It is with great pleasure that we announce the return of a Grand American tradition: Classic Great Lakes cruises. These voyages were popular until World War 2, when they vanished, seemingly forever. Nicely, we are one of the few companies in the United States able to offer these popular 'inland' cruise holidays. We sail from the heart of downtown Chicago (right from the historic Navy Pier!) to places like gorgeous Mackinac Island with its fabled Grand Hotel and horse-drawn carriages (no cars are allowed!), beautiful Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, charming Saugatuck and quaint Manistee, Michigan with its Victorian downtown, lighthouse and restored Great Lakes Steamer, the ss City of Milwaukee. Speaking of Milwaukee, we even visit this Great Lakes port during our trip around Lake Michigan.

Happily, in addition to interesting ports, our 'pocket' cruise ship, the 98 passenger Grande Mariner is the perfect antidote to those tired of huge, mass-market cruise ships carrying 4000 guests at a time. With an all-American crew, life aboard is casual and informal with no need for 'dressing up'. Meals are superb and are naturally included in the fare. Snacks and beverages are available 24 hours a day and there is a comfortable observation lounge in addition to open deck space. Better still, is what the Grande Mariner does not offer: no napkin folding lessons, tired Vegas-style cabaret shows, gold chains by the inch and the relentless 'nickel and diming' found on so many ships nowadays. Guests enjoy a low-key, relaxed voyage on a well-designed ship, able to get up close to small ports of call. All cabins are comfortable with in-room facilities and both the lounge and dining room can seat all guests at one time.

Since a classic holiday deserves a classic hotel, our Great Lakes Holiday begins with the perfect introduction to the 'Windy City', a two-night stay at the fabled Drake Hotel, the grande dame of Chicago hotels, before we set sail. We have intentionally left plenty of free time to explore all that Chicago has to offer including the nearby Art Institute and Grant Park, the Museum of Science and Industry and to make your time in Chicago even more enjoyable, we have included a two-day 'Hop on/Hop-off' Sightseeing trolley pass as well as a choice of sightseeing tours or admissions that include the architectural sightseeing cruise, the John Hancock Building or the Sears Tower to name just a few. Of course, this holiday is fully escorted by a professional tour manager from start to finish with special parties and events both ashore and aboard the Grande Mariner. But, with only 49 rooms, these two voyages will fill up quickly so prompt reservations are encouraged.