Story and photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
MANISTEE — The 2026 sailing season is underway for Manistee Harbor Tours, with the Princess of Manistee once again offering shoreline cruises along Lake Michigan and the Manistee area waterfront.
The 65-foot passenger vessel began its season earlier this month and is now operating regularly from its dock along the Manistee Riverwalk at 426 River St.
Owned and operated by Capt. Albert “Wally” Laaksonen, the Princess offers narrated sightseeing cruises, sunset cruises and private charters aboard a vessel that once served as a Mackinac Island ferry. The boat accommodates up to 148 passengers and features both upper-deck outdoor seating and an enclosed lower deck.
Most cruises travel onto Lake Michigan, offering views of the Manistee shoreline, sand dunes and harbor area, though some excursions may navigate Manistee Lake depending on weather and lake conditions.
In addition to sightseeing opportunities, the Princess features a galley serving snacks and beverages, including beer, wine and mixed drinks.
According to the company schedule, cruises are currently offered on weekends before expanding later in the season to additional weekdays and eventually daily departures during the peak summer tourism season.
Tickets and cruise schedules are available online at manisteeharbortours.com.
The Princess originally was built in 1973 by DeFoe Shipbuilding Co. in Bay City as the Island Princess for service between Mackinaw City, St. Ignace and Mackinac Island. It later operated at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
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