St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes

Pre-Cruise: Milwaukee, WI

Pearl Seas Cruises custom Milwaukee Pre-Cruise Package provides you with a seamless way to experience the city and easily board the ship. Arrive the day before your cruise and Pearl Seas Cruises will handle the rest. The package includes a 1 night stay at the Drury Hotel, located in the heart of downtown, near many amazing attractions such as the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harley-Davidson Museum.

On the morning of your cruise enjoy breakfast and a guided Milwaukee Exploration. Travel through historic neighborhoods and popular attractions as your guide shares stories of the European immigrants who settled here and points out architectural highlights and cultural hot spots along the way. Complimentary Transfer to the ship the morning of embarkation are included for your convenience.

Pre-Cruise Packages must be reserved at least 30 days before your cruise date.

Day 1: Milwaukee, WI

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Milwaukee. There’s more to this city than beer and baseball. In addition to being home to ten Fortune 1000 company headquarters, Milwaukee is also known for its historic architecture, markets, international seaport, and variety of museums, including the Milwaukee Art Museum just steps away from our dock.

Day 2: Muskegon/ Holland, MI

From historic ships and lighthouses to the restored mansions built by Muskegon’s most famous lumber barons, delight in the history and scenery of this quaint Michigan town. Referred to as “The Riviera of the Midwest,” Muskegon has grown from a fur trading and lumbering town to a vibrant tourist destination. Explore the delightful town of Holland where hundreds of Dutch immigrants live and immerse yourself in its genuine Dutch culture.

Day 3: 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 4: Sault Sainte Marie, ON

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 5: 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 6: 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 7: Cruising the Great Lakes

As we make our way to Detroit, WI, 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: 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 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 several historic neighborhoods.

Day 9: 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 10: Day of Cruising

Today is a day to truly relax without a care in the world. Enjoy fascinating enrichment presentations and festive onboard activities. Savor fine meals and cocktails. Relax in one of the many spacious lounges or enjoy a gentle breeze on the sun deck as you read a book or chat with new friends.

Day 11: 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 12: Toronto, ON

Explore Toronto, first established as a Native American settlement and French fur trading post and now a vibrant metropolitan area. Within its impressive skyline, there are several cultural hotspots including art galleries, museums, and performance centers. Shoppers will delight in Queen Street West, where chic boutiques replaced this old warehouse area and Kensington Street, where retro-style abounds.

Day 13: Kingston, ON

Home to Ontario’s oldest public market, Kingston is a walkable city, where hidden alleyways showcase antique markets and quaint restaurant patios. Spend time perusing one of the many art galleries of the city, including the Agnes Etherington Art Center, featuring collections of modern and historic works of art. If you’re a lover of the outdoors, you can plan an afternoon at the Marshlands Conservation Area, located in Kingston’s west end. Enjoy fresh air, tranquil sounds, and any wildlife you might spot along the way as you walk the Rideau Trail. Kingston also hosts a variety of wineries, where you can part in tastings.

Day 14: Montreal

Montreal, known for its dynamic cultural scene, is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world and the most bilingual city in North America. Appointed a UNESCO City of Design in 2006, the city features a diversity of architecture, from 18th century Victorian-style stone buildings to modern, ultra-sleek skyscrapers. Visit Mont Royal (the “mountain”), a park which towers high above the city, before heading downtown to explore elegant boutiques, department stores, and shopping complexes. Discover Old Montreal, an area that displays some of North America’s most remarkable architecture with a concentration of 17th, 18th, and 19th-century buildings.

Day 15: Québec City, QC

Québec City is nestled beside the majestic St. Lawrence River, where enchanting old stone houses cozy up to great religious institutions built from the same stone. The old city is a sheer delight for history buffs with a diversity of architectural styles reminiscent of those in England and France. Walk along the streets of Old Québec, and enjoy the magnificent churches, fragrant gardens, and chic boutiques.

Day 16: Québec City, QC

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