Adventure Overview
Experience the captivating beauty of a Magical Lake Michigan cruise voyage. Embark at Chicago’s famed Navy Pier and enjoy an afternoon of leisure in this world class city, followed by a festive cocktail hour celebration with live musical entertainment. Highlights of your small ship cruise include:
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Discover the quiet charms of Holland, MI where the local Dutch heritage is reflected in the town’s authentic windmill and wooden shoe factory.
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Visit windswept Beaver Island, known for its Irish cultural influences.
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Transit the busy Soo Locks, a famed waterway along the Canadian-American border.
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Immerse yourself in the gentle pace of the Victorian era on Mackinac Island, where the only form of transportation is horse and carriage!
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Behold the scenic splendor of Wisconsin’s Door County in Sturgeon Bay, and explore the Door County Maritime Museum.
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Take an optional guided tour of Milwaukee’s hidden treasures, and behold a lively dance presentation that highlights the history of German heritage.
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Enjoy a farewell dinner before returning to Chicago.
Discover the best of cruise adventure travel with Blount Small Ship Adventures! The charming small towns and bustling cities of Lake Michigan are yours to explore on this enchanting Great Lakes cruise.
On to DAY 1
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Day 1 - Chicago, IL
Embark on your cruise at Chicago’s historic Navy Pier.
Next Stop
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Day 2 - Holland, MI
Leave the bustle of Chicago behind
for the quiet charm of Holland, MI. The cobblestone sidewalks, tulip-lined streets, and 275 year-old windmill reveal the city’s Dutch heritage. An optional excursion explores the beautiful craftsmanship at the Blue Delft factory and a performance by authentic Klompen clogg dancers.
Next Stop
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Day 3 - Beaver Island, MI
Your port-of-call today is majestic Beaver Island, a former kingdom and the largest island in Lake Michigan. Beaver Island is dubbed as “America’s Emerald Isle” for its celebrated Irish culture.
Next Stop
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Day 4 - Sault Ste Marie, MI
Navigate the busy waterways of the Soo Locks on your way to beautiful Sault Ste Marie, the oldest city in Michigan. Sitting just south of the Canadian border, this scenically diverse port boasts a rich history influenced by French fur traders and Native Americans. Stroll along the waterfront to see the rapids for which the city is named. Tonight, cruise to charming Mackinac Island where you’ll learn about the area’s history onboard the ship.
Next Stop
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Day 5 - Mackinac Island, MI
Experience quaint Mackinac Island, where you can slip into the gentle pace of the Victorian era. The island’s natural beauty and authentic ambiance is preserved by its only form of transportation, horse-drawn carriages! An optional carriage tour of the island includes entrance to the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory and Surrey Hill Square Carriage Museum, before concluding at the Grand Hotel.
Next Stop
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Day 6 - Sturgeon Bay, WI
The scenic splendor of Wisconsin’s Door County is yours to enjoy in Sturgeon Bay, one of the largest shipbuilding ports on the Great Lakes. Learn about the region’s fascinating nautical history during a visit to the Door County Maritime Museum. Later, an optional tour of the area features a wine tasting, Cave Point Park, and the Canal Station Light House.
Next Stop
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Day 7 - Milwaukee, WI
During your visit to Milwaukee,
experience an optional panoramic tour of some of the city’s unexpected treasures, including City Hall, RiverWalk and Cathedral Square. Witness an engineering marvel at the Milwaukee Art Museum, as the magnificent Brise Soleil (subject to availability) opens over the lake. Cap off your tour with a cheese and beer tasting at one of Milwaukee’s famed breweries. This evening, immerse yourself in the local culture as you tap your toes to the lively beat of folkloric dancers who perform onboard.
Next Stop
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Day 8 - Chicago, IL
Disembark at Chicago’s famous Navy Pier.
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Itinerary Details
SHIP: Grande Mariner
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EMBARK:
Chicago, IL
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DISEMBARK:
Chicago, IL
Start Date:
End Date:
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Jun 19, 2013
Jun 26, 2013
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Jun 29, 2013
Jul 06, 2013
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Jul 08, 2013
Jul 15, 2013
*Reverse itinerary available for these cruise dates
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Category 1
$2,479
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Category 2
$2,699
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Category 3
$2,829
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Category 4
$2,979
PORT CHARGES: $165
All itineraries including ports, activities, and routes are subject to change based on availability, weather, river, water levels and sea conditions.