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  • Cruises From Thunder Bay

Cruises out of Thunder Bay

Cruises departing from thunder bay.

Often referred to as ‘ Canada ’s Gateway to West,’ Thunder Bay is home to some of the best scenic beauties you can find in Canada. In 1816, the city was established as a fur trading post. The city has emerged as a center for art and culture with landmarks like the Thunder Bay Museum, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, and Fort William Historical Park. Thunder Bay is also an ideal city for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and camping. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Loch Lomond Ski Area, and Mount Baldy Ski Areas are some of the places in Thunder Bay where you can indulge in these adventurous activities.

Sailing Dates

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cruise from thunder bay

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7 nights | the great lakes | viking expeditions | viking octantis.

Viking Octantis

  • Balcony $6,295.00
  • Suite $8,995.00

7 Nights | The Great Lakes | Viking Expeditions | Viking Polaris

Viking Polaris

  • Balcony $6,595.00
  • Balcony $6,995.00
  • Suite $9,995.00
  • Suite $9,495.00
  • Balcony $7,295.00
  • Suite $10,495.00

Thunder Bay also operates a full-service port that caters to some of the best expedition cruises in the world. Viking Expeditions is one such line that offers cruises from Thunder Bay.

Viking Expeditions Cruises

Following are some of the best amenities you can enjoy if you want to book a cruise from Thunder Bay with Viking Expeditions

  • Comfortable staterooms and suites:  The accommodations at Viking Expeditions Cruises are designed to provide maximum comfort and convenience to its guests. The staterooms and suites feature Nordic balconies, which provide a clear view of the sea. You can also find a floor-to-ceiling drying closet, which is ideal for storing your expedition gear, jackets, and other items.
  • Multiple dining venues: Dining at Viking Expeditions is an elaborate affair with a variety of dishes, beverages, and confectionaries. The cruise line offers exclusive restaurants and cafes, providing authentic cuisines from Italian and Tuscany to Japanese. Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, Mamsen’s, World Cafe, and Aquavit Terrace are some of the premium dining venues you can find onboard.
  • Expedition Equipment:  The cruise line strives to make expeditions memorable and adventurous with high-class equipment and facilities. It ensures the complete safety of its guests with the Viking Expedition Kit, which includes durable gear necessary for relevant excursions. The cruise line consists of facilities like special Operations Boats, Kayaks, and Submarines, among others.
  • Shore Excursions:  Viking Expeditions offers a plethora of excursions, which are usually included in your cruise fare. With the cruise line, you can explore some of the most fascinating locations. You can also experience activities like kayaking and hiking. The cruise line’s expeditions also include fieldwork and experiential activities that would allow you to understand the world further.
  • Enrichment Programs:  The cruise line offers onboard enrichment programs to make your shore excursions more interesting. The excursion cruises are equipped with the Aula, a panoramic auditorium that hosts lectures, film screenings, and various sessions. The Viking Resident Scientists are a group of individuals who would be present on the board. They would provide you with lectures, insights, and advice in various areas, including biology, botany, and geology, among others. The onboard studio and science labs are equipped with the latest technology which would allow you to interact with the scientists.

On a cruise from Thunder Bay, you can visit destinations like McGarvey Shoal, Silver Islet, Duluth, Soo Locks, Mackinac Island, and Milwaukee. Suppose you desire to explore exotic locations with a lot of adventure and shore excursions. In that case, it is a must to choose Viking Expeditions cruises for your voyage. It is an important segment of the Viking Oceans, a renowned cruise line known for offering luxurious amenities. At Viking Expeditions, you can find the best staterooms, delectable meals, and exciting shore excursions completed with protective gear and equipment.

FAQs for Cruises From Thunder Bay

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  • Expeditions
  • Complimentary Brochures
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Thunder Bay, Ontario

Great Lakes Explorer

  • From $6,995
  • 2 Countries
  • Dates & Pricing

Great Lakes Explorer Map

Map of Great Lakes Explorer itinerary

Island hop the Great Lakes

cruise from thunder bay

Discover the maze of granite islands that comprise Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve while hiking and kayaking through its tranquil beauty and admiring sweeping vistas. Experience Victorian charm on Mackinac Island and venture into the boreal forests of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park on Lake Superior’s northern shore. Explore coastal wetlands replete with birdlife, comb pristine beaches and get acquainted with native cultures of the northern Great Lakes.

SPRING SALE

cruise from thunder bay

Viking Inclusive Value

We include more features & services than others

Map of Great Lakes Explorer itinerary

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary landing or shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center.

Self-service launderettes

Alternative restaurant dining at no extra charge

24-hour room service

Kayaks, Zodiacs & Special Operations Boats — A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge

Keepsake Viking expedition jacket (on polar itineraries)

All Viking excursion gear needed for any relevant excursions

Your Stateroom Includes:

King-size bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

55" OLED flat-screen TV featuring CNN, CBC, MBC2, beIN Sports

Interactive TV with complimentary movies and documentaries, as well as Viking.TV proprietary content, lectures and expert interviews

Personal coffee machine with premium coffee & tea selections

Floor-to-ceiling heated drying closets for expeditions gear

Spacious glass-enclosed shower

Heated bathroom floor

Anti-fog mirrors

Premium Freyja® toiletries

110/220 volt outlets & USB ports

Meopta Optika MeoPro 8x42 binoculars

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

Explore more before or after your expedition. Ask your Viking Expert for more information. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

cruise from thunder bay

Pre: Chicago

From $1,999 | 2 Nights

cruise from thunder bay

Pre: Milwaukee

From $1,399 | 2 Nights

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cruise from thunder bay

This Cruise Ship Sails into Thunder Bay

cruise from thunder bay

There's a new ship in town!  Thunder Bay is welcoming the latest addition to its vibrant waterfront—a spectacular summer cruise that sails between the Northwest Ontario city and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

cruise from thunder bay

The cruise is called the  Great Lakes Explorer  and is on offer from Viking Cruises . Travellers will set sail on the brand new Viking Octantis expedition ship that's packed with amenities—and specially designed to navigate the inland canals of the Great Lakes. 

cruise from thunder bay

There are 8 stops on this scenic Great Lakes voyage and travellers can choose to set sail from either city. Here's everything to expect on the 7-day adventure and some travel tips on the best things to do in Thunder Bay—either before or after your epic journey. 

  • An A-Z Thunder Bay summer fun guide
  • Best places to stay in Thunder Bay
  • 5 top sights in Thunder Bay
  • 9 incredible art galleries to discover in Thunder Bay
  • Best hiking trails in Thunder Bay
  • 11 things to do in Silver Islet

cruise from thunder bay

What Are the Ports of Call on the Great Lakes Explorer?

For travellers choosing to start their journey in Thunder Bay, the stops are as follows. 

1.  Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

cruise from thunder bay

The waterfront city of Thunder Bay is the jewel of Northwestern Ontario. Set on the shores of Lake Superior the city is known for its art-filled downtown, Indigenous art galleries, and easy access to some of Canada's most scenic landscapes. Hike boreal forests, watch for wildlife, and learn about Anishinaabe First Nations heritage.

2.  Silver Islet, Ontario, Canada

cruise from thunder bay

Kayak over the remains of what was once the world's largest silver mine or visit the steep slopes of Ouimet Canyon. Visitors even have the option of exploring in an underwater submarine! Check out the top things to do in Silver Islet . 

3. Scenic Sailing: Soo Locks Transit

Sail the St. Mary’s River and cross the Soo Locks, between Canada and the United States. Check out our guide to the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront. 

4-6. Explore Georgian Bay with Stops in Perry Sound, Killarney, and Manitoulin Island

Discover some of the 30,000 islands that comprise this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

7. Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States

Explore this car-free island by carriage, bicycle or on foot; kayak along the shoreline.

8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Explore this revitalized town along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Book Your Voyage on the Great Lakes Explorer Today

cruise from thunder bay

Check out some frequently asked questions about the Great Lakes Explorer Viking Cruise . To book visit the website, call at 1-800-381-4596, or contact your travel advisor.

Edited Body Text

There's a new ship in town!  Thunder Bay is welcoming the latest addition to its vibrant waterfront—a spectacular summer cruise that sails between the Northwest Ontario city and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

cruise from thunder bay

The cruise is called the  Great Lakes Explorer  and is on offer from Viking Cruises . Travellers will set sail on the brand new Viking Octantis expedition ship that's packed with amenities—and specially designed to navigate the inland canals of the Great Lakes. 

cruise from thunder bay

There are 8 stops on this scenic Great Lakes voyage and travellers can choose to set sail from either city. Here's everything to expect on the 7-day adventure and some travel tips on the best things to do in Thunder Bay—either before or after your epic journey. 

  • 5 top sights to see in Thunder Bay

cruise from thunder bay

What are the ports of call on the great lakes explorer?

For travellers choosing to start their journey in Thunder Bay, the stops are as follows. 

1.  Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

cruise from thunder bay

The waterfront city of Thunder Bay is the jewel of Northwestern Ontario. Set on the shores of Lake Superior the city is known for its art-filled downtown, Indigenous art galleries, and easy access to some of Canada's most scenic landscapes. Hike boreal forests, watch for wildlife, and learn about Anishinaabe First Nations heritage.

2.  Silver Islet, Ontario, Canada

cruise from thunder bay

Kayak over the remains of what was once the world's largest silver mine or visit the steep slopes of Ouimet Canyon. Visitors even have the option of exploring in an underwater submarine! Check out the top things to do in Silver Islet . 

3. Scenic Sailing: Soo Locks Transit

Sail the St. Mary’s River and cross the Soo Locks, between Canada and the United States. Check out our guide to the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront. 

4-6. Explore Georgian Bay with stops in Perry Sound, Killarney, and Manitoulin Island

7. mackinac island, michigan, united states, book your voyage on the great lakes explorer today.

cruise from thunder bay

Check out some frequently asked questions about the Great Lakes Explorer Viking Cruise . To book visit the website, call at 1-800-381-4596, or contact your travel advisor.

Welcome to Northern Ontario, Canada! Bigger than Texas, wilder than the west, more welcoming than a campfire in October, Northern Ontario is like no place else. Sunset Country  is famous for its spectacular fishing lakes, Superior Country stretches into the deep north wildnerness,  Algoma Country  has Lake Superior as their back yard, and the  Northeast  provides excellent vacation destinations close to Toronto and other large urban centres in Southern Ontario.

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Viking Great Lakes Explorer

Explore the Great Lakes on Vikings beautiful Expedition ship: The Viking Octantis!

This is the only itinerary that spends 3 days in the Georgian Bay, giving you plenty of time to explore the near 30,000 granite islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Over 8 days you’ll enjoy the magic of the Great Lakes, from the forests, sweeping vistas, and exciting wildlife the are has to offer.

The itinerary includes visits to Thunder Bay, Mackinac Island, Milwaukee, Little Currant, Killarney, and Georgian Bay.

