Great Lakes and St Lawrence River - lakes and rivers awash with the American dream - Milwaukee to Halifax

The Great Lakes and St Lawrence River - lakes and rivers awash with the American dream - Milwaukee to Halifax is a 18-night North America cruise aboard HANSEATIC Inspiration, operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Departing Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States on October 7, 2026, the voyage visits 13 ports. Fares start from $15,499 per person.

Length: 18 nights
Departs: Oct 7, 2026
Returns: Oct 25, 2026
Ports of call: 13
Days at sea: 4

from $15,499

$861 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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Itinerary

Day 1 Oct 7, 2026 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Departs 18:30 Milwaukee is a city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin on Lake Michigan's western shore. It's known for its breweries, many of which offer tours chronicling its role in the beer industry. Overlooking the Menomonee River, the Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one of Elvis Presley’s. Nearby is the Milwaukee Public Museum, with its large-scale European Village and a recreation of old Milwaukee. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States port guide Search cruises visiting Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Day 2 Oct 8, 2026 Sault Sainte Marie, USA 13:30 – 19:00 5.5 hrs ashore Sault Ste. Marie is a city in Ontario, Canada. It's on the St. Marys River, north of the U.S. border, near 3 of the Great Lakes. It’s known for the 19th-century Sault Ste. Marie Canal, lined with red sandstone buildings. The Art Gallery of Algoma showcases works by local, national and international artists. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre has a collection of aircraft and flight simulators. Sault Sainte Marie, USA port guide Search cruises visiting Sault Sainte Marie, USA

Sault Sainte Marie, USA photo — Day 2 Oct 8, 2026 Sault Sainte Marie, USA 13:30 – 19:00 5.5 hrs ashore Sault Ste. Marie is a city in Ontario, Canada. It's on the St. Marys River, north of the U.S. border, near 3 of the Great Lakes. It’s known for the 19th-century Sault Ste. Marie Canal, lined with red sandstone buildings. The Art Gallery of Algoma showcases works by local, national and international artists. The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre has a collection of aircraft and flight simulators. Sault Sainte Marie, USA port guide Search cruises visiting Sault Sainte Marie, USA

Day 4 Oct 10, 2026 Tobermory, Scotland 09:00 – 17:00 8.0 hrs ashore Built as a fishing port in 1788, based on a design by Thomas Telford, Tobermory is now the main village on the remote island of Mull. This little village with brightly-coloured houses that run from the main street down to the pier, is one of the prettiest and most iconic ports in Scotland. The name comes from the Gaelic, Tobar Mhoire – Mary’s Well – and water from it (now gone) was believed to have medical properties. The Mull Museum on the main street celebrates the island’s history, with artefacts that include working implements used by local craftsmen. Legend has it that the village’s sheltered bay is where one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588 carrying gold bullion. Tobermory Distillery, the only one on Mull, was founded in 1798. It has been closed and reopened several times – the most recent reopening in 1990. The buildings are the original ones from when the Distillery first opened. Today it produces a malt and a blend, known as Tobermory the Malt.

Day 6 Oct 12, 2026 Montreal 07:00 – 14:00 7.0 hrs ashore Montréal, Canada is a city of contrasts, one that defies a simple description or a catchy tagline. It sits on the New World’s St. Lawrence River, yet it has an undeniable Old-World French flair. It is a historic city, founded in 1642, and the streets of Old Montréal are lined with sights that range from a 17th-century seminary to grand commercial buildings erected in the 19th century. But Montréal is also home to contemporary architectural masterpieces—most notably those erected for Expo 67, including Buckminster Fuller’s Biosphere. Montréal is at once the cultural capital of the Québecois and a decidedly global and cosmopolitan city, attracting migrants from around the world. The walls of its galleries and museums showcase leading artists from the province and the rest of Canada, while the city hosts festivals that feature the best international films, musicians and performers. Many of its restaurants serve traditional specialties—poutine, bagels and smoked meats; others are helmed by some of the continent’s most innovative chefs. Montréal is a vibrant urban center, with buzzing streets and attractions, yet crowned by peaceful, leafy Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (also responsible for New York’s Central Park). Whichever of the city's many aspects appeals to you most, you are sure to be charmed by this unique city and find many things to do in Montréal. Montreal port guide Search cruises visiting Montreal

