2024-2025 Pearl Seas Cruises - Great Lakes Cruise (2024)

​Day 1 - Embarkation Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Day 2 - Muskegon/Holland, Michigan
Day 3 - Mackinac Island, Michigan
Day 4 - Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario
Day 5 - Little Current, Ontario
Day 6 - Parry Sound, Ontario
Day 7 - Midland, Ontario
Day 8 - Disembark Toronto, Ontario

Navigated Waterways Include:Lake Huron, Lake Michigan andthe GeorgianBay

BOOK NOW

REQUEST MORE INFORMATION

Purchasing the Milwaukee Pre-Cruise Package is a seamless way to experience the city and easily board the ship. Arrive the day before your cruise and Pearl Seas Cruises will take care of the rest. Please call yourGreat Lakes Cruise Specialist at least 30 days before your cruise for pricing and availability at 1-888-756-9008.

Pre-Cruise Package includes: 1 night hotel stay, in the heart of downtown near many amazing attractions such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harley-Davidson Museum. The morning of the cruise enjoy breakfast and a guided Milwaukee Tour through historic neighborhoods and popular attractions. Complimentary Transfer to the ship the morning of embarkation is also included in the Pre-Hotel Package Stay.

Milwaukee is known for its beers and its baseball, but this Great Lakesport has even more to offer. Explore downtown'sHistoric Third Ward,the city'sarts and fashion district and home of the Milwaukee Public Market. Take a stroll along the Riverwalk and soak up this unique waterfront neighborhood.The Milwaukee Art Museum is only steps away from the ship's dock.In the evening, don’t miss the closure of its 217-foot Burke Brise Soleil.

Excursion Experiences

​Churches & Chocolates

Note: Only available on cruises ending in Milwaukee, WI.

Grohmann Museum Exploration
​

Join your guide at the pier for a narrated journey to the Grohmann Museum, located at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Enjoy a guided exploration of the world’s most comprehensive art collection dedicated to the evolution of human work. The collection currently comprises more than 1,700 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper from 1580 to the present, documenting he evolution of organized work from manpower and horsepower to water, steam, and electrical power. Be sure to stop in at the gift shop.

Note: Only available on cruises ending in Milwaukee, WI

.

Milwaukee's Greatest Hits
You haven't seen Milwaukee until you've seen it through the eyes of a local! Visit the most randomly awesome and legendary spots that make Milwaukee famous on this fully narrated excursion complete with stories of the neighborhoods settled by Italian, Irish, Polish, and German immigrants. View the Milwaukee Art Museum to see the iconic white suspension bridge and Burke Brise Soleil meant to represent the sails of a ship. Learn about the North Point Lighthouse, visit the Pabst Mansion, and soak in the potato-potato-potato sounds when visiting a Wisconsin legend - the Harley Davidson campus and gift shop!

Note: Only available on cruises ending in Milwaukee, WI.

Muskegon is one of the most picturesque towns on Michigan's west coast, from the historic ships at port to its colorful lighthouses dotting the famous dunes. Nearby Holland offers a glimpse of Dutch culture in America, where artisans craft authentic Dutch ceramics, operate working windmills and carve wooden shoes.
​
Excursion Experiences

Sand Dunes & Wine Experience
​Experience the Silver Lake Sand Dunes like never before on a one-of-a-kind exploration on an open air dune scooter. Stop at the Lake Michigan shoreline for a quick visit and then drive to one of the tallest dunes on the Silver Lake for pictures and to enjoy the view.

Visit a Michigan winery, located on over 55 acres of land, where all wines are 100% sourced from the vineyard. No imported juice, and no imported flavors. Taste the delicious characteristics that arise from the unique climate of West-Central Michigan. Enjoy offerings that range from interpretations of classic European favorites to 21st century offerings that move wine style into the future. Lunch at a local eatery is included.

Downtown Trolley & Lakeshore Exploration
Board the Muskegon, Michigan Trolley that circles the historic downtown throughout the day. Local guides will share stories of the public art, local museums, craft markets, and beautiful Victorian homes. Learn about the history of Muskegon and its people including Muskegon's rise to prominence during the lumber era. Visit local points of interest, including breathtaking Queen Anne style Victorian mansions, a historic train depot, the Fire Barn Museum, the Muskegon Museum of Art, the Heritage Museum of Business & Industry, and many more.
​

Best of Muskegon & Holland Day Adventure
Take a ride through the Heritage District and admire historic homes, great architecture, and picturesque gardens. Tour the LST 393 World War Landing, a ship that traveled to the shores of Normandy and now honors its patriotic past as a museum. Stop at the Muskegon Heritage Museum and view displays of products manufactured in Muskegon, including an original Raggedy Ann Doll, a working steam engine, bowling pins, and more. Journey to Holland, home to the only authentic Dutch windmill in the U.S., and enjoy its genuine Dutch culture which has existed since the original Dutch immigrants arrived.

