Michigan Princess

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/

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

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! 🌟

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