Day 7 Oct 13, 2026 Quebec City, Canada 08:00 – 19:00 11.0 hrs ashore For centuries, a native Iroquois village occupied the cliff-top site of what is now Quebec City. The first permanent European settlement began in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post. By 1663, New France had become a royal province, administered by a council appointed directly by the crown and answerable to the king's council in France. Long-brewing European struggles between England and France spilled over into the colonies, prompting the construction of Quebec's formidable fortifications. The Seven Years War put an end to French reign and left the city in English hands. The English successfully warded off an American attack in 1775, and for the next century Quebec quietly earned its livelihood as a center for shipbuilding and timber trade. By 1840, when it was declared the provincial capital of Lower Canada, the accessible supplies of timber had run out. The final blow came with the appearance of steamships that could travel as far as Montreal, while sailing ships found it difficult to proceed beyond Quebec City. Losing its importance as a major port, the city experienced a decline but remained a center of small industry and local government. Later years saw a tremendous rise as tourism made use of Quebec's fantastic location and appearance. Being Canada's most historic city and the only walled city in North America earned it the classification of World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO in 1985. Today, the visitor is greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city, where 95% of its half million people are French-speaking. Both parts of the city - Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville (Upper and Lower Town) - feature winding, cobbled streets flanked by 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares and countless monuments. Croissants and steaming cups of coffee at sidewalk cafés conjure images and aromas of Paris. Great emphasis has been placed on Quebec nationalism; as a result the city has become a symbol of the glory of French heritage. The motto "Je me souviens" (I remember) is inscribed above the entrance to the Parliament Building and on the license plates of Quebec cars. As you come ashore, endless pleasures await you in this marvelous city. Quebec City, Canada port guide Search cruises visiting Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City, Canada photo — Day 7 Oct 13, 2026 Quebec City, Canada 08:00 – 19:00 11.0 hrs ashore For centuries, a native Iroquois village occupied the cliff-top site of what is now Quebec City. The first permanent European settlement began in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post. By 1663, New France had become a royal province, administered by a council appointed directly by the crown and answerable to the king's council in France. Long-brewing European struggles between England and France spilled over into the colonies, prompting the construction of Quebec's formidable fortifications. The Seven Years War put an end to French reign and left the city in English hands. The English successfully warded off an American attack in 1775, and for the next century Quebec quietly earned its livelihood as a center for shipbuilding and timber trade. By 1840, when it was declared the provincial capital of Lower Canada, the accessible supplies of timber had run out. The final blow came with the appearance of steamships that could travel as far as Montreal, while sailing ships found it difficult to proceed beyond Quebec City. Losing its importance as a major port, the city experienced a decline but remained a center of small industry and local government. Later years saw a tremendous rise as tourism made use of Quebec's fantastic location and appearance. Being Canada's most historic city and the only walled city in North America earned it the classification of World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO in 1985. Today, the visitor is greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city, where 95% of its half million people are French-speaking. Both parts of the city - Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville (Upper and Lower Town) - feature winding, cobbled streets flanked by 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares and countless monuments. Croissants and steaming cups of coffee at sidewalk cafés conjure images and aromas of Paris. Great emphasis has been placed on Quebec nationalism; as a result the city has become a symbol of the glory of French heritage. The motto "Je me souviens" (I remember) is inscribed above the entrance to the Parliament Building and on the license plates of Quebec cars. As you come ashore, endless pleasures await you in this marvelous city. Quebec City, Canada port guide Search cruises visiting Quebec City, Canada

