Great Lakes Cruising Revitalized, but Book Soon Before It's Gone

Great Lakes Cruising Revitalized, but Book Soon Before It's Gone

ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 6 -- Known as the ship that started the revitalization of passenger cruising on the Great Lakes, traveler favorite MV Columbus will not be returning to the Great Lakes in 2008-and possibly not for many years to come.

With a capacity of 420, the German-owned MV Columbus has been the largest cruise ship sailing the Great Lakes since 1998, with sailings offered exclusively through the Great Lakes Cruise Company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The ship is an impressive sight from land and an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of the shoreline and these legendary waters. Satisfied passengers have come from all over the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, as well as from Europe and as far away as Japan, all of them delighted not only by the breathtaking scenery, but also by the ship's state-of-the-art facilities.

During her final season on the Great Lakes, three 10- and 11-night cruises will be offered aboard the MV Columbus in fall 2007: September 17 - 27; September 27 - October 8; October 8 - 18.

In addition to MV Columbus, the Great Lakes Cruise Company features five other cruise ships that will sail over 50 voyages during the 2007 season. Ports of call on these inland seas take in the civilized pleasures of Chicago, Milwaukee, Toronto and Traverse City as well as dramatic cliffs, canyons and waterfalls just beyond the shore. Passengers enjoy stops at historic Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls, Marquette, Thunder Bay, and many more unique ports while savoring the northern wilderness and the lakes themselves.

"Guests on our Great Lakes cruises include both veteran cruisers as well as those new to cruising," states Christopher Conlin, president. "Comments we've received from our passengers are very positive with many people raving over the beauty of the North Channel and the vastness of the Great Lakes."

Following one cruise, some passenger comments included a couple who wrote, "We loved the experience-we have cruised Alaska and the Bahamas. We have traveled all over the U.S. and the world and this was wonderful!" Another delighted couple said, "We were looking forward to this trip with great anticipation. It exceeded our expectations on all accounts-the accommodations, the staff, the food and the entertainment, and the Great Lakes!"

Source: Great Lakes Cruise Company