The Holland Experience
As you venture to the charming town of Holland, a local guide will provide engaging commentary about this remarkable destination. Upon arrival, enjoy independent exploration of downtown. Participate in a self-guided historic audio tour and peruse the over 100 unique boutiques and shops. After, enjoy a driving exploration of Centennial Park, a beautiful Victorian style park, where you can viewThe Wizard of Ozliving mosaic, as well as 7-life size bronze statutes. Learn about the park, as well as the rich history of the town, as you drive through the beautiful campus of Hope College. Immerse yourself in Holland’s Dutch heritage on a visit to Windmill Island Gardens. Wander through the botanical garden and explore 5 floors of the de Zwaan Windmill, which still turns and grinds grain into flour to this day. On the drive back to the ship, use your newly obtained knowledge, while playing town trivia, complete with prizes. Your guide will also share some gifts with all guests as well as a short video on Tulip Time from the town’s very own Mayor.

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.

Excursion Experiences

Soo Locks Boat Adventure
​Enjoy a live narrated cruise on the beautiful St. Marys River and actually "Ride through the Soo Locks." Learn the rich 300-year-old history of the area and the story behind the locks as you view many interesting sites along the Michigan and Ontario shorelines. Travel under the International Highway Bridge that connects Soo, Michigan and Soo, Ontario, Canada. Get an up-close view of the over 100-year-old Hydroelectric Power Plant, still operating today to supply electricity to local residents.

Paddle and Learn: Interpretive Indigenous Guided Kayak Tour
Embark on an awe-inspiring half-day kayaking through the picturesque waters of Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario). Navigate the serene St. Mary's River towards the scenic Bellevue Park, marveling at the captivating landscapes that unfold before you. Our seasoned guides, well-versed in indigenous culture, will accompany you on this enriching expedition, imparting their wisdom about the local ecosystem, traditions, and history. As you traverse the waterways, keep an eye out for magnificent wildlife such as bald eagles and blue herons while learning about the area's significance to Indigenous communities.Discovering Whitefish Island: An Indigenous Lead Interpretive Walking
Join us on an Interpretive Indigenous guided exploration of Whitefish Island, located in the heart of Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario). Led by knowledgeable and experienced indigenous guides, enjoy a journey through the island's rich history and learn the significance to the local communities. Learn about the traditional uses of the island, the native flora and fauna, and the importance of preserving its cultural and ecological heritage. Listen to traditional hand drum songs and taste fresh bannock and cedar tea with locally harvested maple syrup.

Discovering Whitefish Island: An Indigenous Lead Interpretive Walking
Join us on an Interpretive Indigenous guided exploration of Whitefish Island, located in the heart of Baawaating (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario). Led by knowledgeable and experienced indigenous guides, enjoy a journey through the island's rich history and learn the significance to the local communities. Learn about the traditional uses of the island, the native flora and fauna, and the importance of preserving its cultural and ecological heritage. Listen to traditional hand drum songs and taste fresh bannock and cedar tea with locally harvested maple syrup.
​
Sault Sainte Marie Shuttle
Explore Sault Sainte Marie at your own pace using the local shuttle. Visit key attractions for photo opportunities and self-exploration.

Stops include:

• Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site- Visitors will be greeted at the Heritage Discover Centre, where they will be watch a short introductory movie which provides an overview of the site and its significance to the area. After, a heritage guide will entertain you with "stories steeped in stone." As you explore the 2 oldest stone buildings Northwest Ontario, as well as the heritage gardens and the grounds surrounding them, listen to the tales of early Canadian settlers. Take time to peruse the gift shop, where you will find souvenirs, including local artisan works.
• Bushplane Museum- The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is a hands on museum with 29 vintage bush planes, 4 of which you can climb aboard. Enjoy the award-winning 22 minute movie, Wildfires, as well as a flight simulator in the famous Beaver plane that will take you on 3 short flights. Explore the onsite Entomica Insectarium to see some interesting insects which, like planes, have wings.
• Canal District- Once the site of a Pulp and Paper Mill, the turn of the century buildings, including a train station, have been turned into a wonderful community with multiple restaurants, shops, even an ice rink.
• Canal National Historic Site- Learn about the construction of the canal and the significance of the St. Marys River Rapids to the Anishinaabe and Métis Peoples in the new Visitor Centre located in the historic Stores Building. Enjoy the wonder of quiet woods and wetlands by foot on the site’s many trails. As you make your way to the St. Marys River Rapids, take in the spectacular views and discover the history of the Anishinaabe people.

Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world and Little Current is home to a rich history of first nation cultures and nautical exploration. Take a drive through Manitoulins'picturesque countryside or visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation to explore the history of the Anishinaabe peoples through the museum, gallery, smudging ceremonies and and intertribal dance & drum presentation.