Day 8 Oct 14, 2026 Saguenay The gateway to the Saguenay Fjord, the city lies at the intersection of a triad of sprawling national parks, amid some of North America’s most impressive scenery. Embark on adventures to witness leaping waterfalls, forest-clad fjord banks, and whales crashing athletically offshore. Learn more of Saguenay's heritage, with a tour of the picturesque pulp mill, which dates back to the 1800s, and now houses a museum. Elsewhere the Petite Maison Blanche is a humble wooden house that was one of the few buildings to survive the floods of 1947. View less It’s the expansive scenery of Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park that draws most visitors to this part of Northern Quebec, however, and you can venture out to immerse yourself in the immense Ice Age fjord's national park, as it gouges through a spectacular 60-mile route, before unloading into the St. Lawrence River. Said to be the Northern Hemisphere’s most southerly fjord – and one of the world’s longest - it's 270 metres deep in parts, and towered over by steep, scenic slopes. Get out to meet the area’s varied wildlife – which ranges from moose and wolves to orcas, belugas and blue whales. Sail on the surface in kayaks, or take a sightseeing cruise. Earthy trails invite you to hike in the fresh air, among fragrant pine needles, while daring strung bridges, mountain bike routes, and climbable rock faces cater to the adventurous. Secluded rocky beaches and rejuvenating spas offer a more relaxed way to experience Saguenay's charms. Saguenay port guide Search cruises visiting Saguenay

Day 9 Oct 15, 2026 Tadoussac 07:00 – 18:00 11.0 hrs ashore Tadoussac is a village in Quebec, Canada, at the confluence of the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers. The indigenous Innu called the place Totouskak meaning "bosom", probably in reference to the two round and sandy hills located on the west side of the village. Tadoussac port guide Search cruises visiting Tadoussac

Tadoussac photo — Day 9 Oct 15, 2026 Tadoussac 07:00 – 18:00 11.0 hrs ashore Tadoussac is a village in Quebec, Canada, at the confluence of the Saguenay and Saint Lawrence rivers. The indigenous Innu called the place Totouskak meaning "bosom", probably in reference to the two round and sandy hills located on the west side of the village. Tadoussac port guide Search cruises visiting Tadoussac

Day 10 Oct 16, 2026 Gaspe Gaspé is a city with an intoxicating mix of regional cultures, sitting at the tip of the GaspéPeninsula in the immense region of eastern Quebec. It's surrounded by dramatic rock faces, pounding surf and jagged coasts dotted with lighthouses. It's also home to an abundance of flora and fauna. The Gaspé Peninsula, situated along the coast of the majestic St Lawrence River, is the birthplace of Canada, where Jacques Cartier first claimed the land for France. It contains four national parks, including Bonaventure Island, and the massive Perc Rock (one of the world's largest natural arches sitting in water), as well as over 200,000 northern gannets. In town you can explore Gaspé maritime heritage and legendary hospitality. The modern Gaspé cathedral is built almost entirely of wood, with beautiful stained glass. The Muse de la Gaspsie tells of Jacques Cartier's voyages, and the Anglo-French struggle for power over this region.

Day 11 Oct 17, 2026 Iles de la Madeleine, Quebec 07:00 – 18:00 11.0 hrs ashore Rising in the heart of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the archipelago of Iles-de-la-Madeleine offers diverse wildlife and sweeping coastal scenery. The somewhat precarious location of these 12 islands, in the middle of the world's most immense estuary, means they have historically been something of a ship graveyard. The craggy red rocks that emerge suddenly from the waves here have gashed the hulls of countless ships in times gone by. View less A gang of six pretty lighthouses share the task of warning of the islands' treacherous waters, while simultaneously providing a scenic twinkle amid the copper-coloured cliffs and coastal archways. Acadian French accents ring out on the shores and, despite their location, the Iles-de-la-Madeleine form part of Quebec's province. Historically cut off by thick ice, they have developed a distinct culture and character of their own. The 55 mile-long stretch of Route 199 provides the backbone of the island, tying the seven inhabited landforms together, along with a chain of undulating sand dunes. Each of the islands has its own character and profile to explore – offering everything from windswept beaches to sheltered lagoons and rolling emerald hills. Whales cruise through the deep waters offshore, and you can sail up close and personal to the marine mammals, as well as the seals who are occasionally spotted lounging around on floating chunks of ice. Port du Millerand's flotilla of fishing boats reap the rewards of the location, bringing home vast hauls so local restaurants can serve up the freshest lobster, mussels and crab. With bird watching, coastal golf courses, water-sports and diving opportunities among the many recreations on offer here - this clutch of estuary islands has something for everyone.

