Manistee Harbor Tours

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 145 passengers. It has a rich history carrying passengers to MACKINAC ISLAND, the PICTURED ROCKS at Copper Harbor, 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 at 426 River Street 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 (5:30 -7:00 p.m.), a public sunset cruise, Special Event cruises (Fireworks and Sunset, Fourth of July, Halloween) and private cruises.

Our daily 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.  The DAY CRUISE is from 5:30pm to 7:00 pm.  The Sunset Cruise time will be on our website as the time changes according to the sunset. The cost is the same.

Our Special Event cruises (such as Fireworks and Sunset, Fourth of July, and Halloween)are one day offerings that vary in length and price. Availability and pricing is available under bookings.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ALL PUBLIC CRUISES MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 20 ADULT BOOKINGS. Refunds will be issued automatically if the minimum is not reached. Bookings can be rebooked.

All HARBOR TOURS cancelled cruises are automatically refunded if the minimum is not reached.

Cruises depart rain or shine. If the Captain determines that the weather is unsafe, all bookings will be refunded.

On all cruises, the boat capacity is limited by the U.S.C.G. to 145 persons.

Boarding on all cruises will begin at least 30 minutes before departure time.

Vessel is ADT compliant and has two spacious Restrooms on the main deck.

The Princess has an expansive upper and enclosed lower deck surrounded by windows for viewing incredible sunsets, miles of sand dunes and shoreline erosion. A narrator is available to share the 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.

You will be provided with information on local history, scenery, landmarks, and current community happenings. We also have musical entertainment through speaker systems on both the upper and lower decks of the vessel.

Harbor Tours is a new attraction on the Lake Michigan landscape here in Manistee. It is a unique way to see spectacular view of Lake Michigan and even catch a spectacular sunset. We are 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 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 enjoy the expansive views of the shoreline and miles of sand dunes 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 deckhands are responsible for the dock lines when departing and returning to dock. Our deckhands do what it takes to ensure a clean, sanitized, and well-maintained vessel.

Your Cruise director is Cassie and she will point out landmarks and historical sites, while keeping us well informed of special occasions for those we have on board.