Atop the central U.S. region, The Great Lakes beckon as vacation jewels in the heart of North America. The good news is that for 2026 and 2027, a portfolio of Great Lakes cruises offered by multiple, upscale small ships can deliver fabulous vacations close to home!
If you’re considering a Great Lakes cruise, you can choose from such cruise lines as Viking, Victory Cruise Lines, American Cruise Lines, Pearl Seas Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and others. “The choice of Great Lakes itineraries is also robust,” says Shelby Steudle, president, Pavlus Travel.
“Some touch all five Great Lakes,” she explains. “Others are more targeted and allow travelers to explore within a smaller geographic area. Talk with one of our professional personal travel planners about all the voyage options.”
(Shown above is American Cruise Lines’ new 130-passenger American Patriot, which will operate new, all-U.S. ports cruises within the Great Lakes in 2026. Photo by American Cruise Lines.)
New Development: All-U.S. Ports of Call
That said, one exciting, new development in late September 2025 is that American Cruise Lines (ACL) plans its first-ever new Great Lakes itineraries. They’ll sail between May and August 2026 on select dates.
What’s most notable is that these are entirely within the U.S. from start to finish. So, the big plus is that no U.S. passport is required for American guests. In addition, guests who sail on a roundtrip itinerary can actually drive to and from their ship.
But first, let’s learn a bit more about the Great Lakes, and “soak in” some fun factoids. Then, keep reading below as we outline ACL’s three new all-U.S. Great Lakes itineraries.
Great Lakes Cruises: Fun Factoids
Did you know that the five Great Lakes — Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, with a combined coastline of 10,000 miles — are the world’s largest group of lakes? It’s true. Interconnected by rivers and other waterways, they eventually flow into the St. Lawrence Seaway and eastward to the Atlantic Ocean.
But whether you’re seeking to explore a few or all of the Great Lakes, you’ll discover storied cities, fascinating small towns, rural landscapes and eco-attractions. For instance, the magnificent Niagara Falls, North America’s largest waterfall by flow rate, lies along the Niagara River between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
More Great Lakes Tidbits
- Collectively, the lakes represent 5,400 or so cubic miles of water. That’s a whopping 21 percent of the entire world’s fresh water, and some 84 percent of all surface water in North America.
- In fact, Lake Superior — the world’s largest freshwater lake at 31,700 square miles — contains 2,900 cubic miles of water. That’s more than the water in the other four lakes combined.
- Geographically, the northernmost lake area lies at approximately the same latitude as Paris, France. In contrast, the farthest southern lake area is comparable in latitude to Barcelona, Spain.
- From east to west, the Great Lakes cover an area of nearly 800 miles, while the lake region stretches just over 500 miles from north to south.
Urban, Quaint and Rural
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is the region’s largest city, but the crown for the largest metropolitan area goes to Greater Chicago, IL. Yet, the region also fields dramatic scenic beauty and many rural areas.
For instance, national parks that touch the lakes include Isle Royale and Indiana Dunes in the U.S. Within Canada, national parks include the Georgian Bay Islands, Thousand Islands and several others.
More fun facts:
- In some ways, the Great Lakes are akin to inland seas. They have ocean-like waves, currents and 35,000 islands.
- One quirky factoid? Lake Michigan’s shoreline has sand dunes soaring as high as 450 feet in certain locales.
- To avoid “going over” Niagara Falls, ships transit the man-made Welland Canal. It’s an 11-hour journey with eight locks.
- The lakes’ largest fish? That’s the sturgeon, weighing up to 300 pounds each and stretching up to 10 feet in length.
American Cruise Lines’ New U.S.-Only Itinerary
As for the new all-U.S. Great Lakes itineraries, “guests have long asked for our style of cruising on the Great Lakes,” says Charles B. Robertson, ACL’s president and CEO.” He added that the line is now proud to offer a new small-ship, 100-percent-domestic sailing within the region.
Guests will sail on the newest small ship in the U.S. market, the American-flagged, 130-passenger American Patriot. It launched in June 2025.
Without the need to cross borders, the new cruises are a completely unique experience apart from the journeys of all other cruise lines currently on the Lakes. Other ships must dock at ports intended for foreign ships and international entry.
In contrast, American Patriot will dock in the heart of small towns, city parks, and private marinas. Fully stabilized, the small ship is designed to provide a smooth ride.
Onboard public spaces on the small ship include a top deck lounge and walking track; a main restaurant with views from every seat; a casual cafe; chart room; fitness center and laundry room. In addition, guests will find elevators to all decks.
Another plus? The fares for all of ACL’s Great Lakes itineraries include a pre-cruise hotel stay and complimentary domestic airfare.
Great Lakes Cruises: Three New ACL Itineraries
ACL is offering two new, nine-day itineraries, plus a 14-day option. One nine-day “Great Lakes & Thousand Islands” itinerary will visit the Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls, sailing from Oswego, NY, (near Syracuse) to Cleveland, OH.
Top highlights include:
- A visit to Boldt Castle, which was built starting in 1900, along a sailing exploration of the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands.
- Glass-bottom boat ride to view a Great Lakes shipwreck and the Rock Island Lighthouse.
- Sampling the region’s finest grapes at a Coyote Moon Vineyards tour and tasting.
- Visit to the Susan B. Anthony House & Museum.
