For the first time since service began in June I rode the Lake Express ferry to Milwaukee and back. Here are one passengers impressions.

The reservation process was straight forward. I used the Lake Express website initially. In the end I visited the Muskegon terminal to book my trip.

Even post labor day there were some crossings that were fully booked. Also it’s easier to get a person on board than a car.

Milwaukee Breakwater Light as seen from the Lake Express Sun Deck

I am able to walk to the ferry terminal. Be advised if you plan to leave your car at the Lake Express lot in Muskegon there is a $4.00 per nite charge.

There is airport type security prior to boarding. For my trip it was quite a bit more relaxed than when flying.

Earlier this year the Lake Express had some issues with timeliness. For my trip the boat was on time-even to the extent of being early.

On board the passenger cabin is very airplane like. Both sides have seats that recline with the center being taken up by chairs that have tables. The seats recline but are minimally padded.

On board service is minimal. Lake Express is in the style of modern day commodity travel, if you want something get your wallet out. Service by on board crew consists of some brief safety announcements, collection of trash, and handing out head sets for the movies. There was a movie shown on board, with a $3.00 charge rental fee for headsets.

The aisles between the seats are wide. As the ship rolls passengers careen and pin ball up and down these aisles. The installation of some type of grab rail would result in an easier time for passengers.

Smoothness of ride has been an ongoing issue. My west bound trip saw calm conditions and a ride with minimal rolling. The east bound return voyage saw rougher conditions rolling waves that were just starting to white cap.

The rolling was much more noticeable. Having said that I would estimate the roll at approximately 10 degrees maximum. There is not fore and aft pitching.

The motion is perhaps a bit unnatural. You expect more of a roll than you get, perhaps due to the stabilization system on board.

To me the ride was smooth enough. However, it looks like Lake Express will have to do all they can to solve this as they are getting a reputation for providing rough rides.

In close quarters the ship appears to handle well. It easily makes right angle maneuvers at the Muskegon dock and slides in quickly off Lake Michigan to imitate a parallel parking maneuver at the Milwaukee dock.

The sun deck on top of the ship provides a nice vantage point when in the harbor. It is a rather bland area and needs to have more non skid applied.

Terminals on both sides are functional. They are not ideally located, but serve their purpose well enough. Signage for those needing to find the terminals is better in Muskegon than in Milwaukee.

Overall it was an adequate experience in modern style travel. Lake Express lacks the romance, service and amenities of the SS Badger. It does provide speed and has improved it’s reliability throughout the season giving hope that the overall experience will get better going forward. Lake Express plans to run up to 1 January so there is still plenty of chances to ride it.

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