Great Lakes Cruises
Is a Great Lakes Cruise Right for Me?
A Great Lakes cruise lets you explore somewhere refreshingly different without having to travel far from home, on a small, comfortable ship instead of a mega-ship.
You can sail between iconic cities and charming small ports, see islands, lighthouses, and dramatic shorelines, and learn the stories behind the region’s history and culture along the way.
On board, you enjoy a calmer, more intimate atmosphere with good food, enrichment talks, and time to relax, making it feel more like an immersive journey than a big, entertainment-focused cruise.
How We Can Help You Choose the Right Great Lakes Cruise
How We Can Assist You
River and Vine Travel helps you sort through Great Lakes cruise choices so you land on the ship and itinerary that actually fit how you like to travel. Ask about Great Lakes itineraries with lines like Victory and other small-ship brands.
Understanding What You Want
- You talk through what matters most: small-ship feel, how active you want to be, interest in history and nature, and how close you’d like to stay to home.
- You also discuss timing, cabin preferences, and budget so options are realistic from the start instead of overwhelming.
Comparing Cruise Lines and Itineraries
- River and Vine Travel narrows the list to a few Great Lakes ships and routes, explaining differences in inclusions, style, and ports in plain language.
- You see how each itinerary balances city stops, small ports, scenic cruising, and enrichment so you can pick the one that feels right, not just the one that’s available.
- We can help you decide by River and Vine's personal ship tours and extensive training with Great Lakes cruise partners.
Coordinating the Whole Journey
- Your flights, pre- and post-cruise hotel nights, and transfers are coordinated around the cruise so the trip feels seamless from home to ship and back.
- You get guidance on packing, weather, and what to expect on board and ashore, so you step on the ship confident you chose the right Great Lakes cruise.
Selected Great Lakes Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines
Guests who love American Cruise Lines’ small‑ship, all‑U.S. itineraries get even more value when they book through River and Vine Travel, because the cruise is curated as part of a complete journey, not a stand‑alone sailing.
Click here for a personal, virtual ship tour of the American Pioneer. This page is informed by personal ship tours and training with Great Lakes cruise partners.
River and Vine helps match you to the right itinerary and ship for your interests, then coordinates flights, pre‑ and post‑stays, and any rail or wine experiences around it, giving you one point of contact who knows your preferences and watches the details before you ever step onboard.
Victory Cruise Lines
Victory Cruise Lines delivers intimate, all‑inclusive journeys along the Great Lakes and Canadian coasts; booking through River and Vine Travel means that experience is thoughtfully woven into your wider trip.
Click here for a personal ship tour of the Victory I. This page is informed by personal ship tours and extensive training with Great Lakes cruise partners.
River and Vine helps you choose the right Victory itinerary and sailing date, then coordinates flights, pre‑/post‑stays, and any rail or wine experiences around it, so you simply step aboard your 190‑guest “roving boutique hotel” and enjoy ocean‑view comfort, included excursions, and genuinely warm service.
Viking Expedition Cruises
Viking Expedition Cruises
Viking Expedition voyages invite curious travelers to explore the Great Lakes in understated Scandinavian comfort, with science‑focused enrichment and thoughtfully designed small ships sized for discovery.
River and Vine Travel has completed extensive training with Viking Expeditions to better assist you in choosing the right Viking Expedition Great Lakes Cruise. We have earned the Viking Certified Expert designation.
When you book with River & Vine Travel, that elevated experience is tailored around your travel style—matching you with the right Viking expedition, stateroom, and air and land arrangements—so you can simply step into the white‑glove adventure you’ve been dreaming about.