage.
• Quebec City (Sept 26): Experience French-Canadian culture, Montmorency Falls, and historic Old Quebec.
• Montreal (Sept 27): Stroll through its European-style streets or visit vineyards in the Eastern Townships.
• St. Lawrence Locks & Toronto (Sept 28-29): Navigate the locks of the St. Lawrence River before arriving in Toronto, where guests can explore the city or visit Niagara Falls.
• Welland Canal & Lake Erie (Sept 30): Pass through eight locks, overcoming a 100-meter elevation drop.
• Windsor & Detroit (Oct 1): Discover Motor City’s automotive legacy, from Henry Ford’s museum to the city’s revitalized skyline.
• Lake Huron & Georgian Bay (Oct 2-5): Explore Tobermory, Killarney, and Parry Sound, where rugged shorelines, island labyrinths, and Canadian wildlife await.
• Sault Ste. Marie & Mackinac Island (Oct 5-6): Experience the Soo Locks and step back in time on car-free Mackinac Island, known for its Victorian charm.
• Milwaukee Arrival (Oct 7): The journey concludes in Wisconsin’s Brew City, rich in history and culture.

This expedition-style voyage offers unique experiences such as Zodiac excursions, historic sites, fall foliage views, and lock transits, making it an unparalleled way to explore the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway in autumn 2026.

Ships & Onboard: Hanseatic Inspiration is a luxury expedition ship, billed as bilingual (all announcements and programs in German and English)? . It features high-end amenities like multiple dining venues (including a gourmet bistro and grill), a spa, and a small pool – but the real focus is exploration. The ship carries 17 Zodiac boats for landings and has a large team of experts (geologists, biologists, historians) who guide hikes and nature walks ashore. On the Great Lakes, Hapag-Lloyd crafts an experience for the adventurous traveler who also demands comfort. For example, one highlight is a hike with experts during peak “Indian Summer” to appreciate the fall colors and perhaps spot wildlife.?

Onboard, evenings might feature lectures in the lounge about Great Lakes ecosystems or the history of the fur trade and Great Lakes shipping. Because many passengers are German, expect a convivial international atmosphere – you might enjoy a German beer on deck while passing giant freighters on the St. Marys River, or toast with Riesling as the ship navigates scenic Georgian Bay. Importantly, Hanseatic Inspiration is built to handle the lakes’ narrow locks and has an ice-strengthened hull (not that ice is an issue in summer/fall, but it speaks to the ship’s durability for expedition cruising).

Pricing: Hapag-Lloyd cruises are ultra-luxury and generally sold in Euros. The Great Lakes 12-day trip in 2025 was priced from approximately €15,000 per person (around USD $17,000) for an entry-level cabin? with higher suite categories going well above $30,000. Fares included all excursions (Zodiac outings, guided hikes, etc.), beverages, and gratuities. Because Hapag-Lloyd targets a German/European clientele, many bookings are through European travel agencies; however, North American travelers can book via Hapag-Lloyd’s US reps or luxury cruise agencies. Budget category: Clearly, Hapag-Lloyd is top-tier – it serves the same luxury segment as Ponant and Viking, but with a heavier expedition slant and German flair.

Themed Experiences: The theme is “wilderness and history” for this voyage?. Guests will experience the raw nature of the Great Lakes – from cruising alongside cliffs and pine forests in Lake Superior to possibly witnessing migrating raptors at Duluth’s Hawk Ridge (a known birding spot)?. At the same time, there is historical context: the cruise explores how these “inland seas” shaped commerce and culture. One unique aspect is the bilingual enrichment, which attracts many European travelers to discover North America’s interior. All lectures, daily programs, and even shore excursions are conducted in two languages, fostering a cultural exchange on board. There’s also a nod to the technical marvel of the Great Lakes – the itinerary highlights the Welland Canal (nearly 100 m elevation change through 8 locks) as a “nautical masterpiece”?

