Pearl Mist Great Lakes Cruise Review — The Seldons Enjoy Summer Chilling Out Up North

Pearl Mist Great Lakes Cruise Review

By Cele and Lynn Seldon @SeldonInk

Living in South Carolina’s Lowcountry is generally idyllic, except for about eight weeks in the summer when the heat and humidity have many residents hightailing it north to cooler climes. Such was the case for us, thanks to the 11-night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay cruise on Pearl Mist with Pearl Seas Cruises last July.

The authors cooling off behind the scenes at Niagara Falls. * Photo: Seldon Ink

Pearl Mist Background

With just one ship — the 210-passenger Pearl Mist — Pearl Seas Cruises sails northern U.S. and Canadian coastal waters, offering fall foliage cruises in New England and Canada, the St. Lawrence Seaway along the Canadian Maritimes, and multiple options on the American and Canadian sides of the Great Lakes.

Affiliated with American-flagged American Cruise Lines (ACL), Pearl Mist is a premium all-balcony small ship flagged in the Marshall Islands which allows access to international waters, thus complementing the 100% domestic small-ship river itineraries offered by ACL.

Pearl Mist berthed in Muskegon, Michigan. * Photo: Seldon Ink

Along with the cool temperatures, what attracted us to this Great Lakes cruise was the itinerary. With several lines sailing the area, we loved that Pearl Mist offered a longer 11-night itinerary from Toronto, Ontario, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a deeper dive into the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay (often considered the sixth Great Lake).

For 2024, they are extending itineraries even more, with a 14-night Great Lakes Explorer from Toronto to Duluth, Minnesota and a 15-night St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes itinerary from Quebec City to Milwaukee, in addition to their existing 7- and 11-night options.

Additionally, Pearl Mist is the only all-balcony, fully stabilized small ship sailing the Great Lakes, which was a big plus for us.

Pearl Mist Great Lakes Cruise Itinerary

The 11-night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay  route embarks in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and includes stops in:

• Niagara Falls, Ontario;
• Cleveland, OH;
• Detroit, MI;
• Midland, Ontario;
• Parry Sound, Ontario;
• Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario;
• Mackinac Island, MI;
• Muskegon/Holland, MI; and
• Milwaukee, WI

Pearl Mist Great Lakes cruise itinerary. * Map: Pearl Seas Cruises

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Embarkation in Toronto

With an early-July embarkation, it seemed like a great opportunity to make the easy trip to Toronto a few days early to experience this vibrant, cosmopolitan city of more than six million people. With most residents born outside of Toronto, the city teems with diversity, with more than 230 nationalities represented, speaking 200-plus languages.

Although Pearl Seas offers pre-hotel stays, as Marriott loyalists, we settled into the contemporary Delta Hotel near the waterfront, with spectacular views of the CN Center, Rogers Centre — home of the Toronto Blue Jays — and Lake Ontario in the distance. The luxe king room featured a floor-to-ceiling windowed bathroom so Lynn could enjoy the views while soaking in the free-standing bathtub.

We arrived on Canada Day, which added an air of festivity to the weekend, as we lunched at Chefs Hall, wandered along Toronto’s bustling waterfront trail, explored the green spaces and Canada Day activities of Harbourfront Centre, popped into The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, enjoyed some music in the Toronto Music Garden, visited the Hockey Hall of Fame, watched the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays, dined on Canadian fare at Richmond Station, and, of course, snacked on traditional poutine at Smoke’s Poutinerie.

When it came time to board Pearl Mist, it was a short 10-minute Uber ride to the small cruise port just outside of downtown and an easy embarkation process. We were the only ones at the terminal when we arrived on the early side of embarkation, which made boarding a breeze. In fact, our luggage beat us to our cabin.

Toronto skyline from the balcony. * Photo: Seldon Ink

First Impressions of our Pearl Mist Great Lakes Cruise

Initially built in 2006, but not sailing with guests until 2014 due to legal battles between Pearl Seas Cruises and the builder, the overall “architecture” feels a bit dated. However, a full interior redesign of the ship in early 2023 has spruced Pearl Mist up quite a bit, with a fresh color palette of blue and taupe, along with new furniture, carpeting and upholstery throughout the ship, creating a light, bright design.

