American dream: all five lakes as one great experience
Days of discovery on Lake Superior – with the Zodiac to coasts and bays on the Canadian side
Hikes with your experts: rediscover the great sense of freedom in nature
Glowing leaves, kindled souls: with luck, Indian summer will abound in all its glorious colours
A nautical masterpiece with eight locks: the Welland Canal has a difference of almost 100 m (328 ft) in height
At anchor
Further information
An “ocean” in the middle of the North American landscape: the Great Lakes, natural wonder and lifeline at the same time. With a total area of around 244,000 km² (94,209 mi.²), they are a superb dream destination for explorers. Each lock opens up a new chapter in a book of beautiful pictures that have come to life with the hues of Indian summer. Passable only for a few ships, the HANSEATIC inspiration masters these nautically demanding passages with flying colours thanks to its retractable bridge wings. This is also the case during the lock adventure on the Welland Canal. On the ship’s many open deck areas, you are right up close when eight locks and almost 100 m (328 ft) of height are overcome, corresponding to a lock lift the height of Niagara Falls. Afterwards, you will enjoy the very best views on your cruise on Lake Erie.
Leaving Windsor, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of the skyline of the former “Motor City” before heading out to explore the many facets of Detroit1. Your experts on board share knowledge that is just as varied as the shores that you visit.
Enriched with exciting background information, you will continue your cruise on Lake Huron to the fishing village of Tobermory. Idyllic bays, deep-green forests and limestone coastlines will leave you with lasting memories as you explore the Bruce Trail at your own pace.
The small HANSEATIC inspiration is in its element as it charts a course through a scenic labyrinth of water to reach Parry Sound. Explore the town and the nearby lake shore on the marine walking trails or take a boat trip of the Thirty Thousand Islands1. The varied archipelago scenery is filled with islands emerging from the water, narrow channels and imposing cliffs. Alternatively, you can turn your focus to unforgettable panoramic pictures in Killbear Provincial Park1, where pink granite banks and autumnal forest blend to create majestic scenery.
The islands around Killarney are a crown jewel in wild nature – unspoilt nature that harks back to the time of the first trappers. This El Dorado for nature lovers is best explored individually.
Your adventure continues with an exciting lock passage through the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. As the largest lock system in the world, the Soo Locks are a masterpiece of engineering. Built around 150 years ago, huge container ships can master the change in height of around 6 m (20 ft) between Lake Huron and Lake Superior – as can the small HANSEATIC inspiration, with you as an observer of the manoeuvres on deck.
Look forward to exciting days exploring Lake Superior. Only a few cruise ships travel as far as Lake Superior. It is the largest of the Great Lakes and the second-largest freshwater area in the world. Here on board, you will be a total of about 180 m (591 ft) above the sea level of the Atlantic, which is an impressive difference in altitude for a ship – and unique on a cruise.
The small peninsula of Silver Islet was the epicentre of silver mining at the end of the 19th century, with one of the most important mines in Canada. It is a privilege for you to explore the site as only 20 ships a year are allowed to call here. With so many hiking trails on the peninsula, you could spend the whole day hiking – for example, on the Sea Lion Trail that runs parallel to the water. In the afternoon, you can board the Zodiac to explore the region from the water. Weather permitting, you can even see the shaft of the mining operation.
The charming small township of Red Rock is known for its personal atmosphere, where the locals give you a very friendly welcome. Your experts will take you on impressive hikes directly from the ship – for instance, along the Red Rock Mountain Loop, a picturesque circular route along the ridges and valleys. Along the way, you will be introduced to the geological features of the region. You can also learn more about the flora and fauna in the black bear areas as well as the history of the township at the city’s visitor centre.
Terrace Bay is idyllically situated on the northern shore of Lake Superior. Explore the picturesque town directly from the pier. On your own or with your experts, experience the wonderful nature on numerous hiking trails, where black bears and moose may also be spotted. Along the coastline, the boardwalk takes you on a wonderful walk that perfectly showcases the natural beauty of the region. At the end of the boardwalk is a forest, which is also the starting point for the Red Chair Trail. This scenic hike takes you through a quiet, wooded area to enjoy fantastic views of the bay and ship or to the historic lighthouse and rushing waterfalls – indeed, the journey is the destination.
Moving from nature to culture, the route takes you to Sault Sainte Marie in Canada. The city shares significant history with the American city of the same name on the other side of the Saint Marys River. It separates the Canadian and American cities as a state border. This has not always been the case: the city was only divided after the American War of Independence. Take advantage of your stay to discover the history and way of life in the area. The city has small art galleries, restaurants and cafes that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Walks take you to see the historic locks and buildings from the early 19th century. The bushplane museum, dedicated to the history of seaplanes and aviation in Canada, is also worth a visit. In addition, the city is a starting point for a variety of excursions1 offering a great mix of history, nature and outdoor experiences.