Time to explore!

Cruise Details

or call 800.578.1479

*Per person/double occupancy. Special single rates apply where listed. Excludes port fees. Itineraries may operate in reverse.

Your Itinerary

1 Embark in Milwaukee, WI Welcome aboard the Viking Octantis!

2 Mackinac Island, MI Your cruise starts off with a destination favorite of passengers- Mackinac Island! This old-fashioned island is car free, creating an intriguing atmosphere with bicycles and horse drawn carriages. You won't want to miss the Mackinac Island Tour, which is on a horse drawn carriage and takes passengers to the Revolutionary War fortress: Fort Mackinac. Walk through the downtown streets with a guide to answer your questions and then delight in lunch at the Grand Hotel.

3 Georgian Bay, Canada Sip on coffee and marvel out your window in the morning, you'll have a scenic view of the still waters. Over the next few days you'll have your choice in activities, from kayaking through the gorgeous area, learning about local Native culture from members of the Anishinaabe First Nations, hiking green forests, researching bird activity with an onboard scientist, or a Zodiac Cruise.

4 Georgian Bay, Canada See day 3 for activity options.

5 Georgian Bay, Canada See day 3 for activity options.

6 Scenic Cruising: Soo Locks Transit Today will be spent cruising, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of activities! You'll want to watch from the Explorer's Lounge as the ship transits the Soo Locks, it'll be quite the sight! During the day, head to the Aula, a beautiful entertainment room that will be showing a documentary about the Great Lakes. Listen to a lecture on the theories about the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a freighter that now lies at the bottom of Lake Superior. In the evening you'll want to head to an outside deck for out-of-this-world stargazing.

7 Thunder Bay, Ontario There'll be many ways to explore today! Take a hike on the trails of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, offering grand views of nearby mountains and granite cliffs while keeping a look out for wildlife. Enjoy a RIB cruise to Thompson Island, a tiny island surrounded by the waters of Lake Superior. And don't miss the "Niagara of the North", Ontario's largest waterfall, the jaw dropping Kakabeka Falls. And there will be another cultural opportunity to connect with the people of the Anishinaabe First Nations, to learn songs, traditional fishing techniques and about local plants.

8 Disembark in Thunder Bay, Ontario Disembark and return home on your flight, or consider extending your stay with post cruise stay in Churchill on Hudson Bay!

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  • Lake Superior – a life-sized expedition Thunder Bay - Milwaukee

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Lake Superior – a life-sized expedition

Thunder Bay - Milwaukee

Dates: 14/09/2024 to  24/09/2024.

Flight Credit

Set off with PONANT aboard Le Champlain ,   on a brand-new   11-day expedition cruise to discover Lake Superior and enjoy an exceptional exploration of flamboyant nature in the Indian summer, and of the cultural riches of the Indigenous communities and colonies that have lived in the region.

Departing from Thunder Bay , explore the world’s largest freshwater lake , designated as a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve . It is split between the United States, in the south, and Canada, in the north. Its rocky shoreline covered in boreal forest rises from the shimmering waters and reveals stunning panoramas.

Le Champlain will first set a course for the Slate Islands , known for their Provincial Park and abundant nature, before continuing its voyage toward the lake’s North Shore Inside Passage taking time to explore this mineral and wooded region from the water or on land. From lighthouses dotting the shorelines decked in autumnal colours to an ecosystem with exceptional riches in Terrace Bay , Rossport and Red Rock , this larger-than-life corner of the world offers its enchanted visitors, precious moments filled with warm encounters with the local communities and historical sites discovery.

Next, your ship will take you to visit the community of Silver Islet , established on an old silver mine in an enchanting setting. Delight in the splendour of this lacustrine environment surrounded by blue, and meet the people who live there.

You will then make your way to the southern end of the lake where, upon arriving in the charming city of Bayfield , you will be greeted with a performance by members of the Ojibwe (Chippewa) tribe . After sailing along the Keweenaw Waterway , you will discover the Apostle Islands . This archipelago of 21 islands is a biodiversity sanctuary home to some 800 botanical species and invaluable treasures including its sea caves , remarkable geological formations carved out of red sandstone over time.

Your exploration will continue with Lake Michigan and Mackinac Island , an insular haven steeped in old-world charm, before reaching Door County and the small town of Sturgeon Bay . Its landscapes, its jagged coastline dotted with historic lighthouses, and its vineyards and fruit trees as far as the eye can see compose a lovely postcard of “the orchard of the Midwest”.

Finally, you will sail to your disembarkation port in Milwaukee , on Lake Michigan , where your cruise will draw to an end.

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Your itinerary

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Your itinerary - Lake Superior – a life-sized expedition

A brand-new expedition cruise during the Indian summer, to discover some of the archipelagos and wild shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. An unprecedented, immersive exploration of Lake Superior:...

Your trip in detail

Your ship le champlain.

Important trip details

+33 (0)4 91 36 41 60 (or contact your travel agent)

Choose your stateroom

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3  

From 7.290 € 30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4  

From 8.080 € 30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 5  

From 8.470 € 30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6  

From 8.940 € 30% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Suite Deck 5  

Fully booked 30% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Suite Deck 6  

From 12.440 € 30% Ponant Bonus

Deluxe Suite Deck 3  

Deluxe Suite Deck 4  

Prestige Suite Deck 5  

From 16.800 € 30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Suite Deck 6  

From 17.670 € 30% Ponant Bonus

Privilege Suite Deck 5  

From 18.540 € 30% Ponant Bonus

Privilege Suite Deck 6  

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6  

From 20.370 € 30% Ponant Bonus

Owner's Suite Deck 5  

From 30.360 €

Complete your trip

Additional services For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.

Additional services

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*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Services provided

  • 24-hour room service
  • Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
  • Individually-controlled air conditioning
  • Dressing room with shelves and closet
  • Dressing table and hairdryer
  • Diptyque Paris top-of-the-line bath products
  • Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
  • Electronic safe
  • Direct line telephone
  • Bose Bluetooth speaker
  • Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
  • 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
  • Two ADA staterooms

Select your stateroom category

Stateroom size

  • - than 25 m²
  • + than 25 m²

Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3

30% Ponant Bonus

Prestige Stateroom Deck 4

Prestige Stateroom Deck 5

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 5

Fully booked

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 3

Deluxe Suite Deck 4

Prestige Suite Deck 5

Prestige Suite Deck 6

Privilege Suite Deck 5

Privilege Suite Deck 6

Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Owner's Suite Deck 5

Boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities

We invite you to read our boarding conditions and passenger travel abilities by clicking here . 

Any new reservation implies the acceptance of these conditions.

COVID-19 health formalities are subject to change. For information in real time, click here .

Please note that , due to the current global health situation, this itinerary and the overland packages may need to be altered based on port approvals and to comply with applicable government regulations at the time of your trip.

For greater peace of mind, we highly recommend booking your overland packages and pre- and post-cruise flights through PONANT. The effectiveness of our protocols, our cutting-edge medical equipment and the smaller size of our ships enable us to offer a maximum level of safety so you can relax and enjoy your cruise. 

To guarantee your entry into one or several countries, you must ensure that you comply with the formalities and health requirements specific to each destination. In just a few clicks on our online search engine, find all the formalities you must complete prior to your departure (visas, entry authorisations for each country, vaccinations, etc.).

The international situation can change rapidly, so be sure to check this information regularly prior to your departure. However, please note that we always recommend our guests contact the relevant national immigration and customs and border control authorities directly to find out what rules apply to their specific situation. PONANT is not responsible for any decisions made by guests based on the information provided by the online search engine.

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Canada : Entry (or transit) by air - The ETA is required for Australian and British citizens, US citizens are exempt. Other nationalities, please contact Canada consulate website for details. http://www.canada.ca/en/index.html. A copy of your visa or ETA must be sent to PONANT at the very latest 45 days prior to your cruise date. In case the ETA is sufficient to enter Canada, we also ask you to keep a copy of your ETA with your passport throughout the duration of your trip.

USA : Depending on your nationality, an ESTA or Visa may be required. Please contact USA consulate website for details. A copy of your visa or ESTA must be sent to PONANT at the very latest 45 days prior to your cruise date. In case the ESTA is sufficient to enter the USA, we also ask you to keep a copy of your ESTA with your passport throughout the duration of your trip.

List of items prohibited on board

To guarantee the safety and well-being of our guests, certain items are strictly prohibited on board. Should you have one of these products or objects in your possession, they will be confiscated immediately and will not be transported on the ship. When an item transported aboard is considered illegal, the relevant authorities will be notified systematically.

Click here  for the full list of items prohibited on board. 

Warning about the use of drones : the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Expedition programmes include activities such as landings in tender or local boats (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.

Clothing tips:

  • A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).
  • Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises.
  • Comfortable trousers: classic Winter trousers, warm cotton tracksuit, wool leggings
  • Waterproof and windproof over-trousers – MANDATORY
  • Winter trousers with waterproof over trousers are the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort of trousers are essential
  • Pullover, sweat-shirt or fleece jacket
  • Woollen or thermolactyl Thermal underwear
  • A warm hat, woollen ear muffs or fleece ear muffs, fleece or woollen neck warmer (avoid scarves that do not stay in place)- MANDATORY
  • Wool or silk glove liners, water-resistant and supple gloves
  • Thick warm socks (ideally woollen)

Accessories:

  • Small waterproof backpack (to protect your camera from water).
  • Binoculars (strongly recommended for wildlife viewing).
  • Highly protective sunglasses.
  • Walking poles (highly recommended).

Ideal clothes for life on board:

During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.

Informal evening:

In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.

  • Simple dress
  • Skirt or trousers
  • Pleated trousers or chinos
  • Sports jacket

Officer’s evening:

For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).

Gala evening:

During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.

  • Cocktail attire
  • Evening dress (if you wish to)
  • Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)

A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.

A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.

