Great Lakes of North America

When the HANSEATIC inspiration sets course for the Great Lakes of North America, the world's largest freshwater area covering around 244,000 km² (94,209 mi²), guests will enjoy unique nautical experiences: the passages through the canals and locks are truly remarkable. The St Lawrence Seaway connects all five Great Lakes with the St Lawrence River, the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. The most famous and spectacular canal of the St Lawrence Seaway is the Welland Canal with its eight locks. In some lock chambers, the ship is raised by up to 15 metres (49 feet) as it travels from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. Experiencing how the HANSEATIC inspiration will navigate around Niagara Falls in this way is one of the most thrilling moments on this journey across the Great Lakes.

On a Great Lakes cruise, vibrant cities and metropolises like Toronto, Quebec, Montreal, Detroit or Milwaukee meet untouched wilderness - it combines natural beauty, cultural depth as well as active exploration. Each day reveals new scenery: rugged coastlines, island-dotted waters, cascading waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and iconic lighthouses. In September/October, guests will be immersed in the magic of the Indian Summer, with guided hikes through colourful forests and along scenic shores. Beyond nature, cruises offers rich cultural insights. Our onboard historian provides engaging narratives about Indigenous peoples and immigrant communities, bringing history to life with compelling stories and expert knowledge.

- Due to the size of the expedition ship (max. 230 guests, 138.7 m/455 ft length, 22 m/ 72 ft beam and 5.70 m/18.70 ft draught), small harbours and bays can be called at and when in larger cities, the ship often moors close to the city centre where there is no or only a short shuttle to the centre necessary

- Thanks to retractable bridge wings, retractable tender boats and a special design that ensures nothing ‘protrudes’ from the ship, the HANSEATIC inspiration can pass through the small, narrow locks in the St Lawrence River, Welland Canal and Sault Ste Marie Canal. 

- Particularly spacious open deck areas: glass balconies, a deck tour at the bow and the Observation Deck above the bridge, as well as generally high windows – this means that guests are right up close during all lock passages.

- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is one of the few cruise operators that offers cruises in all five Great Lakes and is the only operator who offers the long voyage from Milwaukee to Halifax (or back)

- In a small group of maximum 230 guests, your customers have plenty of space for intensive insights into life on the shores – picturesque fishing villages alternate with Victorian-style villas and modern cities. A journey through time from the indigenous people, the First Nations, to the legacy of the European settlers and today’s culture.

- In Lake Superior, we offer many Zodiac landings and hikes

With our experienced team of experts, your customers will learn about the background and details – both on board and on land. Exciting lectures and direct exchanges make every day of your trip an experience. 

Heiko Hooge shares her passion for local culture and guides your walks ashore.

Dr Ludger Brüning offers new perspectives on the region’s cultural and historical context through his historical insight.

Biologist Carine Zimmermann helps you experience the nature of the Great Lakes with a keen eye. On joint walks, she provides fascinating insights into the region’s ecosystems and brings the connections between flora and fauna to life. 

Tanja Maehle, International Trade Marketing Manager at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, visited the Great Lakes on board the HANSEATIC inspiration: 

My cruise in the Great Lakes of North America was more than just a cruise – it was an inspiring voyage of discovery through the nature, history, and culture of the largest freshwater system in terms of area. The HANSEATIC inspiration provided the perfect setting for an exclusive experience.

Read the full article and be inspired!