Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise

Cruise aboard American Cruise Lines’ American Patriot, a brand-new Patriot Class small ship designed for an intimate and refined cruising experience through the scenic waterways of the Great Lakes and Thousand Islands. Accommodating just 130 guests, the vessel features spacious balcony staterooms, panoramic observation lounges, open-seating dining, and personalized service as you sail through the picturesque St. Lawrence River region and visit charming waterfront communities including Clayton, Ogdensburg, and Rochester. Enjoy leisurely cruising days surrounded by Great Lakes scenery, transit the engineering marvel of the Welland Canal, and experience the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls.

Day 1 – Syracuse, NY

We fly to Syracuse, where we overnight. 

Day 2 – Embarkation / Day of Cruising

Transfer to nearby Oswego where you will board the American Patriot and begin your Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise. As you sail into Lake Ontario, enjoy time exploring your ship. Take in the crisp lake air from the Sun Deck, attend enrichment talks about the maritime legacy of the St. Lawrence River, or simply relax with fellow travelers as your journey gets underway.

Day 3 – Clayton, NY

Cruise into the breathtaking Thousand Islands region, where castles and Gilded Age mansions crown wooded isles. In Clayton, explore the Antique Boat Museum with its collection of over 320 unique watercraft, or visit Boldt Castle, the romantic stone estate built on Heart Island. Every view sparkles with water, pine forests, and history.

Day 4 – Day of Cruising

Sail across beautiful Lake Ontario while enjoying the comforts of your ship. Attend a lecture on canal engineering, sample regional wines, or simply relax as lighthouses and fishing boats drift past.

Day 5 – Ogdensburg, NY

Enjoy this peaceful gateway to the St. Lawrence River and the heart of the Thousand Islands region. Located along the U.S.–Canada border, Ogdensburg offers beautiful river views and a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Frederic Remington Art Museum, featuring sculptures, paintings, and personal artifacts from the famed American West artist, or enjoy time along the scenic waterfront and nearby parks.

Day 6 – Rochester, NY

Dock in Rochester, birthplace of Kodak and the modern camera. Tour the George Eastman Museum, where elegant gardens surround the mansion of the photography pioneer, or witness the dramatic High Falls, a 96-foot waterfall that once powered the city’s flour mills. Rochester’s spirit of invention and artistry can be felt throughout the city.

Day 7 – Cruising the Welland Canal

Transit the Welland Canal, one of North America’s greatest engineering achievements. As your ship is raised and lowered nearly 100 feet between Lakes Ontario and Erie, watch massive lock gates close around the vessel as it slowly climbs step by step. Onboard guides share the fascinating history of the canal, from its early construction to its role in modern shipping.

Day 8 – Buffalo, NY

Arrive in Buffalo, where historic architecture and a revitalized waterfront create one of the Great Lakes’ most exciting destinations. Explore the lively Canalside district, savor Buffalo’s famous wings, or take an excursion to nearby Niagara Falls. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the city’s impressive collection of Art Deco buildings and historic mansions.

Day 9 – Disembarkation

After breakfast aboard the ship, we disembark in Buffalo and head home, reminiscing about our unforgettable Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise.