Pearl Seas Cruises Opens 2026 Season With Great Lakes & Coastal Sailings
Pearl Seas Cruises has opened its 2026 season. The line returns to the Great Lakes, Canadian Maritimes, and New England with a series of small-ship itineraries.
The first departure sails May 7. It is a 15-night journey from Portland, Maine, to Toronto. A second sailing on May 22 begins the Great Lakes season. This itinerary runs between Toronto and Milwaukee.
Pearl Seas says its 2026 sailings in the region are essentially sold out. Bookings for 2027 and 2028 are also filling.
Fares include meals, beverages, guided shore excursions, and onboard programming.
Coastal Routes and Great Lakes Landscapes
The 2026 program runs from May through October. It begins with coastal sailings in New England and Atlantic Canada before shifting to the Great Lakes during the summer months.
The 11-night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay itinerary forms the core of the schedule, with five departures between late May and early August. Sailings travel between Toronto and ports across the Great Lakes, including Niagara Falls, Cleveland, Mackinac Island, and Sault Ste. Marie.
A shorter, seven-night version of this itinerary takes place in August. These sailings travel between Milwaukee and ports such as Muskegon and Holland, Michigan, along with additional stops across Lake Michigan and Georgian Bay.
Longer voyages are offered in more limited numbers. The 14-night Great Lakes Explorer sails twice in June and covers all five Great Lakes. These voyages travel between Toronto and Duluth, Minnesota, with ports including Cleveland, Mackinac Island, and Sault Ste. Marie.
The season opens in May with a single 15-night Canadian Maritimes and St. Lawrence Seaway sailing. This voyage travels between Portland, Maine, and Toronto, with stops including Eastport, Lunenburg, Halifax, Saguenay, and Baie-Comeau.
A one-off St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes sailing takes place in September, linking Milwaukee with ports along the St. Lawrence River and Great Lakes.
The season concludes in October with three Canada and New England fall foliage cruises. These sailings travel between Québec City and ports along the St. Lawrence River and Atlantic coast.
Across the program, shore excursions are included at each port and vary by destination. Options range from guided city tours and museum visits to outdoor activities such as kayaking and seaplane flights. In some ports, excursions highlight regional landmarks, including boat experiences at Niagara Falls and carriage tours on Mackinac Island.
A Single Ship, Built for Smaller Ports
All sailings take place on the Pearl Mist. The ship carries 210 passengers and has operated in the region since 2014. The vessel has 108 staterooms. Each includes a private balcony and sliding glass doors.
Staterooms and suites range from 275 to 580 square feet. Single cabins are also available. The ship features multiple lounges, open sun decks, and a library. There is also a main dining room with panoramic views.
Other onboard features include elevators to all decks, Wi-Fi, and daily enrichment programs. Programming often includes lectures, live music, and destination-focused talks.
