Lakeshore Excursions continues acclaimed planners' series with US Great Lakes ports

The by-invitation series kicks off June 8 with Muskegon, Michigan, at 10 a.m. EDT and continues on subsequent Tuesdays with Mackinac Island, Michigan; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Duluth, Minnesota.

Crafted for itinerary planners' needs

The webinars are crafted for itinerary planners' needs and packed with details on logistics, marine operations, weather and excursions. Each is kept to a crisp 15 minutes or less.

Mastermind Bruce O'Hare, a founding partner of veteran tour operator Lakeshore Excursions, said invitations have been sent to some 50 planners globally.

One of them, Tauck's Leo Papa, senior product manager, small ship cruising & exotics, will be avidly dialing in after finding the first series 'extremely useful, entertaining and high quality.'

He especially appreciated all the technical aspects needed by marine operations teams. 'It saves a lot of time,' Papa said, instead of having to chase down that information. He also learned about alternative port options so Tauck is well-prepared should weather impact a trip.

'Wonderful' region

Papa, who helped revive Tauck's Great Lakes itineraries in 2019 after a gap of some years, said his company is pleased to return to a 'wonderful' region in 2022 with five departures, all full-ship Ponant charters.

He was so impressed with Lakeshore Excursions' series on 12 Canadian ports that he recommended some of his ground suppliers in Europe emulate what O'Hare has done.

O'Hare's been gratified by the positive response 'across the board,' from lines including The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Ponant, Silversea and others.

Next up: the St. Lawrence

In the fall, Lakeshore Excursions plans a third series showcasing ports of the St. Lawrence.