INSULATED BASE LAYER:

  • Wool or thermolactyl technical underwear
  • Polar or technical jacket
  • Polar sweater or sweatshirt
  • Silk or wool glove liners
  • Wool leggings
  • Warm hiking socks

WATERPROOF OUTER LAYER:

  • Waterproof over-trousers - Mandatory
  • Waterproof parka - Offered on board (not available in children’s sizes)
  • Windbreaker – Mandatory
  • A warm woollen hat covering your ears
  • Polar or woollen neck warmer
  • Waterproof technical gloves
  • Hiking shoes

HEALTH CARE:

  • Lip protection balm
  • Mosquito repellent, anti-itch balm and mosquito head net (Greenland)
  • Medications and prescriptions

OUTFITS ON BOARD:

  • Casual outfits for the day
  • Smarter outfits for dinners
  • Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
  • White or black and white outfit

ACCESSORIES:

  • Highly protective sunglasses
  • Walking poles
  • Small waterproof backpack
  • Swimsuit (for the spa on board)
  • Gym wear (fitness)
  • Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
  • Mobile phone charger

PONANT activities

  • A brand-new expedition cruise during the Indian summer, to discover some of the archipelagos and wild shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
  • An unprecedented, immersive exploration of Lake Superior: Bayfield and the Apostle Islands, for a remarkable nature sanctuary and stunning red sandstone sea caves; the North Shore Interior Passage, from its rocky shorelines dotted with lighthouses to its boreal forest.
  • Discover Bayfield, a small town with the charm of the past.
  • Interact with the welcoming Canadian communities of Silver Islet, Terrace Bay, Rossport and Red Rock, living on the sites of the First Nations at the heart of the North Shore Interior Passage, and discover their ancestral and current traditions, in communion with nature. 
  • The outings with a team of naturalist-guides (inflatable dinghy in Canada, or tender, local boats). 
  • The possibility of hiking in the heart of the majestic boreal forest, of canoeing or kayaking. 
  • Sailing on three of the five Great Lakes of North America: Lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior.
  • An all-new port of call in Sturgeon Bay, on the shores of Lake Michigan.
  • Landscapes: jagged coasts, limestone cliffs, volcanic rocks, red sandstone caves, boreal forest in dazzling colours, islands and archipelagos, lake landscapes, lighthouses.
  • Wildlife: numerous bird species, including bald eagles, black-capped chickadees, and cedar waxwings; the possibility of observing caribou, and American black bears.

Subject to weather conditions. The expedition highlights, encounters with the wildlife and itinerary described illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

Lake Superior – a life-sized expedition-iStock-484377455.jpg

Ports of Call & Excursions

Thunder Bay

14 September 2024 - Thunder Bay

Embarkation 14/09/2024 from 18:00 to 19:00 Departure 14/09/2024 at 20:00

Situated in the north-west of Lake Superior , the Canadian city of Thunder Bay enjoys a strategic position on the seaway connecting the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence, which explains why it is also called “Lakehead”. The city was also the terminus of a Canadian Pacific Railway corridor. This contributed vastly to its rapid growth in the 20th century. The historical museum is a must-see, as is the Thunder Bay Art Gallery , specialising in contemporary artwork by First Nations artists. Today, the city is a far cry from the small French fur-trading post established there in 1683. Nevertheless, a well documented historical reconstruction can be visited on the outskirts of the city: Fort William Historical Park .

Slate Islands

15 September 2024 - Slate Islands

Arrival 15/09/2024 Departure 15/09/2024

To the north of Lake Superior, a stone’s throw from Terrace Bay, the Slate Islands form a archipelago made up of two main islands and a string of smaller islands. This territory imbued with the region’s history, which features forestry, mining and the first native settlements, is a preserved natural area called the Slate Island Provincial Park. A large caribou colony lives in harmony in this sanctuary of biodiversity, where no fewer than 50 animal species and 250 plant varieties flourish. In the heart of this pristine territory, between thick boreal forest, limestone and volcanic rock, and water in deep emerald green hues, enjoy unique and peaceful moments in communion with life, during Zodiac outings or kayaking. 

North Shore Inside Passage

16 September 2024   17 September 2024 - North Shore Inside Passage

Arrival 16/09/2024 Departure 17/09/2024

From the shores of Lake Nipigon, explore unspoiled parts of the northern Inside Passage of Lake Superior , also known as Gchi Gami , or ‘great lake’ in Ojibwe. Admire the cliffs marked with ancient petroglyphs during an outing on the water at Red Rock ; discover majestic lighthouses at Battle Harbour ; hike to the heart of the autumn-coloured boreal forest with all your senses awakened; discover a canyon at Terrace Bay ; enjoy warm encounters with the Canadian communities on the sacred sites of the First Nations ; marvel at the wildlife; visit historic sites at Red Rock … There are so many interesting things to do in this region where histories intersect over the centuries, and that is precisely what makes this as-yet-unexplored destination so rich.

Silver Islet, Lake Superior

18 September 2024 - Silver Islet, Lake Superior

Arrival 18/09/2024 Departure 18/09/2024

Silver Islet refers to both a small rocky island and a small community located at the end of the Sibley Peninsula, on Lake Superior, in north-western Ontario, Canada. A silver ore deposit can be found beneath the tiny reef, 380 metres under the lake. The mine was operated from 1869 to 1884 and proved to be very prosperous; however, the constraints linked to pumping the water and the extremely difficult working conditions resulted in its closure. Silver Islet is located in a fascinating natural setting enhanced by the waters of the lake. It is ideal for great encounters with the communities living there, and for really exploring nature, on foot, by Zodiac dingy and by kayak, to make the most of its extraordinary views.

Sailing Lake Superior

19 September 2024 - Sailing Lake Superior

Arrival 19/09/2024 Departure 19/09/2024

Lake Superior stands in a league of its own. It is not only the largest and deepest of the Great Lakes of North America , it is also the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, holding around 10% of the globe’s surface freshwater! It was named by the first European settlers, who had noticed its higher altitude compared to the other four lakes. Lake Superior connects with Lake Huron and Lake Michigan via the Sault Ste. Marie locks. From the decks of your ship, you will relish your experience of sailing on this vast inland body of water, and imagine it entirely frozen over during the winter months...

Duluth

19 September 2024 - Duluth

On the edge of Lake Superior, in Minnesota, Duluth is a flourishing port city founded in 1679 by the Frenchman Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut. In this region inhabited by the Ojibwe and Dakota tribes among others, the fur trade developed with the Hudson’s Bay Company and contributed to the city’s prominence. Exceptionally surrounded by stunning nature, Duluth is a holiday spot popular with wealthy families, as evidenced by the beautiful Victorian mansions such as Glensheen Mansion , built in the early 20th century. Enjoy wandering around the city or, if you would prefer a different perspective and another way to discover the region, take an excursion aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad and visit its museum.

Bayfield & Apostle Islands

20 September 2024 - Bayfield & Apostle Islands

Arrival 20/09/2024 Departure 20/09/2024

Discover Bayfield , in the southern Lake Superior region in the state of Wisconsin. Founded in 1856, this small city, nestling in the curve of an unspoiled peninsula, projects an old-world charm with its Victorian houses. As soon as you arrive, you will dive into its traditions during a performance by the Ojibwe tribe, descended from the First Nations, for whom this region is the spiritual heart. Bayfield is also the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore , a protected natural area around the Apostle Islands, an archipelago comprising 21 enchanting islands offering dense forests, magnificent lighthouses, birdwatching, and remarkable red sandstone sea caves. Explore these islands on a local boat and discover their fascinating shorelines carved by the elements.

Sailing through Keweenaw Waterway

21 September 2024 - Sailing through Keweenaw Waterway

Arrival 21/09/2024 Departure 21/09/2024

South of Lake Superior, your ship will cross the Keweenaw Peninsula via the eponymous waterway along the Portage River. This stretch of land located in the north of the State of Michigan is part of the Copper Country, home to large mines run by the Native Americans over 5,000 years ago and rediscovered thanks to their descendants at the beginning of the 18th century. A copper rush ensued, with waves of immigration from Finland and Northern Europe. The river separates the towns of Houghton, in the south, and Hancock, in the northern part also known as Copper Island  or Kuparisaari by the Finnish immigrants. So, crossing Keweenaw also means looking back over the region’s history.

21 September 2024 - Sailing Lake Superior

Mackinac Island

22 September 2024 - Mackinac Island

Arrival 22/09/2024 early morning Departure 22/09/2024

Close to the banks of Lake Huron in the State of Michigan, Mackinac Island promises a real journey through time. Originally inhabited by Amerindians, then occupied by French and British colonists, this small island measuring only a few km² still retains an atmosphere of yesteryear today, with its Victorian-style buildings and elegant horse-drawn carriages. Fort Mackinac, on the heights of the island, is a reminder of the conflicts that punctuated the history of this strategic place, a former fur trade centre. In addition to this scenery from the past, the island offers magnificent fine sandy beaches and is home to one of the oldest National Parks in the United States.

Sturgeon Bay

23 September 2024 - Sturgeon Bay

Arrival 23/09/2024 early morning Departure 23/09/2024

Sturgeon Bay is a small, little-known town in the Great Lakes region. It offers a perfect blend of traditions and gentle way of life. The gateway to Door County (Wisconsin), known for its cherry and apple orchards as well as its vineyards, Sturgeon Bay is sometimes called “ the orchard of the Midwest ”. Several old lighthouses and early-19th century merchant ship wrecks, visible from the surface, make up an interesting historical heritage. Nature is all around, allowing visitors to engage in a host of outdoor activities: hiking in one of the five national parks, kayaking on crystal-clear waters to discover the myriad islets dotting the lake, bike riding, and more.

Milwaukee

24 September 2024 - Milwaukee

Arrival 24/09/2024 early morning Disembarkation 24/09/2024 at 07:00

Nested on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee , the largest city in the State of Wisconsin, harmoniously combines tradition and modernity. Industrial long ago, the city, known as Brew City because of its old breweries renowned all over the world, is experiencing a certain renaissance. While warehouses have given way to restaurants, bars, theatres and art galleries in the city centre, the district still retains traces of its manufacturing past. Further south lies Chicago , the economic centre of the Midwest, with an interesting mix of natural and urban landscapes: its immense skyscrapers, diverse architecture, many parks and magnificent beaches make the city a popular destination.

Le Champlain

Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship . To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury. 

Ponant ship LE CHAMPLAIN - Deck 4

Find out more about Le Champlain

Realise your dream of adventure in the polar regions ! Discover the icy vastness and the fauna of Antarctica (humpback whales, seals, penguins and more) or the Arctic's fjords, glaciers and icebergs in shifting colours, not to mention the polar bears, the variety of wildlife and the special moments shared with the locals. Our team of naturalist guides share their knowledge with you during varied lectures about the fauna, the flora, the history of great explorations, geology and climatology. Thanks to its conscientiousness and to the responsible approach that is its hallmark, PONANT has been a leader and expert in cruises to these destinations for more than 20 years.

FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *

*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.

Reach the Western Arctic at the best price! On this departure, benefit from a credit of €1,000 per passenger by booking your flights and hotel nights with PONANT between 21/03/2024 and 06/05/2024. To benefit from it, nothing could be simpler: indicate the code AIR1000 when making your reservation. Non-retroactive offer and subject to availability. Offer cannot be combined with the Free Single Supplement offer or any other possible specific offer.

Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands

OVERVIEW OF THUNDER BAY (1 NIGHT)

13/09/2024 - OVERVIEW OF THUNDER BAY (1 NIGHT)

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24/09/2024 - CHICAGO, WINDY CITY WONDERS

24/09/2024 - CHICAGO'S WORLD CLASS ART, ARCHITECTURE AND MUSIC (3 NIGHTS)

OVERVIEW OF THUNDER BAY (1 NIGHT)

OVERVIEW OF THUNDER BAY (1 NIGHT)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Thunder Bay

Meet at Thunder Bay Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the hotel Delta hotel by Marriott 4*.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – Thunder Bay

After breakfast and check-out, start your morning with a historical walking tour of Thunder Bay.  

