Great Lakes Explorer (15-day)

Day 1: Toronto, ON

For those guests who wish to start their cruise in style, we are offering a brand new Signature Pre-Cruise Package at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. Enjoy a 1-night stay at this renowned 5-star hotel, located in the heart of Toronto’s exclusive Yorkville neighborhood.

On the morning of your cruise, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, followed by a Toronto City Excursion. Discover the picturesque landmarks that make Toronto one of the most sensational places to visit in Canada. Explore the Saint Lawrence Markets, Chinatown, the Distillery District, and the renowned Fashion District.

The excursion concludes at the ship, where all of your luggage will be waiting for you in your onboard stateroom. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise out of the harbor as you begin your amazing journey with us.

Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date. Please call 1-888-815-5428 for pricing and availability.

Day 2: Niagara Falls, ON

World-famous Niagara Falls stands 165 feet tall and is comprised of three waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. These famous falls are shared by both Ontario and New York which are connected by the Rainbow Bridge. Our local guide will show you the best vantage points and will explain the importance the falls once had to Native Americans and fur traders.

Day 3: Cleveland, OH

Cleveland is a city made up of dozens of diverse and eclectic neighborhoods, with a lively downtown area that dazzles after dusk. Stroll through the historic West Side Market which features more than 80 family-owned businesses. View the tombstone of John D. Rockefeller, who is buried at the beautiful Lake View Cemetery. Explore the Cleveland Museum of Art, containing one of the most renowned art collections in the world.

In the Tremont neighborhood, visit the home where the famous movie A Christmas Story was filmed, and have a cold brew at a bar said to have been frequented by Eliot Ness, the famous crime fighter who brought down Al Capone. No trip to Cleveland is complete without a trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where you can view Michael Jackson’s white sequined glove, Jim Morrison’s boy scout uniform, and Elvis’ motorcycle.

Day 4: Detroit, MI

Detroit is commonly known as The Motor City, as Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler have been producing cars there for more than a century. Though, it’s equally famous as the birthplace of Motown Records, and for its many beloved sports teams.

Today, through its revitalization, Detroit has taken on a new appeal. From eye-popping street art and jazz clubs to vintage cars and impressive art deco architecture, the city is perfectly vibrant, progressive, and charming. Shop for art, jewelry, artisan crafts, and more at the Eastern Market, the largest historic public market district in the United States, dating back over 150 years. Visit the renowned Detroit Institute of Arts, a remarkable museum located in the heart of Midtown with more than 65,000 works. For some exercise, take a walk along The Dequindre Cut Greenway, a two-mile urban recreational path that offers a pedestrian link between the East Riverfront and historic neighborhoods.

Day 5: Midland, ON

Midland is the main town and economic center of the area located at the southern end of Georgian Bay’s Thirty Thousand Islands. Learn about the history of this fascinating city with a visit to Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, a living museum depicting 17th-century missionary life. Stroll along the Midland Harbor, a picturesque destination featuring a large statue of the trumpeter swan, considered the symbol of Midland. For bird lovers, the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is a habitat for Trumpeter Swans, Black Terns, and Least Bitterns.

Day 6: Parry Sound, ON

Located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay in Lake Huron, Parry Sound is a picturesque port town with charming cottages and spectacular views. Parry Sound is located inside the UNESCO designated Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. One of only 16 Biosphere Reserves in Canada, it is home to a variety of rare species of plants and animals. While ashore, explore Killbear Provincial Park, enjoy a scenic boat ride around the 30,000 islands, or take an aerial sightseeing tour.

Day 7: Day of Cruising

As we make our way to Mackinac Island, Michigan, witness the natural wonders and majestic beauty of the Great Lakes from the comfort of your fully furnished private balcony. Along the way, delight in the locally inspired cuisine prepared by our team of master chefs.

Day 8: Mackinac Island, MI

Mackinac Island is a living Victorian town where personal motorized vehicles are prohibited – all those visiting or living on the island travel by horse or horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or on foot. While Mackinac Island is known for its opulent Victorian homes and hotels, it has a long Native American history. Anishinabe-Ojibwe tradition holds that the island was a sacred place populated by the first people and was home to the Great Spirit Gitchie Manitou.

