Blount Small Ship Adventures celebrates its three-year partnership with Ontario tourism by offering an additional new 2012 cruise that features Canadian waterways.Great Explorations:  Lake Huron and Lake Michigan is a 10 day, 9 night cruise vacation developed as part of a partnership between Blount and the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership and will have just one select departure date, August 15, 2012. In addition to Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, some of the waterways traveled include Georgian Bay, Soo Locks, Straits of Mackinac and Lake Superior and highlights include Toronto, Mackinac Island and Chicago.

Plus, as a special offer for new travelers, the cruise line is now offering a discount of $800 per couple on all departures of all Ontario cruises.

The new Great Explorations itinerary is in addition to the two Ontario cruise offerings already established. They include Skylines & Islands: New York City to Toronto and Discover Ontario: Scenic Georgian Bay.a

Skylines & Islands: New York City to Toronto introduces travelers to two of the world’s most renowned cities, and guests will witness the unique feat of lowering the ship’s retractable pilot house to cruise the Hudson River and the famed Erie Canal. Highlighted along the journey are New York’s small towns; the beauty of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canada’s Thousand Islands; and Niagara Falls, one of the most recognized natural wonders in the world.

Discover Ontario: Scenic Georgian Bay begins in Toronto, Canada’s largest city and one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world. Guests on this itinerary will cruise the renowned Welland Canal and explore the cities of Cleveland and Detroit before arriving in Goderich, Ontario, named “the prettiest town in Canada” by Queen Victoria. A cruise of Georgian Bay; exploring Native American culture on Manitoulin Island; and relaxing in the resort town of Midland before returning to vibrant Toronto complete this discovery of Ontario.

“The small size and unique design of our ships allow us to take passengers through waterways that bigger cruise ships cannot reach for a truly one-of-a-kind adventure through the wonders of Ontario,” says Nancy Blount, President of Blount Small Ship Adventures. “Working with OTMP these past three years has provided wonderful insight on this spectacular region of Canada and all it has to offer. Guests opting for any of our three Ontario cruises will travel intriguing waterways and will see things from a different perspective – it all adds up to an unparalleled vacation experience.”

Adds Sandra Rice, Travel Trade Director, North America, for the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, “Our successful partnership with Blount Small Ship Adventures is evidenced by the introduction of yet another cruise itinerary highlighting beautiful Ontario. Blount guests can really enjoy the best of Ontario from the perspective of both land and water – breathtaking natural scenery, vibrant cities, and experiences that really bring the destination to life.”