American Queen Voyages has announced a new, exclusive port in Escanaba, Michigan on select Great Lakes voyages, which marks the first time a cruise line visits the Midwestern port.

“As we celebrate the addition of Escanaba to our ever-growing list of destinations and welcome new partnerships with local community members, we simultaneously push forward our company’s mission to help our guests explore lesser discovered America,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president of American Queen Voyages.

“We look forward to an exciting season with new stops showcasing the many treasures across the Great Lakes.”

Starting in May, American Queen Voyages will become the only cruise company to call at the Escanaba port. The visits will be included in select Great Lakes cruises aboard the Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager.

“We’re thrilled to partner with American Queen Voyages to bring the first cruise ship to our shores,” said Vickie Micheau, executive director of Delta County Chamber of Commerce.

“Escanaba is such a unique touchpoint of the region, and our rich history and proximity to nature caters to the endless travel experiences American Queen Voyages’ seek during their journey.”

 The new port of call features fishing, historic parks, lighthouses, art galleries, water sporting activities and much more for guests to explore. Located in the Delta County’s, the area is ideal for hikes and bike adventures, as well as river kayak rides towards the Bays de Noc.

To create unique shore excursions, American Queen Voyages partnered with the community’s members to offer tours to the town’s shopping district and visit Sayklly’s Confectionery & Gifts, as well as two museums: William Bonifas Fine Arts Center, U.P. Veterans Museum and Webster Marble “Inventing the Outdoors”.