On the American side of Sault Ste. Marie, there will be an official stop to obtain clearance into the USA. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to visit the famous Soo Locks – one of the oldest lock systems in North America, which compensates for a height difference of about 6 m (19.6 ft). The historic museum ship Valley Camp is just a short walk away. On board the freighter built in 1917, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of shipping on the Great Lakes and explore a number of interesting exhibits.
Mackinac Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the US. In the 17th century, European explorers came to the island that was inhabited by people of the Odawa tribe. Soon Mackinac Island occupied a strategically important position as a trading centre for the fur trade in the Great Lakes region. The British built Fort Mackinac on the island during the American War of Independence. Discover Victorian mansions and the 19th-century Grand Hotel on foot, by bike and on a horse-drawn carriage ride, as the island is car-free to this day.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
At anchor
When the ship is anchored, there is no pier and the ship anchors in open water. The transfer to land is carried out using tender boats or zodiacs.
Golf
You head for the best and most beautiful greens in the world and are looked after by a PGA golf professional
Zodiac
Where even our small and few ships can't get any further, you can continue your adventures safely in robust inflatable boats (weather permitting).
Music
In an almost private atmosphere you can experience artists up close on the high seas or in front of the most beautiful places in the world.
Arrival and departure | optionally bookable
Fri, 26.09.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Toronto
Wed, 08.10.2025
Scheduled flight from Chicago to Germany
Thu, 09.10.2025
Arrival in Germany
Extend your trip
Our popular before and after programs include a wide range of excursions and are usually accompanied by experienced Hapag-Lloyd Cruises tour guides. Recommended for travelers who like to share their experiences with a group of like-minded people. Experience selected highlights of your holiday destination and enjoy the amenities of a group trip - we take care of transfers, excursions and overnight stays.
Explore your cruise destinations on a more personal basis as a couple – ideal for all those who don’t want to be part of a group. The excursions in the programmes are accompanied by a local tour guide who will be happy to attend to your individual wishes. There will also be enough time and space for your own activities. Transfers are exclusively by private car with private drivers. Prices for solo travellers or groups of three or more are available on request.
Our travel concierge will be happy to put together tailor-made travel arrangements for you according to your wishes. From design hotels to luxurious beach resorts to ticket reservations for theater visits or restaurant recommendations for the most exciting cities. The Travel Concierge is available to you before your trip and of course on board.
Here you will find a video from YouTube that complements the article. You can view it with one click. I agree that external content is displayed to me. This means that personal data can be transmitted to third-party platforms. You can find out more about this in our privacy policy.
The waters where the USA and Canada literally flow into each other reveal themselves to be a challenging exploration area. As a purpose-built expedition ship, the small HANSEATIC inspiration masters the narrow canals and locks with flying colours and takes you to picturesque shores and magnificent coastal towns. The dream of rediscovering America comes true!
Price special
Attractive combination discount
Extend your stay with the previous cruise INS2512 and save € 1,000 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare).
Included Services
Expedition and knowledge
All landings and rides in the ship’s own Zodiacs (Use of the Zodiacs depends on the destination and on official permits)
Experienced experts from various disciplines accompany every cruise, give presentations and multimedia lectures, provide well-informed answers to questions about the cruising area and take part in the Zodiac landings/rides and hikes from/to ship
Use of the interactive Ocean Academy with individual knowledge formats
Comprehensive information before the cruise – for example about the Arctic, Antarctic, the South Seas and the Amazon, as well as expedition maps
Cabin
In every cabin: champagne to welcome you, mini bar restocked daily with non-alcoholic beverages (additional selection in Grand Suites and Junior Suites), coffee machine (tea on request), 24-hour cabin service
Equipment for loan: one pair of binoculars and two sets of Nordic Walking poles in the cabin itself, furthermore warm parkas, rubber boots, snorkelling equipment
Flat-screen TV with information and entertainment programme, personal email account and Internet access via Wi-Fi (free of charge for one hour per guest and day, satellite-dependent especially in polar areas)
Information about harbours and destinations (where available) in the cabin
Restaurants
International gourmet cuisine – full board: breakfast (early-bird and late riser breakfast), bouillon, afternoon coffee/tea time, lunch and dinner (three restaurants to choose from in the evening with flexible opening hours)
For all cases
German ship and expedition management as well as a mostly German-speaking service crew
Harbour and airport fees
Cancellation fee insurance (20% excess) in the PLATINUM and GOLD fares
Spa and fitness
Extensive sports programme: fitness area with ocean view, course programme, additional sports activities on shore depending on the destination (Personal training for an additional charge)
OCEAN SPA with Finnish sauna with an ocean view, steam sauna, indoor and outdoor relaxation area (spa treatments and hairdresser at a surcharge)