Excursion Experiences

Art Experience: Minwaamdang (A Good Vision/Dream)
Learn the history of Odawa Mnis (Manitoulin Island) and Wiikwemkoong, as you make your way to Canada’s only officially recognized unceded territory. Your dedicated expert guide will share the story of the 1836 and so-called 1862 Treaty of Manitoulin Island, intrigue you with the local lore and legend of Zhibzhii - the underwater spirit, and touch upon Anishnaabek participation in domestic and foreign conflicts honoring our Ogitchidaa (Warriors/Veterans). Next meet and greet with world renowned Anishnaabek artist James Simon Mishibinijima. Enjoy a private viewing of his gallery, followed by an introduction by James who speaks about his career, his inspirations, and his artwork, most often with the theme of islands and water.

History Experience: Anishnaabe Aadziwin (The Anishnaabe Way of Life)
Learn the history of Odawa Mnis (Manitoulin Island) and Wiikwemkoong, as you make your way to Canada’s only officially recognized unceded territory. Your dedicated expert guide will share the story of the 1836 and the so-called 1862 treaty of Manitoulin Island, intrigue you with the local lore and legend of Zhibzhii - the underwater spirit, and touch upon Anishnaabek participation in domestic and foreign conflicts honoring our Ogitchidaa (Warriors/Veterans). Next travel to Holy Cross Mission ruins, the site of a Roman Catholic Parish church in the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Reserve, north-eastern Manitoulin island. End your journey, with an introduction to the residential school system specific to Odawa Mnis. Along the way, enjoy interactive drum and song performance, as well as storytelling.

Parry Sound is a picturesque port town on the shores of Georgian Bay.Its beautiful beaches, parks, and trails are part of the Georgian BayBiosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO for its extraordinary terrestrial and marine biodiversity. The region'sProvincial Parks offer opportunities forcanoeing and kayaking, hiking, fishing, and nature trails. Hockey legend Bobby Orr hails from Parry Sound,which celebrates their home-town hero at theBobby Orr Hall of Fame.

Excursion Experiences

Kayak Georgian Bay
Led by experienced and friendly guides, paddle along the calm and serene waters of Georgian Bay, taking in the picturesque scenery around you. From rugged rock formations to peaceful coves, explore the natural beauty of the area at a leisurely pace, perfect for beginners or those who have never kayaked before. Stop for breaks to take in the views and enjoy light refreshments at the end of your exploration.

​Parry Sound Waterfront Tour on Electric Bikes
A guided e-bike ride is the perfect way to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the town of Parry Sound. A local guide will provide you with a narrated experience along the town's bicycle trails. Pass by the main downtown strip and follow the shoreline of Georgian Bay. Along the way, discover the town's history, landmarks, and industries. Further down the trail, you will learn about local plants, reptiles, migratory birds and other species at risk. Finish your excursion at Parry Sound Bikes, formerly the old fire hall, with the option to be escorted to the ship or explore downtown on your own.

Georgian Bay Island Queen Cruise

Midland serves as the gateway to Georgian Bay's stunning archipelago. The area is the ancestral homeland of the Huron-Wendat, the "people of the island," who called their land Wendake, "the land apart." French Jesuits arrived in the early 1600s, and built a mission, Sainte-Marie-among-the-Hurons, which today can be visited to explore the history of Wendat and French Jesuit settlements. The natural wonders of the region are accessible at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre, which provides habitat for the iconic trumpeter swan, native to the region and the symbol of Midland.

Excursion Experiences

Culinary Walking Exploration
A local guide will meet you at the ship to take you on a fun-filled afternoon sipping and tasting delicious, local fare in beautiful downtown Midland. Savor a curated lineup of food and drink from 6+ local culinary spots. Learn about the area's rich heritage and culture, and discover the stories behind Midland's murals, public art, and unique shops. On the day of your tour dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and be sure to arrive hungry! Dietary Note: Tastings can be vegetarian, but unfortunately not vegan, gluten or nut-free. All participants must sign a waiver.

Martyrs Shrine
​Discover how the story of this shrine is an integral part of the collective history of Canadians. Learn about the Martyrs and their relations with the Indigenous peoples of the 17th century. Explore the grounds with a wide variety of beautiful outdoor spaces including forest, gardens, pathways, devotional spaces, and open lawn.

​Saint-Marie-Among-the-Hurons
Follow in the footsteps of the first Europeans in Ontario with a visit to the 17th-century French Jesuit Mission headquarters. Here, the story of the first interaction between the native people and the Europeans is recreated with interactive educational exhibits. Led by our expert guide, explore a replica of the barracks, homes, and meeting places that housed the Jesuits and learn about their fascinating history.