The Main Deck features a utilitarian lobby, complete with a reception desk for check-in, shore excursion bookings (Pearl Mist offered a nice selection of complimentary and premium shore excursions in each port that you could book in advance or on the ship), DVD check out and general questions; bulletin board of daily activities; an impressive and much-appreciated selection of port literature and information; the cruise director’s desk; and the open-seating dining room surrounded by windows and plenty of tables for two, four, six and eight.

The dining room on Pearl Mist. * Photo: Seldon Ink

Spacious staterooms and suites are on Decks 2 through 5, including 200-square-foot cabins for solo travelers, 275-300-square-foot double cabins and five 475-square-foot suites. There are two lounges—both forward on Decks 2 and 4, a rather robust library with lots of varied books, games and puzzles, two small card rooms that saw occasional use and the Coral Lounge which featured three computer terminals that we rarely saw anyone using.

One of the more impressive things about Pearl Mist is her ample outdoor space. With two aft sundecks, one forward top sundeck and Deck 6, which is completely open-air with plenty of sunshades, we often found ourselves enjoying the new contemporary (and comfortable) nautical-styled deck chairs, sofas and coffee tables, as well as bistro tables and chairs, in the cool sunshine of the region. We were a bit surprised how underused the outdoor areas were, perhaps because the one elevator only went up to Deck 5, or that the weather was a bit cool for some passengers.

Plenty of seating on the Sundeck. * Photo: Seldon Ink

There is a small outdoor covered gym area on the forward sundeck. It featured a few cardio and exercise machines, however it seemed forced and unnecessary based on the passenger demographic (although with the company’s expanded Great Lakes itineraries for 2024 and beyond, perhaps the demo will broaden).

The Pearl Mist Passenger

Most of the passengers were older Americans — with the average age being 75 to 85 years old — many from the Northeast and Midwest. With that came a fair of number of wheelchairs, walkers and slower-paced adults. In talking with some of the passengers, many appreciated the older clientele.

“At this stage in our lives, we like the idea of having cruises and excursions geared mostly to older adults,” said Dave and Sue Glick, 80-year-olds from New Holland, PA.

Evening happy hour in the Pacific Lounge Deck 4. * Photo: Seldon Ink

Others, however, felt differently.

“The demographic was much older than any other cruise we have been on,” says Rob and Phyllis Glenn, 60-somethings from Harpswell, Maine. “We would have preferred a younger crowd but adapted and did enjoy some benefits like having the outside decks all to ourselves during cocktail hour and solitude in the lounge after 6:30pm as many went to eat early.”

There were about 160 passengers on our sailing.

Our Stateroom on our Pearl Mist Great Lakes Cruise

Our spacious home away from home for 11 nights was a 300-square-foot stateroom (#501) on the uppermost cabin deck all the way forward. Squarer than the narrow rectangular staterooms on most ships, the airy, bamboo-design of the beige and taupe carpet, cream colored walls, light wood of the full-sized dresser and matching nightstands and two sleek off-white leather chairs made the room feel more like a hotel room than a ship’s cabin.

Our stateroom #501 on Pearl Mist. * Photo: Seldon Ink

The lighting was plentiful and bright and there were plenty of power and USB outlets. A bedside alarm clock and a Keurig coffee maker with daily-replenished K-cups were lovely touches.

We did miss an in-room refrigerator and the small-ish television only offered national channels, an onboard movie channel and a DVD player, with a limited selection of films and documentaries, which was a bit of a departure from the sophisticated onscreen amenities of other ships.

The blue and aqua bathroom featured a long vanity with full-sized drawers and cabinet below, a nice-sized shower and plenty of towel bars. The line opted not to update the bathrooms when they did their renovation, and the worn Formica vanity top and accordion shower door would have benefitted from a little modernization.

The somewhat dated bathroom in our stateroom #501 on Pearl Mist. * Photo: Seldon Ink

The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door and large balcony with table and chairs were perfect for the cooler-weather itinerary and Great Lakes scenery.

VIDEO: Cele shows us around their cabin, #501.

Pearl Mist’s Lounges and Entertainment

Both lounges featured sophisticated 24-hour coffee machines, soft drinks, bottled water, snacks — all complimentary — along with plenty of comfortable seating. They also offered an early riser’s continental breakfast, light sandwiches in the afternoon and fresh cookies throughout the day.

The Atlantic Lounge on Deck 2 forward is a bit more utilitarian and used for lectures by the onboard naturalist, post-dinner port previews, Captain’s reception and convivial evening entertainment featuring two engaging Pearl Seas veteran guitarists/vocalists/storytellers before and after dinner.

