Many cruise enthusiasts will find great opportunities for Great Lakes Cruises in Michigan. The scenery along the Lake Michigan shores and through various Michigan waterways is rewarding and often unspoiled. Great Lakes cruising is a relatively small niche in terms of the large cruise industry, and while the ships tend to be modest in comparison to the large ocean liners, the chance to get to know the crew firsthand and tour the chain of freshwater lakes makes a Great Lakes cruise a unique option for your next vacation.

Michigan's Mackinac Island is a top stop among Great Lakes cruises. It's a car-free island with cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages. Different carriers wind their way through the Great Lakes, and in Michigan you might start by looking into a trip with The Great Lakes Cruise Company. Based in Ann Arbor, they boast their claim as the only cruise company that specializes in Great Lakes cruising. To tour Lake Michigan, book a trip on the company's Grand Mariner. The Lake Michigan Getaway trip is a six-night adventure that begins in Chicago and circumnavigates its way up along the Michigan coast. The first stop is Manistee, Michigan, which is a historic port. Its charm lies mostly in its architecture which reflects Victorian and other classic European styles. While here, you can take a trolley tour past historic homes and lovely beaches, or simply stroll along the Riverwalk in the historic downtown setting. Back on board, it's off to Beaver Island, Michigan, which is a remote spot where you can tour the Old Mormon Print Shop. Then its off to Mackinac Island where you'll pass under the Mackinac Bridge through clear, blue waters. Here, many options for touring await you, with popular attractions being a narrated horse-drawn ride through town, renting bikes for some great Michigan biking, or a relaxing rest on the porch of the famous Grand Hotel. Leaving port at Mackinac ends the Michigan part of your trip, and the following stops are Wisconsin's Sturgeon Bay and Milwaukee. At both, you'll get the opportunity to leave the boat again for various tours and activities. Finally, its back to port in Chicago where you'll already begin to savor the memories of your Great Lakes cruising adventure. All this for under $2,000! Book your Lake Michigan getaway as soon as you get the notion to go, as there are only four tours offered in the summer, and the trips fill up quickly, often resulting in your name being put on a waiting list.

In Muskegon, Michigan, cruising Great Lakes style involves a trip on the Lake Express. The Lake Express will take you across Lake Michigan over to Milwaukee on a 2 ½ hour trip that is an innovative form of Great Lakes cruising. With a secure deck for cars, motorcycles and bikes, it offers a great way to beat the traffic of going the traditional way, and with dining on board, you'll be assured to enjoy the trip and views. The fee one way for adults is $62, and $34 for children with discounts for seniors. Round trip is $99 for adults and $49 for children. You can pay a little more for premier class and the cost for your vehicle or motorcycle is not included and runs comparable to your own fee, but it's worth it for the convenience and experience.

Michigan Map

Small pleasure and fishing cruises embark from many Michigan coastal cities like Muskegon and usually involve dinner parties or entertainment cruises, and in Detroit, they offer a great way to view the city skyline and enjoy the freshwater breeze. Michigan fishing by way of charter trips is also a great way to go Great Lakes cruising. Even if you don't want to fish, you'll enjoy being out on the waters with a knowledgeable staff. Traverse City in northern mainland Michigan is a good spot to get off shore. The Schooner Manitou based in will take you out on one of three different daily Great Lakes cruises and even has a wine-tasting cruise featuring Michigan wineries. Bay Breeze Yacht charters offer not only yacht charters, but also tugboat charters, day trips and sunset cruises. So, get out on the open seas in Michigan through the various Great Lakes cruise options.