Start your walk along Thunder Bay waterfront, including Prince Arthur’s Landing and Northcore, formally known as Port Arthur. Thunder Bay boasts over 400 pieces of public art in a range of mediums that pay homage to the city's history, culture and ties to the waters of Lake Superior.

You will make several stops such as Lyceum Theatre, Thunder Bay Courthouse, the Armoury and multiple churches. The focus of the narration for this portion will focus on the historical architecture styles used in this former remote outpost and the heritage of the first immigrants to settle in the area.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

At the end of your walking tour, board your coach and explore the areas of Thunder Bay beyond the shoreline including the story of the joining of Fort William and Fort Arthur to create modern day Thunder Bay and finally the charming area of the Bay & Algoma Historic district with its quaint shops, boutiques, cafes and well preserved historic buildings.

You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

The Delta hotel by Marriott 4* is located on Thunder Bay waterfront, close to all local attractions. The hotel features a restaurant and a gym.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

  • 1-night accommodation Partial Lake View at the Delta hotel by Marriott, ,4* local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
  • Meals as mentioned in the programme.
  • Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
  • Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
  • The services of a local English-speaking guide.
  • Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your arrival.

Your programme does not include:

  • Diner on day 1.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Visa if necessary.
  • Tips for the driver and local guide.
  • Early check-in.
  • Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

  • It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
  • Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
  • Early check-in might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
  • This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Contact of your hotel:

Delta Hotels Thunder Bay by Marriott 2240 Sleeping Giant Parkway Thunder Bay P7A 0E7 Ontario, Canada Telephone number: 807 344 0777

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Total : 500 €

CHICAGO, WINDY CITY WONDERS

iStock-452952419.jpg

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

Once in the city, experience the renowned Chicago River Architecture Cruise on a ship privatized for Ponant guests. Float down the River and enjoy the wonderful architecture of the city, the historical bridges and the emblematic buildings of the windy city as it is called. Enjoy the comments of your tour guide specialized in architecture and find out how the city was constructed from the ground up after the Great Chicago Fire.

After lunch, you will explore with your English-speaking guide, Millennium Park, the beautiful centrepiece of downtown Chicago. Here you’ll find the Concert Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry, the beautiful Lurie Gardens and the beloved “Bean”, (Anish Kapoor’s “Cloud Gate”) an enormous stainless steel sculpture reflecting the skyline and a favorite spot for photos.

Your guide will point out historic areas, incredible photo opportunities and some of the world’s most recognizable architecture in Chicago’s “Loop.” You will have the chance to get off the bus for photos and close up exploration of a few pieces of the city’s wonderful collection of public art – including Picasso, Chagall, Miro and Dubuffet. Chicago is a “Sister City” to Paris. The original plan included wide boulevards and many Beaux Arts structures including the magnificent Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. You will travel on famed Lake Shore Drive where you’ll see Chicago’s iconic skyline reflected in glittering Lake Michigan.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.

  • Meals as mention in the programme.
  • Beverages package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
  • Transfers and visits as mentioned in the program.
  • Services of a local English-speaking guide
  • Visas fees if necessary
  • Other services not mentioned in the program.

In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents. 

Total : 790 €

CHICAGO'S WORLD CLASS ART, ARCHITECTURE AND MUSIC (3 NIGHTS)

Welcome to one of the world's greatest cities: Chicago, often called the Windy City. Immerse yourself for 4 days in the city's Art and Architecture, discovering its modernist masterpieces, spectacular skyscrapers and world class museums. Take a cruise on the downtown Chicago River and learn about the city and its history. Fine dining opportunities abound as you stroll around the legendary Oak Street. From arts and science to culture and gastronomy, this programme incorporates the essentials Chicago has to offer.

Day 1 – Milwaukee/Chicago

Board your bus for a 2-hours transfer to Chicago and start your city exploration with a Chicago River Architecture Cruise. Specially chartered by PONANT, you will find out how Chicago grew from a small settlement into one of the world's largest cities in less 100 years. You will float down the river discovering Chicago architecture and its history. Today's skyline includes some of the world's most striking and innovative buildings.

Next, you will visit the renowned Art Institute of Chicago. Founded in 1879 and located in Chicago's Grant Park, it is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. The collection includes extensive Impressionist works plus Renaissance, American and Asian masters. The new Modern Wing is a stunning building overlooking Millennium Park.

You will be transferred to your hotel Sofitel Magnificent Mile 5*.

Check-in to your room.

Day 2 - Chicago

Today, your guide will point out historic areas, incredible photo opportunities and some of the world's most recognizable architecture in Chicago's "Loop." You will have the chance to get off the bus for photos and discover of a few pieces of the city's wonderful collection of public art - including Picasso, Chagall, Miro and Dubuffet. Chicago is a "Sister City" to Paris. The original plan included wide boulevards and many Beaux Arts structures including the magnificent Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. You will travel on famed Lake Shore Drive where you'll see Chicago's iconic skyline reflected in glittering Lake Michigan.

Continue with the visit of Millennium Park, the beautiful centerpiece of downtown Chicago. Millennium Park boasts one of the most impressive collections of public art in the world. First planned in 1997 as a way to create new parkland in Grant Park and transform unsightly railroad tracks and parking lots, Millennium Park has evolved into the most significant millennium project in the world. Here you will find the Concert Pavilion designed by Frank Gehry, the beautiful Lurie Gardens and the beloved "Bean", (Anish Kapoor's "Cloud Gate") an enormous stainless-steel sculpture reflecting the skyline and a favorite spot for photos.

Afterwards, continue to explore the history and beautiful architecture of Chicago. On the Gold Coast near Lake Michigan, you'll see the mansions of early industrialists who built here after the Great Chicago Fire. Continue to trendy Lincoln Park to view the lovely gardens and discover how the city has kept its promise that the lakefront would forever be free and open to all.

Return to your hotel.

Your tour guide will have suggestions for dinner on your own.

Optional activity: Evening at the Jazz club

You will experience a classic Chicago evening! Historically, the city's unique location on the Great Lakes made it the crossroads of America for great food and music. Discover a famous spot for Chicago style BBQ baby back ribs, chicken and seafood.

Then you will go next door to an intimate Jazz Club. Sit back and enjoy some of the best musicians in the city in this "listening room" environment where jazz is revered. Some of the best known local and national jazz acts perform here. Acts range from standards to contemporary. You will be immersed in the joy that is jazz!

Day 3 – Chicago

Start your day with a trip to the leafy suburb of Oak Park. This is where the architect Frank Lloyd lived and worked. The first homes he designed are found on the lovely streets here. You will visit his Home and Studio for an in depth look at the master who was the forerunner of modern home design.

Return to Chicago to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

Next, discover the Wabash Arts Corridor. Discover wonderful murals inserted into the urban setting of the vibrant South Loop. Whether they are humorous, whimsical, or profound, they all tell you something about the artist and yourself. You will also see some stunning, long forgotten architecture on "Motor Row" where automobile showrooms were as beautiful as the vehicles they sold. See how "adaptive reuse" of factory buildings now creates a neighbourhood of loft style homes for the modern era.

In the same neighbourhood, visit Blues Heaven at Chess Records, a small museum honouring the Blues legends that made Chicago famous. Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry all recorded here. The Rolling Stones took their name from a Muddy Waters song and recorded "2120 S. Michigan Avenue" there in 1964 as an homage to this great bluesman.

Experience a private concert with one of the city's best blues artists during your visit!

Return to the hotel in time for dinner on your own.

Day 4 - Chicago

Après le petit déjeuner, libération de votre chambre et temps libre selon l’horaire de votre vol retour.

Vous serez conduit à l’aéroport en correspondance avec le vol sélectionné par PONANT ou de tout autre vol de départ choisi, sous réserve d’en avoir communiqué les détails au préalable à votre conseiller.

Designed by French architect Jean-Paul Viguier, the Sofitel Magnificient Mile 5* is one of Chicago's most remarkable modern skyscrapers, located near the famous Magnificent Mile shopping street. There's a sophisticated but comfortable flair throughout the hotel, from the boisterous red-and-white décor at the restaurant CDA to the tidy natural-light-filled rooms with a panoramic view of the city.

  • 3-nights accommodation in Luxury room at the Sofitel Magnificent Mile 5* local standards (or similar), including breakfast.
  • Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 tea or coffee).
  • Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
  • Services of a local English-speaking guide.
  • Tips for the local guide.
  • The official check out time is at noon.
  • The amount of twin rooms are limited and therefore cannot be guaranteed.
  • If you booked the optional activity: evening at the Jazz Club, it is mandatory to present your passport upon arrival at the jazz club as the entry is limited to adults over 21 years old in the United States.
  • The chartered cruise by PONANT is guaranteed from 50 passengers. If less than 50 passengers are booked, the cruise will be shared with local clients.

Contact of your hotel:   Sofitel Magnificent Mile 20 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611, United-State Telephone number: +1 312-324-4000

Total : 3.170 €

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7 Night Undiscovered Great Lakes

Push the limits of destination discovery with Viking Expeditions as you immerse yourself in shoreside adventures and onboard luxury.

Treat yourself to the treasures of North American on a Viking Expedition cruise exploring Canada, New England and The Great Lakes.

Wildlife lovers flock to Thunder Bay on the coast of Lake Superior, where the parks are teeming with wolves and moose.

  • Viking Octantis - Passenger Capacity: 378 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2022 Last Refurbished: N/A

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Viking Octantis

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

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Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Canada / New England

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Ports of call.

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada , Duluth, Minnesota , Mackinac Island , Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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7 Night Undiscovered Great Lakes sailing on the Viking Octantis

Departure dates: jul 2024 - jul 2025.

From $5,995

From $6,295

From $6,995

Stateroom prices for Jul. 4, 2024

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Booking now for 2024 Experience Lake Superior Book Thunder Bay's Most Popular Tours

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From adventurous sailors and marine thrill seekers to those looking for a calm and relaxing cruise around Lake Superior’s spectacular Canadian shore, our experienced captains will host an adventure full of memories you won't soon forget.

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Experience Sail Superior

Located in Thunder Bay Prince Arthur's Landing Marina, Sail Superior calls pier three home. Boasting a fleet of four vessels, we offer a variety of sailing, zodiac and catamaran tours. From shorter harbour tours and wine & cheese sunset cruising to extended day and multi-day trips, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Try a high speed zodiac ride to the Welcome Islands, or a scenic cruise combined with a hike of the Sleeping Giant or maybe try sailing out to spend a day at Thompson Island, a sauna, a hike, a swim. All levels of activity are possible.

