On 8/8/15, our group set sail on the Pearl Mist for a vacation on the Great Lakes with high expectations. Embarkation in Toronto was in an industrial warehouse in a secured area. A disappointing start with no access to Toronto for sightseeing. Disembarkation in Chicago was even worse-rather than docking at Navy Pier as advertised, we were docked 45 minutes south of Chicago in another industrial cargo yard which did not allow passengers the ability to disembark on their own to sightsee-for two days! The cruise line did not notify us this docking change until we were on board.

The ship was very nice and the support staff was delightful. The cabins were spacious and comfortable. The food was mediocre. The on board programming was not plentiful and entertaining, such as you would expect from an EXPENSIVE cruise; basically there was nothing to do if you didn't want long bus rides.The ports of call were nice but there should have been additional tours offered at more reasonable rates. We were led to believe prior to booking that the excursions would be free or inexpensive. This was not the case. I have cruised over 29 times on most of the large company ships, riverboats, and sailing ships. This was a tremendous disappointment. The itinerary could be so fantastic and fun-the Great Lakes are a marvel-but Pearl Seas management needs to employ some programming personal who are trained and knowledgable of working with groups of vacationing people, of varying ages. I would not sail with this company again.