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A different type of skyscraper was visible along the Lake Michigan waterfront Tuesday morning. A German cruise ship named MS Hamburg is anchored offshore with 400 passengers aboard on a multiday tour of the Great Lakes. The ship traveled overnight from Milwaukee and arrived in Chicago around 7 a.m. as part of its 16-night itinerary.

While in Chicago, passengers can choose a shore excursion that includes a tour of the Skydeck at Willis Tower.

Where the ship is going

The ship’s itinerary originally had the Hamburg in Chicago on Monday, but plans changed. According to Karen Deegan of K D Marine in Pointe Claire, Quebec, vessels entering U.S. waters for the first time must be cleared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Since the ship is anchored offshore in Chicago, the cruise operator decided to dock first in Milwaukee to complete the customs process.

Map of route

Details of the ship

To get a 360-degree tour of different parts of the ship, click here.

Spa picture

  • Where it was built: MTW Wismar, Germany
  • Year built: 1997
  • Flag: Nassau, Bahamas
  • Length: 472 feet, 4 inches
  • Width: 70 feet, 6 inches
  • Number of decks: 6
  • Passengers: 400
  • Total passenger cabins: 197
  • Suites: 8 suites (2 with balcony)
  • Crew: 170
  • Hospital: Yes
  • Language on board: German
  • Currency: Euro

Sources: Plantours,

Plantours tour schedule,

Great Lakes Cruising Coalition,

MarineTraffic.com, Karen Deegan, K D Marine

@ChiTribGraphics

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