Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula Cruise

Enjoy a 1-night hotel stay, breakfast, and transportation to the ship. All luggage will be brought directly from the hotel and placed in your stateroom aboard the ship.

As you board the ship, be welcomed by the crew who will ensure that every detail of your journey is seamless. Take the time to meet fellow travelers, share stories, and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of small-ship cruising.

From panoramic deck views to thoughtfully designed lounges, every corner of the ship offers a chance to relax, socialize, and prepare for the memorable adventures that await.

Visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Art Preserve, where contemporary and self-taught art come to life through immersive environments, and rotating exhibitions. Explore gallery spaces, performance venues, and hands-on art studios while learning about the centers’ vibrant year-round programming. The experience also includes the Art Preserve, the world’s first museum dedicated to artist-built environments, featuring extraordinarily large-scale installations and expansive collections.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Explore Sheboygan from a new perspective on this guided Segway excursion that blends local history, open-air exploration, and scenic shoreline views. After a brief introduction, ride comfortably along routes tracing the riverfront and Lake Michigan. Pass marinas, waterfront trails, and sites shaped by the city’s shipwreck and maritime history. Along the way, take in the iconic lighthouse, cultural landmarks, and vibrant community spaces that reflect the creative spirit of Sheboygan.  

Activity Level: High / ADA Accessible: No   

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information. 

Discover a hands-on farm-to-table class at Nourish Farms, where fresh ingredients and sustainable practices take center stage. Begin with a guided exploration of the gardens, as instructors share insights into how food is grown, harvested, and nurtured to support health and wellness. 

Continue to the kitchen for an interactive cooking session using ingredients picked straight from the garden, as you prepare a seasonal meal alongside fellow participants. From soil to plate, this immersive experience connects you to local agriculture, celebrating the flavors, freshness, and benefits of thoughtfully sourced food.

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

Experience this private botanical garden set along the bluffs of Lake Michigan, where winding pathways, seasonal plantings, and tranquil surroundings create a peaceful retreat. Stroll through themed gardens that showcase native Wisconsin plants, diverse landscapes, and views shaped by the lakeshore environment. Rooted in a mission of education, conservation, and inspiration, the gardens offer a deeper connection to the region’s ecology and natural beauty. 

Activity level: High / ADA Accessible: Partial

During a guided visit, discover aviation artifacts, interactive exhibits, historic photographs, flight simulators, and meticulously crafted aircraft models that bring the history of flight to life. Get an up-close look at the fully restored Douglas DC-3 once flown by North Central Airlines, an iconic aircraft that played a pivotal role in the development of regional air travel in the Midwest.

Gain insight into Sheboygan’s rich aviation heritage through compelling stories of pioneering aviators and influential local figures, including Walter J. Kohler Sr., transatlantic pilot Felix Waitkus, and the many local pilots who served during World War II. View the museum’s powerful Hmong cultural exhibit, which examines the CIA’s Secret War in Laos during the Vietnam era and honors the contributions and sacrifices of the Hmong people.  

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes 

Enjoy a hands-on creative experience during an instructor-led DIY wood sign workshop designed for all skill levels, where guests can relax, socialize, and explore their creativity in a welcoming and engaging studio setting. Guided step-by-step by an experienced instructor and using provided materials, guests will distress, sand, stain, paint, and customize their own one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

Enjoy a scenic ride aboard the Sheboygan Trolley as it travels through downtown, South Pier, riverfront, and the lakefront districts of Sheboygan.

Stops along the route include:
•    Bookworm Gardens – A whimsical botanical garden inspired by children’s literature, featuring storybook-themed landscapes, interactive exhibits, and beautifully designed outdoor spaces.
•    John Michael Kohler Arts Center – A nationally acclaimed contemporary art museum showcasing innovative exhibitions and artist-built environments.
•    Art Preserve – An inspiring museum space dedicated to preserving artist-built environments from across the United States.
•    3 Sheeps Brewing Company – A popular local brewery offering craft beers, taproom tastings, and a lively atmosphere in a renovated industrial space.
•    Blue Harbor Resort – A lakeside resort featuring waterfront views, dining, and recreational amenities along the shores of Lake Michigan.
•    Harbor Pointe Mini Golf & South Pier – A fun waterfront stop featuring mini golf, marina views, walking paths, and access to Sheboygan’s vibrant harbor area.
•    Riverfront – A picturesque destination offering views along the Sheboygan River lined with restaurants, shops, public art, and recreational spaces.
•    Deland Park – A scenic lakeside park known for its sandy beach, walking trails, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan.
•    City Green – A welcoming downtown gathering space featuring seasonal events, public seating, and landscaped green areas.
•    Historic Downtown Sheboygan – Charming streets filled with local boutiques, restaurants, historic architecture, and cultural attractions in the heart of the city.
•    Acuity Flagpole – Home to one of the largest free-flying American flags in the nation, standing as a striking local landmark.
•    Michigan Avenue – A bustling corridor connecting downtown attractions, shopping, dining, and entertainment venues throughout the city.

