Michigan Princess

08/05/2026

It’s been a little quiet on the Michigan Princess page, but our family is still busy getting people out on the water across Michigan.

Many of you have followed our boats for years, so we wanted to share three different ways you can cruise with us this season.

🚢 **Detroit Princess Riverboat**
https://detroitprincess.com

For many Michigan Princess guests, stepping aboard the Detroit Princess feels a little like visiting an old friend.

Our family has operated the Detroit Princess for more than 20 years, offering dinner cruises, dancing, private events, skyline views, and live entertainment on the Detroit River.

If you haven’t made it to Detroit yet, come experience our live Motown R***e. It has become one of Detroit’s top Motown attractions and is a great reason to plan a night in the city.

🌅 **Little Traverse Bay Ferry & Harbor Princess**
https://littletraversebayferry.org

Planning a Northern Michigan vacation? Come visit Captain Chris aboard the historic Harbor Princess on beautiful Little Traverse Bay.

With million-dollar sunset views and several history, sightseeing, and entertainment cruises to choose from, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss during your trip to Petoskey and the surrounding area.

⛵ **Detroit Charter Company**
https://detroitcharterco.com

We’re also excited to introduce our newest operation: Detroit Charter Company.

Come discover what sailing is all about by joining us for an individual day sail, or bring your own group for a more intimate, yacht-style private cruise on the Detroit River.

And for the serious sailors, our racing yacht **Trident** is also available for private bareboat charters.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Michigan Princess and our family over the years. We hope to welcome you aboard one of our boats again soon.

-Captain Chris

02/27/2026

Dear Friends and Customers,

It is with a heavy heart that I share some difficult news — the Michigan Princess is being retired. The structural damage that occurred last year was simply too great to repair, and new State of Michigan maritime regulations have made restoration impossible to do safely or affordably.

I am heartbroken. This boat was my childhood home away from home. I have so many fond memories growing up aboard her — and too many unforgettable parties and celebrations to pick just one favorite to share.

This may come as a surprise to many of you. Even before the damage, keeping the Princess afloat was a labor of love. Restarting after the pandemic was a challenge, and the requirements for older vessels have changed dramatically over the past 34 years since she was first built. The structural damage that occurred last year is simply too great to repair to the level of new State of Michigan maritime regulations. The world has changed so much — from personal computers and cell phones to social media — yet through it all, the Michigan Princess remained a piece of Lansing’s history and a venue for so many special life moments that we were so lucky to share with you.

While this chapter closes, Captain John’s legacy lives on. We invite you to stay connected with us and continue making memories aboard our other vessels — the Detroit Princess Riverboat and the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Co.

We would also love to hear your stories. If you have photos or memories from your time aboard the Michigan Princess, please share them on this page. You’ve been part of our family’s story, and we want to celebrate those moments together.

Thank you for 34 incredible years of laughter, love, and community on the Grand River.

Fair winds and following seas,
Captain Chris

P.S. – We’ll be sharing updates about what’s next for our family and future ventures soon. For a little look visit https://detroitcharterco.com/

12/25/2024

🎄Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!☃️

10/01/2024

Michigan Princess Update: October 1, 2024

We regret to inform you that the Michigan Princess will remain closed for the remainder of 2024. Our team is working diligently and we hope to reopen in spring 2025.

Our office team has been actively reaching out to guests to assist with any questions or concerns. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 517-627-2154.

We are awaiting additional information from our insurance company and their experts as repairs continue. We sincerely thank you for your patience and support during this challenging time.

To stay updated on our progress, please visit our website and follow us on social media.

Thank you,
The Michigan Princess Team 🚢

08/22/2024

Even though we are temporarily closed, we’d still love to welcome you aboard one of our other vessels! Check out our sister ships while we work to get the Michigan Princess back in the water!

Detroit Princess - 📍 Detroit
➡️ detroitprincess.com

The Ferry - 📍 Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Harbor Springs
Harbor Princess - 📍 Petoskey
➡️ littletraversebayferry.org

08/20/2024

8/20/24 OFFICIAL STATEMENT: MICHIGAN PRINCESS UPDATE

We regret to inform you that the Michigan Princess will be out of service for the months of August and September 2024. During regularly scheduled maintenance, an unexpected equipment malfunction occurred while returning the vessel to the water.

At approximately 4:00AM on Fri, Aug 16, an airbag malfunctioned, causing damage to the boat. Repairs are expected to take at least one month to complete. We understand the inconvenience this may cause our guests and are working diligently to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

We are coordinating closely with the City Park Department and DNR. Two out of three launching slips are now available in Grand River Park. We appreciated the community’s patience as we worked to reopen the boat ramp, which took longer than anticipated.

If you have tickets or an event scheduled on the Michigan Princess during this time, our team will be in touch during regular business hours to assist with rescheduling or refunds.

Please stay informed by checking our website, following us on social media, and signing up for our email newsletters for the latest updates.

It’s really unfortunate that this happened. My family and our dedicated staff have great pride in operating the Michigan Princess, and I know how much she means to everyone who has cruised with us this season. We’ve brought in an expert to oversee the repairs to ensure everything meets the highest standards. I’m eager to get her back on the water and welcome everyone aboard again as soon as possible.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to bring the Michigan Princess back into service.

Updated: August 20, 2024, at 4:30 PM EDT

08/15/2024

DJ Dawn’s 30th Anniversary on the Michigan Princess was an epic '80s/'90s throwback with the best beats and endless dance moves. 🕶️💿 Neon lights, throwback jams—we celebrated in true retro style! Huge thanks to everyone who made it a night to remember! 🌟

08/08/2024

Are you looking for a venue perfect for your next party or corporate event? We offer a unique setting on the Grand River with all the amenities you need to impress your guests!

🔹 Spacious and elegant event space
🔹 Customizable catering options
🔹 Full-service bar
🔹 Scenic views of the Grand River

Contact us for more details, availability, and to schedule a tour!
517-627-2154

08/06/2024

Customer feedback like this helps us continue to provide exceptional service and unforgettable moments. We can't wait to welcome you back on board for another amazing cruise! 🚢

Want a chance to try our famous ribs? Get your tickets today! https://www.michiganprincess.com/Events

08/01/2024

Get your tickets for next Wednesday, August 7th! Use the code AUGUST at checkout for $7.00 off! Come aboard for our famous baby back ribs and beautiful views. 🚢

Only Valid for the Summer on the Grand River Lunch Cruise on August 7th, 2024. Must purchase tickets through https://www.michiganprincess.com/

Set sail for an adventure on the Grand River with the Michigan Princess Riverboat's public cruises in Lansing, MI. From Dinner Cruises to Live Music and Themed Events like murder mysteries and family fun days, there's an unforgettable experience for everyone. Easily book your tickets online and secu...