Pioneering spirit times two: the Great Lakes and St Lawrence River combined in one cruise
Lock adventures: nautical masterpieces on the Welland Canal and St Lawrence River
Experience the magic of Indian summer along the coasts and in the forests on active hikes
“Vive la France” in Canada: explore traditional French-Canadian flair in Montreal, Quebec and Tadoussac
Architecture that tells stories: contrasts ranging from Victorian villas to skyscrapers
At anchor
Further informations
Mackinac Island on Lake Huron is a bit more tranquil. European explorers came to the island in the 17th century. Soon Mackinac Island occupied a strategically important position as a trading centre for the fur trade in the Great Lakes region. Here Victorian mansions and the fort from the War of Independence tell of the beginnings of the United States of America.
On a walk through Sault Ste. Marie, you can immerse yourself in fascinating stories of immigrants at the museum or marvel at the enormous lock system that separates Canada and the US here.
Whether by kayak, canoe or ship, Parry Sound is an El Dorado for water sports enthusiasts, as a boat trip of the Thirty Thousand Islands1 will reveal. The composition of blue lakes, autumnal forests and pink granite rocks puts you in the midst of a masterpiece of nature in Killbear Provincial Park1.
Killarney is reminiscent of Ireland. Stop and pause as you walk on the “emerald isle” of George Island to fully appreciate the nature and tranquillity. Nature and hiking lovers, above all, will feel at home here.
Windsor forms a contrast to the vast and impressive landscape. Take in the skyline of the former “Motor City” – witnessing the transformation of Detroit1 is exciting. This is followed by a cruise on Lake Erie and truly great experiences ...
The next stage of your cruise is all about nautical masterpieces: follow the challenging passage during a lock adventure on the Welland Canal on the deck tour at the bow or the ship’s many open deck areas. Through eight locks, your small ship overcomes almost 100 m (328 ft) of height, corresponding to a lock lift the height of Niagara Falls. This is only possible thanks to the ship’s retractable bridge wings.
In Toronto, a city tour by tram1 shows how skyscrapers, parks and trendy districts complement each other well. As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is Canada’s economic centre and one of the world’s leading financial centres, after decades during which Montreal had held that role. The city is located on the north-western shore of Lake Ontario, the smallest of the five Great Lakes.
Your curiosity will know no bounds on the next experience: a lock adventure on the St Lawrence River – with knowledgeable commentary provided from the bridge. Enjoy the exciting manoeuvres in the seven locks from the deck.
European charm welcomes you in Montreal on a city tour1. The sommelier in you, by contrast, will be awakened by the wineries in the Eastern Townships1. As a city of over a million inhabitants, Montreal is of particular importance to Canada in terms of tourism, especially because of its sights and its diverse range of cultural offers, including museums as well as numerous film, theatre and music festivals.
French savoir vivre and Canadian zest for life invite you to explore the historic quarter in Quebec. A walking tour with tea at Chateau Frontenac1 brings around 400 years of history to life. On a trip to Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans,1 you will pass some of Canada’s oldest French settlements.
Dive deeper into the settlers’ history in Canada’s oldest village, Tadoussac. With a little luck, you might also spot whales here. A population of belugas lives in the waters all year round.
From Gaspe, picturesque bays and rocky coastline shape your impressions on a scenic tour across the peninsula and to Forillon National Park1. You can also explore this paradise for amateur ornithologists on an active hike1 amidst autumnal colours.
On the Iles de la Madeleine, red cliffs and long sandy beaches provide breathtaking island impressions1. Alternatively, a culinary tour1 combines cheese, fish and the art of brewing. Finally, Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island welcomes you to an urban idyll where the sound of horse-drawn carriages echoes through the streets. As your cruise slowly draws to a close, your American-Canadian dream comes to an end in beautiful natural surroundings.
1 The shore activities are not included in the cruise price and are in the planning stage. Subject to change.
The itinerary depends on official approval. The use of on-board Zodiacs is currently not permitted on this cruise with the exception of Killarney. When the ship is at anchor, the ship’s tender boats will be used.
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 options
Wed, 08.10.2025
Scheduled flight from Germany to Chicago Journey to Milwaukee
Optionally bookable
Sat, 25.10.2025
Scheduled flight from Halifax to Germany
Optionally bookable
Sun, 26.10.2025
Arrival in Germany
Optionally bookable
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
EXTEND AND SAVE
Extend your stay with the subsequent cruise INS2515 and save € 500 per person (applies to PLATINUM fare).
Included Services
Expedition and information
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)
All around carefree
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 fares PLATINUM and GOLD
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)
