American Queen Voyages has teamed up with the National Museum of the Great Lakes to create a new “Lakelorian” program for the “Lakes & Oceans” fleet. Kicking off the 2023 Great Lakes season in Toronto in May, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator will each include a permanent lecturer on each sailing, holding the title of “Lakelorian,” similar to the “Riverlorian” onboard each American Queen Voyages paddlewheeler. The “Lakelorian” will lead lectures, host discussions and answer questions throughout the journey; they will provide exclusive programming in collaboration with the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio.
The Great Lakes hold a treasure trove of information worthy of a dedicated lecturer. The “Lakelorian” will hold daily lake chats in the Tavern or Compass Lounge to provide information about the town or city in which American Queen Voyages is visiting for the day. Each voyage will also include an exclusive lecture highlighting a current exhibit at The National Museum of the Great Lakes.
Bill Annand, VP of vessel operations “Lakes & Oceans” for American Queen Voyages, said: “From exclusively docking in downtown Chicago at Navy Pier to maiden arrivals in smaller ports like Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay, guests aboard these vessels witness what makes the Great Lakes so special.
“The National Museum of the Great Lakes reveals the varied and fascinating history of our treasured Great Lakes, which make up 84 percent of all of the freshwater in North America. Guests can join these sailings to explore the history of the world’s greatest natural resource—from canoes and schooners to early steamers and freighters—some of which ply the mighty Maumee River right next to the museum.”
The 202-guest Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator both offer immersive “Lakes & Oceans” experiences in North America sailing the Great Lakes, Canada and New England. The Great Lakes voyages range from 11 to 16 days and call on North America’s five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Port highlights include exploring the Victorian-era charm of Mackinac Island; Soo Locks; Manitoulin Island—the largest freshwater island in the world; the Horseshoe Falls of Niagara Falls; the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit; and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
All cruises include a pre-cruise hotel night, besides an optional architecture cruise tour of Chicago. For the first time, guests sailing on the fall Great Lakes itineraries will enjoy overnight excursions in several city ports, including Toronto, Quebec City and Mackinac Island.
For more information, visit www.aqvoyages.com.
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