- Incredible grandeur, mist and waterfall views at Niagara Falls, NY.
- A visit to an Amish-run cheese co-op and a special luncheon at Bricker’s Amish home.
- Narrated Cleveland city tour with visits to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Art Museum.
Departures for 2026 include May 22, May 29, June 5, and August 27, with more dates offered in 2027.
At press time, fares for all 2026 voyages began at $8,675 per person, double occupancy. For the May 22 departure, a single occupancy balcony stateroom was priced starting at $10,365. Contact a skilled personal travel planner to ensure you get everything you deserve — the best deal with personalized, top-notch service.
Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula
Another nine-night itinerary is the “Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula” roundtrip from Milwaukee, WI. Among the highlights are these:
- The beautiful waterfront city of Milwaukee, with extra time for local exploring during the included, pre-cruise hotel stay.
- Touring of a 19th century iron-making company town at the Fayette Historic Townsite.
- Opportunities to learn about Escanaba’s rich history at local museums, view church steeples, and taste local flavors including authentic Swedish pastries.
- A visit to the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WI; it features more than 70 historic locomotives and interactive exhibits.
- A trolley ride through picturesque Muskegon with stops along Lake Michigan’s beachfront, visits to historic lighthouses, and exploring the USS Silverside Submarine Museum.
- Docent-led tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum, including extra time to enjoy the gift shop and restaurant.
Cruises are offered in 2026 aboard American Patriot on June 24, July 1, August 1 and August 8. Fares begin at $8,675 per person, double occupancy. A single balcony cabin on the August 8 sailing was $10,365.
“Talk with a skilled personal travel planner to pick the best accommodations for your travel style and ask about other date options in 2027, says Pavlus Travel’s “Steudle. “We’ll also ensure that you get the best pricing — guaranteed. And one of our top-notch planners will provide you with personalized service and manage your booking.
Great Lakes Cruises: A Two-Week Sailing
If you’re instead seeking a more robust, two-week-long Great Lakes vacation, ACL is offering the 14-day “American Great Lakes.” This voyage will travel 800 miles through Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
Sailing between Cleveland, OH, and Milwaukee, WI, the ship will take guests to urban centers, lovely small towns and rural areas of the magnificent lake region. Among the voyage highlights are these:
- A visit to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, MI, or perhaps other Detroit area attractions — the Detroit Institute of Art, Greenfield Village or the Motown Museum.
- Exploration of a shipwreck in Alpena, MI.
- A narrated tour along the St. Mary’s River including a ride through the Soo Locks.
- Horse-drawn carriage ride and a visit to the iconic Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, MI.
- A Silver Lake Sand Dunes ride with a visit to a Michigan winery in Muskegon, MI.
- Beachside activities on Lake Michigan, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and kite surfing.
- A stroll through the Frederik Meijer Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park.
- Visit to the only authentic Dutch windmill in quaint Holland, MI, and lunch at Bowerman’s Blueberry Farms.
- Exploration and views of powerful “hogs” at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
- A visit to Cleveland’s incredible Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
- And much more!
More “American Great Lakes” Details
At press time, fares for this two-week “American Great Lakes” vacation began at $14,270 per person, double occupancy. Private-balcony staterooms range from luxurious suites to single accommodations available without a supplement.
Departures are on June 12, July 8, July 20 and August 15, 2026, with more dates available in 2027.
Each new ACL Great Lakes itinerary includes a pre-cruise hotel stay, domestic air, onboard enrichment, and daily guided excursions. Fares also include fine cuisine, cocktails, Wi-Fi and gratuities on board the ship.
Great Lakes Cruises: A World of Choices
But whether you prefer one of these new ACL Great Lakes cruises or those from another line that call at both U.S. and Canadian ports, talk with your personal travel planner to ascertain what’s best for your personal needs and style of of travel.
Top lines such as Viking or Windstar, to name just a few, for instance, call within both countries. And for those readers now saying, “Well, I’ve already done a Great Lakes cruise,” Steudle suggests keeping this in mind: “Many Great Lakes itineraries have new activities for guests to do ashore or newly added port destinations to visit. So, travelers may not have experienced those on a past voyage.”
Among the new itineraries that call at both the U.S. and Canada is Viking’s 10-day “Great Lakes Treasures” cruise. Since it operates roundtrip from Milwaukee, WI, guests can also drive to that embarkation point, if desired, rather than take flights.
If you’re interested in this Viking itinerary, be sure to book it now through October 31, 2025. Why? If it’s booked by that date, guests will receive free airfare, reduced fares and the need for only a $25 deposit.
At press time, “Great Lakes Treasures” fares started at $7,995 per person, double occupancy.
Great Lakes Voyages: Closer to Home
For most U.S. travelers, the Great Lakes region is closer to home when considering transit time to other inland waterways across the globe. That offers greater ease of travel pre- and post-cruise.
And for those Americans traveling on the new ACL U.S.-only itineraries, having no need for a U.S. passport certainly opens up the region to additional travelers.
Pavlus’ Steudle puts it simply: “Let us help you select the perfect Great Lakes itinerary for you in 2026 or 2027. It’s certainly a fascinating region with much to explore. Just use the contact information below to get started. And remember, with Pavlus, you won’t pay any service fee.”
Important Information from Pavlus Travel
