Options
doing this trip in early September
Can anyone answer a few questions?
How many dress nights? Captains, welcome & farewell?
I am reading that the waters are pretty rough. sea sickness a problem?
I am also hearing that curling irons of any kind are prohibited. True?
0
Comments
Took this tour last September. It can be rough, our trip was fine. Smart Casual is fine. Yes, no curling irons.
I wrote a review
There were no “dress” nights when I took this tour—shorts, tee shirts and flip flops were the norm. We graciously refused the “captains” dinner for that reason, among others.
The lakes definitely produce their own microclimates and they became quite choppy at times, but we were never uncomfortable onboard.
The waves on Lake Michigan tend to be significantly worse in the late fall, and winter particularly if blowing from the north and northeast, but can be variable in early September. The water temperature along the northern part of Michigan will be cooler, upper 50s low 60s, than the other parts of the lakes and this will make it cooler on the deck and on Mackinaw depending on the wind speed and direction.
This discussion brings back thoughts of my grandmother. We were living in the Chicago area right after getting married. My parents brought her to see us in Chicago. She was in her mid 70's and had only lived in Queens NY. She couldn't comprehend that Lake Michigan was a lake. She thought it was the ocean. With waves and the inability to see across the lake it makes sense!
My wife and I will be on this cruise starting September 8th in Chicago. We then join the Canada's Capital Cities land based tour in Toronto which ends up in Quebec City. We will be bringing lots of layers to allow for the changeable weather that time of year. I do bring a sports coat along with a tie for the few evenings where it is appropriate. My wife is usually in slacks but will have a skirt or dress for those evenings. We enjoy being on the water and expect the Ponant Explorer Class ship will be comfortable in most anything we will experience on the lakes in September. We'll have some meclizine (Bonine) with us just in case.
The Capital Cities tour was one of our favorites and you will certainly put your dressier clothes to good use. The welcome reception and dinner at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto was an amazing experience with good food and glamorous ambiance.
The hotels are Fairmont properties and destinations in their own right. Have a great time and please report back with a critique of your experiences.