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Thunder Bay ON (Ontario Canada, Lake Superior)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Thunder Bay ON cruise port

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-03-27 21:02

Port Thunder Bay ON cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Thunder Bay ON, Ontario Canada, Lake Superior. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Thunder Bay is a Lake Superior cruise port and city in Canada's Ontario province, with population around 110,000 (metro around 120,000). Port Thunder Bay (on Lake Superior) is the largest outbound river port on the Saint Lawrence Seaway (system of locks, canals and channels that serves oceangoing ships and connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Great Lakes/Canada and USA) and also Canada's 6th-largest. The port has a premium Boat Marina (Thunder Bay Yacht Club) and Keefer Terminal (passenger and cargo ship terminal).

As one of the Great Lakes , Lake Superior has surface area (31700 mi2/82000 km2), water volume (2900 mi3/12000 km3) max depth (1333 ft/406 m), largest cities in the USA ( Duluth MN , Marquette MI , Sault Ste Marie MI , Superior WI, and in Canada (Sault Ste Marie ON, Thunder Bay ON).

The current city was officially formed in 1970 following the merger of Port Arthur with Neebing and McIntyre. The settlement (initially two French fur trading outposts established in the late-17th/early-18th centuries) was on Kaministiquia River and was previously named Fort Kaministiquia and Fort William. Fort William was officially founded in 1803 by the fur-trading North West Company (1779-1821) as its mid-continent river port, transportation hub and trade base (import and export). Fort William served the cargo shipping through the Great Lakes and St Lawrence Seaway all the way to the North Atlantic.

In 1821, the North West Company merged with HBC (Hudson's Bay Company and, after most fur trades shifted to Hudson Bay's York Factory, Fort William lost its importance and became a minor fur trading post. The original site (Fort William) disappeared in the late-19th century after the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP Rail/Canadian Pacific) was constructed. Another settlement (Port Arthur) was developed in 1870-83, just a few miles to the north. The rivalry between Fort William and Port Arthur ended only with their merger in January 1970, to form the current city Thunder Bay ON. Into the metro city were also merged Neebing and McIntyre.

Today, Thunder Bay is Northwestern Ontario's commercial and administrative center. The economy is based mainly on administrative and medical services, as well as forestry (Resolute Forest Products, fka AbitibiBowater Inc) and production (Bombardier Transportation's plant manufactures large vehicles and equipment/passenger railcars and transit cars).

As cruise port, Thunder Bay was included for the first time in the 2021 schedule of Hapag Lloyd Cruises with the ship Hanseatic Inspiration (2019-built).

Next table shows the 14-day itinerary from Chicago to Toronto.

In mid-January 2021, Viking Cruises (via the Viking Expeditions brand) announced that its newest ship - Viking Octantis , will be homeported in Thunder Bay ON in 2022, for a total of 7 voyages to Milwaukee WI . After disembarking, passengers return to Milwaukee by air, and the cruise ship embarks another group of travelers (flown to Thunder Bay) for the return voyage (via Duluth MN) to Milwaukee. The boat was scheduled to stay in homeport overnight (for around 48 hours) on each call.

The 378-passenger Viking Octantis is currently the largest cruise ship ever deployed in the Great Lakes region. The first 8-day "Great Lakes Explorer" cruise (itinerary from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay) was scheduled to leave on May 21, 2022. Prices started at USD 8395 per person (with double occupancy) including airfare. The return 8-day cruise itinerary (from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee) was themed "Undiscovered Great Lakes". Both Viking cruises feature passing through Soo Locks at Sault Ste Marie (Lake Superior - Lake Huron).

In 2022, Port Thunder Bay handled a total of 9 cruise calls made by two ships - Viking Octantis and Ocean Navigator ( AQV/American Queen Voyages ).

In 2023, the cruise port had scheduled 15 ship calls with berthings booked for 4 different ships - Viking Octantis, Ocean Navigator, Hanseatic Inspiration, and Viking Polaris .

Port Thunder Bay (Ontario Canada) to host 15 cruise ship calls in 2023

Port Thunder Bay (Ontario Canada) to host 15 cruise ship calls in 2023

In season 2023, Thunder Bay (Ontario, Canada) is set to accommodate 15 cruise ship visits, a double increase compared to the 9 calls it handled in...

Viking Octantis cruise ship in 2022 becomes the largest on the Great Lakes

Viking Octantis cruise ship in 2022 becomes the largest on the Great Lakes

For the first time, Thunder Bay ON will become a homeport/turnaround port for a Great Lakes cruise vessel starting in 2022. Viking Cruises announced...

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Thunder Bay ON - user reviews and comments

Alexander Roberts

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Zlake superior explorer cruise - milwaukee to thunder bay, our complete program of shoreside discoveries.

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Board the mv Victory II in Milwaukee

On arrival at the airport, our chauffeured transfer takes you to the pier where the elegant mv Victory II awaits. Settle in to your outside stateroom before joining your fellow passengers for dinner with free-flowing house wines, cocktails and beverages.  Meals D

Ashore in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Our first visit on today’s shore excursion program is the National Railway Museum, dedicated to the preservation of our nation’s railroad heritage. Among its historic exhibits are the Dwight D. Eisenhower Command Car, the largest steam locomotive ever built, and the futuristic Aerotrain introduced by GM in the 1950’s. The museum also houses a rare collection of silver service plates and china that was used on railroads, steamships and early airlines.   Next up is the Heritage Hill State Park. Here at this 48-acre open air museum, you’ll find more than 30 historical structures brought here from sites across the state. These original buildings include log cabins from the fur-trading era, structures from Fort Howard that once occupied a site along the nearby Fox River, and stores and public buildings from the 1800’s. With enlightening insight from museum staff garbed in period clothing, today’s visit offers a look into Midwest life more than a century ago.  Meals B+L+D

Sturgeon Bay + Beautiful Door County

Step ashore in the port of Sturgeon Bay and visit the Door County Maritime Museum. Situated along the bustling waterfront, this museum showcases the region’s rich maritime heritage from its fishing fleet and hardy sea captains to the skilled craftsmen, bold inventors and lonely lighthouse keepers who have contributed so much to the area. We’ll also take you into the beautiful wooded landscapes of Door County, a peninsula that extends into Lake Michigan to form the sheltering waters of Green Bay. Get a glimpse of the grand waterfront homes along Cottage Row and tour the Alexander Noble House, built in 1875. Then meet the owner of Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery to learn about the history of the region’s many bountiful fruit farms. Comprised of orchards and vineyards, your tour of this family-run estate includes a wine tasting and a chance to pick delicious Door County cherries in the orchard.  Meals B+L+D

Mackinac Island

This morning, the mv Victory II will dock in St. Ignace where you’ll board the Star Line Ferry to Mackinac Island. From the Mackinac waterfront, a horse-drawn carriage tour is a great way to experience the Victoria-era ambience of this National Historic Landmark. Learn about the island’s history and see turn-of-the-century homes built by early captains of American industry. Then hop off at the Grand Hotel and take in the views from its famous verandah, the longest in the world! In the elegant main dining room, you’ll enjoy the hotel’s lavish Grand Buffet Luncheon.   Also today, you’ll tour Fort Mackinac - set high on a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Built by the British in 1780, taken by the Americans in 1796, and reclaimed by the British at the start of the War of 1812, your guided visit offers rich insight into colorful chapters of American history. Then return to the waterfront where the ferry will take you back to St. Ignace to reboard the mv Victory II .  Meals B+L+D

Through the Soo Locks into Lake Superior

A delightful day of cruising is enriched by engaging talks with our onboard Great Lakes experts. Elegant dining in two distinctive venues, our ship’s Open Bar with house wine, beer and spirits, and convivial conversation with your fellow travelers adds to the experience. Today our ship will transit through the historic Soo Locks, where freighters, barges and tugboats traverse the 21-foot rise of the St. Mary’s River between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. The first lock here was built in 1855 and the canal was navigated by 27 vessels during its first year of operation. Today, more than 10,000 ships hauling 86 million tons of cargo pass through these historic parallel locks each year, even though they’re closed during the winter when ice shuts down shipping on the upper Great Lakes! As we navigate from Lake Huron upward through the locks, our experts will be on-hand to offer colorful historical insights. Once we reach the pristine northern waters of Superior, we’ll continue our voyage westward toward Marquette.  Meals B+L+D

Marquette, Michigan

Set on the northern shores of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the lands around Marquette were well known by French missionaries as far back as the 1600’s and in later centuries by intrepid fur trappers. With the discovery of iron deposits in the mid-19 th century, the town of Marquette began to grow and prosper and by the late 1800’s steamships were also bringing summer visitors to fill the city’s hotels and resorts. Stepping ashore today in this historic town, your sightseeing will include the Michigan Iron Industry Museum and the still-operational Famous Eagle Mine site. At the Baumer Heritage Center, informative and entertaining exhibits will offer further insight into Marquette’s development from furs and mining to modern-day tourism.  Meals B+L+D

The Keweenaw Waterway + Houghton

Comprised of natural lakes and waterways as well as artificial canals that were dredged in the 1860’s, the Keweenaw Waterway traverses the Keweenaw Peninsula and provides a shortcut for freighters hauling ore from the rich copper mines of the Peninsula to larger cities along Lake Superior. Today you’ll step ashore in the village of Houghton, situated midway through the Keweenaw Waterway, for a tour of the famous Quincy Copper Mine. The mine operated for nearly a century, right up through World War II, and offers the rare chance for visitors to actually enter the mine itself! After lunch, you’ll visit the Houghton Lake Historic Village to see a restored vintage homestead and tour the Fireman’s Memorial Museum.  Meals B+L+D

Discover Duluth, Minnesota

The Sioux and Chippewa were the first to settle in the scenic hills that overlook the far western shores of Lake Superior. By the mid 1600’s, it was a fur trading outpost that was then claimed for France by Daniel Greysolon Sieur du Lhut, the French soldier and explorer for whom the city is now named. Stepping off ship today, your guided exploration begins with the Aerial Lift Bridge which stands guard over the harbor and then continues along the North Shore Scenic Driver, from where you’ll have commanding views over the city and its picturesque setting on Lake Superior. You’ll ascend to Hawk Ridge to learn about the unique natural phenomenon that occurs here annually as raptors migrating from the Arctic crest the ridge and seemingly come to a halt in mid-air as they encounter the vast expanse of Lake Superior below. Back in town, enjoy a guided walk along the waterfront to Leif Erikson Park to see an amazing replica of a Viking ship and then tour the Duluth Depot, which houses the unique collection of the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore more of Duluth’s vibrant waterfront at your own pace.  Meals B+L+D

Disembark in Thunder Bay, Ontario

After breakfast and disembarkation here in Thunder Bay, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your homeward flight.  Meals B

Extend Your Trip

Free post-cruise stay in thunder bay.

Extend your journey with our complimentary post-cruise stay in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Set on the western shores of Lake Superior and cradled by the Nor’Wester Mountain Range, this vibrant urban community is a friendly place to relax and explore before heading homeward. We include transfers, sightseeing, hotel accommodations and your flight from Thunder Bay to Toronto.