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

Be treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience, featuring a guided view of the production facilities and an introduction to the craft brewing process. Learn about the history and growth of the brewery, the craftsmanship behind its beers, and the ingredients used to create a wide variety of distinctive brews. Then enjoy a tasting of selected beers, while gaining insight into flavor profiles and the characteristics that define each beer style.  

 Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Partial

Located along Sheboygan’s scenic riverfront, this cooperative gallery showcases an ever-changing collection of works by more than 75 local and regional artists. Explore a diverse range of contemporary and traditional art forms, including paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry, glasswork, textiles, and mixed media creations. Enjoy the unique opportunity to experience the creativity and artistic spirit of the region while meeting artists, discovering one-of-a-kind pieces, and gaining insight into this thriving local arts community.

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

There are a variety of activities scheduled on board when the ship is underway, which vary depending on the itinerary and scheduled date. Enjoy destination-focused enrichment programs with special guest speakers who present topics related to the region and ports of call, including Art Classes, Cooking Demonstrations, Mixology (practice of making great cocktails), Trivia, Game Shows, and more.

At the Michigan State University Forestry Innovation Center, forest science and tradition come together in an engaging, hands-on experience. Explore wooded landscapes as your guide explains how sustainable forestry supports the maple syrup process from tree to table. Try your hand at tapping a maple tree, learn how sap is collected and transformed, and gain insight into the natural systems behind this time-honored craft. Conclude with a tasting of freshly made syrup, completing this immersive journey into the flavors and practices of the forest.

Activity level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes  

Take a scenic narrated drive from Escanaba to the historic Fayette Historic State Park, home to one of the Midwest’s best-preserved 19th-century industrial communities. Set against the dramatic backdrop of limestone cliffs and Lake Michigan shoreline, Fayette offers a glimpse into the region’s industrial heritage and everyday life of a bygone era.

Upon arrival, begin at the Visitor Center before exploring this remarkable former iron-smelting town. Wander at your own pace through the furnace complex, historic town hall, and original workers’ homes while discovering the stories of the people who once lived and worked in this thriving company town. 

Activity level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: No  

Savor the authentic flavors of the Upper Peninsula on this delicious culinary adventure. Visit charming local establishments to sample the region’s most beloved treats, from the crisp, cinnamon-kissed crunch of Trenary Toast to the hearty, hand-crafted perfection of traditional UP pasties. Along the way, discover the stories and traditions behind these local favorites before indulging your sweet tooth with a delightful finale at a local confectionery. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

Discover the history of Escanaba on this immersive experience, featuring a series of engaging stops. Begin at the Webster Marble Museum, birthplace of American outdoor ingenuity, showcasing exhibits and artifacts highlighting inventions that transformed wilderness exploration. 

Continue to the U.P. Military Museum, honoring the service and stories of Upper Peninsula veterans through compelling displays spanning generations. Then step into the Delta County Historical Museum, where the people, industries, and traditions that shaped the region come to life. 

Conclude at the Sand Point Lighthouse overlooking Lake Michigan, a historic beacon that offers scenic views and a lasting connection to the area’s maritime past.

Activity level: Low / ADA Accessible: Partial  

Take a convenient shuttle to downtown Escanaba, a vibrant small-town setting filled with charming storefronts and local shops. Arrive in the heart of the city and stroll inviting streets lined with boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores. Discover handcrafted sweets, cozy cafés, and locally made art that reflect the area’s creative spirit and community pride.

Activity level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

Begin this engaging guided experience at the National Railroad Museum, home to more than 70 historic locomotives and railcars, including the legendary Union Pacific Big Boy.  Explore exhibits that trace the history of American rail travel, before enjoying a relaxing train ride through the museum grounds. The journey continues at The Automobile Gallery & Event Center, where you can explore a collection of classic and modern automobiles, celebrating innovation, craftsmanship, and iconic American design.  

