The cruises on the Great Lakes offered by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises are among the most extraordinary cruise routes in the world. For the 2027 season, the operator of luxury and expedition cruises is further developing the route concept for the HANSEATIC inspiration in this seldom-visited region. In response to strong demand for longer experiences, two new cruises are being introduced that will connect all five Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River for the very first time. In 2027, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will therefore offer two new, exceptionally in-depth cruises on the lakes of North America in addition to two existing itineraries. They will feature spectacular lock passages, unspoilt nature, Zodiac rides and striking cultural contrasts along the St. Lawrence River.
The Great Lakes of North America, the world’s largest contiguous freshwater system by surface area, are extremely challenging from a nautical perspective, particularly due to their narrow channels, shallow sections and numerous lock passages. With the HANSEATIC inspiration, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises operates one of the few expedition ships in the world specifically designed for this region.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is now further developing its route concept for the 2027 season. In response to close consultation with guests, strong demand for more extensive adventures and many years of experience in the region, two new routes have been established for the HANSEATIC inspiration, connecting all five Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River. The two longer cruises between late August and September 2027 will replace the three shorter itineraries and complement the existing cruises in August and October 2027. This creates a program of four exceptional cruises on the Great Lakes lasting up to 21 days. Guests who had already booked the three originally planned shorter cruises have been proactively informed and have received attractive rebooking offers for the new itineraries.
Tailored for One of North America’s Most Challenging Cruise Destinations
The Great Lakes are linked by canals and locks to form a highly complex cruising area between Canada and the United States. The HANSEATIC inspiration was specifically designed to operate in these unique conditions from the outset. A distinctive feature among the otherwise structurally identical sister ships in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition fleet is the HANSEATIC inspiration’s retractable bridge wings. Combined with its shallow draught and slender design, these features enable the small expedition ship, which accommodates no more than 230 guests, to navigate particularly narrow locks and waterways.
The cruises are accompanied by an experienced team of experts who provide specialist knowledge of the region and help bring it to life. The ship will navigate the Welland Canal, which connects Lake Ontario with Lake Erie. Eight locks and a height difference of almost 100 m (339 ft) must be negotiated, with lock chambers barely 2.5 m (8.2 ft) wider than the ship itself. While the captain and crew manoeuvre with millimetre precision, experts provide live commentary and on-board presentations explaining the historical and technical background of these engineering achievements. The result is a style of travel that combines nature experiences, knowledge and expedition.
Five Great Lakes, One River and a New All-Around Experience
For the first time, these new cruises combine the full scenic diversity of the Great Lakes with the cultural and maritime facets of the St. Lawrence River. Beginning with the urban environments of Chicago and Milwaukee, the route includes Lake Michigan and Lake Huron before reaching Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake by surface area. Few cruise ships reach this unspoilt region, which has an almost Nordic character with its rugged wilderness, dense forests and rocky shorelines.
In Terrace Bay, Canada, guests can explore nature on hikes along wooded trails with views of waterfalls and Lake Superior. With a little luck, black bears and moose may also make an appearance. Guests can enjoy Zodiac rides off State Island through tranquil archipelagos and secluded coastal landscapes.
Lake Huron also offers numerous opportunities for active exploration. Killarney is renowned for its white quartzite, pink granite and deep-blue bays, while Tobermory features turquoise waters, charming craft shops and outstanding hiking trails in Fathom Five National Marine Park. In Parry Sound, guests can experience the fascinating Georgian Bay archipelago, with its approximately 30,000 islands, through bookable excursions such as hikes, boat trips and scenic seaplane flights.
Alongside these natural experiences, cultural contrasts also define the new routes. Toronto combines modern architecture with dynamic urban flair and serves as a gateway to Niagara Falls. Montreal and Quebec City, meanwhile, showcase their French-influenced heritage along the St. Lawrence River, blending historic elegance, a vibrant creative scene and a distinctly North American way of life.
Another highlight awaits guests in Tadoussac, where the Saguenay Fjord meets the St. Lawrence River. The region is one of Canada’s premier whale-watching areas, offering opportunities to spot belugas, humpback whales and other marine mammals.
Sample Cruises 2027
NEW – Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River: Five Lakes, One Great Expedition Adventure
The new premiere route connects all five Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River for the first time. Departing from Milwaukee, the cruise sails via Mackinac Island, Lake Superior and the Georgian Bay archipelago through the Welland Canal to Toronto. HANSEATIC inspiration will then navigate the lock passages of the St. Lawrence River while calling at the cultural highlights of Montreal and Quebec City. Nature experiences between Tadoussac, Gaspé and the Îles de la Madeleine shape the second half of the cruise before the expedition concludes in Halifax.
From Milwaukee to Halifax, 20 Aug to 10 Sep 2027 (21 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from €15,490 per person, based on double occupancy and including the early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026.
NEW – Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River: From the Atlantic to the Great Lakes
This new expedition route combines the vastness of the Atlantic with the waterways of the Great Lakes. Departing from Halifax, the cruise sails via Prince Edward Island, the Îles de la Madeleine, Tadoussac and Quebec City deep into the St. Lawrence River. After spectacular lock passages and a transit of the Welland Canal, HANSEATIC inspiration explores the unspoilt landscapes around Lake Huron and Lake Superior, with Zodiac rides, hikes and impressive nature experiences along the Canadian shoreline.
From Halifax to Milwaukee, 10 Sep to 1 Oct 2027 (21 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from €15,490 per person, based on double occupancy and including the early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026.
Great Lakes: Unforgettable Experiences on All Five Great Lakes
A pioneering spirit and a great sense of freedom come together on this cruise, which encompasses all five Great Lakes. Guests can look forward to lock adventures on the Welland Canal as well as Zodiac rides on Lake Superior and walks along its shores.
From Toronto to Milwaukee, 7 Aug to 20 Aug 2027 (13 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from €9,390 per person, based on double occupancy and including the early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026.
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River: Colourful Lake Landscapes and Cultural Contrasts
Set against the warm colours of early autumn in North America, this cruise sails from Milwaukee to Halifax. Guests can look forward to spectacular lock passages, unspoilt nature and cultural diversity between the Great Lakes, the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence River. Hikes and wildlife spotting—with the chance to see belugas, bald eagles and Canada geese—make the cruise an in-depth adventure between Canada and the United States.
From Milwaukee to Halifax, 1 Oct to 20 Oct 2027 (19 days), bookable in the PLATINUM fare from €14,190 per person, based on double occupancy and including the early booking discount, valid until 31 Oct 2026.
In 2028, HANSEATIC inspiration will once again set course for the Great Lakes—both in early summer on its way to the Arctic and in late summer before continuing to South America and Antarctica.
Photo credit Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.
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