We chose Pearl Seas because its Great Lakes Itinerary had more Canadian ports than other cruise lines. We sailed 11 nights from Toronto to Milwaukee. But buyer beware! The cabins do not at all look like the photos in their online brochure.

Carpets and furnishings were faded and worn and very dated in style. The first night on board, our room heating system didn't work. Drawers were so difficult to open staff had to remove the locks that kept them from sliding open in bumpy seas. The drawer safe was broken and had to be replaced. The faucet in the sink leaked continuously and despite 3 requests, was never fixed. We had in-room Keurig coffee machines but after the 5th day, housekeeping ran out of sugar/creamer packets for it. The roof on the top deck leaked a lot, creating a standing water hazard and making the deck unusable. Their onboard computers/internet had Windows 7 and did work at all.

The ship had two main lounges, one of which was oddly shaped, dark, and cramped. Lectures took place here. The lecturer was over 70 and rambling in his narrative. The nicest room on the ship was the dining room. We appreciated the friendly and courteous wait staff and cabin stewards. Also the food was very good. Overall, shore excursions were interesting, though some of the optional ones were a bit costly.