Disembark the mv Victory II + Discover Thunder Bay

After breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark the ship to find our friendly local guide waiting at the pier to take you to Fort William Historical Park. Set on 250 acres overlooking the picturesque Kaministiquia River, this leading heritage and cultural center offers a chance to experience and learn about local life in the early 19th century at the peak of the North American fur trade. Start with an informative video presentation and continue through the Park to the old fur trading post where you’ll find dozens of finely-reconstructed historical buildings. Hands-on demonstrations and engaging staff in period garb bring the region’s history to life. After your visit, we’ll take you to the comfortable Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton for your complimentary overnight stay. The balance of this day is yours to relax and enjoy as you wish.

Complimentary flight to Toronto

Breakfast this morning is included with your stay. At the appropriate time, you can transfer to the airport using the Hampton Inn’s convenient airport shuttle. Our Post-Cruise Stay includes your flight to Toronto where you can connect to your homeward journey.  Meals B

Great Lakes Map

$379 port charges are extra

Family + Friends

Every A+R Journey is carefully crafted with more than 7 decades of expertise helping our guests to experience the world in a more authentic and caring way. Choose from more than 105 Original Journeys With Never More than 16 Guests or book your tour as a Completely Private Experience – whether it’s just the two of you, a small group of friends, or your entire family.

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Our Great Lakes cruise from Chicago to Toronto encompasses all five of the Great Lakes - revealing their rich maritime history, indigenous cultures and captivating natural beauty. Aboard the elegant small ship mv Victory I, the finest ship on the Great Lakes, our deluxe cruise includes fine dining, enriching onboard experts, all excursions, an open bar, airport transfers and gratuities.

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With the smallest groups in the Americas, our journey uniquely begins in a small Canadian fishing port. Traveling all the way across British Columbia, we’ll show you more of its history, beauty and wildlife.

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Our Pacific Northwest tour features the smallest groups in the Americas, combining the bounty of Portland, Oregon’s vineyards and its Pacific Coast with a luxury Columbia River cruise aboard the American Empress.

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12 reasons why you should take a Great Lakes cruise on the Viking Octantis

Joanne and Tony DiBona

March 21, 2024 // By Joanne and Tony DiBona

By Joanne and Tony DiBona Travel Photography Experts March 21, 2024

Take off on a Great Lakes cruise from Milwaukee

Viking's Great Lakes cruise is full of surprises

When you think of taking a cruise, sailing around the Great Lakes probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. But it should be, and  Viking's Great Lakes Cruises  charts several breathtaking and memorable courses.   Though the 15-day Great Lakes Collection earned accolades for Best New Cruise Itinerary , we opted for a shorter cruise trip: the eight-day  Great Lakes Explorer . This itinerary departs from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and culminates in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.   Come aboard! Here's a look at everything this Great Lakes cruise has to offer.

The Viking Octantis staterooms include lots of amenities and perks

Soaking up the perks on the Viking Octantis

The Polar Class  Viking Octantis  features 189 staterooms and holds 387 passengers, so you'll never feel crowded onboard. Many ways to unwind include sitting in the Explorers' Lounge, with its amazing views over the lake, and hitting the pool, sauna, or steam room at the Nordic Spa.   The luxurious staterooms offer all the comforts of home, from luxury linens to a large flat-screen TV, plus a floor-to-ceiling heated drying closet and 24-hour complimentary room service.

Visit Mackinac Island's main street from the Viking Octantis

Visiting Mackinac Island in Michigan

Made famous by the 1980 movie "Somewhere in Time,"  filmed on location here , Mackinac Island is a gem of the Great Lakes cruise. Steeped in the charm of simpler times, this bucolic haven in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan preserves picturesque Victorian buildings along car-free streets traversed only by horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and pedestrians. 

Take in the view over Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island

Exploring Fort Mackinac State Historic Park

While there are many Viking shore excursions on Mackinac Island, we decided to hike up to  Fort Mackinac State Historic Park , where we saw this lovely panorama with a view of our ship. Summer is the perfect time to visit the island when flowers bloom in every corner.

Don't miss Mamsen's on the Viking Octantis Great Lakes cruise

Dining on the Viking Octantis

Several dining options offer something for every taste, from the World Cafe buffet to the Viking sushi bar.   Make sure to find your way to Mamsen's popular Norwegian-style deli to enjoy two of our favorite dishes: the savory split pea soup and the legendary waffles. Several dishes made at Mamsen's use traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation in the family of Torstein Hagen, Viking's chairman.

A classical duo entertains guests on the Viking Octantis Great Lakes cruise

Enjoy live entertainment aboard the Viking Octantis

This musical duo provided a perfect mixture of smooth jazz and classical selections as we watched the natural beauty of the Great Lakes roll by.

The Soo Locks are a highlight on Viking's Great Lakes cruise

Squeezing through the famous Soo Locks

Cruise passengers gather on the bow of the Viking Octantis as it transits from Lake Huron into Lake Superior via the  Soo Locks  on St. Marys River in Michigan.   The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System is considered one of the longest deep draft navigation systems, and one of the most outstanding engineering feats of the 20th century. Since 1855, more than 10,000 ships now pass through these locks annually.

The famed Sea Lion arch in Ontario, Canada

Seeing the Sea Lion Arch via Viking's Great Lakes cruise

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park  is the home of the famous Sea Lion Arch, seen here from a Viking special operations boat. Outfitted with hydraulic seats and handrails for comfort and safety, this vessel explores the Great Lakes at an exhilarating speed.   The boats are perfect for photographers as they get to different scenic points in record time. Additionally, the vessel can stop immediately to allow anyone to capture the "perfect shot."

An eagle stands tall at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Canada

Capturing sights from a Great Lakes cruise

Speaking of a "perfect shot," we were thrilled to capture this photo of an eagle posing dramatically on a tree top in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park from our special operations boat. 

Visiting Parry Sound in Ontario, Canada

Getting postcard-perfect images

The quaint town of Parry Sound, Ontario, boasts the world's deepest natural freshwater port. The Canadian Pacific Railroad trestle adds to the picturesque views to behold in this charming port-of-call.

Checking out The Big Dipper, the world's largest canoe paddle

Checking out the world's largest paddle

The paths along the Killarney Mountain Lodge on Georgian Bay offer pristine views of the lake and its unique flora and fauna. It's also the site of The Big Dipper , completed in 2020 by Canada's most famous canoeist, Mike Ranta. Weighing in at 22,000 pounds with a length of 110 feet, it carries the distinction of being the world's largest paddle.

The views over Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada

Visiting Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada

We highly recommend adding a pre- or post-expedition overnight stay in  Thunder Bay .   This delightful town has much to offer, from exceptional hiking trails, first-class dining and shopping, sailboat expeditions, biking opportunities, and unforgettable attractions such as Fort Williams Historical Park (Canada's equivalent of Colonial Williamsburg). The majestic Kakabeka Falls, known as the "Niagara of the North," is another highlight.

Joanne and Tony DiBona

About Joanne and Tony DiBona

Joanne and Tony DiBona know a thing or two about creating photo galleries to share their personal travel experiences around the world with their readers.  Their articles have been featured on 10Best  for the past decade, as well as in national and international print and online media. Their awards for photography and journalism fill up an entire wall in their office, the most recent being a top national award for their US and international galleries published on 10Best. Follow their travel adventures on their scenic photography   website and travel blog . Have a question about travel? Contact them on their  Instagram and Facebook pages.

Read more about Joanne and Tony DiBona here.

Connect with Joanne and Tony via: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

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The Return of Cruise Ships to Thunder Bay

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Writer: Imbran Bagha

That exotic travel destination may not be so far away.

cruise from thunder bay

You no longer have to travel far to experience an ocean-style luxury cruise getaway. Whether Thunder Bay is the last stop or the first, you can fly directly via the Thunder Bay International Airport and into an opulent travel experience like no other.

The year 2022 marked the return of cruise trips in Thunder Bay, offered by luxury cruise fleet operators Viking and American Queen Voyages. The Viking Octantis was the first cruise ship to dock in the city since 2012.

The Octantis is instantly recognizable by its sleek and elegant interior design, which patrons can tour virtually online – just like most other cruise ships docking in Thunder Bay. Cozy water-facing staterooms, a rich selection of mouth-watering food and drink, and relaxing spa treatments on board perfectly merge novelty with comfort for guests.

Although these ships’ interiors are remarkable and their comfort first-class, the real exhilaration begins on the voyage itself. Four ships will call on Thunder Bay in 2023, offering trips across the Great Lakes, stopping at a variety of unique ports spanning Canadian and U.S. waters.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of booking a cruise on the Great Lakes is the opportunity to experience our beautiful region in an entirely new way. With time on our hands and in a relaxed, serene environment, the mind is intimately drawn to the silence of nature and the natural wonder of the dark night sky. It’s a luxurious setting to reflect on the aspects that make this one of the most beautiful regions in Northern Ontario and – dare we say it? – perhaps even the world.

cruise from thunder bay

Familiar sights, as well, aren’t so familiar. The majesty of the Sleeping Giant, for example, framed against a horizon from the water-side view – a panorama of greens, blues, and soft grays. Coming to port in Thunder Bay, Canada’s Gateway to the West, amidst a summer festival weekend is an exciting experience like no other.

Whether you’re from Canada, the U.S., or overseas, starting or ending your journey in Thunder Bay allows you to experience the art, culture, and entertainment of one of Canada’s most vibrant small cities framed by an exhilarating journey. The city boasts cultural events almost every week of the summer, so no matter when you dock or depart, you’re guaranteed to arrive just in time. 

DID YOU KNOW? Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris each carry two submersibles to explore Lake Superior beneath the waves.

Some of the cruise lines calling on Thunder Bay in 2023 and 2024: Viking Cruise Lines vikingcruisescanada.com Hapag Lloyd Cruises hl-cruises.com Ponant Cruises en.ponant.com American Queen Voyages aqvoyages.com

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Big Tub Harbour lighthouse, Ontario, Great Lakes

Great Lakes Explorer

8 Days, 7 Nights — Milwaukee to Thunder Bay From: $6,495

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Viking Expeditions

On this 8-day Great Lakes Explorer cruise from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay Wisconsin aboard the Viking Octantis , discover the maze of granite islands that comprise Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve while hiking and kayaking through its tranquil beauty and admiring sweeping vistas. Experience Victorian charm on Mackinac Island and venture into the boreal forests of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park on Lake Superior’s northern shore. Explore coastal wetlands replete with birdlife, comb pristine beaches and get acquainted with native cultures of the northern Great Lakes.

From outstanding beauty to historic cities and a deep connection to nature, the Great Lakes are an undiscovered treasure, boasting stunning national parks best explored via tranquil kayaking and hiking. This area is also rich in culture, with world‑class museums, vibrant cities and areas steeped in First Nations traditions.

