The Great Lakes represent a group of five vast interconnected freshwater lakes in North America. Cruising the Great Lakes has become a popular vacation option for those searching for a unique and memorable travel adventure.
The Great Lakes consist of Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Ontario. Embarking on a cruise through the Great Lakes is an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the region’s rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse cultural experiences.
While Great Lakes cruises offer a fantastic experience, many travelers are surprised by the cost of this adventurous trip compared to alternative vacation options.
In this post, I share the reasons why great lakes cruises are so expensive, how to save money on Great Lakes cruises, and if Great Lakes cruises are worth it.
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Why Are Great Lakes Cruises So Expensive?
For people that have gone on ocean cruises, it can be a big surprise to find out the cost of cruising in the Great Lakes region. However, Great Lakes cruises are expensive for several reasons.
1. Limited Availability Of Cruise Ships
Cruises to the Great Lakes tend to be more expensive due to the limited availability of cruise ships designed and equipped to navigate this unique region. Unlike popular cruise destinations, only a handful of cruise vessels can effectively handle the distinctive challenges of the Great Lakes region.
The high cruise prices can be attributed to the lack of Great Lakes cruise options.
2. Limited Cruising Season
The Great Lakes cruise season typically goes from May to October. This is when the weather is nicest, and the water and lakes are most navigable.
Since cruise lines can only operate in the Great Lakes region for a few months per year, a limited number of cruises are available. Great Lakes cruises can be quite pricey since there is a high demand and a limited number of cruises are offered each year.
Additionally, since the Great Lakes cruising season only lasts throughout the summer months, cruise lines have a short period to generate revenue, which drives up cruise prices.
Fun fact: One of the leading factors to the Great Lakes cruise season being so short is that most years, the Great Lakes freeze during winter.
3. Great Lakes Cruises Are in High Demand
There is a high demand for Great Lakes cruises by travelers around the world. These cruises have a higher price since the Great Lakes is a highly sought-after cruise destination.
Limited availability and once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences make it so the created demand for Great Lakes cruises greatly surpasses the supply.
Cruise lines will charge a premium for Great Lakes cruises since they are in high demand, and cruise travelers are willing to pay the price.
4. High-Quality Cruise Ships and Services
Mainstream cruise lines cater to various demographics, whether for families, budget travel, affordable luxury, or premium luxury.
However, all Great Lakes ships tend to be luxurious. Great Lakes cruise ships are designed for a premium and luxurious cruise experience. Since Great Lakes cruises offers a premium product, cruise passengers will have to pay a higher price.
Here are the ways Great Lakes cruises are different from mainstream cruise lines:
Crew to Passenger Ratio
The number of passengers on a Great Lakes cruise is significantly lower than a typical cruise. Most Great Lakes cruise ships hold no more than 300 passengers.
The ratio of crew members to cruisers is very high, which creates a personalized and unique experience for the cruise passengers.
Having fewer passengers onboard a Great Lakes cruise ship is one of the major reasons why they are so expensive.
Personalized Service
You will receive personalized service on a Great Lakes cruise compared to standard ocean cruises. Crew members will remember your name, fulfill your requests, and the service is of a higher standard.
The personalized service contributes to the high cost of a Great Lakes or river cruise.
Dining Options
On a Great Lakes cruise, you will experience premium fine dining. The food quality, unique meals, and excellent service create a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience.
Great Lakes cruises can justify charging more for their product because they offer a premium dining experience.
5. Lack of Competition Between Cruise Lines
Since there is a limited number of Great Lakes cruises, there is much less competition among cruise lines. Cruise companies have more control over their pricing since very few rival cruise lines operate in the Great Lakes region.
Compared to the mainstream cruise market, Great Lakes cruises will be more expensive since it is a less saturated region to visit. The limited competition and high demand for Great Lakes cruises result in higher cruise fares.
