The S.S. Badger officially kicked off its 65th sailing season last week with its maiden 2018 voyage, plying the waters of Lake Michigan for its ritual four-hour crossing between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. For those who want a taste of the Badger without the cross-lake commitment, try a Shoreline Cruise that departs and returns to the same port. These two-hour “mini” cruises pack a punch — spectacular views along the Lake Michigan shoreline, dinner and drinks, plus entertainment.
With five themed Shoreline Cruises to choose from this summer, there is bound to be one for your personality type. Select a cruise that fits your fun factor, grab your friends, and dress up to fully immerse yourself in the experience!
For the 50s fan — S.S. Badger Vintage 65th Anniversary Cruise (June 2, June 3) — Dress in your favorite 50s rock or vintage dress attire and transport back to 1953 when the Badger first set sail, enjoying this Vintage 65thAnniversary Cruise to celebrate the ship’s anniversary. Enjoy an evening of 50s rock and Big Band tunes, a buffet with original 1953 menu items, 1953 trivia, and more. Even the staff will wear original uniforms. Two cruises are available — one from each port city. The $42 ticket (kids under 5 are free) includes a 1953 authentic S.S. Badger Buffet with desserts and soft drinks, plus cash bars with drink specials.
- June 2, Manitowoc — 2 to 4 p.m. CT, with boarding at 1:30 p.m.
- June 3, Ludington — 9 to 11 p.m. ET, with boarding at 8:30 p.m.
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or the patriotic — Fourth of July Cruise, Ludington(July 4, 9 to 11 p.m.; boarding at 8:30 p.m.) — Back by popular demand, this cruise is an Independence Day tradition for many. The ship cruises until sunset and then gets into position outside Ludington’s north breakwall to give guests a perfect view of Ludington’s spectacular waterfront fireworks display. The $52 ticket (kids under 3 are free) includes the all-you-can-eat S.S. Badger Picnic Buffet with desserts and soft drinks, plus cash bars featuring drink specials.
For the inner pirate — Pirates of the Caribbean Cruise, Ludington (July 25, 9 to 11 p.m.; boarding at 8:30 p.m.) — Ahoy, matey! Channel your inner pirate, grab your fellow buccaneers and walk the plank to this wildly popular cruise featuring live music from “Two Dudes in FlipFlops” playing sea shanties on guitar, steel pan and tight vocal harmonies — designed to take you to the islands! The $42 ticket (kids under 5 are free) includes the Badger Party Buffet with desserts and soft drinks, or wet your pipe with two cashbars featuring grog - er, drink specials. Wear your pirate garb and practice your swagger!
For the last-chance partier — Bon Voyage to Summer Cruise, Ludington (Aug. 15, 9 to 11 p.m.; boarding at 8:30 p.m.) — Want to squeeze out the last drop of summer before the kids go back to school? Join this newly added cruise and say good bye to summer on a relaxing yet fun shoreline cruise in Ludington. Let the beautiful views, tropical drinks, warm breezes and summer beach tunes relax and rejuvenate you as you wind down your summer. The $42 ticket (kids under 5 are free) includes our S.S. Badger Party Buffet, desserts and soft drinks, plus cash bars with drink specials.
For the Badgers/Packers football fanatic — GO PACKERS – GO BADGERS Cruise, Manitowoc (Sept. 1, 2 to 4 p.m.; boarding at 1 p.m.) — Get your game face on for this fun cruise that celebrates your football team loyalty over a Labor Day weekend afternoon. Wear your Packers or Badgers finest, and you could win free passes on the S.S. Badger. The $42 ticket (kids under 5 are free) includes our S.S. Badger Football Party Buffet and soft drinks, a cash bar with drink specials — not to mention DJ Shimmy D spinning tunes to keep the football spirit vibe going. Cheeseheads and Badgers unite!
Note departure ports listed above with each cruise. Limited seating is available for shoreline cruises, which often sell out weeks in advance.All shoreline cruises run rain or shine. Ticket prices do not include security fees. No passes are accepted for theseevents.
