Cruising the Great Lakes offers a fantastic way to explore stunning landscapes and vibrant cities with comfort and accessibility. This review provides detailed information on accessible cruise options, cabin features, port details, excursion highlights, and other essential information for wheelchair travelers.
Cruise Lines
- American Queen Voyages: A luxury cruise line specializing in Great Lakes itineraries with a focus on comfort and accessibility. ADA-compliant ships with accessible staterooms, elevators, and public areas. Accessible cabins offer a range of configurations including king, queen, and twin beds. Roll-in showers with grab bars.
- Pearl Seas Cruises: Provides upscale experiences on the Great Lakes with high service standards. Accessible cabins, elevators, and public spaces with staff assistance. King beds are the most common room type set up but there are also queen and twin beds available per request. Roll-in showers with grab bars.
- Victory Cruise Lines: Offers cultural and natural exploration on the Great Lakes with accessible features. Accessible cabins, elevators, and public spaces with trained staff. King beds are the most common set up but queen and twin beds are available upon request. Roll-in showers with grab bars.
- Viking Cruises: Known for their focus on accessibility with modern ships equipped for wheelchair travelers. Accessible cabins and onboard amenities, though they primarily operate European and river cruises.
- Hurtigruten: Offers accessible voyages with modern ships and tailored services. Accessible cabins and excursions.
- Celebrity Cruises: Known for their Edge and Summit-class ships with modern accessibility features. Accessible cabins, public spaces, and services.
Ports of Call
- Chicago, Illinois: Major city known for its architecture and cultural attractions. Well-equipped with accessible restrooms, transportation options, and attractions. Architectural boat tours, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier.
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Offers a vibrant cultural scene and historic sites. Accessible public transportation, restrooms, and attractions. Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, and Lakefront Brewery tours. Milwaukee Food Tours may be of interest.
- Detroit, Michigan: A city with a strong industrial heritage and cultural offerings. Accessible public transport, restrooms, and attractions. Detroit Institute of Arts, Henry Ford Museum, and Detroit Historical Museum. A tour to consider is Detroit Experience Factory.
- Cleveland, Ohio: Known for its diverse cultural and historical sites. Accessible transportation options, public restrooms, and attractions. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and the West Side Market.
- Toronto, Ontario: A bustling Canadian city with numerous attractions. Accessible public transit, restrooms, and attractions. CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and Toronto Islands.
Ports with Limited Accessibility
- Mackinac Island, Michigan: The port area and much of the island are not fully accessible due to the absence of ramps and elevators. The island itself is largely car-free, with transportation primarily via horse-drawn carriages or bicycles, which can be difficult for wheelchair users. Difficulty boarding or disembarking. Access to most attractions and restaurants is limited.
- Pelee Island, Ontario: The island’s docking facilities are basic, and there may be limited access to transportation and local amenities. Some areas of the island may not be fully accessible due to uneven terrain and lack of adapted infrastructure. Limited access to onshore excursions and difficulty navigating local areas.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario: The port area and local attractions may have limited accessibility due to historical design and infrastructure. Some older buildings and streets may not be fully wheelchair-friendly. Potential difficulties accessing certain sites and local amenities.
- Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan: The docking area and some local attractions may not be fully accessible due to older infrastructure and design limitations. Challenges with boarding and disembarking, and navigating local sites.
- Thunder Bay, Ontario: The port area may have limited accessibility due to outdated facilities and infrastructure. Local transportation and some attractions may not be fully accessible. Potential difficulties with boarding and local site access.
