Great Lakes - Wilderness And History On Vast Lake Backdrops

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.

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.

You'll always receive a welcome to remember, as the colourful cafes, houses and shops that line Tobermory's picturesque harbour salute your arrival. Located on the craggy Scottish Inner Hebrides, Tobermory serves as the capital of the Isle of Mull. There's a high chance you'll recognise the town’s colourfully-daubed buildings, as their charming exteriors have featured in countless TV shows - most notably in the children’s favourite, Balamory. There's always a new story to discover here – not least the legend that suggests there's a sunken Spanish galleon, brimming with lost gold, sitting just below the waves that roll around the harbour. Learn a little more of the area’s history at the Mull Museum, or head out to enjoy some of the fabulous wildlife watching opportunities on offer on a boat tour. You can spot majestic birds like white tail and golden eagles circling in the skies, or turn your attention to the waves, where friendly dolphins and Minke whales are regular visitors. Treat yourself to a sample of one of the island's finest exports before leaving, as you drop in at the Tobermory Distillery for some whiskey tasting. Established in 1798, it’s one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.

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.