The cruises on the Great Lakes offered by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are among the most extraordinary cruise routes, and this year’s cruises are already fully booked. For the 2027 season, the provider of luxury and expedition cruises is currently further developing the route concept for the HANSEATIC inspiration in this seldom-visited region. In reaction to high demand for longer experiences, two new cruises are being offered that will connect all five Great Lakes with the St Lawrence River for the very first time. In 2027, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will thus offer two new, exceptionally in-depth cruises on the lakes of North America in addition to two existing cruises. They will feature spectacular lock passages, unspoilt nature, Zodiac rides and many cultural contrasts along the St Lawrence River. The new cruises in August and September 2027 are now available to book, and the cruises for the Great Lakes season 2028 have also been published: https://www.hl-cruises.de/reisen/reiseziele/usa-kanada
The Great Lakes of North America, the world’s largest contiguous freshwater system in terms of surface area, is extremely challenging from a nautical perspective, particularly due to the narrow channels, shallow sections in the inland waters and numerous lock passages. With the HANSEATIC inspiration, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises operates one of the few expedition ships worldwide that has been specifically designed for this region.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is now further developing its route concept for the 2027 season: in response to close consultation with guests and the high demand for more extensive adventures as well as many years of experience, two new routes have been established for the HANSEATIC inspiration, connecting all five Great Lakes with the St Lawrence River. The two longer cruises between late August and September 2027 (INS2730 and INS2731) will replace the three shorter itineraries (INS2715 – INS2717) and complement the existing cruises in August (INS2714) and October 2027 (INS2718). This creates a programme of four exceptional cruises on the Great Lakes lasting up to 21 days. Guests who had already booked the three originally planned shorter cruises have been proactively informed and have received attractive rebooking offers for the new cruises.
Tailored for one of North America’s most challenging cruise destinations
The Great Lakes are linked by canals and locks to form a highly complex cruising area between Canada and the United States. The HANSEATIC inspiration was specifically designed to deal with these particular conditions right from the outset. A unique feature among the otherwise structurally identical sister ships of the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition class is the HANSEATIC inspiration’s retractable bridge wings. Combined with its shallow draught and slender design, these features enable the small expedition ship, which accommodates no more than 230 guests, to navigate particularly narrow locks and waterways.
The cruises are accompanied by an experienced team of experts who provide specialist knowledge of the cruise region and also help to bring it to life. The ship will navigate the Welland Canal connecting Lake Ontario with Lake Erie. Eight locks and a height difference of almost 100 m (339 ft) must be navigated, with lock chambers barely 2.5 m (8.2 ft) wider than the ship itself. While the captain and crew manoeuvre with millimetre precision, experts provide live commentary and on-board presentations, explaining the historical and technical background to these engineering feats. The result is a form of travel that combines nature experiences, knowledge and expedition.
Five Great Lakes, one river and a new all-round experience
For the first time, these new cruises combine the full scenic diversity of the Great Lakes with the cultural and maritime facets of the St Lawrence River. Starting off with the urban environments of Chicago and Milwaukee, the route includes Lake Michigan and Lake Huron before reaching Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes and the second-largest freshwater body in the world. Few cruise ships reach this unspoilt region, which has an almost Nordic feel with its rugged wilderness, dense forests and rocky shores.
In Terrace Bay, Canada, guests can explore nature on hikes along wooded trails with views of waterfalls and Lake Superior. With a bit of luck, black bears and moose might also make an appearance. Guests can enjoy Zodiac rides off State Island through tranquil archipelagos and secluded coastal landscapes.
Lake Huron also has much to offer in terms of active explorations. Killarney boasts white quartzite, pink granite and deep-blue bays while Tobermory features turquoise waters, small craft shops and stunning hiking trails in Fathom Five National Marine Park. In Parry Sound, guests can experience the fascinating archipelago of Georgian Bay, with its approximately 30,000 islands, through bookable excursions such as hikes, boat trips or scenic flights by seaplane.
Alongside the natural experiences, cultural contrasts define the new routes as well. Toronto combines modern architecture with a dynamic urban flair and serves as a starting point for cruises to Niagara Falls. Montreal and Quebec in turn exude their French-influenced character along the St Lawrence River, blending historical elegance, a creative scene and the typical North American way of life.
Another highlight awaits guests in Tadoussac, where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St Lawrence River. The region is one of Canada’s best whale-watching areas, offering chances to spot belugas, humpback whales and other marine mammals.
Sample cruises 2027
- NEW – Great Lakes and St Lawrence River: five lakes, one great expedition adventure (INS2730)
The new premiere route connects all five Great Lakes with the St Lawrence River for the first time. Departing from Milwaukee, the cruise sails via Mackinac Island, Lake Superior and the archipelago of the Georgian Bay through the Welland Canal to Toronto. The HANSEATIC inspiration will then navigate the lock passages of the St Lawrence River as well as the cultural highlights of Montreal and Quebec. Nature experiences between Tadoussac, Gaspe and the Iles de la Madeleine shape the second part of the cruise before the expedition ends in Halifax.
From Milwaukee to Halifax, 20 Aug to 10 Sep 2027 (21 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 15,490 per person, double occupancy, including early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026. For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.de/INS2730
- NEW – Great Lakes and St Lawrence River: from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes (INS2731)
This new expedition route combines the vastness of the Atlantic with the waterways of the Great Lakes. Departing from Halifax, the cruise sails back via Prince Edward Island, the Iles de Madeleine, Tadoussac and Quebec, deep into the St Lawrence River. After spectacular lock passages and the crossing of the Welland Canal, the HANSEATIC inspiration explores the unspoilt landscapes around Lake Huron and Lake Superior, with Zodiac rides, hikes and impressive nature experiences along the Canadian coasts.
From Halifax to Milwaukee, 10 Sep to 1 Oct 2027 (21 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 15,490 per person, double occupancy, including early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026. For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.de/INS2731
- Great Lakes: unforgettable experiences on all five Great Lakes (INS2714)
A pioneering spirit and a great sense of freedom come together on this cruise, which includes all five Great lakes. Guests can look forward to lock adventures on the Welland Canal as well as Zodiac rides on Lake Superior and walks along its shores.
From Toronto to Milwaukee, 7 Aug to 20 Aug 2026 (13 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 9,390 per person, double occupancy, including early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026. For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.de/INS2714
- Great Lakes and St Lawrence River: colourful lake landscapes and cultural contrasts (INS2718)
Set against the warm colours of early autumn in North America, this cruise sails from Milwaukee to Halifax. Guests can look forward to spectacular lock passages, unspoilt nature and cultural diversity between the Great Lakes, the Saguenay Fjord and the St Lawrence River. Hikes and wildlife spotting – with the chance to see belugas, bald eagles or Canada geese – make the cruise an in-depth adventure between Canada and the United States.
From Milwaukee to Halifax, 1 Oct to 20 Oct 2027 (19 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from € 14,190 per person, double occupancy, including early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026. For more information, visit www.hl-cruises.de/INS2718
In 2028, the HANSEATIC inspiration will once again set course for the Great Lakes – both in early summer on its way to the Arctic and in the vibrant late summer to South America and the Antarctic. For more information, visit https://www.hl-cruises.de/reisen/reiseziele/usa-kanada