  • At least one complimentary excursion in every port of call/landing site
  • Kayaks, zodiacs, RIBs & submarine excursions (where available)
  • A Viking Expedition Kit with a variety of equipment to explore at no extra charge
  • All Viking Excursion Gear needed for any relevant excursions
  • Port taxes & fees
  • Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Day-to-Day Itinerary

Lakefront in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Day 1: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Milwaukee was first settled by Europeans in 1818, when French-Canadian fur trader Solomon Juneau arrived. German, Polish and Eastern European immigrants followed, bringing with them a long tradition of beer brewing. For several decades in the 20th century, Milwaukee became the world’s most prolific beer producer. Today, the city is a vibrant center of art, history and culture. The RiverWalk, a pedestrian walkway along the Milwaukee, is a popular spot for enjoying relaxing strolls or viewing public art installations.

Horse and Carriage in front of the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

Day 2: Mackinac Island, Michigan

Steeped in the charms of simpler times, Mackinac Island is a gem of the Great Lakes. Located in the Straits of Mackinac where Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas are closest and Lakes Huron and Michigan meet, this bucolic haven preserves gilded Victorian-era treasures along car-free streets traversed by horse-drawn carriages. The perimeter road is the only state highway in the US that does not permit motor vehicles. More than 80% of Mackinac is protected as a state park, from its Greek Revival Grand Hotel and British-built Fort Mackinac to its preserved wilderness areas.

Kayakers exploring in Georgian Bay

Days 3-5: Explore Georgian Bay

Discover the magnificent UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay. The pristine shores of Frazer Bay, Killarney and Parry Sound are best explored by kayak or RIB while peaceful walking trails lead into the woodland realms of native flora and fauna. The beloved Thirty Thousand Islands stretch along the lakeshore for 120 miles, forming one of the world’s largest freshwater archipelagos. Among art lovers, this area is known as the picturesque subject of the Group of Seven, a prolific cadre of 1920s and early 1930s landscape painters inspired by the natural world.

A raised bridge near the Soo Locks in Sault Saint Marie

Day 6: Scenic Sailing: Soo Locks Transit

The Soo Locks is a series of parallel locks that make river travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron possible, thereby linking Superior to the lower Great Lakes and the Atlantic. Opened in 1855 to allow ships to bypass the river’s 21-foot fall over roiling rapids, this innovative lock system—along with the Erie Canal built 30 years prior—was one of the great engineering projects of its day. Today, it guides ships past the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan; its bridge crosses over the Soo Locks, connecting the two cities.

An island in Silver Islet

Day 7: Silver Islet, Ontario

Silver Islet sits on the southern edge of the Sibley Peninsula at the mouth of Thunder Bay. Nearby Sleeping Giant Provincial Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round with its diverse wildlife and many miles of hiking trails that lead to spectacular views of the Canadian Shield landscape. Less than a mile from its shores are the remnants of an abandoned silver mine. Located 1,200 feet below Lake Superior, this unique underwater mine was the world’s largest and most valuable silver mine, producing the modern-day equivalent of $78 million before flooding in 1884.

Kakabeka Falls, THunder Bay, Ontario Canada

Day 8: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Thunder Bay is known as “Canada’s Gateway to the West” for its location at the final navigational point on the Canadian side of Lake Superior. Originally founded as a fur trading post, a settlement was established in 1803 and Fort William was erected. In 1970, Fort William and neighboring Port Arthur were merged to form the City of Thunder Bay. Today, it is one of Ontario’s most vibrant cities and a center of art and culture. Its Waterfront District is beloved for its views across the bay of the Sleeping Giant, a long line of mesas that resemble a giant lying on its back. After breakfast, disembark your ship and journey home.

Viking Expeditions Great Lakes Explorer Itinerary Map

Dates & Rates

Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. Cruise ship fuel surcharge may apply. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers

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Cruise ship visits expected to rise this year

T hunder Bay is expecting the first cruise ship arrival on June 5 with the Viking Octantis leading the way. This season, the number of cruise ship visits has risen to 17, which includes five different vessels representing four companies. Two of them are new companies to Thunder Bay. Paul Pepe, manager of Tourism Thunder Bay, said they are working with the vessel agents to line up all the itineraries and finalizing details, particularly with the new companies Pearl Sea Cruises and Ponant, that are coming to the port for the first time. "We're ready," Pepe said. "We're very fortunate that we have great partnerships like the City of Thunder Bay, which manages the terminal, and Embark Port Services, which handles all the vessel logistics and shore excursions. There's been lots of communication between all the partners and between the vessels and that plays out very well in terms of being prepared for the season." Pepe said they are excited to see the growth in the industry and continue to market Thunder Bay as a turnaround port, as a destination or a daystop. "Many of these vessels are turning around here a number of times so there certainly will be some need for logistics for the handling of passengers and luggage," he said. "Embark Port Services has all that under control and co-ordinates all of that. At this point this year, we have all the infrastructure needs that are required by the vessels to make it functional, safe and secure for them." Work continued at the dock site after the conclusion of the cruise ship season last fall. The city continued paving and landscaping within the secure zone, readying it for this season. Pepe noted that there are many conversations among the partners around what the next phase of cruise-related infrastructure looks like in a way that is sustainable and cost-effective. "We are looking at the need for a bit more of infrastructure down there in terms Wi-Fi on-site and a guest check-in area down there," he said. "Beyond that, the city and the Community Economic Development Commission are both doing studies on the best uses for the site that will be included in the waterfront master plan." Pepe added that the dock facility is quite functional thanks to many investments that have been made over the last two years.

Sandi Krasowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Chronicle-Journal

  • Life & Culture

What’s it like to dine on Tampa’s new riverboat cruise Craft? We took a ride

  • Helen Freund Times staff

TAMPA — We almost didn’t make the boat.

Traffic snarled through downtown Tampa and stretched onto the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway, delaying what would have been a 45-minute drive from St. Petersburg to nearly an hour and a half in stop-and-go congestion.

We had reservations for Craft, Tampa’s brand new riverboat dinner cruise set to depart at 7:30 p.m. — and a friendly confirmation email reminding us that our purchase was non-refundable. We’d been encouraged to arrive 45 minutes early, when we would have presumably been able to commence a leisurely boarding, river breeze in our hair, champagne flute in hand.

Life had other plans. At 7:25 p.m., my dinner date and I swung our car into the Garrison Street parking lot, narrowly avoiding getting struck by an oncoming streetcar.

Following a quick security wand-down (the boat adheres to U.S. Coast Guard rules) and a $30 event-fueled parking fee (Tim McGraw was playing a show at nearby Amalie Arena), crew members greeted us with a quick photograph and a glass of bubbly before sending us on our way.

“Welcome to our maiden voyage!” they exclaimed as we rushed aboard.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., we were off, out of the Ybor Turning Basin and into the sunset.

Described as a “culinary and cocktail river journey,” Craft debuted its inaugural dinner cruise on March 15. The multi-million-dollar project is the latest endeavor from Jill and Troy Manthey, who also run several other entertainment-on-the-water concepts, including Yacht StarShip, Pirate Water Taxi and the Bay Rocket.

Designed with European river boats in mind, the 130-foot-long vessel boasts a sleek, white silhouette with less than 11 feet of vertical clearance — meaning it can comfortably drift beneath many of Tampa’s low-lying bridges. But this ship’s real appeal lies in the coupling of an elevated culinary program, contemporary aesthetic and craft cocktails.

A trip aboard Craft includes a two-hour cruise up and down the Hillsborough River and a three-course prix-fixe meal. To start, there are lunch, brunch and dinner trips on deck, but a happy hour option may soon be in the works.

Running any kind of marine operation comes with steep operating costs — including fuel, dock rental fees and staffing — and the experience here is priced accordingly. But it still comes with a good deal of sticker shock. For two people on a Friday evening, we paid $392.59 for the boat ride and the three-course dinner — not including gratuity or drinks.

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I love a fancy boat ride as much as the next person, but the pricing gave me pause.

Would the experience be worth it?

Things were a lot smoother once we got on board.

We entered through the front of the boat, or bow, and were shown to our seats inside a narrow dining room, flanked by windows overlooking the water. Wood paneling combined with slight nautical touches lent the space a warm, industrial chic vibe.

Servers clad in white collared shirts and gray aprons whisked back and forth between the tables, balancing martini coupes and taking orders. In an attempt to let the crew develop their sea legs, the boat wasn’t fully booked that evening, but the dining room still felt abuzz with excitement and curiosity.

Clutching our champagne, we glided through Sparkman Channel at dusk, glitzy Harbour Island homes glowing in the evening light as a Maggie Rogers track played softly in the background. We let out a collective exhale as the chaos of the day faded away.

Over the course of the roughly two-hour cruise, the boat steered up the Hillsborough River, passing Riverwalk landmarks including the Tampa Convention Center, Armature Works and Ricks on the River, before turning around and heading back.

Guests were encouraged to explore the boat. The Bow and Stern bar, beautifully designed and fashioned out of a vintage 1914 cruiser, provided additional seating in the rear for those looking for more of an al fresco experience.

Throughout the evening, the crew moved back and forth between the dining room, the bar and the kitchen, sometimes stepping out on the deck to alert passengers when their meals had been delivered. Guests roamed the boat taking photographs, while patrons inside chatted up their neighbors, much of the voyage illuminated by the lights of downtown Tampa.

Craft’s strongest selling point is its culinary program, and the menu here is a far cry from the goblets of white wine and dry chicken associated with most dinner cruises.

Designed by chef Allison Beasman (formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab), the list of contemporary New American dishes runs the gamut from a black grouper served with Little Neck clams and Pernod cream to a Wagyu coulotte with kabocha caramel and a Korean barbecue octopus. As part of the prix-fixe deal, guests are able to pick an appetizer, entree and dessert from a menu of roughly 13 different dishes.

Part of what makes the vessel stand out is the addition of an open kitchen with gas stoves, and the concept’s design allows guests to get a peek of the action if they’re on their way to the bathroom or the bar.

When it came time to order dinner, our server patiently guided us through the menu, pointing out the additional dishes we could choose if we wished to add a little something extra onto our pre-paid meal. We opted for the olive oil-marinated sheep and goat’s milk cheese ($18), which was just as tasty as our server touted. It arrived in a rich red pepper-packed pisto, drizzled with a healthy glug of olive oil and served with crusty bread for dipping.

Dishes are made to order and don’t necessarily arrive at the same time as other passengers’ meals. Our appetizers showed up roughly 45 minutes into the trip, a delightful baby kale salad lightly dressed in a white balsamic vinaigrette that was toothsome with chicory and shaved carrots and plumped up with fried baby potatoes and a healthy shaving of ricotta salata. Also good was the hearty tomato bisque with roasted bone marrow and blackened cipollini onions.

