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Admire the stunning views of Lake Superior

Great Lakes - Wilderness and History on vast Lake Backdrops

Toronto to Milwaukee - Example 13 Day Cruise aboard Hanseatic Inspiration
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Relax on a on a 13-day cruise through the enchanting landscapes of the Great Lakes. Sail the majestic Lake Erie, conquering locks with heights rivaling Niagara Falls. Navigate Parry Sound's scenic water labyrinth and discover the captivating Thirty Thousand Islands. Witness the pristine beauty of Killarney and conquer the world's largest lock system at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. Visit Mackinac Island, a car-free paradise with Victorian mansions and Fort Mackinac. Cruise to Milwaukee, where industrial history and the American dream come alive on Lake Michigan.
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Lake SuperiorExplore the picturesque shoreline of Lake SuperiorViews on Mackinac IslandAdmire the stunning views of Lake Superior
Highlights
  • American dream: all five lakes as one great experience
  • Embark on lock adventures, witnessing nautical masterpieces in the Welland Canal and Sault Ste. Marie Canal.
  • Visit Sault Ste. Marie Canal's world's largest lock system
  • Experience new dream landscapes daily, featuring skerries, islands, waterfalls, cliffs, and lighthouses
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Toronto | Lake Ontario | Embark

Embark on your ship in Toronto.

Day 2: Cruise on Lake Erie

Explore the Great Lakes, covering 244,000 km². Sail through eight locks, conquering almost 100 m of height—equivalent to Niagara Falls. HANSEATIC inspiration effortlessly navigates the challenging Welland Canal with retractable bridge wings. Experience this lock adventure firsthand on open deck areas, offering the best views for your Lake Erie cruise.

Day 3: Windsor

Departing Windsor, savor an unobstructed view of Detroit's skyline, the former "Motor City." Delve into the diverse facets of Detroit with insights from on-board experts, whose knowledge mirrors the variety of shores you'll explore.
 

Day 4: Tobermory | Lake Huron

Absorb captivating background details as your Lake Huron cruise unfolds towards Tobermory, a charming fishing village. Create lasting memories amidst idyllic bays, deep-green forests, and limestone coastlines. Explore the Bruce Trail at your own pace for an enriching experience.
 

Day 5: Parry Sound

Navigate a scenic water labyrinth to Parry Sound with HANSEATIC inspiration. Explore town and lakeshore via marine trails or opt for a boat trip through the Thirty Thousand Islands. Marvel at the archipelago's diversity—emerging islands, narrow channels, and imposing cliffs. Alternatively, seize unforgettable panoramas in Killbear Provincial Park, where pink granite banks and autumnal forests blend into majestic scenery.

Day 6: Killarney

Discover the pristine beauty of the islands around Killarney, a crown jewel in wild, unspoiled nature reminiscent of the time of the first trappers. This El Dorado for nature lovers is best explored individually.

Day 7: Sault Ste. Marie Canal

Embark on an exciting adventure through the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, featuring the world's largest lock system, the Soo Locks—a marvel of engineering. For around 150 years, this system has allowed huge container ships, including the small HANSEATIC inspiration, to navigate a change in height of approximately 6 m (20 ft) between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. Be an on-deck observer of the maneuvers unfolding during this remarkable passag.
 

Day 8: Thunder Bay | Lake Superior

On Lake Superior, Canada’s Thunder Bay welcomes you with spectacular coastal landscapes. Marvel at the “Niagara Falls of the north”, where the water plunges down around 40 m (131 ft), when you visit historic Fort William and the Kakabeka Falls*. A hiking adventure in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park* will have you climbing a flat-topped mountain ridge with dramatic granite cliffs.


*The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are discussed in the planning stage. Subject to change.

Day 9: Lake Superior

Cruising along the northern shore of Lake Superior, you can relax and enjoy the panoramic view or learn interesting details about the First Nations from the team of experts on board before your small ship passes the locks again at Sault Ste. Marie.

Day 10: Sault Ste. Marie, USA

In Sault Ste. Marie , in-depth insights into the city’s history await you. Sault Ste. Marie is not only divided by a river, but also by the state border between Canada and the US.