Activity level: Low / ADA Accessible: Partial

Experience the stories, flavors, and craftsmanship of Green Bay on this unique adventure. Begin with a narrated ride to the Mulva Cultural Center and explore its popular exhibit, Cowboys: History & Hollywood, featuring authentic frontier artifacts, rare photographs, and film memorabilia that trace the cowboy’s evolution from laborer to iconic symbol of freedom. Continue to Seroogy’s Chocolates, a local institution crafting fine confections since 1899, for behind-the-scenes insights into chocolate-making. Enjoy a tasting of signature treats, including the famous meltaway. 

Activity level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes  

Explore two of Green Bay’s most iconic destinations on this memorable outing, where football tradition and local flavor come together. Begin at Lambeau Field with a guided visit highlighting the history, legends, and enduring spirit of one of the game’s most storied venues. Take in the energy of “Titletown,” a nickname earned through the team’s long record of championship success at the highest levels of professional football. Continue to Ahnapee Brewery for a tasting of craft selections paired with classic Wisconsin snacks, while learning about the region’s rich brewing heritage.

Activity level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes  

Discover the world of alpacas on this interactive farm adventure. Learn the story of the farm and the American alpaca industry while exploring the unique traits and behaviors that make these animals so fascinating. Follow the journey from fleece to finished goods, watch a shearing demonstration, and try your hand at spinning or felting. Conclude your visit in the farm store, where handcrafted alpaca items are available, and receive a complimentary felt ornament.

Activity level: Low / ADA Accessible: Partial 

Explore the gardens, aromas, and seasonal highlights on this engaging journey rooted in nature and community. Led by a guide, you’ll stroll through a variety of areas, from rose and herb gardens to an orchard, discovering the colors, scents, and textures that define each area. Along the way, sample a selection of fresh herbs and learn simple recipes and practical remedies you can easily recreate at home. The experience concludes with an interactive demonstration where you’ll craft your own custom herbal scrub to take home.

Activity Level: Moderate / ADA Accessible: Yes

Visit this local distillery for a behind-the-scenes craft spirits experience led by the owner and master distiller. Throughout the visit, gain insight into the art and science of distillation, including ingredient sourcing, fermentation, barrel aging, and the meticulous production methods behind small-batch spirits. Observe the production space while learning how a range of spirits, including bourbon, brandy, gin, and flavored expressions are developed. Conclude with a guided tasting of four handcrafted spirits, thoughtfully paired with Wisconsin-made cheeses to enhance and complement each flavor profile. Each guest will fill and take home a 200ml bottle of bourbon as a personalized keepsake.

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes

Step into Muskegon’s rich maritime legacy on a guided adventure spanning more than a century of Great Lakes heritage. Led by a knowledgeable local storyteller, this immersive excursion uncovers the vessels, visionaries, and unforgettable moments that transformed Muskegon’s shoreline into a thriving port city.

One of the most powerful stops is at the USS LST 393, a legendary World War II tank landing ship that transported soldiers, vehicles, and critical supplies during the Normandy invasion and other pivotal military campaigns. Walk along massive decks and passageways while discovering the innovation, courage, and sacrifice behind its wartime missions.

The experience continues aboard the iconic SS Milwaukee Clipper, famously known as the “Queen of the Great Lakes.” Originally launched in 1904 and reimagined in the 1940s with a sleek Art Deco-inspired steel design, this National Historic Landmark captures the glamour and sophistication of passenger travel during the golden age of Great Lakes cruising.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Partial

Explore the #1 sculpture park in the country, the #2 botanical garden in the country, and one of the top 45 most-visited museums worldwide. Admire masterpieces of art and nature with both indoor and outdoor gardens and a world-renowned sculpture park.  

A guided tram tour will take you around the 158 acre campus where you can view stunning horticultural displays showcasing a beautiful array of plants appropriate for the Midwest and specialized plants from around the world. Gardens include Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, an 8-acre Japanese garden, an English perennial garden, a 1930’s-era Michigan farm garden, an arid garden, carnivorous plant house, and more.

The sculpture collection features more than 200 works by internationally acclaimed artists. The greatest concentration of work is featured in a 30-acre Sculpture Park, which plays host to colossal and more traditional-scale works situated in a natural environment.

Activity Level: Low  | ADA Accessible: Yes

Experience the Silver Lake Sand Dunes like never before on a one-of-a-kind exploration on an open air dune scooter. Stop at the Lake Michigan shoreline for a quick visit and then drive to one of the tallest dunes on the Silver Lake for pictures and to enjoy the view.

Visit a Michigan winery, located on over 55 acres of land, where all wines are 100% sourced from the vineyard. No imported juice, and no imported flavors. Taste the delicious characteristics that arise from the unique climate of West-Central Michigan. Enjoy offerings that range from interpretations of classic European favorites to 21st century offerings that move wine style into the future.