Day 12 Oct 18, 2026 Prince Edward Island 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Known as the birthplace of Canada, owing to its role as host of the conference that would eventually lead to the formation of the Canadian Confederation - Charlottetown is a celebration of all things Great White North. Perched just offshore on Prince Edward Island, there’s a small-town charm to the locals’ genuine smiles that is instantly disarming. Despite its capital status, the city’s welcoming demeanour, pretty timber lighthouses and low-key coastal location, make Charlottetown an easy-going, idyllic island escape. View more Prince Edward Island port guide Search cruises visiting Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island photo — Day 12 Oct 18, 2026 Prince Edward Island 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Known as the birthplace of Canada, owing to its role as host of the conference that would eventually lead to the formation of the Canadian Confederation - Charlottetown is a celebration of all things Great White North. Perched just offshore on Prince Edward Island, there’s a small-town charm to the locals’ genuine smiles that is instantly disarming. Despite its capital status, the city’s welcoming demeanour, pretty timber lighthouses and low-key coastal location, make Charlottetown an easy-going, idyllic island escape. View more Prince Edward Island port guide Search cruises visiting Prince Edward Island

Day 13 Oct 19, 2026 Halifax 08:00 – 14:00 6.0 hrs ashore Canada is a huge country that offers tourists a large number of wonderful attractions to visit and explore. One of those not to be missed is Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia found on the east coast of Canada and one of the places you can visit on an MSC Cruise. Each city has a symbol that represents it more than anything else: for Halifax, its citadel that dates back to the late 18th century, famous in Canada both for its beauty and for its historical importance, fills that role. Inside the star-shaped citadel, you can explore the history of Halifax on guided tours. The museum staff, dressed as soldiers of the army and navy, will show you the clothes used in the past and other items in maritime activities. To the south-west of the city, your MSC cruise will offer you an excursion to one of the most beautiful and evocative settings on the Atlantic coast, the small village of Peggy's Cove, famous for its red lighthouse that was built in 1868. In this fishing village, elements of nature and domestic intimacy coexist: it is a land of boulders eroded by glaciers where the presence of humans can be found only in a handful of colorful houses and fishing shacks over the waters of the marina. The village lighthouse stands on top of a granite outcropping, made slippery by the splashes of the ocean waves. Less than a kilometer from the public gardens of Halifax can be found another place of great historical-cultural interest that you can visit on your MSC cruise: the Fairview Cemetery, a Canadian cemetery, famous for being the resting place for 121 victims of the shipwreck of the Titanic. Halifax's connection with the famous naval tragedy on April 15, 1912 can also be seen at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses an excellent permanent exhibition on the disaster, including photographs, wooden artifacts and the only intact Titanic deckchair in the world. Halifax port guide Search cruises visiting Halifax