Day 9: Traverse City, MI

Traverse City is known nationally as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” as five of its counties make up the region that produces 40 percent of the annual tart cherry crop in the United States. Consistently voted one of America’s most charming small towns, it abounds in beautifully restored historic buildings, idyllic tree-lined neighborhoods, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Walk along the shoreline and admire the Grand Traverse Lighthouse one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Find your new favorite bottle of red, white, sparkling, or even cider on a visit to one of the local wineries. Stroll along Front Street in downtown, featuring a trove of independent bookstores, trendy boutiques, and a local distillery.

Day 10: Sault Sainte Marie, MI

Located at the mouth of Saint Mary’s River, Sault Saint Marie was originally established by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century. Saint Mary’s River connects Lake Superior to Lake Huron and has provided trade access between the United States and Canada for hundreds of years. The blend of the native Ojibwa with the French and English settlers resulted in the rich and diverse culture of this incredible destination.

Day 11: Marquette, MI

Lined with miles of Lake Superior shoreline, Marquette is the perfect city to explore Michigan’s pristine wilderness and scenic landscapes. Take a walk along one of its many pedestrian trails and admire the various historical lighthouses that adorn and protect its pristine shoreline.

Though area is known for its outdoor adventures, the arts and cultural scene is also very much alive, with an array of artists who invite you into their studios and galleries. Visit one of the area history museums, including the Iron Ore Heritage Museum, where you can learn about Marquette’s iron mining industry, which has flourished for more than 125 years.

Venture downtown to shop at chic boutiques, jewelry stores, and specialty shops. After, relax with a refreshment at one of the local breweries, wineries, or tap houses.

Day 12: Day of Cruising

Enjoy an afternoon aboard Pearl Mist, cruising the scenic Keweenaw Waterway. From the comfort of your private balcony, bask in the beauty of soaring sandstone cliffs, carved by glaciers, and sparkling spring waterfalls. Your onboard expert will provide commentary as we pass unique wildlife, historic lighthouses, and geological features that are over 1 billion years old.

Day 13: Thunder Bay, ON

Northwest Ontario’s largest city, Thunder Bay is a vibrant community surrounded by natural wonders, including thousands of square miles of Canadian wilderness and over 150,000 lakes and rivers. Explore the historic buildings and public art displays of Thunder Waterfront and North Core. Delight in a scenic drive to Kakabeka Falls, which means ‘waterfall over a cliff’ in Ojibwe and is also nicknamed the ‘Niagara of the North’ due to its size and accessibility. Venture to Fort William Historic Historical Park for a guided exploration of this living museum, featuring reconstructed buildings and historians dressed in period clothing.

Day 14: Duluth, MN

Located along the picturesque shores of Lake Superior, Duluth is the biggest inland harbor in the world, despite being 600 feet above sea level and over 2,000 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Both rugged and refined, the town is home to a world famous ariel lift bridge and charming neighborhoods filled with local breweries and restaurants.

Delve into its fascinating history with an exploration of the area’s many museums, including the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, which features immaculately restored locomotives, as well as exhibits that preserve, present, and interpret the history of railroading. Visit the famous 39-room Glensheen Mansion built with remarkable 20th-century craftsmanship, telling the story of the Duluth region. Later, discover dynamic works of art at The Duluth Art Institute.

Day 15: Duluth, MN

After breakfast on board, begin your journey home, reflecting upon the incredible experiences you’ve had and the wonderful new friends made.

Pearl Mist

The 210-guest Pearl Mist is one of the most comfortable cruising vessels in the world, providing an exceptional luxury experience in an intimate, relaxed setting. At more than 300 square feet, the large and gracefully appointed staterooms mirror those of a world-class hotel and surround you in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy spectacular views from your room’s large window or by stepping onto your private balcony.

More information on the Pearl Mist …