FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The SS Badger
Handicap Accessibility
Q: How do handicap passengers get to the passenger deck?
A: A chairlift to transport wheelchairs and passengers needing assistance is available when boarding and disembarking the ship. The chairlift has a maximum 400-pound capacity. Passengers with motorized wheelchairs must ride the lift separately from their chairs. There is limited access to our upper deck areas depending on the passenger's mobility.
Q: What handicap-accessible services/amenities are available?
A: A handicap-accessible restroom is available onboard the ship. There are free wheelchairs available for use onboard (first-come, first-served basis).
Q: Can I have a powered chair/scooter onboard?
A: Yes, using the stairlift-powered chairs/scooters are able to be used in the main deck area. However, we do not have a stairlift to make upper deck areas accessible.
Q: What service animals are permitted onboard?
A: Dogs that are trained to perform a task or provide assistance to a person with a disability are welcome in passenger areas. Comfort animals, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs may be kept in a well-ventilated portable kennel on the car deck or transported in the owner's vehicle.
Pets
Q: Are pets allowed onboard?
A: For no additional charge, animals may be kept in a well-ventilated portable kennel on the car deck or transported in the owner's vehicle. Due to security restrictions, no pets of any kind are allowed in any passenger area. Service dogs trained to work or perform tasks for a passenger with a disability may accompany that individual.
Q: What are my options for traveling with my pet?
- Lake Michigan Carferry recommends that pets travel in our well-ventilated portable kennels on our car deck. A limited number of kennels are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend you bring a small blanket or towel and a toy to put in the kennel.
- Owners may bring their own kennels that will be positioned in a well-ventilated area on our car deck.
- Owners may choose to keep their pets in their vehicles. LMC will make every effort to make sure your vehicle is located in an area where there is fresh airflow. It is recommended that owners roll-down their windows slightly so your pet can get fresh air. If animals are left in your vehicle, windshield sunscreens and a water bowl are strongly recommended during warm weather. If you are traveling with a pet, please note that pet vehicle parking on the car deck is limited. On certain crossings, you may be required to use our kennels rather than leave your pet in your vehicle.
Reservations/Ticketing/Check-In
Q: Are reservations required?
A: Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online or by calling 800-841-4243.
Q: Can I make changes/cancel my reservation?
A: ALL TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. Changes to confirmed reservations (“Exchanges”) can be made, for a fee, up until the day before the confirmed sailing date. No Exchanges will be permitted to be made on the day of sailing. Reservation Exchange fees are as follows: $25 per passenger reservation and $25 per vehicle for Exchanges made from one (1) day to seven (7) days prior to your reservation sailing day; $5 per passenger reservation and $5 per vehicle for Exchanges made eight (8) or more days prior to your reservation sailing day. Failure to Exchange your reservation within the allotted time for Exchanges, or failure to sail with the vessel on the sailing for which your reservation is confirmed, will result in the forfeiture of the full value of your reservation.
Q: Can I get to my car after it has been loaded?
A: The car deck is not accessible during the crossing due to safety and security regulations.
Q: How can I make sure my car is one of the first cars unloaded?
A: A variety of factors determine the way the Badger's car deck is loaded on each crossing. Our crew strives to load and unload the car deck efficiently.
Q: How long before the crossing should I arrive at the dock?
A: We ask that you arrive at the dock one hour prior to departure for ticketing and boarding.
Q: Do you offer discounts for groups?
A: Discounts are offered to groups of 15 or more passengers. Group rates and information are available by clicking here or by contacting our Group Sales Department at 888-227-2628.
Q: Can my RV fit on the ship?
A: The S.S. Badger has ample space for large vehicles such as RVs, trailers, buses, semi-trucks, and oversized loads. Reservations for RV's, trailers, and oversized vehicles are highly recommended.
Onboard
Q: Can I bring my own food and beverage onboard?
A: Water bottles and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought on board. Outside food, snacks and coolers of any size are not permitted. Coolers must be left on the luggage cart or in a vehicle.
Q: What is a stateroom?
A: A limited number of private staterooms are available during the four-hour crossing. Rooms have a window, two twin beds, a sink, and a toilet. Please inquire when making your reservation, or at the Cruise Director's Office aboard the ship.
Q: Can unaccompanied children sail aboard the SS Badger?
Children under the age of 16 sailing aboard the SS Badger must be accompanied by an adult.
Miscellaneous
Q: Security
A: Lake Michigan Carferry reserves the right to inspect all vehicles, luggage and carry-on items with explosive detection dogs. Water bottles and non-alcoholic beverages may be brought on board. Outside food and coolers of any size are not permitted. Coolers must be left on the luggage cart or in a vehicle. Ticket offices, parking lots, staging areas, and the S.S. BADGER are monitored 24 hours a day by surveillance cameras or security personnel. (LMC is not responsible for damage to vehicles left in parking lot.)
Q: Do you provide motorcycle tie-downs? Do I have to tie down my own motorcycle?
A: Passengers are required to provide two tie-downs per motorcycle. Tie-downs should be adjustable, heavy-duty nylon with a metal S-hook on one end.
Q: Can we have a tour of the Pilothouse or Engine Room?
A: Security regulations prohibit passengers from visiting the Bridge, the Aft Pilothouse, or the Engine Room.
Q: Is there a parking lot on site?
A: Yes, there is free parking at our docks in Ludington, MI and Manitowoc, WI for paying passengers.