Great Lakes Sonnig Cruise

The Great Lakes were formed ten thousand years ago by retreating glaciers. The sweet water seas of the Great Lakes are one of the newest, yet also one of the oldest cruise destinations in the world. Seven night cruises started here over a century ago with palatial ships such as the "North Land and "North West, and today cruisers are only now rediscovering the beauty and excitement of the region.

Sailing on the Great Lakes, passengers enjoy a new port of call every day, visiting small picturesque towns, turn-of-the-(20th)century resorts, or a historic city with magnificent galleries and architecture. Some of the things that can be enjoyed along the route include: world class theatre, salmon fishing, First People dancing and drumming, or hiking through woodland glades.

The largest cruise ship on the Lakes system may come to you as a surprise, because it is a German company called Hapag-Lloyd, well-known for one of the most luxurious cruise liners, the Europa, rated the best in the world for the last five years. Hapag-Lloyd is a subsidiary of the world's largest tourism group TUI. On the Great Lakes the line sets sail with a wonderful Three Star ship called the C. Columbus, which has been plying these waters for over five years.

Recently the M/S Columbus won awards for World's Best Ship in the Great Lakes from Berlitz Publishing's Ocean Cruise and Cruise Ships 2005, by Douglas Ward; it also won an award for Best Cruise Ship from Luthansa City Center.

I race down the old Navy Pier in Chicago, dodging the tourists who are nonchalantly strolling the attractions, restaurants, and vendors, and at the end of the pier is my ship. As I board C. Columbus I am immediately given a Willkommen au Bord like a member of the family. The German crew is crisp in speech, manner, and demeanor, but the smiling faces are beguiling witnesses to a crew of fun people. I meet the ship's Director of Hotel Operations, Stefan Doktor, while checking in. He assures me that my starboard bow cabin is one of the nicest outside staterooms. with a large oval window for a porthole. My bags are silently whisked off.

All-in-all there are 134 outside cabins on the ship, all at about 162 square feet, but they must have had a German feng shui expert design the layout because even though my cabin is compact, it is roomy and easy to walk around in. There are also eight suites onboard, two of which have a balcony. There are also 63 inside cabins at 140 square feet that are often sharply discounted. My cabin (kat in German) has an adequate bathroom with an expansive shower, complete with botanical shampoos and a hairdryer. Other ensuite amenities include mini bar, safe, telephone (that ialso serves as the ship intercom for relaying the day's events), color TV, and generous wardrobe space. The two twin beds make a wonderful king bed when squeezed together. All inside cabins has separate beds. My Philippina housekeeper keeps me in stock with fresh towels and nightly turn down chocolates.

That evening, while dining in the Main Salon, C. Columbus barks a honk and we are off across Lake Michigan to Traverse City. There is only one sitting at the huge restaurant and I immediately make new friends with Sonnig, which in German means sunny. The blond, lithe German lass is a delightful rainbow of sunny smiles, and I later learn her name is but a nickname; everyone on board loves her fresh, energetic style. The food is fantastic in the restaurant or Main Salon, and the wine cellar is superb. The Maitre d continuously circles the two sides of the restaurant making sure all guests are well received and satiated. He arrives at my table, clicks his heels, bows, and smiles. All crew members speak excellent English. Any special diets require a three week advance notice before sailing. Dining is casual only the Captains Welcome and Farewell Dinners call for something more formal a cocktail dress for the ladies and jacket and tie for the gentlemen.

C. Columbus also has the Showtime/Lounge Bar for nightly entertainment by the Allegro Band, and the Palmgarten Bar off the Sonnendeck (Sun Deck) on the sixth deck is kept lively during the day, as guests play games, listen to music, and are served drinks and casual dining. The Galleria is a cozy seating area.

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Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

About the Author

Kriss Hammong, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.