In response to "many requests from cruise planners for more information about our cruise region," the Great Lakes Cruise Association (GLCA) has released a new video demonstrating "the expansiveness of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River cruise region" from an expedition cruising perspective.
The Great Lakes are a cruise destination that's been fast-growing in popularity, highlighted by the decision by Viking to operate one of its new expedition ships in the region beginning last summer.
GLCA represents most of the ports and tourism suppliers in the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes. With the introduction of its new product brand, Great Lakes Expedition Cruising, GLCA Executive Director, Stephen Burnett states, “Our mission is to smooth the way for our cruise partners and to encourage them to sail into the communities we represent throughout the Great Lakes. Our new video demonstrates the exciting opportunities that our expedition product brand facilitates.”
The GLCA's new video highlights the features of expedition cruising in the region with a video journey from Montreal to Thunder Bay and its unique topography, nature-based experiences and "diverse cultural mosaic."
In its release, the organization notes that, "the saltwater estuary at the mouth of the St. Lawrence Seaway yields to the world’s largest volume of freshwater supplied by the “inland seas.” This expansive region, from the first port of call of Montréal to northwestern terminus of Thunder Bay, provides a glimpse into the storied past of early settlers, the important strategic locations of historical forts and villages and an indelible impression of the original inhabitants of this pristine land."
The GCLA says capturing the unique expedition cruising features of a region many people think they already know - but not from an expedition cruising point of view - was not an easy challenge to achieve.
Burnett describes the experience: “This enormous eco-region hosts a variety of aquatic, wetland, forest and dune habitats.
"En route west, visitors soon discover the vast wilderness of the mighty St. Lawrence River — the so-called “main character” of Canadian history. In 1534, French explorer Jacques Cartier happened upon the river and fast forward five centuries and the seaway experience now sits in the lap of luxury aboard intimate expedition ships.
"We invite cruise operators and their guests to explore the stunning, biodiverse Great Lakes region during an unforgettable journey aboard their expedition cruise ships.”
"Expedition cruise ships are much smaller than their ocean-going counterparts. With shallow drafts, they are able to navigate closer to more isolated ports and scenic wonders. Expedition cruising in the Great Lakes places the emphasis on experiences ashore, many of which are well off the beaten path.
"Cruise operators may offer their guests opportunities to discover remote regions and get up close and personal with the natural environment — the unique flora and fauna of each port of call — and learn of the territories with a team of experts. Guests may engage in ambitious hikes, view endemic wildlife, learn of the history of Indigenous peoples, indulge in local cultures and attend lectures from naturalists and scientists."
