ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 21 /PRNewswire/ — As the world grows smaller, finding new and exciting travel destinations becomes more difficult. With concerns over the cost and safety of international travel, one new destination is becoming very popular, especially for cruisers — the Great Lakes.
There was a time at the start of the last century when it was common to see cruise ships sailing lakes Michigan, Ontario, Huron, Superior and Erie. By the time the '60s ended, the luxury cruising customer had switched allegiance to tropical, international waters, and the aging Great Lakes ships ceased offering vacation cruises. But everything old becomes new again thanks to the Great Lakes Cruise Company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For many luxury cruisers who have already visited popular tropical ports of call or even Alaska's inner passages, the Great Lakes offer new and unexplored waters. Close to home and inexpensive to travel to, the Great Lakes are proving to be the hottest new cruising destination in North America.
Shipbuilders have built cruise ships specifically designed for Great Lakes travel with its narrow connecting canals and locks. Unlike the wider and less environmentally friendly ocean vessels, these fresh water cruise ships must adhere to stringent environmental regulations established by the U.S. and Canada. However, these Great Lakes cruises provide passengers international flavor with foreign crews who speak impeccable English with a delightful accent.
Seven cruise ships will sail over 50 voyages during the 2006 season. Ports of call on these inland seas take in the civilized pleasures of Chicago, Windsor, Toronto and Traverse City as well as dramatic cliffs, canyons and waterfalls just beyond the shore. Passengers enjoy stops at historic Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls, Marquette, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Saugatuck while savoring the northern wilderness and the lakes themselves.
Three 10- and 11-night cruises will be offered aboard the German cruise ship MV Columbus in fall 2006: September 20 – 30; September 30 – October 11; October 11 – 21.
"Guests on our Great Lakes cruises include both veteran cruisers as well as those new to cruising," states Christopher Conlin, president. "Comments we've received from our passengers are very positive with many people raving over the beauty of the North Channel and the vastness of the Great Lakes."
Following one cruise, some passenger comments included a couple who wrote, "We loved the experience — we have cruised Alaska and the Bahamas. We have traveled all over the U.S. and the world and this was wonderful!" Another delighted couple said, "We were looking forward to this trip with great anticipation. It exceeded our expectations on all accounts — the accommodations, the staff, the food and the entertainment, and the Great Lakes!"
For more information, visit their Web site at http://www.greatlakescruising.com/ or call toll-free 1-888-891-0203.
Reservations: 888-891-0203 or e-mail info@greatlakescruising.com
Website: http://www.greatlakescruising.com/
