By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
LUDINGTON — The first visit by the American Patriot to Ludington on Friday proved to be a success for both the area and its visitors, giving more than 100 cruise passengers an opportunity to experience Mason County while demonstrating the potential for Great Lakes cruise tourism to become a growing part of the local economy.
Approximately 130 passengers spent the day exploring downtown Ludington or participating in excursions throughout Mason County, visiting attractions that included the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, Historic White Pine Village, Ludington State Park, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Amber Elk Ranch and downtown businesses.
“Today was a really successful first visit for the American Patriot and its passengers, and we were thrilled to be at Waterfront Park to welcome them as they arrived and again as they returned to the ship before departure,” said Brandy Miller, executive director of the Ludington Area Visitors & Convention Bureau, which coordinated the visit.
Miller said passengers consistently praised both the community and the experiences they enjoyed throughout the day.
“We also had the opportunity to hear directly from passengers throughout the day, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” Miller said. “They commented on the beauty of Waterfront Park and our community, how friendly and welcoming everyone was, and the great experiences they had at attractions throughout Mason County. It was wonderful to hear those firsthand impressions from people experiencing our area for the very first time.”
“With approximately 130 passengers exploring downtown and participating in excursions throughout Mason County, it was a great opportunity to showcase what makes our community special,” Miller said. “We’re very proud of our businesses, attractions and community partners who helped create such a positive experience for these new visitors.”
The welcoming atmosphere also left an impression on visitors.
“There were a wonderful number of local residents at the park as the ship arrived, and throughout the day we saw so many friendly exchanges between our community and the passengers, including plenty of people simply saying, ‘Welcome to Ludington,'” Miller said. “It was a great reflection of the hospitality and pride our community has for where we live.”
Rebecca Berringer, executive director of the Mason County Historical Society, said the organization’s attractions received positive reviews from cruise passengers.
“The visit by the American Patriot provided an opportunity for new visitors to experience Mason County and its many cultural assets,” Berringer said. “We heard many great comments from the cruise ship passengers at both Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum.”
Mason County Historical Society President James Jensen served as narrator aboard one of the excursion motor coaches, sharing local history and pointing out landmarks as passengers toured the area.
The successful visit also could have long-term benefits for future cruise calls.
The American Patriot’s visit had been intentionally shortened because of concerns raised by Lake Michigan Carferry about the cruise ship remaining moored along the seawall while the SS Badger completed its evening docking maneuver. The cruise ship had been expected to depart before the Badger arrived Friday evening.
Instead, the American Patriot remained alongside the seawall until after the Badger docked. With ample clearance between the vessels, the American Patriot departed about 7 p.m. for Milwaukee, demonstrating that the two ships could safely share the harbor. The successful operation could help pave the way for longer future port calls, giving passengers and crew additional time to visit Ludington’s restaurants, shops and attractions.
The American Patriot is scheduled to return to Ludington on Friday, Aug. 14, as the first port of call on another Great Lakes itinerary departing Milwaukee the previous day.
The vessel also gave passengers a unique perspective unavailable at most Great Lakes ports — watching the historic SS Badger arrive and dock. Ludington Police Chief Chris Jones said the American Patriot’s captain appreciated the rare opportunity.
“We spent 10 minutes just talking about how it was an honor for him to be in the same port as the Badger,” Jones said.
Owned by American Cruise Lines, the nation’s only U.S.-owned cruise line, the 241-foot American Patriot is the newest cruise ship to operate on the Great Lakes. The 241-foot vessel was built in 2025 at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md., and is the lead ship of the company’s new Patriot class.
The American Patriot has also made multiple stops in Muskegon this summer as part of its inaugural Great Lakes season. Friday’s visit concluded its nine-day Lake Michigan and Upper Peninsula cruise, which included stops in Escanaba, Green Bay, Sheboygan, Milwaukee and Ludington. The vessel begins another nine-day itinerary Saturday from Milwaukee, with Ludington serving as its first port of call on Aug. 14.
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