Kicking off the 2023 Great Lakes season in Toronto in May, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator will feature a permanent lecturer on each sailing who holds the title of Lakelorian, similar to the Riverlorian on each American Queen Voyages paddlewheeler.
The Lakelorian will lead lectures, host discussions and answer questions throughout the journey across these mighty bodies of freshwater. With equal parts knowledge and passion for the Great Lakes, Lakelorians will be selected and provide exclusive programming in collaboration with the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio.
Floating ambassadors
'Our partnership with American Queen Voyages began taking shape in 2020 with their extraordinary support of Great Lakes history through an 11-day Great Lakes cruise donation which we used as the grand prize for our Luck of the Lakes Raffle,' said Kate Fineske, senior director of institutional advancement, National Museum of the Great Lakes. 'Since then, we have come to recognize American Queen Voyages' lakes and ocean ships as floating ambassadors of the Great Lakes, bringing thousands of visitors from around the world to deeply discover our region’s rich history.'
The Great Lakes hold a treasure trove of information worthy of a dedicated lecturer. The Lakelorian will convey the uniqueness of each port as a storyteller of the region, versed in its history and with the support of the National Museum of the Great Lakes for expertise.
Daily Lake Chats and once-per-cruise museum exhibit lecture
The Lakelorian will hold daily Lake Chats in the Tavern or Compass Lounge to provide information about the current destination. In addition to the daily lectures, each sailing will feature an exclusive lecture highlighting a current exhibit at The National Museum of the Great Lakes.
Bill Annand, VP vessel operations lakes and oceans for American Queen Voyages and a lifelong Michigander, deemed the 2022 season a great success.
'From exclusively docking in downtown Chicago at Navy Pier to maiden arrivals in smaller ports like Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay, guests aboard these vessels witness what makes the Great Lakes so special,; he said, 'The National Museum of the Great Lakes has been an invaluable resource.'
Sept. 24 H2Oh! Gala and Luck of the Lakes Raffle
The line will be supporting the museum's Sept. 24 H2Oh! Gala, providing this year’s winner a Great Lakes cruise. Luck of the Lakes Raffle tickets for a chance to win this 11-day cruise are available here with the drawing for the winner to be held that evening.
'The National Museum of the Great Lakes reveals the varied and fascinating history of our treasured Great Lakes, which make up 84% of all of the freshwater in North America,' Annand said. 'Guests can join these sailings to explore the history of the world's greatest natural resource — from canoes and schooners to early steamers and freighters — some of which ply the mighty Maumee River right next to the museum.'
The 202-passenger Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator sail the Great Lakes, Canada and New England.
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