A relaxing Summer Holiday combining the Drake Hotel in Chicago with a rare Great Lakes cruise sailing right from Navy Pier in Chicago!
Great Lakes Holiday
It is with great pleasure that we announce the return of a Grand American tradition: Classic Great Lakes cruises. These voyages were popular until World War 2, when they vanished, seemingly forever. We sail from the heart of downtown Chicago (right from the historic Navy Pier!) to places like gorgeous Mackinac Island with its fabled Grand Hotel and horse-drawn carriages (no cars are allowed!), beautiful Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, charming Saugatuck and quaint Manistee, Michigan with its Victorian downtown, lighthouse and restored Great Lakes Steamer, the S.S. City of Milwaukee. Speaking of Milwaukee, we even visit this Great Lakes port during our trip around Lake Michigan.
In addition to interesting ports, our 'pocket' cruise ship, the 100 passenger Grande Mariner is the perfect antidote to those tired of huge, mass-market cruise ships carrying 4000 guests at a time. With an all-American crew, life aboard is casual and informal with no need for 'dressing up'. Meals are superb and are naturally included in the fare. Snacks and beverages are available 24 hours a day and there is a comfortable observation lounge in addition to open deck space.
Better still, is what the Grande Mariner does not offer: no napkin folding lessons, tired Vegas-style cabaret shows, gold chains by the inch and the relentless 'nickel and diming' found on so many ships nowadays. Guests enjoy a low-key, relaxed voyage on a well-designed ship, able to get up close to small ports of call. All cabins are comfortable with in-room facilities and both the lounge and dining room can seat all guests at one time.
Our Great Lakes Holiday begins with the perfect introduction to the 'Windy City', a two-night stay at the fabled Drake Hilton Hotel before we set sail. We have intentionally left plenty of free time to explore all that Chicago has to offer, including the nearby Art Institute and Grant Park and the Museum of Science and Industry. We have even included a two-day 'Hop on/Hop-off' sightseeing trolley pass, as well as a choice of sightseeing tours or admissions that include the architectural sightseeing cruise, the John Hancock Building or the Sears Tower to name just a few. Of course, this holiday is fully escorted by a professional tour manager from start to finish with special parties and events both ashore and aboard the Grande Mariner. But, with only 24 rooms, these two voyages will fill up quickly so prompt reservations are encouraged! All Aboard!
- Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Guests arrive in Chicago and check into the fabled Drake Hilton and begin an indulgent two-night stay at this storied hotel. Tonight is our special welcome cocktail party. (R)
Day 2
All day to enjoy everything Chicago has to offer with Grant Park, the Art Institute and 'The Loop' nearby. Guests have all day to enjoy 'The Windy City' utilizing the 'Explorer Pass' we have provided. Later tonight is our welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3
All morning to sleep in or to fit in more sightseeing before our midday bon voyage luncheon and boarding of the Grande Mariner at nearby Navy Pier. We set sail at 8pm with downtown Chicago as the stunning backdrop. (L,D)
Day 4
Today is our special shore excursion to Saugatuck, MI after we dock in nearby Holland and you will want to have your camera handy to record this lovely town, rated one of America's top ten beach resorts. (B,L,D)
Day 5
Picturesque Manistee greets us this morning with its Victorian downtown, famed lighthouse and ship canal where 800 foot long freighters slowly move past. Downtown is a treasure trove of fine architecture and we have all day to enjoy this small town. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Mackinac Island welcomes us this morning and for many, this is their favorite port of call with its car-free streets, shops and, of course the legendary Grand Hotel. Our June departure is actually here on 4th of July and could there be a more American backdrop for this holiday than this charming village. (B,L,D
Day 7
Sturgeon Bay in bucolic Door County is our port of call today and offers a number of diversions, ranging from horse-drawn carriages through the historic downtown, trolley tours to the nearby and highly praised wineries, cycling or sport fishing. There is a massive lighthouse that is everyone's favorite photo backdrop as well as an acclaimed maritime museum. (B,L,D)
Day 8
Bustling Milwaukee with its sparkling downtown, fine museums and restored 19th Century warehouses is our final port of call today and we have all day and evening to enjoy this friendly Midwestern city before our midnight departure for Chicago. (B,L,D)
Day 9
After breakfast, we disembark at Navy Pier and there is a complimentary transfer to both airports as well as Union Station. (B
