Embarking on a family adventure across Lake Michigan, our writer shares an insightful account of their ferry experience, offering valuable lessons and considerations for future travelers seeking a stress-free journey.

Discover the Effortless Way to Traverse the Great Lake

Booking the Passage: Maximizing Savings and Convenience

Savvy planning and strategic booking can make all the difference when it comes to a seamless ferry crossing. Our writer took advantage of various discounts, including a college-student rate and a "kids ride free" promotion, ultimately saving nearly $200 on their roundtrip journey. By purchasing tickets in advance, they were able to secure their spot and avoid last-minute hassles. However, the additional port, security, and fuel fees, as well as the cost of bringing their car, added up quickly, resulting in a total expenditure of $748 for the roundtrip experience.

Boarding the Ferry: A Smooth Transition from Land to Sea

Arriving at the terminal with ample time to spare, our writer and their family joined the queue of vehicles awaiting boarding. The process of driving onto the ferry was straightforward, though maneuvering into the tightly packed parking spaces required the guidance of the attentive Lake Express employees. Despite the close quarters, the writer found the experience to be relatively stress-free, thanks to the crew's expertise in directing the flow of traffic.

Onboard Comforts: Embracing the Relaxation of the Voyage

Once aboard the Lake Express, the writer and their family were pleasantly surprised by the level of comfort and amenities available. The cushioned seating in the cabin provided a welcome respite from the rigors of the road, allowing them to indulge in their favorite activities, such as coloring, card games, and crocheting. The onboard café offered a variety of refreshments, including sandwiches, salads, and even local craft beers, ensuring that their culinary needs were well-met during the journey.

Scenic Delights: Savoring the Breathtaking Views

As the ferry glided across the waters of Lake Michigan, the writer and their family were treated to a visual feast. Despite moderate winds, the rooftop deck offered stunning vistas of the sky, shoreline, and the surrounding natural wonders. Sailboats, lighthouses, and an array of waterfowl captivated the attention of the young travelers, creating lasting memories of the voyage.

Disembarking Challenges: Navigating the Tight Quarters

While the overall ferry experience was positive, the writer encountered some challenges during the disembarking process. The tightly packed cars made it tricky to maneuver their vehicle out of the designated space, and the narrow walkways between the cars required a bit of agility to navigate. However, the writer acknowledged that these minor inconveniences were still preferable to the stress of driving through the congested streets of Chicago.

Lessons Learned: Optimizing Future Ferry Crossings

Reflecting on their experience, the writer has identified a potential solution to minimize the financial impact of the ferry crossing. Next time, they plan to either borrow a car at their destination or rent one at the terminal, as the vehicle fees were the most significant expense in their overall booking. By leaving their own car at home, they could potentially save hundreds of dollars and enjoy a more cost-effective journey across Lake Michigan.