Activity Level: Low  | ADA Accessible: No

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.

Step into the story of Muskegon on a guided journey through the people, homes, and industries that shaped this vibrant town. Wander the Queen Anne–style Victorian homes of lumber barons Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume, where stunning woodwork, stained glass, and original furnishings bring the city’s pivotal era to life and reveal the legacy of philanthropy and transformation that still shapes Muskegon today. Then dive into the Muskegon Heritage Museum of Business & Industry, where more than 80 local companies come alive through artifacts, photographs, and working machinery that showcase the innovation, skill, and spirit that built the community.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: No

Feel the thrill of Muskegon on a fully guided e-bike adventure, where the city’s history and lakeside charm come alive. Start with a safety briefing and helmet fitting, then glide along the shoreline of Muskegon Lake, taking in stunning views of Lake Michigan in the distance. Ride past scenic sand dunes, historic landmarks, vibrant parks, and native plant landscapes as your expert guide shares stories that bring the city’s past and present to life.

Activity Level: High | ADA Accessible: No

Board a comfortable Cruise Coach ride into the heart of downtown Muskegon, where you can explore at your own pace. Downtown offers a blend of historic character and modern energy, with public art, scenic parks, and attractions just steps apart. Wander along charming streets lined with local boutiques, specialty shops, and inviting cafés, or relax at one of the area’s restaurants and breweries featuring fresh regional specialties and waterfront views.    

Activity Level: Low / ADA Accessible: Partial

Step into the world of iconic American craftsmanship at the Harley-Davidson Museum on a guided journey through its breathtaking 20-acre riverfront campus. Explore more than 120 years of motorcycle history, innovation, and culture as the Harley-Davidson story unfolds through immersive exhibits and legendary machines.

View an extraordinary collection of over 450 motorcycles and rare artifacts, including the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Serial Number One. Interactive displays trace the evolution of the brand’s groundbreaking design and engineering while highlighting its influence on recreation, industry, military service, and the open-road spirit of America. Beyond the galleries, guests can stroll the museum’s scenic outdoor spaces and take in the vibrant waterfront atmosphere.

Activity Level: Moderate | ADA Accessible: Yes

Savor the flavors of Wisconsin on this tasty journey through the region’s rich culinary and brewing traditions. Travel through scenic Dairyland landscapes and the historic charm of Old World 3rd Street while hearing stories that celebrate Milwaukee’s food and drink heritage. Along the way, enjoy a brewery visit with beer sampling, taste classic Wisconsin favorites like cheese curds and bratwurst, sample artisanal cheeses, and stop at Usinger’s for local specialties. The experience ends on a sweet note with freshly churned ice cream, making this flavorful adventure as memorable as it is delicious.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Partial

This is a Signature shore excursion and should be reserved in advance. Please call (800) 894-8570 for information.

Experience the quirky and cultural side of Milwaukee on this inspiring journey. Begin at the Grohmann Museum, where artwork and sculptures celebrate the evolution of human work and highlight the skill, creativity, and innovation that shaped industries and communities. Continue to the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, where thousands of bobbleheads, from sports legends to pop culture icons, bring the collection to life. Take part in an interactive scavenger hunt to spot rare figures while learning the stories behind them. 

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Step inside the elegance of the Pabst Mansion and discover a remarkable piece of Milwaukee heritage. Built in 1892 for brewing magnate Frederick Pabst, this stunning Flemish Renaissance-style home offers a glimpse into the world of one of America’s most iconic beer families. Led by a guide, explore beautifully restored rooms featuring intricate woodwork, original furnishings, and period artwork, while hearing stories of the Pabst family and their lasting influence on the city. It’s an unforgettable look at the craftsmanship, history, and grandeur of turn-of-the-century America.

Activity Level: Low | ADA Accessible: Yes

Discover a tropical escape in the heart of Milwaukee at the iconic Mitchell Park Domes. These striking glass domes house three unique environments—a lush tropical jungle, a dramatic desert landscape, and a vibrant seasonal floral display. Wander among towering palms, exotic plants, and colorful blooms while learning about ecosystems from around the world. This relaxing visit offers a chance to experience nature’s beauty and one of Milwaukee’s most distinctive landmarks.  

Activity level: Low / ADA Accessible: Yes 

Why not stay an extra night or two to immerse yourself in the spirit of this vibrant city? Ask your onboard Hotel General Manager for recommendations on area hotels, attractions, and more.