Great Lakes cruises are gaining popularity, and for good reason. The smaller-sized ships provide a more intimate experience than other cruises and allow guests to experience some of the Great Lakes’ finest cities – particularly Detroit.
While cruise passengers are limited on time when they dock at Port Detroit, they still can explore some of Detroit’s best restaurants and attractions. The dock is conveniently located downtown, so many of the city’s best experiences are just minutes away.
Breakfast and Lunch
Detroit has gained a reputation in the culinary world thanks to its growing number of new restaurants that are popping up throughout the city -- and brunch and lunch are great times to experience them. Several to try:
Petty Cash, located on the city’s Avenue of Fashion in northwest Detroit, offers an upscale dining experience featuring a Black Southern menu. Uber or Lyft are the easiest ways to get there.
Supergeil in Corktown has a brunch menu that features tinned seafood – mussels, sardines, mackerel and others – as well as a Turkish breakfast platter with smoked salmon, lamb kofta and simit. Take an Uber or Lyft, and don’t forget to walk through nearby Roosevelt Park.
Prime and Proper, located in downtown’s Capital Park neighborhood, offers USDA Prime steaks and chops, as well as crab Oscar benedict and truffled omelets on the brunch menu. The restaurant is an easy walk from Port Detroit.
Art and Architecture
Detroit is home to some of the world’s best art and architecture. And although you won’t be able to see all of it in one day, here are a few areas to visit:
Detroit Institute of Arts is a must-see for any art lover. The DIA’s collection is among the top six in the United States and includes more than 65,000 works of art. Worth noting are Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry” fresco and Vincent van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait” – the first Van Gogh painting in a U.S. museum. To get to the DIA, take the QLINE on Woodward Avenue.
Downtown Detroit is home to the Guardian Building, a 40-floor art deco skyscraper famous for its orange brick exterior. Nearby, the Penobscot Building, known for its limestone carvings, was the fourth-tallest building in the United States when it opened in 1928. After exploring the area, walk by the Detroit Athletic Club, an Albert Khan building that is home to one of the country’s top private clubs.
The Midtown and New Center areas are a treasure trove of architecture. Visit one of Albert Kahn’s masterpieces, the Fisher Building, an art deco building that opened in 1928. In nearby Midtown, Wayne State University is known for its four Minoru Yamasaki buildings. Both areas are accessible via the QLINE.
Dinner and Cocktails
It’s impossible to experience Detroit’s restaurant scene in one night, but here are a few places to visit before returning to the ship.
Highlands Detroit is steps away from Port Detroit and worth a visit to see the city’s skyline. Located on the 71st and 72nd floor of the Renaissance Center, the restaurant offers fine dining and unforgettable views.
Also located in the Renaissance Center, Joe Muer Seafood features creative seafood specialties and has live entertainment on some nights.
Willis Show Bar, located in Detroit’s historic Cass Corridor, was a top jazz club until it closed in the late 1970s. Reimagined today but keeping its art modern style, the club hosts live music and cabernet performers. Uber or Lyft are the best way to get there.
Other Things to Do
There’s so much more to see and do in Detroit. Here are a few ideas:
Motown Museum. Located in the original music recording studio for Motown Records, the Motown Museum in Detroit’s New Center area is a must-see for music fans.
The Detroit Tigers. This MLB team plays at Comerica Park throughout the spring, summer and into the fall.
Pewabic Pottery. One of the oldest continually running potteries in the country, its distinct glazed tiles can be found in some of Detroit’s grandest homes.
Detroit RiverWalk. Before returning to the ship, stroll along this waterfront gem, which has parks, pavilions and even a carrousel.
