These Stunning Lakes Are Perfect for Multi-Day Cruises

When envisioning a cruise vacation, most people think of oceans, rivers, or even expedition trips. Lakes are often seen as spots for peaceful family picnics or fishing. However, there are actually overnight lake cruises available worldwide. These cruises allow you to explore these magnificent bodies of water more thoroughly than a simple afternoon by the shore would permit.

Overnight lake cruises can range from three nights to two weeks, depending on the size of the lake or lakes you are exploring. You'll encounter picturesque lakeside villages, stunning landscapes, and unique sights, such as the Nubian Desert in Egypt. These journeys often provide access to areas that are challenging to reach by land. Most days will include stops, though the pace can be leisurely at times. And remember, lakes can have waves too; having spent time on Lake Erie, I can confirm that strong winds can create significant swells. Regardless of the conditions, travelers will be delighted by these hidden gem lake cruise routes.

Here are our top picks for the best overnight lake cruises around the globe.

The Great Lakes, North America

Cruises across the five Great Lakes of North America—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—operate from May through October. These voyages include visits to vibrant Midwestern cities like Cleveland, Detroit, and Milwaukee, as well as regions in Ontario, Canada. Major attractions include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Motown Museum, and the majestic Niagara Falls, along with opportunities to observe wildlife, picturesque boreal forests, and charming lakeside towns like Mackinac Island in Michigan. Some itineraries feature the UNESCO-recognized Georgian Bay Biosphere, home to the world’s largest freshwater archipelago.

To book: Leading the area with extensive itineraries, Viking’s sleek 348-passenger expedition ships Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris boast appealing Scandinavian design and include science labs where you might meet a NOAA scientist conducting water quality tests, analyzing plankton, and performing other research. Viking’s Great Lakes cruises begin at seven nights; for a complete experience across all five lakes, opt for a 14-night journey from Duluth, Minnesota, to Toronto, Ontario, starting at $13,995 per person.

Other cruise lines to consider include Pearl Seas Cruises, which offers exploration via the classic 210-passenger coastal cruiser Pearl Mist, with 7- to 14-night sailings starting from $8,980 per person for an 11-night, four-lake itinerary that excludes Lake Superior. The upscale 184-passenger Le Champlain from French line Ponant features two seven-night, four-lake cruises (also skipping Lake Superior) in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys. Onboard guest speakers include Frederick Stonehouse, author of the acclaimed book The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (Avery Color Studios, 2006), detailing the tragic 1975 shipwreck on Lake Superior. (Fares for the Ponant/Smithsonian Journeys cruise start at $8,250 per person.)

Lake Superior, North America

Spanning approximately 31,700 square miles, Lake Superior, which borders Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan in the U.S., and Ontario in Canada, deserves a dedicated trip. Nature-centric cruises offer a complete crossing of the lake and a journey through the Soo Locks into Lake Michigan. This magnificent lake is home to five national parks, including the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Isle Royale National Park and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Travelers can also marvel at Kakabeka Falls and the majestic cliffs of Sleeping Giant in Thunder Bay.

To book: Viking’s seven-night “Undiscovered Great Lakes” itinerary from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay starts at $6,495 per person. Ponant also offers two new 10-night sailings on Le Champlain focusing on Lake Superior, beginning at $8,930 per person.

Lake Nasser, Egypt

Various tour operators in Egypt offer the chance to fly from Aswan for a day trip to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, located near the southern border. Alternatively, you can take a more leisurely three- or four-night cruise on Lake Nasser, allowing you to explore less-frequented sites like the rock-cut Tomb of Pennut, dedicated to a viceroy of Nubia during the reign of Ramses VI, and enjoy the arid, hilly landscape of the Nubian desert. This vast reservoir, created by the Aswan High Dam, is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.

The highlight is the grand rock-carved temple at Abu Simbel, constructed by King Ramesses II around 1264 B.C.E., featuring striking 65-foot statues of the king on its exterior and additional statues inside, along with a smaller temple honoring Queen Nefertari. The temples were relocated in 1968 during dam construction to prevent flooding, showcasing an engineering marvel that enhances the site's grandeur.

To book: Experience Lake Nasser aboard hotel ships like the MS Steigenberger Omar El Khayam, managed by Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts, featuring refreshing swimming pools for those hot desert days, or choose a more intimate journey on the SAÏ, a handcrafted wooden boat (approximately $270 per person, per night).

Lake Kariba, Zambia and Zimbabwe

As you cruise on Lake Kariba, watch for hippos and crocodiles in the waters and elephants and lions on the shores. The French river cruise line CroisiEurope offers a three-night exploration of this vast 2,154-square-mile lake, the largest man-made lake by volume, as part of an eight-night cruise experience. This journey also includes three nights at a lodge where you can visit Chobe National Park. The complete package, including cruises, flights, and accommodations, starts at $6,986 per person, traveling from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls.

To book: Experience the CroisiEurope Lake Kariba cruise aboard either the 16-passenger RV Zimbabwean Dream or RV African Dream, both beautifully adorned with wood and local textiles, featuring a spacious hot tub on the upper deck and a dedicated crew of 15 for your comfort.