Change in Great Lakes Itineraries

[3rdGenCunarder]

I guess it's official. Escanaba, MI is a new stop for AQV. I don't know how many cruises are involved, but my June Chicago-Toronto is supposed to stop in Escanaba.

 

Cruise line adds new port in Escanaba (uppermichiganssource.com)

 

 

[3rdGenCunarder]

I did a chat with AQV this morning. I was told by a shorex agent that the Development Team should have the new Escanaba excursions ready to book "mid-March." I hope they send out an email updating everyone on the itinerary changes instead of leaving us to stumble on it ourselves.

[uktog]

We cruise Mid May so will be testing anything for you!

[sharkster77]

Does Escabana replace another port, or is it entirely new?

[3rdGenCunarder]

17 hours ago, sharkster77 said:

Does Escabana replace another port, or is it entirely new?

 

It isn't a direct replacement. Manitoulin is out, and Escanaba has been added, but not on the same day. So the itinerary is getting reworked.

 

Day 1 is Chicago hotel

Day 2 is boarding the ship in Chicago

Day 3 is cruising

Day 4 is Escanaba (formerly Mackinac Island)

Day 5 is Sault Ste Marie

Day 6 is Mackinac Island (formerly Manitoulin)

Day 7 and onward remains the same

 

It's a sensible change, as the old Interary would be US-Canada-US-Canada. Now there's only one border crossing, when we get to Port Colborne (for Niagara Falls). Fewer logistics, and probably less expensive in fees for the cruse line. 

 

I guess the Toronto to Chicago will be the same but in reverse.

 

[3rdGenCunarder]

The itinerary and tours have been updated to reflect the changes. Some tours are different from what was showing before.

 

It's still wonky in places. The map shows a stop at Muskegon, which has never been on the itinerary. And my cruise says it departs from Chicago on one page and Chicago/Milwaukee on another page. I really hope it's Chicago. I'm not looking forward to a 2-hour bus ride.

 

@uktog, I look forward to hearing about your experiences on AQV and how the real thing compares to the descriptions.