Cruise Dates:
June 19–26, 2010* (Toronto to Duluth)
June 26–July 3, 2010 (Duluth to Toronto)
July 3–10, 2010* (Toronto to Duluth)
July 10–17, 2010 (Duluth to Toronto)
July 17–24, 2010* (Toronto to Duluth)
July 24–31, 2010 (Duluth to Toronto)
August 28–September 4, 2010* (Toronto to Duluth)
September 4–11, 2010 (Duluth to Toronto)
September 11–18, 2010* (Toronto to Duluth)
September 18–25, 2010 (Duluth to Toronto)
* Rail/Cruise Option Available!
Close to home is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Nearly fifteen thousand years ago, the last of the great glaciers retreated, leaving us with the legacy of the Great Lakes. The lakes are unique, for although they are called lakes, they are in reality vast inland seas that comprise one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water. First used as a means of transport by Algonquin and Iroquois tribes, the lakes later became a thriving commercial hub and a heavily traveled waterway with the arrival of European settlers. More than fifty years ago, the Great Lakes were the busiest waterway in the world and North America's treasured summer destination. Today, travelers are rediscovering the charms of the vast, sweet water. On the shores of Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior, welcoming towns have changed little since the 19th century—in marked contrast to much of the North American continent—and warm summer breezes skim through the lush leaves of the woody, rocky coasts. Aboard the 100-guest Clelia II, with its combination of intimacy and elegance, we are pleased to revive the grandeur and pleasure of a classic Great Lakes cruise. On this unique itinerary, which sails between American and Canadian ports, travelers will thrill to the thundering of Niagara Falls, witness Native American culture on Manitoulin Island, enjoy Mackinac Island's bygone Victorian charms and revel in the pristine beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula, one of North America's most unspoiled regions. A highlight of our voyage will be transiting the many scenic waterways and locks that connect the Great Lakes as we sail the vast expanse between Lake Ontario and the western shores of Lake Superior.
Note Regarding Mackinac Island Visit:
We would like to advise passengers of a change pertaining to their visit to Mackinac Island. Although the cruise line had been assured by the Mackinac Island authorities that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol would certify the port to receive cruise ships, this clearance has not been granted as of now. However, passengers will be able to visit Mackinac Island from the port of Sault Ste. Marie. The ship will remain docked in Sault Ste. Marie while the staff operates a full day excursion from there to Mackinac Island. Passengers will spend most of the day on the island, enabling them to see all of its sights, and in addition, to have lunch at the historic Grand Hotel. We thank you for your understanding about this change, which was beyond our control.
| Day 1 | USA | TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA | EMBARK | LAKE ONTARIO Fly from the U.S. to Toronto's dynamic metropolis and the largest urban center in Canada. Overlooking the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada's leading cultural and financial center. Transfer to the port to board Clelia II and sail. |
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| Day 2 | PORT WELLER | WELLAND CANAL | NIAGARA FALLS | LAKE ERIE Arrive this morning at Port Weller, from where Clelia II begins the dramatic passage from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie via the Welland Canal. A series of seven locks designed as a continuous flight of "stairs" lifts Clelia II 324 feet over a distance of 27 miles. From the decks of the ship, witness the mechanics of this engineering marvel which took over 100 years to complete. An excursion leads to Niagara Falls, one of North America's most spectacular natural wonders, where we'll see both the American Falls and Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls. |
| Day 3 | AT SEA | LAKE ERIE | LAKE HURON Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cruise from Lake Erie to Lake Huron. Enjoy the views from deck as Clelia II makes the 106-mile transit through the Detroit River, sailing past Detroit into Lake St. Clair, and then on to Lake Huron via the St. Clair River. During this passage there is an eight-foot change in elevation between the lakes. |
| Day 4 | LITTLE CURRENT, MANITOULIN ISLAND, ONTARIO | LAKE HURON Land at Little Current, the main settlement on Manitoulin, the world's largest freshwater island and one of 30,000 islands that grace Lake Huron. Manitoulin is the home of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, a thriving Native American community that bears the distinction of being the only tribe in Canada never to have ceded title to its land. Drive to the reserve, where a traditional Native American powwow will be held, and visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, whose exhibits chronicle the story of the native people of Manitoulin and the north shore of Lake Huron. |