Although not typically ones to participate in after-dinner music, we loved the duo and their nightly themes of 50s, 60s, 70s, Motown, Country, British Invasion and more, and found ourselves enjoying the music most evenings, including some guest musicians brought on board in several ports.

British Invasion entertainment with Kenny and Kat. * Photo: Seldon Ink

The Pacific Lounge on Deck 4 forward is surrounded by windows offering spectacular views and tended to be the more social offering and typically busier. Art classes by an onboard artist, a beer tasting from a Midland, Ontario brewery and trivia were also held here.

The beer tasting by Parry Sound’s Trestle Brewing was well attended. * Photo: Seldon Ink

With Pearl Mist offering all-inclusive top-shelf alcohol, both bars were genial places during the nightly pre-dinner happy hours — complete with passed canapes — and for after-dinner cocktails, conversation, entertainment and even some dancing.

Dining on Pearl Mist

Open-seating for all meals in the dining room was a plus for us, and dining hours were generous (typically 6:30-9am for breakfast, 12-1:30pm for lunch and 5:30-8pm for dinner). There was never a wait for a table, and you could sit with whomever you liked or alone. We opted for a table for two most meals and enjoyed chatting with nearby tables when the mood struck. The charming Philippine servers were accommodating and efficient.

Breakfast featured a continental buffet each morning with fresh fruits, yogurts, meats and cheeses and pastries, along with a full menu of typical breakfast favorites and daily specials, quiches and creative breakfast sandwiches.

Lunch and dinner were leisurely affairs, with a variety of appetizers, soups, salads and entrées to choose from — with highlights including lobster, duck, lamb, prime rib and more, beer and wine, delectable desserts and “always available” options, like Caesar salad, hamburgers, New York strip steak and grilled chicken breast.

Lamb shank in the dining room. * Photo: Seldon Ink

Delicious prime rib was on the menu. * Photo: Seldon Ink.

Although there were no alternate dining options, most passengers we spoke with were very impressed with the creativity and quality of the food. We even requested a traditional Philippine meal one evening and the chefs and staff were happy to accommodate and honored to share their cuisine.

Our traditional Philipine meal in the dining room. * Photo: Seldon Ink

The Ports on our Pearl Mist Great Lakes Cruise

Port Colborne, Ontario

After setting sail with a stunning Toronto skyline view, we spent our first afternoon and evening transiting the eight locks of the Welland Canal, with the ship rising 325 feet from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.

Locks on the Welland Canal. * Photo: Seldon Ink

The next morning, we awoke in Port Colborne, Ontario, just a 30-minute drive from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, where many passengers headed into the mist of the falls aboard the Hornblower (which plies the Canadian side). Since we had experienced the falls several years ago on the Maid of the Mist on the American side, we opted for the Local Artisans and Journey Behind the Falls excursion. With a unique view of Horseshoe Falls — the larger and more dramatic of the falls — from behind and below, we were able to witness the sheer power of this natural phenomena.

Journey Behind the Falls platform at Niagara Falls. * Photo: Seldon Ink

From there we explored Canada’s local maple syrup industry at Maple Leaf Place, including syrup tastings and lunch, a wine tasting at a family-owned local winery, and the sights and smells of a local lavender farm before heading back to the ship.

Cleveland, Ohio

With this being our first visit to Cleveland, we couldn’t miss the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Walkable from the ship, but with a brief city tour and shuttle offered as part of the excursion, the six floors of iconic rock and roll, folk, rhythm and blues, jazz, country, heavy metal and hip-hop memorabilia, exhibits, films, instruments, and interactive music studios didn’t disappoint.

Cele channeling her inner rock star at Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. * Photo: Seldon Ink

With all-day admission, we went twice to absorb as much music magic as we could, still leaving some time to explore some of Cleveland’s downtown attractions on foot, although a complimentary Hop-on Hop-off local loop tour bus was available.

Detroit, Michigan

Still riding our Rock and Roll Hall of Fame high, we kept the music theme going with a Dancing in the Streets shore excursion featuring the Motown Museum at Hitsville, U.S.A. Offering a glimpse into the roots and history of the Motown Sound, the museum was filled with the sights and sounds of The Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smoky Robinson and more, all wrapped up in the original home and offices of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown.

Once back at the Detroit pier, located right downtown on the Riverwalk, we were treated to a concert of some of Motown greats by local musicians as we literally danced in the streets.

