9 Best Great Lakes Cruises for 2024-2025 (2024)

Fast Facts about the Great Lakes
There are five lakes that collectively comprise the largest freshwater system on the planet, known as the Great Lakes. By volume from largest to smallest, the lakes are:

• Lake Superior
• Lake Michigan
• Lake Huron
• Lake Erie
• Lake Ontario

Together, the Great Lakes store more than 20% of the world's freshwater, covering a surface area of 94,600 square miles; half of the water is in Lake Superior alone (or 3 quadrillion gallons!).

The Great Lakes split the border between Canada and the United States, but Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake that is entirely within the United States. Because of this, that means that the state of Michigan actually has the most coastline of freshwater of any state in the United States.

Best Cruise Ports in the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are home to big cities and small towns, and a cruise of the Great Lakes will acquaint you with both as you visit the most popular ports:

• Chicago
• Detroit
• Cleveland
• Niagara Falls (Port Colborne)
• Toronto
• Montreal
• Quebec City(Quebec)
• Mackinac Island
• Sault Ste. Marie
• Green Bay
• Muskegon

Thousand Islands at a Glance
Adventure seekers rejoice at all that Thousand Islands archipelago has to offer those hoping for a more active tour. The name "Thousand Islands" underestimates the some 1,800 islands that make up this chain in the St. Lawrence River between the U.S. and Canadian borders.

What was once a getaway for the elite in the 19th century, is now a great place for avid fishers, boaters, and outdoor explorers.

This makes for an exciting day on a cruise of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

Tell Me More about Niagara Falls
Between Lakes Erie and Ontario on the Niagara River, Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive natural attractions in all of the Americas. Visitors are stunned at the size and power of these waterfalls thundering over the edge.

There are three waterfalls that make up this network - the Horseshoe Falls (aka the Canadian Falls), the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Altogether, this is the largest waterfall by volume in all of North America and the strongest and most powerful waterfall in the entire world! Although not the tallest waterfall, a stunning every second, 3,160 tons of water flows over the falls: 75,750 gallons on the American side and 681,750 gallons per second over the Horseshoe Falls.

Because the water is eroding the rock behind it, Niagara Falls is actually the only world wonder that is moving slowly backwards every year.

Visitors can explore Niagara Falls by marveling at it from one of the many viewing decks over the Falls or even by taking a boat right into the mist beneath the Falls. Some tours go behind the Falls too!

What are the Soo Locks?
A marvel of modern engineering, the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan connect Lake Superior to the Lower Great Lakes through a set of parallel locks.

The Locks are maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers, who have nicknamed them the "Linchpin of the Great Lakes."

Experience the Soo Locks on any of our cruises visiting Sault Ste. Marie.

Get to Know Mackinac Island

Tucked between the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan, tiny Mackinac Island State Park is a great stop on a cruise through Lake Huron.

As you explore the winding trails, enjoy the pristine nature made up of virgin woods and limestone, including the Arch Rock limestone formation. The small island is also home to Fort Mackinac on the coast, dating back to 1780, and the Mackinac Art Museum. From cute shops to cozy cafes, Mackinac Island makes for a great day on any Great Lakes cruise.