Evenings on the Hanseatic Inspiration might include live piano music in the lounge or astronomy sessions on deck (the ship can provide high-end binoculars for stargazing in the clear Lake Superior skies). By day 12 when you arrive in Milwaukee, you’ll have literally experienced “American Dream: all five lakes as one great experience”, as Hapag-Lloyd’s brochure proudly proclaims?

Verification: Hapag-Lloyd’s official cruise finder lists the Toronto–Milwaukee 26.09–08.10.2025 voyage with the tagline “all five lakes as one great experience” and specific highlights like Zodiac landings on Lake Superior and Welland Canal transit?

This press info confirms the ship, dates, and general routing. Additionally, travel partners like Noble Caledonia echo this itinerary, advertising the Wilderness & History on the Great Lakes trip for late Sept 2025 with departure from Toronto.?

Pricing was gleaned from Hapag-Lloyd’s published fares (in 2024 a similar cruise started at €14,290), which convert to the mentioned dollar range.

St. Lawrence Cruise Lines – Canadian Empress (66-passenger)

Itineraries & Routes: Rounding out the Great Lakes region offerings is St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, a Canadian company operating a single charming riverboat, Canadian Empress. While it doesn’t cross all five Great Lakes, it cruises the interconnected waterways of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, including the Thousand Islands region. These heritage cruises are much shorter (4 to 7 nights) and budget-friendly compared to the ocean-going lines above. They appeal to those interested in river travel and local history. Examples of 2025 itineraries (all round-trip or one-way from Kingston, Ontario) are:

• 5-Day “Upper River Expedition” (Kingston ? Ottawa): Travels the St. Lawrence River from Kingston upriver through the 1000 Islands and the scenic St. Lawrence Seaway locks to Canada’s capital city Ottawa via the Ottawa River. Ports include Gananoque, Brockville, and a transit of the 1000 Islands, with tours of riverside attractions (like Boldt Castle or Upper Canada Village)
• 7-Day “Canadian Connection” Cruises: These 6-night sailings connect Kingston and Quebec City (Eastbound) or Kingston and Ottawa/Montreal (Westbound). For example, one itinerary might go Kingston to Montreal with stops in Brockville, Cornwall, and Trois-Rivières, allowing visits to sites like Fort Wellington and Montreal’s Old Port?. Another version heads westward on the Ottawa River to the nation’s capital. These routes often include both Lake Ontario (Kingston area) and the St. Lawrence River, technically bringing passengers onto one of the Great Lakes (Ontario) as well as the historic river corridor.
• 1000 Islands & Heritage Cruishttps://www.stlawrencecruiselines.com/cruises/heritage-waterway-summer-cruise/es (4–6 nights): St. Lawrence Cruise Lines also offers shorter round-trips from Kingston that focus on the picturesque 1000 Islands (on Lake Ontario’s outlet). These might be 4-night “Discover the River” sailings featuring leisurely explorations of small islands, lakeside mansions, and perhaps a visit to Singer Castle or a local winery. A 6-night “Canada’s Capital” cruise loops Kingston–Ottawa with guided tours in both Ottawa and Kingston, combining urban sightseeing with river scenery?.

Ships & Onboard: Canadian Empress is a petite replica steamboat-style ship, only 33 meters long, with a vibe reminiscent of a cozy B&B. There are just 32 cabins, furnished in a quaint colonial décor (brass beds, floral patterns). Don’t expect elevators or balconies – this is an old-fashioned river cruiser. The mood on board is very casual and friendly, often with nightly entertainment like local musicians or trivia games in the lounge. Meals highlight homemade-style cooking (think fresh walleye fish fry or roast beef dinners), and the dress code is relaxed. The small size allows the Empress to dock in tiny ports and even tie up to lock walls for overnight stays. **Notably, this is the only overnight cruise vessel that travels the 1000 Islands and Ottawa River, so it’s a unique product for history buffs.

