Africa Cruises Alaska Cruises Antarctica Cruises Arctic Cruises Asia Cruises Caribbean Cruises Central America Cruises European Cruises Galapagos Cruises Mediterranean Cruises North America Cruises South America Cruises South Pacific Cruises South & Central
America Tours

E-mail a friend Gift Registry Family Travel Supplement Press Kit Employment Opportunities Question about a cruise? Technical Question? Are you a travel agent?

Adventure Life VOYAGES
800-344-6118 (Toll-free)
406-541-2677 (International)
406-541-2676 (Fax)
E-mail us
1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  Clelia II

Itinerary:  The Great Lakes: A Voyage Through North America\'s Magnificent Inland Sea

click to enlarge
  The Great Lakes Itinerary Map

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

Close to home is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Nearly fifteen thousand years ago, the last of the great glaciers retreated, leaving us with the legacy of the Great Lakes. The lakes are unique, for although they are called lakes, they are in reality vast inland seas that comprise one-fifth of the world's fresh surface water. First used as a means of transport by Algonquin and Iroquois tribes, the lakes later became a thriving commercial hub and a heavily traveled waterway with the arrival of European settlers. More than fifty years ago, the Great Lakes were the busiest waterway in the world and North America’s treasured summer destination. Today, travelers are rediscovering the charms of the vast, sweet water. On the shores of Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior, welcoming towns have changed little since the 19th century—in marked contrast to much of the North American continent—and warm summer breezes skim through the lush leaves of the woody, rocky coasts. Aboard the 100-guest Clelia II, with its combination of intimacy and elegance, we are pleased to revive the grandeur and pleasure of a classic Great Lakes cruise. On this unique itinerary, which sails between American and Canadian ports, travelers will thrill to the thundering of Niagara Falls, witness Native American culture on Manitoulin Island, enjoy Mackinac Island's bygone Victorian charms and revel in the pristine beauty of the Keweenaw Penisula, one of North America’s most unspoiled regions. A highlight of our voyage will be transiting the many scenic waterways and locks that connect the Great Lakes as we sail the vast expanse between Lake Ontario and the western shores of Lake Superior.

Day 1 : TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA | EMBARK | LAKE ONTARIO

Arrive in Toronto, Ontario\'s dynamic metropolis and the largest urban center in Canada. Overlooking the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s leading cultural and financial center. Transfer to the port to board Clelia II and sail.

Day 2 : PORT WELLER | WELLAND CANAL | NIAGARA FALLS | LAKE ERIE

Arrive this morning at Port Weller, from where Clelia II begins the dramatic passage from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie via the Welland Canal. A series of seven locks designed as a continuous flight of \"stairs\" lifts Clelia II 324 feet over a distance of 27 miles. From the decks of the ship witness the mechanics of this engineering marvel which took over 100 years to complete. An excursion leads to Niagara Falls, one of North America’s most spectacular natural wonders, where we’ll see both the American Falls and Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls.

Day 3 : AT SEA | LAKE ERIE | LAKE HURON

Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cruise from Lake Erie to Lake Huron. Enjoy the views from deck as Clelia II makes the 106-mile transit through the Detroit River, sailing past Detroit into Lake St. Clair, and then on to Lake Huron via the St. Clair River. During this passage there is an eight-foot change in elevation between the lakes.

Day 4 : LITTLE CURRENT, MANITOULIN ISLAND, ONTARIO | LAKE HURON

Land at Little Current, the main settlement on Manitoulin, the world’s largest freshwater island and one of 30,000 islands that grace Lake Huron. Manitoulin is the home of the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, a thriving Native American community that bears the distinction of being the only tribe in Canada never to have ceded title to its land. Drive to the reserve, where a traditional Native American powwow will be held, and visit the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, whose exhibits chronicle the story of the native people of Manitoulin and the north shore of Lake Huron.

