Great Lakes 

Five lakes, five characters

Each of the Great Lakes has its own distinct character. Lake Michigan welcomes you with the cosmopolitan charm of the Chicago skyline, whilst Lake Superior offers a mystical, Nordic atmosphere with unspoilt wilderness and black bears in the forests. Lake Huron lies hidden, shrouded in mystery, amongst islands and bays – for example, around the car-free Mackinac Island or the fishing village of Tobermory. On Lake Erie, the view of Detroit’s skyline awaits you in Windsor, before you experience the legendary passage through the Welland Canal: eight locks, around 20 bridges, a 100-metre climb. Finally, on Lake Ontario, Toronto reveals its European character – the perfect base for a day trip to Niagara Falls.

The St Lawrence River: A lifeline rather than a side note

Stretching for almost 1,200 kilometres, the St Lawrence River connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean – and becomes a highlight in its own right along the way. The best way to experience the passage through seven locks is from the deck promenade. You can look forward to the vibrant city of Montréal, the elegant city of Québec with the Château Frontenac, whale watching off Tadoussac, and the vast, rugged beauty of Gaspé, the Îles de la Madeleine and Prince Edward Island.

This route is only possible thanks to the compact design of the HANSEATIC inspiration: thanks to its retractable bridge cams, it can navigate the narrow locks of the Welland Canal and the St Lawrence River – which are impassable for most cruise ships.