Because of its scale, Canadian Empress offers an up-close, nostalgic experience – you can feel the ship gently navigate the narrow locks of the historic Rideau Canal (on certain Ottawa routes) and pass under low bridges that larger ships could never transit. Expect narration from the captain about landmarks as you pass – e.g., pointing out shipwreck sites or famous cottages in the Thousand Islands. Passengers tend to be senior travelers and rail/cruise enthusiasts who enjoy the intimate atmosphere and the ship’s vintage character (the vessel is styled after a 1900s river steamer).

Pricing: St. Lawrence Cruise Lines represents the “budget” end of Great Lakes region cruising. 2025 rates for a 4-night cruise start at about $1,600 USD per person, and week-long cruises run roughly $2,800–$3,500 per person, depending on cabin choice?

These fares include all meals and daily guided excursions (like city tours by bus). Compared to the big Lake cruises, the cost per night (~$400–$500) is quite accessible. They also frequently run spring discounts (10% off early-season departures)?

One thing to note: cabins are small and vintage (few modern luxuries), which is part of the charm but also reflective of the lower price.

Themed Experiences: Every St. Lawrence cruise is steeped in local history and lore. The company proudly calls their product “Canadian River Cruising”, focusing on the heritage of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Themes include the Rideau Canal’s engineering (on Ottawa itineraries, guests transit a series of 19th-century locks, a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the War of 1812 history (the Kingston to Brockville stretch is rich with historical sites). The crew often don period costumes for a fun “Riverlorian” lecture, and shore excursions might include a visit to a heritage canal museum or a fortified Martello Tower in Kingston. Nature is also a draw – the 1000 Islands region is known for birdlife and beautiful shorelines, so there’s a gentle nature theme on every cruise (sunrise deck yoga or an evening sunset sail through a quiet bay are common highlights). The small scale means a very personal touch: the captain might join you on a shore walk, and the chef might incorporate freshly picked local produce from a market stop that day. In fall, their late September departures let you enjoy autumn colors in the river valleys as well.

Verification: St. Lawrence Cruise Lines publishes a detailed 2025 schedule on their site? For instance, departure #2506 (May 19–25, 2025) is a Kingston to Quebec City “Canadian Connection East” – 6 nights, 7 days while #2512 (June 23–28) is “Canada’s Capital North” – Kingston to Ottawa, 5 nights?

These confirm the destinations served. Cruise industry news (e.g., QuirkyCruise) has also highlighted that St. Lawrence’s 2025 brochure is out, emphasizing their small-ship offerings and spring specials?. In the context of Great Lakes cruising, the Cruise the Great Lakes association includes St. Lawrence Cruise Lines as a member, acknowledging it as a regional cruise line operating in 2025??

FAQ About Great Lakes Cruises

Final Thoughts About Great Lakes Cruises

From April to December 2025, the Great Lakes will host an unprecedented variety of cruises – from budget-friendly river expeditions on the Canadian Empress to ultra-luxury adventures on Viking and Ponant’s high-tech ships. Travelers can choose classic history-themed routes (forts, falls, and cities) or go for wildlife and wilderness (zodiacs in hidden coves). Pricing spans a wide spectrum: “budget” options under $3,000, mid-range all-inclusive journeys around $7,000–$10,000 (Victory, Pearl Seas), and luxury expeditions $10,000+ (Viking, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd). Each cruise line’s published schedules, as detailed above, confirm that 2025 will be the most comprehensive Great Lakes cruise season ever – with every Great Lake accessible by cruise ship and themed voyages (history, nature, culinary, fall foliage) to suit every interest.

Sources: The information above is drawn from official 2025 cruise line brochures and reputable industry reports, including Great Lakes cruise specialist sites and press releases. For further reading and to verify specific details, please see the source URLs provided alongside each itinerary description? which link directly to cruise line publications and cruise industry news about the 2025 Great Lakes cruise programs.