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| Great Lakes Cruises Great Lakes Cruise Company - Cruising the Great Lakes back in fashion There was a time back at the start of this century when it was common to see cruise ships sailing lakes Michigan, Ontario, Huron, Superior and Erie. By the time the '60s ended, the luxury cruising customer had switched allegiance to tropical, international waters, and the aging Great Lakes ships ceased offering vacation cruises.  But everything old becomes new again thanks to the Great Lakes Cruise Company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For many luxury cruisers who have already visited popular ports or even adventuresome ones who have cruised Alaska, the Great Lakes offer new and unexplored waters. The Great Lakes Cruise Company began offering cruises on the Great Lakes in 1999 and have several cruises for 2000 and 2001 already planned. Ports of call on these inland seas take in the civilized pleasures of Chicago, Windsor, and Traverse City as well as dramatic cliffs, canyons and waterfalls just beyond the shore. Passengers enjoy stops at historic Mackinac Island and quaint port cities while savoring the northern wilderness and the lakes themselves -- where 20% of the world's fresh water is found. Two shipbuilders have built cruise ships specifically designed for Great Lakes travel with its narrow connecting canals and locks. German shipbuilder Hapag-Lloyd completed the 420-passenger MV Columbus in 1997, and French shipbuilder Compagnie des Iles du Ponant launched the 90 passenger Le Levant in 1998. Unlike wider and less environmentally friendly ocean vessels, these fresh water cruise ships must adhere to stringent environmental regulations established by the U.S. and Canada. However, much like cruise ships sailing tropical waters, these Great Lakes cruises provide passengers international flavor with their foreign crews who speak impeccable English with a delightful accent.  According to Chris Conlin, president of the Great Lakes Cruise Company, reasons for the heightened interest in Great Lakes cruising can be attributed to a perception that the Great Lakes are somehow safer than traveling the world's oceans.The Great Lakes are an easy destination to reach, and there is a sense of security that comes with traveling in sight of the U.S. political borders, especially for those new to cruising as well as to veteran cruisers who want nearby access to U.S. medical care when traveling. "Guests on our Great Lakes cruises this past summer included both veteran cruisers as well as those new to cruising," states Conlin. "Comments we received were very positive with many people raving over the beauty of the North Channel and the overall vastness of the Great Lakes. Many had never viewed the Great Lakes from aboard a ship and were amazed at the majesty of the scenery." Great Lakes Cruise Company ( Stefano Fermi 16-11-1999 ) |