For our entrees, a seared duck breast arrived fanned out over silky whipped potatoes and a creamy goat cheese fondue, framed by Brussels sprouts and fat wedges of roasted golden beets. Though the duck was cooked a little past the requested temperature, it was still delicious. A plate of sweet and sour braised short ribs packed powerhouse flavors that paired beautifully together, all served over a sweet and sticky coconut rice sidling bok choy and juicy tangerine segments.

For dessert, we paired a perfect few scoops of pistachio ice cream with a chocolate espresso dacquoise, an intensely rich and sweet layer cake featuring a tart blackberry curd and creamy dark chocolate ganache.

The fine print

The water was calm that night and the entire service appeared well-rehearsed — absent of any major hiccups and even graceful at moments. As far as I could tell, there were no sea sick passengers or man-overboard scenarios, which felt like some kind of success, though I did wonder what type of balance or physical dexterity would be required to maneuver trays of wobbling martini glasses over stormier seas.

Though tiered pricing exists for Craft — for different seats, times of day or days of the week — there’s no overlooking that a trip aboard the vessel isn’t cheap.

With neither drinks nor gratuity included in the booking price, if you’re looking to enjoy the evening with a couple of libations, it’s going to cost you. The add-ons can feel excessive, from a $50 king crab leg tray to the pre-boarding photograph crew members try to sell you at the end of the night. A suggested gratuity is presented on your bill, based on the total sales tallied for the table that evening, including the cost of the original reservation.

Some changes are bound to be expected as the company assesses guest interest and feedback. Even after the first week, it appears some prices have been slightly adjusted. Dinner for two people seated in the dining room with window seats now comes to $369.89 after taxes and marine fees, while weekend brunches for the same seats start at $89.95 per person.

It’s hard to imagine making dining here a regular occurrence, but for a special occasion, an evening aboard Craft can be a real delight.

Next time, though, I’ll remember to leave myself plenty of time to get there.

Helen Freund is the food and dining critic, reporting on and reviewing restaurants throughout Tampa Bay. Reach her at [email protected].

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COMMENTS

  1. Thunder Bay Ontario Cruises

    Thunder Bay cruises immerse travelers in the most Northwest part of Lake Superior, where impressive city attractions are paired with awe-inspiring nature. Up close, the sheer scale of the mountains and cliffs that extend from the water will dwarf cruise ships and anything else made by man. Just across the water from Thunder Bay looms the ...

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    13-Sep-2023*. Wed. Viking Polaris. Thunder Bay, ON. 09:00. 20:00. For more information, visit our website or call our Visitor centre. Thunder Bay is one of the world's newest discovery cruise ship ports of call.\n.

  3. Undiscovered Great Lakes

    Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Admire views of the Sleeping Giant; learn about Thunder Bay's history and heritage. Read More > 3. ... Cruise Undiscovered Great Lakes Cross the width of Lake Superior between Duluth and the Soo Locks, exploring the lake's North Shore Inside Passage as you sail. Hike along clifftop trails for sweeping views of ...

  4. 2024-2025 Viking Expeditions

    Viking Expedition Cruises | "Undiscovered Great Lakes"8 Day Cruise | Thunder Bay to Milwaukee | 2024-2025. On this 8-Day, Viking Expedition Cruise aboard the Viking Octantis, discover boreal forests and cross the width of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Soo Locks, exploring the Apostle Islands and Keweenaw Peninsula along the way.

  5. Cruises From Thunder Bay in 2024 & 2025

    Lowest Rate*. Balcony $6,995.00. Suite $9,995.00. From $6,995.00* $999.29 / night (s) Thunder Bay also operates a full-service port that caters to some of the best expedition cruises in the world. Viking Expeditions is one such line that offers cruises from Thunder Bay.

  6. Great Lakes Explorer

    Cruise Great Lakes Explorer Discover the maze of granite islands that comprise Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve while hiking and kayaking through its tranquil beauty and admiring sweeping vistas. Experience Victorian charm on Mackinac Island and venture into the boreal forests of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park on Lake Superior's northern shore.

  7. Great Lakes Explorer Viking Cruise Thunder Bay

    June 1, 2022. There's a new ship in town! Thunder Bay is welcoming the latest addition to its vibrant waterfront—a spectacular summer cruise that sails between the Northwest Ontario city and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo of Sleeping Giant near Thunder Bay courtesy of Viking Cruises.

  8. Explore the Great Lakes on The Viking Octantis

    7 Thunder Bay, Ontario There'll be many ways to explore today! Take a hike on the trails of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, offering grand views of nearby mountains and granite cliffs while keeping a look out for wildlife. Enjoy a RIB cruise to Thompson Island, a tiny island surrounded by the waters of Lake Superior.

  9. Cruise Lake Superior

    Set off with PONANT aboard Le Champlain, on a brand-new 11-day expedition cruise to discover Lake Superior and enjoy an exceptional exploration of flamboyant nature in the Indian summer, and of the cultural riches of the Indigenous communities and colonies that have lived in the region.. Departing from Thunder Bay, explore the world's largest freshwater lake, designated as a UNESCO ...

  10. Undiscovered Great Lakes

    Thunder Bay is known as "Canada's Gateway to the West" for its location at the final navigational point on the Canadian side of Lake Superior. Originally founded as a fur trading post, a settlement was established in 1803 and Fort William was erected. In 1970, Fort William and neighboring Port Arthur were merged to form the City of Thunder Bay.

  11. Great Lakes Cruise

    Free Pre-Cruise Stay in Thunder Bay. Extend your journey with our complimentary pre-cruise stay in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Set on the western shores of Lake Superior and cradled by the Nor'Wester Mountain Range, this vibrant urban community is a friendly place to relax and explore before embarking your cruise. We include your flight from ...

  12. Viking Octantis

    Treat yourself to the treasures of North American on a Viking Expedition cruise exploring Canada, New England and The Great Lakes. ... Wildlife lovers flock to Thunder Bay on the coast of Lake Superior, where the parks are teeming with wolves and moose. Viking Octantis - Passenger Capacity: 378 (double occupancy) Year Built: 2022 Last ...

  13. Undiscovered Great Lakes

    8 Days, 7 Nights —. Thunder Bay to Milwaukee. From: $6,695. Request an eBrochure. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises 1-888-815-5428 Toll-Free. On this 8-day Undiscovered Great Lakes cruise from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee, Wisconsin aboard the Viking Octantis, cross the width of Lake Superior from Duluth to the Soo Locks, exploring the Apostle ...

  14. Sail Superior

    ExperienceSail Superior. Located in Thunder Bay Prince Arthur's Landing Marina, Sail Superior calls pier three home. Boasting a fleet of four vessels, we offer a variety of sailing, zodiac and catamaran tours. From shorter harbour tours and wine & cheese sunset cruising to extended day and multi-day trips, there is sure to be something for ...

  15. Viking Expedition Cruises

    On board Viking Great Lakes cruises, experience dining at sea with a total of six dining options, all included in the initial cruise fare. Every detail is designed to appeal to the thinking traveler. Learn about the destinations with enriching lectures on geology, glaciology, marine biology, ornithology and more.

  16. Thunder Bay ON (Ontario Canada, Lake Superior)

    Thunder Bay is a Lake Superior cruise port and city in Canada's Ontario province, with population around 110,000 (metro around 120,000). Port Thunder Bay (on Lake Superior) is the largest outbound river port on the Saint Lawrence Seaway (system of locks, canals and channels that serves oceangoing ships and connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Great Lakes/Canada and USA) and also Canada's 6th ...

  17. Cruises to Thunder Bay

    Thunder Bay cruises sail across Lake Superior on Great Lakes itineraries to call in this isolated Canadian city known as "the gateway to Ontario". Here, manifold outdoor adventures are on offer ...

  18. Great Lakes Cruise Itineraries

    Check out this Great Lakes Cruise guide, and choose between different cruise lines, itineraries, and sailing dates. GREAT LAKES CRUISES. Cruise the Great Lakes ... Day 2 | Thunder Bay, ON Day 3 | Sailing Lake Superior Day 4 | Sault Ste. Marie, MI Day 5 | Mackinac Island, MI Day 6 | Door Peninsula (Algoma), WI

  19. Great Lakes Cruise

    Free Post-Cruise Stay in Thunder Bay. Extend your journey with our complimentary post-cruise stay in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Set on the western shores of Lake Superior and cradled by the Nor'Wester Mountain Range, this vibrant urban community is a friendly place to relax and explore before heading homeward. We include transfers, sightseeing ...

  20. Lake Superior Cruises

    Inviting you onto the waters of one of the most beautiful lakes in North America, Lake Superior cruises are an immersive, sought-after experience that can only leave you wanting more.The largest and most northern of the five Great Lakes, Lake Superior is a massive body of water, measuring nearly 32,000 square miles in its surface area, and surrounded by nearly 3,000 miles of shoreline.

  21. 12 things to know about a Great Lakes cruise on Viking's Octantis

    Though the 15-day Great Lakes Collection earned accolades for Best New Cruise Itinerary, we opted for a shorter cruise trip: the eight-day Great Lakes Explorer. This itinerary departs from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and culminates in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Come aboard! Here's a look at everything this Great Lakes cruise has to offer.

  22. The Return of Cruise Ships to Thunder Bay

    The year 2022 marked the return of cruise trips in Thunder Bay, offered by luxury cruise fleet operators Viking and American Queen Voyages. The Viking Octantis was the first cruise ship to dock in the city since 2012. The Octantis is instantly recognizable by its sleek and elegant interior design, which patrons can tour virtually online ...

  23. Great Lakes Explorer

    Milwaukee to Thunder Bay. From: $6,495. Request an eBrochure. Book Now. Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises 1-888-815-5428 Toll-Free. On this 8-day Great Lakes Explorer cruise from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay Wisconsin aboard the Viking Octantis, discover the maze of granite islands that comprise Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve while hiking and ...

  24. Expedia Cruises in Thunder Bay

    9:00am-5:00pm. Friday. 9:00am - 5:00pm. Saturday. 10am - 4pm. Sunday. By appointment. Our travel agents are here to help - before, during, and after your next dream getaway. Call us or visit us at 1186 Memorial Ave in Thunder Bay, ON.

  25. Cruise ship visits expected to rise this year

    Thunder Bay is expecting the first cruise ship arrival on June 5 with the Viking Octantis leading the way. This season, the number of cruise ship visits has risen to 17, which includes five ...

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    TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Carnival Cruise ship's funnel caught on fire during their voyage near the Bahamas on Saturday. Carnival said that at 3:15 p.m., the Carnival Freedom reported a fire on ...

  27. What's it like to dine on Tampa's new riverboat cruise Craft? We took a

    We had reservations for Craft, Tampa's brand new riverboat dinner cruise set to depart at 7:30 p.m. — and a friendly confirmation email reminding us that our purchase was non-refundable. We ...