Parry Sound, Ontario

After spending close to 24 hours transiting Lake Huron into Canada’s Georgian Bay, we docked in the charming town of Parry Sound, Ontario. With a population of 6,000 people and the jewel of Georgian Bay’s 30,000 islands, the area is an outdoorsman’s Mecca, with flightseeing adventures, narrated wildlife cruises of the islands and hiking and biking.

We spent the afternoon hiking the four-mile waterfront trail, exploring the historical buildings, landmarks and quaint businesses of the charming downtown, and quaffing a few cool ones at Trestle Brewing overlooking the 1,695-foot-long elevated train trestle that dates to 1908 and is the longest train trestle east of the Rocky Mountains.

Pearl Mist in Parry Sound. * Photo: Pearl Mist Cruises

Midland, Ontario

Just a short distance away, Midland, Ontario — population 17,500 — is a popular summer resort town with a strong Huron native and Jesuit mission history. While many of the passengers opted to learn more about both at the Sainte Marie Among the Hurons recreation of the 17th-century French Jesuit Mission headquarters and the Martyrs Shrine, we opted to eat our way through Midland’s foodie scene with a tasty, guided walking food experience in the downtown district just steps away from the ship.

With an overnight in Midland, there was plenty of time to wander the 8km waterfront trail that passes along many of the summer vacation homes, explore the more than 30 Midland murals sprinkled throughout town, or try some one of the town’s traditional butter tarts at one of the many coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants.

Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario

Spending the next day at sea back through Georgian Bay and traversing Lake Huron — the second largest Great Lake — and up the St. Mary’s River, we arrived the next morning on the Canadian side of Sault Sainte Marie.

As the gateway to Lake Superior through the Soo Locks that rise 21-feet from Lake Huron, the town was once a thriving port town.

Although a bit depressed, historic sites like the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and the Algoma Art Gallery filled up our time on the Canadian side.

Bushplane exhibit at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. * Photo: Seldon Ink

We left mid-day and sailed across the river to the American side to clear customs and spend time immersed in all things maritime history — including an exhibit of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sunk on Lake Superior in 1975 — at the Museum Ship Valley Camp freighter museum right at the dock.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

For us (as well as the Glenns and the Glicks), one of the highlights of the Great Lakes itinerary was our stop on Mackinac Island. With more horse-drawn carriages and bicycles than people, this charming automobile-free island is reminiscent of a movie set with Victorian architecture, plenty of shopping (there are about a dozen fudge shops!), restaurants and the island’s Grande dame, the Grand Hotel.

Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. * Photo: Seldon Ink

Walking or cycling the entire eight-mile loop around the island is a great way to view Lake Huron and commune with nature before an appropriate respite on the ‘World’s Longest Porch’ at the circa-1886 all-wooden hotel that has hosted luminaries and celebrities for decades.

The front porch at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. * Photo: Seldon Ink

Be forewarned, you must pay to even set foot in the hotel. However, the Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride offered off Pearl Mist included an entry ticket.

Muskegon, Michigan

Along the shores of Lake Michigan, Muskegon is a former timber town that has developed into a summer lake community. The complimentary trolley passed by all the highlights including the Victorian era restored Hackley & Hume homes, several museums and an art gallery.

We opted for a new Pearl Mist offering of exploring the Silver Lake Sand Dunes by open-air dune buggy combined with a Michigan wine tasting and lunch at Pleasant Valley Farm & Vineyard.

Silver Lakes Sand Dune buggy ride in Muskegon. * Photo: Seldon Ink

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Our final stop for an overnight stay was in Milwaukee. Docked right downtown and within walking distance to the Discovery World Aquarium, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and Lakeshore State Park, many passengers took advantage of the complimentary Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits or Milwaukee Hop-on Hop-off shuttle. Potential stops included the Pabst Mansion, Harley Davidson Museum, the Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum and the Public Market.

Pearl Mist in Milwaukee. * Photo: Seldon Ink

Our Final Thoughts About A Pearl Mist Great Lakes Cruise

If easy travel to your embarkation destination or exploring an oft-overlooked United States and Canadian gem is your goal, you can’t beat a Great Lakes Cruise.

And if a pampered, but not too over the top, onboard experience is the kind of small ship experience you prefer, then you can’t go wrong with the 11-Night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay itinerary aboard Pearl Mist.

However, if you are looking for high-energy, fast-paced activities and shore excursions filled with active passengers, this might not be the best option. For these active small ship lovers in our early-60s, however, it was the perfect way to cool down from a hot time in the south.

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