The PRINCESS was built in 1973 in Bay City, MICHIGAN and was named the ISLAND PRINCESS. It is a sixty-five-foot all-aluminum passenger vessel licensed by the U.S.C.G. to carry 149 passengers. It has a rich history carrying passengers to MACKINAC ISLAND and to the APOSTLE ISLANDs along the NATIONAL SHORELINE on LAKE SUPERIOR. It was brought to Ludington Michigan in MAY 2020 and MANISTEE MICHIGAN in May 2021. The Princess will run cruises out of Manistee on Lake Michigan and navigate the Manistee River into the Manistee Lake. In addition to a ship’s galley, for snacks and beverages, a liquor license permits the selling of domestic and locally brewed craft beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
All cruises start at the CITY MARINA in downtown MANISTEE. The PRINCESS is located on the RIVER BOARDWALK below the WEST SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE and the ELKS LODGE. It is a unique excursion that gives a light history of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.
There are no other passenger tour vessels operating of this size on northern LAKE MICHIGAN. We offer a public day cruise, a public sunset cruise, and private cruises.
Public cruises are 90 minutes. Cost is $40 for adults ( age 13 and older). Children ( age 3 to 12) are $20. Infants ( age 3 and under) are free. A DAY CRUISE is from 2 pm to 3:30 pm.
The sunset cruise time will be on our website as the time changes according to the sunset. The cost is the same.
All public bookings are done on our website > Manistee Harbor Tours <. For Private cruise questions and bookings call 231-690-3587 or email> [email protected] .
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ALL PUBLIC CRUISES MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 20 ADULT BOOKINGS. Refunds will be issued automatically if minimum is not reached. Bookings can be rebooked.
All HARBOR TOURS cancelled cruises are automatically refunded if minimum is not reached.
Cruises depart rain or shine. If Captain deems weather is unsafe, all bookings will be refunded.
On all cruises, the boat capacity is limited by the U.S.C.G. to 149 persons.
Boarding on all cruises will be allowed at least 30 minutes before departure time.
Vessel is ADT compliant and has two spacious Restrooms on the main deck.
Vessel has an expansive upper and enclosed lower deck surrounded by windows for viewing incredible sunsets, miles of sand dunes and erosion. A narrator may reveal historical significance of the region and Lake Michigan’s bountiful contribution to the midwest and beyond. Take the selfie of a lifetime on this inspirational experience.
A narrator may provide interesting information on local history, scenery, landmarks, current community happenings and allow for musical entertainment through a bountiful speaker system on both the upper and lower deck of the vessel.
Harbor Tours is a new development in the Michigan outdoors. It is becoming a major attraction for those who regularly visit “ up north” as their choice of a vacation spot. It is fast becoming a destination location for those looking for something excitingly new to do. It surrounded by outstanding golf courses, quaint shopping stores, RV parks, recreation, theatres, the arts, cultural activities, a casino, and much more. It is soon to be the home of two new 5 star hotels.
The Princess comes to Lake Michigan from Lake Superior . It was built in 1973 in Bay City Michigan where it served its entire existence carrying passengers to Mackinaw Island, Pictured Rocks and the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin. It is one of the most historical passenger vessels of its size in existence.
The princess has a full bar with all the favorite beverages. Manistee offers ample parking facilities and after 5pm and on weekends, guests have permission to use the parking ramp under the Community College.
Step aboard the PRINCESS for a unique excursion that tells the story of Lake Michigan and the historic harbor of Manistee. The journey begins with a short cruise along the river boardwalk out into the cool waters of Lake Michigan. Then relax as you you enjoy the expansive views of the shoreline and miles of sanddunes and massive sites of waterfront erosion.
OUR CREW
The Princess has assembled a trustworthy crew who will have your comfort, health, and safety in mind.
The Princess has three Captains. Captain Dale Fitch, Captain Kerry Knight and Captain John Horton.
The deckhand is responsible for the dock lines when departing and returning to dock. Our deckhand does what it takes to ensure a clean, sanitized, and well-maintained vessel.
A Voice for the Princess will narrate the cruises pointing out landmarks and historical sites. They will make numerous announcements such as safety information as well as announcing special occasions for those we have on board.
Al has chartered vessels on Lake Michigan for 37 years. He will welcome all suggestions and do everything he can to make your event a success. Our private events coordinator is AL LAAKSONEN, the ship’s owner.
The Princess has a Food Director who is available for consultation or catering. Her name is Camille Shepler 231-301-5588. She has sixteen years of experience as head chef on a large passenger vessel. She is in charge of the Galley. All questions regarding food will be directed to her.
All passengers will be checked in when boarding.
OUR PRICES
| Public Cruises |
| Day cruise or sunset cruise – 90 minutes |
| Adults: $40 (Ages 13+), children: $20 (Ages 4-12), infants: free (0-3) |
| Private Cruises | |
| 2 Hours | 3 Hours |
| 1-50 – $1,200
51-75 – $1,500 76-100 – $1,800 101-140 – $2,100 |
1-50 – $1,500
51-75 – $1,800 76-100 – $2,100 101-140 – $2,400 |