| Day 5 | MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES | LAKE MICHIGAN | LAKE HURON | SOO LOCKS | LAKE SUPERIOR Arrive in beautiful Mackinac Island (See note above), a Victorian-era haven where cars are forbidden and bicycles share the road with horse-drawn carriages. Explore this idyllic island and see the ancient limestone formations that were considered sacred by the Straits Indians; the impressive Fort Mackinac, built atop a high cliff by the British in 1780; and the Victorian Grand Hotel, a landmark of the island. Also enjoy time at leisure to stroll along streets lined with gingerbread-trimmed buildings and browse in the charming shops. As we sail from Mackinac Island, enjoy lunch on deck and breathtaking views as Clelia II sails under the Mackinac Bridge to enter Lake Michigan. Rising 552 feet above the Straits of Mackinac and five miles long, the bridge connects Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas. At 8,614 feet, it is the longest two-tower suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. Return to Lake Huron and proceed to the scenic waterways of the North Channel which lead to Sault Ste. Marie. Here Clelia II transits the Soo Locks, the busiest in the world, where some 12,000 ships pass annually. |
| Day 6 | HOUGHTON, KEWEENAW PENINSULA, MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA Today, Clelia II will navigate through the Portage Waterway, the narrow channel that separates Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula from the mainland, to call at quaint Houghton, built on a bluff facing the channel. Keweenaw witnessed the country's first mineral rush, when vast deposits of copper were discovered in 1840. By the time the rush was over early in the 20th century, copper had generated enormous wealth, estimated to be ten times more than the money generated by the California Gold Rush. The legacy of the copper rush is still evident today in the abandoned mines, deserted settlements nestled in the forest, and the opulent buildings in the region's towns. We will explore this historic region, an area not only rich in history, but also a place of extraordinary natural beauty. |
| Day 7 | THUNDER BAY | OLD FORT WILLIAM | THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA The land around the attractive bay where Thunder Bay is sited was first settled by the French in 1679. Shortly after the American Revolution, the British established a settlement, Fort William, which flourished on the booming fur trade. This was the origin of Thunder Bay, now the largest city on Lake Superior. This morning we tour Thunder Bay, including Old Fort William, the impeccably restored fur trading post and headquarters of the North West Company. Spend the afternoon exploring Thunder Bay, a vibrant frontier town and cultural center. |
| Day 8 | DULUTH, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES | DISEMBARK Morning arrival in Duluth, Minnesota, whose history is tied to its strategic location as a transportation hub on Lake Superior. The city has experienced a renaissance and its vibrant downtown is graced by waterfront parks and promenades. Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights home. |
FAMILY CRUISES: July 3-10 & July 24-31
These two July cruises will be especially attractive to multi-generational families. Learn about the history of North America's native peoples, the War of 1812, and the fur trade as well as the region's natural wonders and feats of engineering. Grandparents and parents will enjoy talks by expert lecturers while children participate in educational and recreational activities designed to bring the Great Lakes alive.
PHOTOGRAPHY: July 17-24 & September 11-18
Improve your photography skills during workshops led by photographer, author, and educator Allen Rokach. Allen will be on hand to help create memorable photographs of your cruise, lecturing on key elements of travel photography, including digital. His photographs have appeared in National Geographic, and he is the author, with wife Anne Millman, of Focus on Travel: Creating Memorable Photographs of Journeys to New Places.
MUSIC: June 19-26 & August 28-September 4
Our June 19th cruise features classical and American music performed by an ensemble of exceptional musicians from Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, and The Weill Music Institute. Our August 28th cruise features concerts of Great American Music from Broadway, Hollywood, and Jazz, along with lectures by musician/music historian Bill Messenger.
TECHNOLOGY: September 4-11
The Welland Canal, part of the celebrated St. Lawrence Seaway, remains to this day a supreme technological achievement. Science and technology buffs will enjoy discussions by William Halal, an aerospace engineer on Apollo, Air Force officer, Silicon Valley manager, and professor.
HEALTH & WELLNESS: September 18-25
This cruise will focus on how to maintain your health. A series of lectures will be led by Dr. Stephen Sinatra, an integrative cardiologist who treats patients with the best of conventional and alternative therapies, including nutrition and stress reduction. Also offered will be a yoga program led by Peggy Cappy, seen nationwide on PBS and whose gentle yoga approach helps reduce stress and create greater ease in body, mind, and spirit.
Clelia II
Grande Caribe | Grande Mariner | Niagara Prince
Canadian Empress
3270 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 U.S.A
Telephone: (888) 891-0203 Fax: (734) 677-1428
Email: info@greatlakescruising.com
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