Cruise Lines That Navigate The Great Lakes
Here are the cruise lines that sail to the Great Lakes:
- Ponant Exlorers Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
- Viking Expedition Cruises
- Pearl Seas Cruises
- American Queen Voyages
- Seaborn Cruises
- St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
- Hapag Lloyd Cruises
- Silversea Cruises
6. Port Fees, Regulations and Challenges
Due to the uniqueness of the Great Lakes, ports may charge higher fees to dock the cruise ship. The cruise line may also be subject to additional regulations and inspections.
Cruise lines invest in compliance measures and regular inspections to function safely within the law. Government agencies have strict regulations and assessments, which can add to the cost of operating a Great Lakes cruise.
Size Restrictions
Due to its shallow areas and narrow channels, the Great Lakes is a challenging region for large cruise ships to navigate. Cruise operators invest in technology and specialized equipment to ensure the ship can navigate these shallow bodies of water safely and smoothly.
These additional costs make the price of a Great Lakes cruise more expensive.
Environmental Considerations
Operating in the Great Lakes region requires cruise lines to meet environmental regulations. The cruise line may be subject to paying additional fees related to sustainability efforts and compliance.
Weather Complications
The Great Lakes region is famous for having unpredictable weather. Due to the high winds and storms, navigating the Great Lakes can be challenging and dangerous.
Cruise lines have procedures and safety equipment to ensure the well-being of all cruise passengers and crew. Cruise operators are trained and plan to deal with unpredictable weather conditions.
7. Unique Itineraries and Cruise Ports
Great Lakes cruises offer unique and less-traveled itineraries than popular mainstream destinations like the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Cruise lines will charge a premium for a Great Lakes itinerary since it is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Exclusive Cruise Ports
Many Great Lakes cruises visit exclusive or private ports, offering passengers a more personalized and secluded experience. Access to these private ports comes with a premium price tag.
Great Lakes Cruise Ports and Destinations:
While sailing on a Great Lakes cruise, you may visit the cruise destinations and ports:
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Mackinac Island
- Parry Sound
- Green Bay
- Muskegon
- Milwaukee
- Little Current
- Georgian Bay
- Port Colborne
- Thunder Bay
- Manitoulin Island
8. Included Amenities
One of the biggest reasons that Great Lakes cruises are expensive is all of the amenities that are included in the cruise fare. These Great Lakes cruise ships offer included WIFI, meals, drink packages, and crew gratuities. These amenities are included in the overall price of your cruise.
Although the initial cruise fare will be higher, the inclusions will make your Great Lakes cruise more enjoyable, and can even have some cost savings.
9. Unique Experiences and Shore Excursions
Great Lakes cruises strongly focus on providing unique experiences like visiting remote islands, access to historical sites, and opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty. Since a Great Lakes cruise is one of the best ways to explore the area, these experiences will cost a premium.
Historic and Cultural Attractions
Since the Great Lakes region is rich in history and culture, there will be many attractions and museums to explore. Attractions include visiting natural wonders like Niagara Falls, the Henry Ford Museum, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Grand Hotel.
Cruises that include visits to these popular tourist destinations tend to be more expensive.
Shore Excursions
Great Lakes cruises offer unique shore excursions that won’t be available in other cruise destinations. These specialized experiences add to the overall cost of the cruise.
10. Operating Costs
Cruising on the Great Lakes is more costly for cruise lines due to factors like the need for ice-strengthened vessels, higher labor costs, and the cost of complying with environmental regulations in the region.
Higher Fuel Costs
Cruising through the Great Lakes requires fuel due to longer distances between ports and potentially difficult weather conditions. These increased fuel costs contribute to the higher price of a Great Lakes cruise.
11. Unique Dining Experiences
Great Lakes cruises are known for their outstanding culinary offerings that highlight the regional cruising of the areas they visit. The emphasis on local ingredients and flavors contributes to the higher overall cost of the cruise.
These cruises feature menus that celebrate the culinary traditions of the Great Lakes region. Cruise passengers can try dishes that incorporate locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the flavors of the Great Lakes.