Halifax photo — Day 13 Oct 19, 2026 Halifax 08:00 – 14:00 6.0 hrs ashore Canada is a huge country that offers tourists a large number of wonderful attractions to visit and explore. One of those not to be missed is Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia found on the east coast of Canada and one of the places you can visit on an MSC Cruise. Each city has a symbol that represents it more than anything else: for Halifax, its citadel that dates back to the late 18th century, famous in Canada both for its beauty and for its historical importance, fills that role. Inside the star-shaped citadel, you can explore the history of Halifax on guided tours. The museum staff, dressed as soldiers of the army and navy, will show you the clothes used in the past and other items in maritime activities. To the south-west of the city, your MSC cruise will offer you an excursion to one of the most beautiful and evocative settings on the Atlantic coast, the small village of Peggy's Cove, famous for its red lighthouse that was built in 1868. In this fishing village, elements of nature and domestic intimacy coexist: it is a land of boulders eroded by glaciers where the presence of humans can be found only in a handful of colorful houses and fishing shacks over the waters of the marina. The village lighthouse stands on top of a granite outcropping, made slippery by the splashes of the ocean waves. Less than a kilometer from the public gardens of Halifax can be found another place of great historical-cultural interest that you can visit on your MSC cruise: the Fairview Cemetery, a Canadian cemetery, famous for being the resting place for 121 victims of the shipwreck of the Titanic. Halifax's connection with the famous naval tragedy on April 15, 1912 can also be seen at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses an excellent permanent exhibition on the disaster, including photographs, wooden artifacts and the only intact Titanic deckchair in the world. Halifax port guide Search cruises visiting Halifax

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 86-day span: $15,499 · range $15,499–$15,499

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $15,499

$861 / night

Fare rows

Outside Cabin

Cabin grade

Available

from $15,499

$861 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Panoramic Cabin

Cabin grade

Available

from $16,522

$917 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $19,602

$1,089 / night

Fare rows

Balcony Cabin

Cabin grade

Available

from $19,602

$1,089 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

Not available

Prices verified Jun 18, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Price history

7 days

Cabin grades

Oceanview

Lowest Oceanview $15,499 01 Outside Cabin $15,499 02 Panoramic Cabin $16,522

Balcony

Lowest Balcony $19,602 03 French Balcony Cabin 05 French Balcony Cabin 07 Balcony Cabin $19,602

Suite

Lowest Suite 09 Junior Suite with Balcony

Lines step between recorded price changes. Plot up to 6 grades at once.

Show all 23 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
French Balcony Cabin	03	Balcony
Balcony Cabin	04	Balcony
French Balcony Cabin	05	Balcony
Balcony Cabin	06	Balcony
Balcony Cabin	07	Balcony
Balcony Cabin	08	Balcony
Guarantee Balcony Cabin	S02	Balcony
Guarantee Balcony Cabin	S03	Balcony
Guarantee Balcony Cabin	S04	Balcony
Guarantee Balcony Cabin	S05	Balcony
Guarantee Balcony Cabin	S06	Balcony
Guarantee Balcony Cabin	S07	Balcony
Guarantee Balcony Cabin	S08	Balcony
Guarantee Balcony Cabin	SB	Balcony
Guarantee Balcony Cabin	SF	Balcony
Outside Cabin	01	Oceanview
Panoramic Cabin	02	Oceanview
Guarantee Outside Cabin	S01	Oceanview
Guarantee Outside Cabin	SAP	Oceanview
Guarantee Outside Cabin	SKAB	Oceanview
Junior Suite with Balcony	09	Suite
Grand Suite with Veranda	10	Suite
Guarantee Suite	SJS	Suite

Ship

Your ship HANSEATIC Inspiration 5★ **15,650** GT Built **2019** Each of our expeditions is a work of art. Passionately conceived, masterfully realised. A portrait of the world in which there is always something new to discover. And our small, state-of-the-art expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit (max. 230 guests) are the very best studio where such artistic masterpieces are created. Worlds both faraway and nearby. Ice and tropics. Wildlife paradise or cultural treasure. For every explorer, we offer the right journey of discovery. More than 30 years of experience as the market leader in German-speaking countries. HANSEATIC Inspiration ship guide Search cruises on HANSEATIC Inspiration

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