Day 11: Mackinac Island | Lake Huron

Mackinac Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the US. In the 17th century, European explorers came to the island that was inhabited by people of the Odawa tribe. Soon Mackinac Island occupied a strategically important position as a trading centre for the fur trade in the Great Lakes region. The British built Fort Mackinac on the island during the American War of Independence. Discover Victorian mansions and the 19th-century Grand Hotel on foot, by bike and on a horse-drawn carriage ride, as the island is car-free to this day.

Day 12: Fayette | Lake Michigan

In the 19th century, Fayette drove industrialization with one of the most productive iron smelters at the time. If the authorities grant permission, you can learn more about what it was like working at the blast furnaces and about life in the historic wooden buildings. By the time you reach Lake Michigan, your personal American dream will have come true in Milwaukee. 

Day 13: Milwaukee | Lake Michigan | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Ship/Hotel

Hanseatic Inspiration

Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag-Lloyd)

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$10,300 2-3 travelers
Category 1: Outside
Heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service. Dimension: 22/237 ft²
Category 2: Panoramic
Heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service. Dimension: 21/226 ft²
Category 3: French Balcony
Heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service Dimension: 21/23m²
Category 4: Balcony
Modern and luxurious rooms with heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and a fully accessible layout in cabin and equipment Dimension: 27 m²/291 ft², including private balcony (5 m²/54 ft²)
Category 5: French Balcony
Heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, complimentary mini bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service Dimension: 21/23m²
Category 6: Balcony
Modern and luxurious rooms with heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and a fully accessible layout in cabin and equipment Dimension: 27 m²/291 ft², including private balcony (5 m²/54 ft²)
Category 7: Balcony
Modern and luxurious rooms with heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and a fully accessible layout in cabin and equipment Dimension: 27 m²/291 ft², including private balcony (5 m²/54 ft²)
Category 8: Balcony
Modern and luxurious rooms with heated bathroom walls, a refreshing rain shower, a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks, a convenient coffee machine, separable beds, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic Walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and a fully accessible layout in cabin and equipment Dimension: 27 m²/291 ft², including private balcony (5 m²/54 ft²)
Category 9: Junior Suite
The cabin boasts a separate living/sleeping area, a distinct dining area, panoramic views from the sleeping space, separable beds, TVs in both living and sleeping areas, a bathroom with two sinks and a rain shower, a separate toilet, a steam sauna in the shower area, a heated wall for towels, a free mini bar, a coffee machine, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, and the convenience of a table reservation in the main restaurant along with personalized butler service. Dimension: 42 m²/452 ft², including private balcony (6 m²/65 ft²)
Category 10: Grand Suite
The cabin features a separate living/sleeping area, dining space, panoramic sleeping views, separable beds, dual TVs, a veranda with space heaters, a daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower, and veranda access, along with amenities like a steam sauna, heated bathroom wall, separate toilet, free mini bar, coffee machine, extensive infotainment, binoculars, Nordic walking poles, 24-hour cabin service, butler service, and the convenience of a table reservation in the main restaurant, plus the freedom to choose a Zodiac group for your excursions. Dimensions: 71 m²/ 764 ft², including private veranda (16 m²/ 172 ft²)
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard gratuities
  • International gourmet cuisine – full board
  • All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
  • Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise
  • Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
  • Extensive sports program: fitness area with ocean view, course program, additional sports activities onshore depending on the destination
  • Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkeling equipment
  • OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area
  • Welcome champagne, mini bar restocked daily with a selection of soft drinks coffee machine, 24-hour cabin service
  • Internet free of charge for one hour per guest and day; service depends on satellite positioning, especially in polar regions)
  • Comprehensive pre-cruise information
  • Harbour and airport fees
  • Cancellation fee insurance
  • German- and English-speaking ship and expedition management as well as mostly German- and English-speaking service crew
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional selection of spirits in the Junior and Grand Suites
  • Spa treatments and Hairdresser
  • Personal training for sports program
  • The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are discussed in the planning stage. Subject to change.

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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