With the summer, and the year being more than half behind us, the time had come for us to relax for a few days. We got out of town last week to our favorite getaway spot, Holland, Michigan. It’s a short four-hour car ride from here and checks all the boxes for a senior couple like us. We enjoy casually strolling through dozens of downtown artisan shops, dining in a variety of pubs and restaurants, and walking on a sandy beach with a Great Lake lapping at our feet.

Tunnel Park overlooking Lake Michigan in Holland, Michigan

We’re back home now, but it was another unforgettable getaway with incredibly pleasant weather. While we were there we got a good look at a Great Lakes cruise ship, the American Patriot, as it turned around in Lake Macatawa on its way back out of the harbor and into Lake Michigan.

The American Patriot Great Lakes cruise ship turns around in Lake Macatawa

I discovered later the American Patriot was built in 2025. Various cruises are scheduled with a one-week package beginning at $8,815 per person, and $14,490 for the two-week excursion:

“American Patriot offers an intimate and luxurious cruising experience, catering to just 130 guests with a focus on comfort, elegance, and coastal exploration. The interior design of the ship features a serene color palette, creating a tranquil ambiance throughout. Guests can unwind in spacious staterooms, each equipped with a private balcony for enjoying scenic views of the coast. Or socialize in the Sky Lounge, where camaraderie and breathtaking vistas abound.” - American Cruise Lines

Certainly a unique way to explore the Great Lakes from New York to Milwaukee.