After a successful series of Great Lakes Cruises in 2005,
Hapag-Lloyd will return to the world’s largest body of fresh water
this year. The line’s “3-stars-plus” ship, MV Columbus, will
circumvent the locks of the Great Lakes this fall on the Great
Lakes stretch of its around the world journey.
The itinerary touches four states and two Canadian provinces, and
features a trip through the St. Lawrence Waterway system. It
includes stops in Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee and Cleveland, as
well as Ontario, Canada. Passengers will also have the opportunity
to see Niagara Falls near Buffalo.
The Columbus has sailed the Great Lakes since 1997, with the
exception of one year.
“It’s an excellent travel choice for those who want a cruise close
to home and who appreciate dramatic fall foliage,” said
Hapag-Lloyd’s managing director, Sebastian Ahrens.
Columbus is the only cruise ship sailing the Great Lakes in 2006.
The ship’s 205 cabins range from 130 to 320 square feet. The German
ship offers a fully bilingual sailing on its Great Lakes itinerary,
as well as a true ocean-liner experience, with international
cuisine, lounges, a swimming pool, Internet center, fitness and
massage center, library and a boutique.
Cruise dates are Sept. 20-30; Sept. 30-Oct. 11 and Oct. 11-21.
Following the Great Lakes trips, Columbus will remain on the Great
Lakes for a German-language cruise and then travel down the East
Coast of the U.S., with stops at New York; Philadelphia; Baltimore;
Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; Miami, Key West, Fla.; and New
Orleans.
800-782-3924
www.hl-cruises.com
