The Great Lakes, known as the "inland seas" of North America, have attracted more attention from cruise enthusiasts. Estimates suggest that the cruise program will attract 175,000 visitors in 2026, representing a 15% increase compared to 2025.
Diversity of the Cruise Fleet
The fleet of cruise ships in the Great Lakes includes international companies such as Ponant Cruises from France, Hapag-Lloyd from Germany, and Viking with Norwegian roots based in Switzerland, as well as American companies like Victory Cruise Lines and Pearl Seas Cruises. This diversity of the fleet provides different and exciting experiences for travelers.
Read more: The Flood of Celine Dion Fans in Paris Awaiting Her Return
Stephen Burnett, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Cruise Association, stated: "We have a strong mix of international cruise lines that provide an interesting balance of products and customers." This mix has also led to changes in the association's profile, with various languages including German, French, Italian, and Japanese being used alongside English in the association.
Unique Experiences for Travelers
The Great Lakes Cruise Association has an average of 30 "cruise-ready" ports, and each ship visits six or seven ports on a typical trip. Burnett added: "We look at this cruise season from two perspectives: business and customer satisfaction. It is very important for us to understand how people feel about the lakes."
Burnett also noted that guests are amazed by the vastness of the lakes, and many do not realize that these lakes are so large that when walking on the deck of the ship, they do not see any land. "These lakes are like vast inland oceans."
The cruise experience in the Great Lakes also includes a variety of programs offered on board. For example, a retired lawyer who is a political advisor to the Canadian government gives about 10 lectures on each trip. Topics such as the story of German submarines attacking small villages in Quebec during World War II are among the popular discussions.
Finally, Burnett emphasized the high safety of the Great Lakes, saying: "Nowhere in the world is as safe as the Great Lakes." The cruise association will hold a new event called "Great Lakes Cruising Sail Away" on May 4, 2027, in Toronto, which will be held annually at different ports.
Read more: The Death of Emma Bonino: A Symbol of Feminism in Italy Has Passed Away · Hamid Keshavarz Received the Amin-al-Zarb Medal in a Special Ceremony
