Great Lakes Cruise Ships Return

Great Lakes cruise ships are scheduled for Lakeshore port visits for first time in 83 years

The first U.S. passenger cruise ship in 83 years -- the Yorktown -- will make its inaugural visit to Saugatuck on Father’s Day, June 17, says 'All Michigan'.

"This visit is significant because it will be the first U.S. Flag Ship in our harbor since Goodrich Steamship lines (discontinued service) here on Labor Day in 1929," said Felicia Fairchild, executive director of the Saugatuck-Douglas Convention & Visitors Bureau, announcing the port visit.

The Yorktown is scheduled to stop in Saugatuck seven times this summer with other visits set for June 29, July 1, 13, 15, August 17 and 19. Saugatuck is one of seven ports being visited by the boat on trips between Chicago and Detroit.

Holland City also is schedule for four cruise ship visits this summer by the Grande Mariner, owned by the Ann Arbor-based Great Lakes Cruise Co. The ship is scheduled to dock in Holland on June 8, 16, 25 and Aug. 26 as part of a seven-day cruise of the Great Lakes.

The Yorktown is owned by Travel Dynamics of New York and is scheduled to arrive at 7 a.m. and will dock at Wicks Park on Water Street in downtown Saugatuck.