Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cruises
Five inland seas, two countries and a string of locks, by small ship.
Get Free US River Cruise QuotesThe Great Lakes are not a river, but they are cruised the way rivers are: by small ships that call at towns big ships cannot reach. Five lakes, two countries, the St. Lawrence River and a string of locks make this one of the fastest-growing small-ship regions in North America.
Highlights
Mackinac Island
No cars, just bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, between Lakes Michigan and Huron.
The Soo Locks
At Sault Ste. Marie, lifting ships between Lake Huron and Lake Superior.
Thousand Islands
Islands, castles and summer homes where Lake Ontario becomes the St. Lawrence.
Niagara Falls
Visited on excursions while ships transit the Welland Canal.
Lake Superior
The north shore and Duluth, Minnesota, on some longer voyages.
Big lake cities
Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cleveland and Toronto.
Who Sails the Great Lakes
- American Cruise Lines joined in 2026 with the 130-guest American Patriot: Great Lakes & Thousand Islands, Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula, and a 14-day American Great Lakes voyage.
- Viking sails expedition ships such as the 378-guest Viking Octantis on Great Lakes voyages.
- Pearl Seas Cruises sails the Pearl Mist, in its 12th Great Lakes season in 2026, with St. Lawrence and Maritimes voyages too.
- Ponant brings French expedition yachts, including Le Champlain.
- Victory Cruise Lines, relaunched in 2025, has sailed small ships between Chicago and Toronto.
- St. Lawrence Cruise Lines runs the small Canadian Empress on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers on the Canadian side.
Season and Tips
The Great Lakes season runs from late spring to early autumn, with the warmest weather in July and August and fall color starting in late September. The lakes can be choppy — unlike a river, there is open water — so if you are prone to seasickness, mention it. Expect cool evenings even in summer.
Ship Size Matters More Here
Great Lakes ships range from very small vessels of under a hundred guests to expedition ships carrying several hundred. The difference shows up in the ports: the smallest ships can call at little harbor towns, while larger ships favor cities with deeper berths. Smaller ships also feel more of the lake’s motion on a windy day. If you want Mackinac Island, the Soo Locks and the Thousand Islands on one trip, ask us which itineraries include all three — not every voyage does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Great Lakes cruises go into Canada?
Many do, calling in Ontario or sailing the St. Lawrence. Bring a passport or other approved travel document for any itinerary that crosses the border.
How do ships get around Niagara Falls?
Through the Welland Canal, a series of locks between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Ships often stop nearby so guests can visit the falls.
Do Great Lakes cruises sell out?
Often. Ships are small and the season is short, so peak summer dates can fill well ahead. Ask about the following year early.
Get Quotes for the Great Lakes
Tell us your month, how many are traveling and the ship size you prefer. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare the lines sailing the Great Lakes and send free quotes.
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