For example, on a Great Lakes cruise, you may get the chance to try freshwater fish such as walleye or whitefish, artisanal cheeses, locally grown fruits, and vegetables.
12. Limited Cabin Types
On Great Lakes cruises, there is no such thing as an interior stateroom. This means that the minimum available stateroom is an oceanview cabin.
Generally, the oceanview cabins on Great Lakes cruises have large windows compared to the tiny portholes you may find on mainstream cruise lines.
The cabin types on a Great Lakes cruise strongly focus on luxurious and spacious accommodations. Since these are premium cruise cabins, they will be pricier.
How to Save Money on a Great Lakes Cruise (Tips & Advice)
It’s no secret that Great Lakes cruises can be pricey. However, there are a few tips to save money on a Great Lakes cruise.
1. Use a Travel Agent
Using a good travel agent is a great way to find great deals and packages instead of booking directly with the cruise line. If you’re planning a Great Lakes cruise, talking to a travel agent is a good way to save money on your trip.
2. Be Flexible With Your Dates
Cruising during the shoulder season is a great way to avoid crowded cruises, and you may save money on your Great Lakes cruise. The shoulder season for cruises in the Great Lakes region is April, May, or October.
3. Book a Cabin on a Lower Deck
Since the lower decks have less impressive views, the cheaper staterooms will be towards the bottom of the cruise ship. The higher decks will be more pricey and have more private balconies.
4. Book Early
Cruise lines often offer early booking discounts. Planning your Great Lakes cruise in advance is a great way to take advantage of these savings. In addition to saving money, since there is a high demand for Great Lakes itineraries, you’ll find that availability is often limited as well.
5. Lookout for Last-Minute Cruise Deals
Although rare, last-minute deals are a great way to cruise to the Great Lakes for less. If you have your heart set on a Great Lakes cruise and are flexible, be sure to sign up for email notifications and look out for offers.
You may find a fantastic last-minute cruise deal if you’re flexible with your dates.
6. Look for Package Deals
While Great Lakes cruises are not inexpensive, getting a package deal that includes your flight, hotel and other amenities can often save 10% or more off the total cost of your vacation.
7. Consider a Group Cruise
Group cruises may be available in local regions, through travel agents or with affinity groups (like a church group or art club).
If you’re thinking about organizing your own group cruise, consider how your group members might enjoy a cruise along the Canadian Maritimes, St. Lawrence Seaway or New England. You can contact the cruise lines cruise representatives or a travel agent for group pricing.
8. Save Money on Flights
While Great Lakes cruises are usually more expensive than a lower cost European river cruise, flying domestically will save cruise passengers money over international flights.
In addition, there may be lower cost transportation to the embarkation port available. If you can drive or take the train, this can save money on the overall cost of a Great Lakes cruise vacation.
Are Great Lakes Cruises Worth It?
Great Lakes cruises are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventurous travelers. Although the price is steep, the luxurious travel experience, included amenities, cultural exploration, discovering iconic cities, and experiencing stunning scenery, is worth it to many travelers.
For those who can afford it, a Great Lakes cruise is a memorable vacation and a travel experience worth the money. However, cruisers on a tighter budget may find better value in an alternative vacation experience, including ocean cruises.
For those who want to do a Great Lakes cruise but find it expensive, there are plenty of ways to save money while booking your vacation. Talk to a travel agent and look for deals to make your Great Lakes vacation more affordable.
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Final Thoughts On Why Are Great Lakes Cruises So Expensive
Well there it is, everything you need to know about Great Lakes cruises!
Cruising through the Great Lakes is a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure. Although it may be expensive, a Great Lakes cruise is a luxurious way to explore one of the most beautiful regions in the world.
Would you take a Great Lakes cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer has been cruising since he was in preschool! As a frequent cruiser, Ethan now shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults. Ethan is a freelance writer and also writes about men’s fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com.