The Majestic Great Lakes

Locations: Chicago; Lake Michigan; Mackinac Island; Sault Ste. Marie (Whitefish Bay and Lake Superior); Little Current, Manitoulin Island (Georgian Bay); Lake Huron; Detroit; Windsor; Cleveland; Niagara Falls; Toronto
Trip Lecturer: Howie Bay
Dates: August 18–28, 2022
Costs: Starting at $4,699 per person
Trip Capacity: Minimum of 20 (no maximum)     
Registration Deadline: Based on availability     
Final Payment Deadline: 120 days before departure

Trip Overview

Discover the majestic scenery and fascinating history of North America’s Great Lakes region—from its dramatic bluffs and pine-forested islands to its charming small towns and iconic urban centers. Your journey begins in Chicago, Illinois and includes a one-night stay in the city before boarding the M/V Victory I for an unforgettable nine-night voyage.

Visit Mackinac Island, and travel aboard a horse-drawn carriage as you learn the history of this charming town steeped in Victorian-era charm. Then experience the oldest city in the Midwest, Sault Ste. Marie, where you can watch the action at the Soo Locks, one of the world’s largest and busiest set of locks. Next, visit Manitoulin Island, where ancient native tradition springs to life amid lush scenery. In Detroit, delve into American history, peruse memorabilia at the Motown Museum, or explore the chic boutiques and cafés of Canfield Street. Then travel to Cleveland to experience the city’s energetic renaissance and a visit to the Cleveland Museum of Art. Witness Niagara Falls, the second-largest waterfall in the world before completing your cruise in Toronto, Canada.  

The trip includes the following:

• Nine nights aboard the M/V Victory I
• A one-night, pre-cruise hotel stay in Chicago
• An expertly trained culinary team providing exceptional dining experiences
• All onboard meals and select beverages
• A welcome reception to meet your fellow Principia Lifelong Learning travelers
• A private Go Next reception, including hot and cold canapés and beverages
• Onboard lectures from Principia Lifelong Learning faculty member Howie Bay
• Principia group receptions, group dinners, church services, and activities while onboard the ship
• Enrichment programs, including seminars led by naturalists, historians, and local experts
• Complimentary, expert-led shore excursions highlighting local history and culture

The following are not included:

• Airfare and airport transfers
• Port charges and gratuities
• Checked/excess baggage fees imposed by airlines
• Travel protection insurance*
• Upgrades, supplements, and personal expenses

*Travel protection insurance may be purchased from Go Next. Insurance will automatically be added to your Go Next invoice, but you may decline it.

Meet Your Trip Lecturer

Howie Bay (US'69, C'73) attended Principia from Lower School through the College and earned his master’s degree in history from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. He taught history and economics at Principia Upper School and chaired the Social Studies Department. He retired in 2016 after 38 years of service to Principia. He remains a member of the Lifelong Learning faculty, teaching at Summer Session. As a lecturer on this trip, Howie will lecture on "Rock & Roll History", Chicago’s transformation from a remote swamp to a city of epic proportions, and "The Life of Henry Ford".