Day 5 : MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES | LAKE MICHIGAN | LAKE HURON | SOO LOCKS | LAKE SUPERIOR

Arrive in beautiful Mackinac Island, a Victorian-era haven where cars are forbidden and bicycles share the road with horse-drawn carriages. Explore this idyllic island and see the ancient limestone formations that were considered sacred by the Straits Indians; the impressive Fort Mackinac, built atop a high cliff by the British in 1780; and the Victorian Grand Hotel, a landmark of the island. Also enjoy time at leisure to stroll along streets lined with gingerbread-trimmed buildings and browse in the charming shops. As we sail from Mackinac Island, enjoy lunch on deck and breathtaking views as Clelia II sails under the Mackinac Bridge to enter Lake Michigan. Rising 552 feet above the Straits of Mackinac and five miles long, the bridge connects Michigan\'s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. At 8,614 feet, it is the longest two-tower suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western Hemisphere. Return back to Lake Huron and proceed to the scenic waterways of the North Channel which lead to Sault Ste. Marie. Here Clelia II transits the Soo Locks, the busiest in the world, where some 12,000 ships pass annually.

Day 6 : HOUGHTON, KEWEENAW PENINSULA,MICHIGAN’S UPPER PENINSULA

Today Clelia II will navigate through the Portage Waterway, the narrow channel that separates Michigan\'s Keweenaw Peninsula from the mainland, to call at quaint Houghton, built on a bluff facing the channel. Keweenaw witnessed the country’s first mineral rush, when vast deposits of copper were discovered in1840. By the time the rush was over early in the 20th century, copper had generated enormous wealth, estimated to be ten times more than the money generated by the California Gold Rush. The legacy of the copper rush is still evident today in the abandoned mines, deserted settlements nestled in the forest, and the opulent buildings in the region\'s towns. We will explore this historic region, an area not only rich in history, but also a place of extraordinary natural beauty.

Day 7 : THUNDER BAY | OLD FORT WILLIAM | THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, CANADA

The land around the attractive bay where Thunder Bay is sited was first settled by the French in 1679. Shortly after the American Revolution, the British established a settlement, Fort William, which flourished on the booming fur trade. This was the origin of Thunder Bay, now the largest city on Lake Superior. This morning we tour Thunder Bay, including Old Fort William, the impeccably restored fur trading post and headquarters of the North West Company. Spend the afternoon exploring Thunder Bay, a vibrant frontier town and cultural center.

Day 8 : DULUTH, MINNESOTA, UNITED STATES | DISEMBARK

Morning arrival in Duluth, Minnesota, whose history is tied to its strategic location as a transportation hub on Lake Superior. The city has experienced a renaissance and its vibrant downtown is graced by waterfront parks and promenades. Disembark and transfer to the airport for return flights home.

Ship Description: Clelia II

click to enlarge
  Clelia II

To be launched in early 2009, after extensive refurbishment, redecoration and other improvements, the all-suite Clelia II will offer the finest in small-ship cruise travel. This private yacht-like cruise ship accommodates only 100 guests in 50 suites, each of which affords ocean views, measures 215 square feet or more and is appointed with a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, spacious closets, air conditioning.

Clelia II complies with the latest international and U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations and is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable fin stabilizers for smooth sailing, an ice-strengthened hull and a fleet of Zodiacs. Clelia II is staffed by 60 European officers and crew. Taken together with her limited guest capacity, excellence of design, craftsmanship and material, Clelia II's spaciousness and intimate ambiance combine to make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Category E Deluxe suites on Ariadne and Leto decks with windows and sitting area. 215 sq. feet. Suites 342-345, 428, 429, 433.	Category D Deluxe suites on Ariadne Deck with windows, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower . 215 sq. feet. 334-335.
Category C Deluxe suites on Athena deck with three portholes, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 275 sq. feet. Suites 246-252.	Category B Deluxe suites on Ariadne deck with window, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 225 square feet. Suites 336-341.
Category A Deluxe suites on Leto deck with window, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 235 square feet. Suites 420-427, 430-431.	Category AA Deluxe suites on Leto deck with forward and side windows, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 285 square feet. Suites 505-506.
Category VS Deluxe Veranda suites on Cleo deck with private balcony, sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 245 sq. feet. Suites 507-518.	Category PHS Deluxe Penthouse suites on Phoebe deck with private balcony , sitting area, mini-bar, VCR/DVD/CD player, color TV, marble appointed bathroom with spacious shower. 260 sq. feet. Suites 601-604.