Great Lakes Cruise Lines
From expedition ships to a 66-passenger riverboat, the lines sailing the Lakes and the St. Lawrence.
Get Free Great Lakes Cruise QuotesWho Sails Where
The Great Lakes cruise lines fall into three groups: expedition lines with modern ice-class ships, small American coastal and river lines, and one classic Canadian riverboat. Here is how they compare, based on the lines’ own announcements and trade reports in 2026.
| Line | Ship(s) | Style | Typical routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viking | Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris (378 guests each) | Expedition | Duluth, Milwaukee, Toronto; Niagara and Georgian Bay |
| American Cruise Lines | American Patriot (130 guests) | Small U.S.-flag ship | Thousand Islands & Niagara; Lake Michigan; 14-day American Great Lakes, all in the U.S. |
| Pearl Seas Cruises | Pearl Mist | Small coastal ship | Several Great Lakes itineraries, including a 14-night voyage on all five lakes |
| Victory Cruise Lines | Small expedition-style ships | Small ship | All five Lakes, the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Canada |
| Hapag-Lloyd Cruises | HANSEATIC inspiration | Expedition (German and English) | Great Lakes voyages to Montreal and Quebec City |
| St. Lawrence Cruise Lines | Canadian Empress (66 passengers) | Classic riverboat | St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, 4–7 nights |
Line programs change each year; our cruise advisors check the current season before you book.
Expedition or Small Ship?
Expedition ships bring naturalists, scientists and small boats for landings, and offer a more polished, larger-ship experience. Small U.S. ships and the Canadian riverboat feel more like a river cruise: a few dozen to about a hundred guests, docking right in town, with an easygoing pace. Neither is better; the choice depends on whether you want lectures and wilderness landings or towns and talks with locals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Great Lakes cruise lines sail entirely within the U.S.?
American Cruise Lines began U.S.-only Great Lakes cruises in 2026 aboard American Patriot, so American travelers need no passport on those sailings.
Which line has the largest ships on the Great Lakes?
Viking’s expedition ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, each carrying 378 guests, are among the largest regular cruise ships on the Lakes.
Is there a true river cruise on the St. Lawrence?
Yes. St. Lawrence Cruise Lines’ Canadian Empress, a 66-passenger riverboat, sails the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers from Kingston, Ottawa and Quebec City.
How to Choose
- No passport, or want to stay in the U.S.? Look at American Cruise Lines.
- Want all five lakes in one go? Pearl Seas and Victory both offer five-lake voyages.
- Prefer expedition style with lectures and small-boat outings? Viking or Hapag-Lloyd.
- Want a true river cruise? The Canadian Empress on the St. Lawrence.
For more U.S. small-ship options, see Small Ship River Cruising.
What Is Usually Included
Inclusions vary widely between Great Lakes cruise lines. Expedition lines typically bundle guided excursions or landings, lectures and some drinks; small American lines often include an excursion in each port and wine and beer with meals; the Canadian riverboat includes admission fees, guides and some drinks with meals. Gratuities, premium excursions and flights are often extra. Our advisors lay out each line’s inclusions side by side so you can compare like with like.
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