Just as the rivers of America are a great source of history and culture, the Great Lakes hold a treasure trove of information worthy of a dedicated lecturer.
TOLEDO, OH – American Queen Voyages, part of the Hornblower Group, is partnering with the National Museum of the Great Lakes to create a new Lakelorian program for the Lakes & Oceans fleet. Kicking off the 2023 Great Lakes season in Toronto in May, Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator will each include a permanent lecturer on each sailing, holding the title of Lakelorian, similar to the Riverlorian onboard 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 renowned National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, OH.
“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,” shares Kate Fineske, senior director of institutional advancement, National Museum of the Great Lakes. “Since then, we have come to recognize American Queen Voyages Lakes & Oceans ships as floating ambassadors of the Great Lakes, bringing thousands of visitors from around the world to deeply discover our region’s rich history. We look forward to Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator becoming an extension of the National Museum of the Great Lakes through this innovative Lakelorian program, and welcoming guests to discover our museum and all we have to offer.”
Just as the rivers of America are a great source of history and culture, the Great Lakes hold a treasure trove of information worthy of a dedicated lecturer. The Lakelorian will share and enlighten guests on the uniqueness of each port in the Great Lakes and be a welcomed storyteller of the region, versed in its history and the support of The National Museum of the Great Lakes for expertise. The Lakelorian will hold daily Lake Chats in the Tavern or Compass Lounge to provide information about the town or city in which American Queen Voyages is visiting for the day. 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.
“The 2022 Lakes & Oceans season has been an incredible success showcasing what makes exploring the Great Lakes onboard Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator such an extraordinary experience,” said Bill Annand, vice president of Vessel Operations Lakes & Oceans for American Queen Voyages and a proud lifelong Michigander himself. “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. The National Museum of the Great Lakes has been an invaluable resource. We are excited to support the museum in Toledo on Sept. 24 at their H2Oh! Gala providing this year’s winner of another Great Lakes Cruise and to continue to grow our partnership through our Lakelorian program. 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. 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.”
Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator hold only 202 guests, delivering immersive Lakes & Oceans experiences in North America sailing the Great Lakes, Canada and New England. American Queen Voyages Great Lakes voyages of 11- to 16-days call on North America’s historic five Great Lakes and the storied St. Lawrence River. Port highlights include exploring the Victorian-era charm of Mackinac Island, historic Soo Locks, breathtaking Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world, the world-famous Horseshoe Falls of Niagara Falls, the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. All cruises include a pre-cruise hotel night and in Chicago offer an optional of the iconic architecture tour from the water. In addition, guests sailing on the fall Great Lakes itineraries will enjoy overnight excursions in several city ports for the first-time including Toronto, Quebec City and Mackinac Island on American Queen Voyages.
Individuals can still purchase Luck of the Lakes Raffle tickets for a chance to win an 11-day American Queen Voyages cruise and to support the National Museum of the Great Lakes.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
