Aug. 5, 2024, 10:00am, Spray Falls Cruise We purchased tickets ahead of time and were first in line (arrive early for your choice of "best seats" on the cruise). Weather was splendid, the lake was calm, and the crew was outstanding. Felt totally safe throughout the entire cruise. Thoroughly enjoyed the live narration by the captain--no canned tape narration, this was the real deal by a captain who was born and raised in Munising...so much history shared and we thoroughly enjoyed all of it. The captain pulls in close enough to the "picture worthy" points of interest (hey, everything about this cruise was picture worthy). Things you might consider when booking your cruise: Order tickets ahead of time and "go big or go home"--do the Spray Falls Cruise. Arrive early. Seating is "first come/first served." We were in line at 9:00 am for the 10:00 am cruise and the line formed quickly. Once boarding begins, it's quick and easy. Have your bar-coded tickets printed or "open" and readily available on your phone (don't be fumbling through your email to find them). We printed ours ahead of time, but also had them backed up on our phone. Bring along a jacket or sweatshirt--temps out on the water can drop 10-15 degrees with a stiff breeze. If you have a queasy tummy, take Dramamine for your comfort...or some other brand of motion sickness preventative. Remember, you're out on the water for a couple of hours (this is not like the ferry ride to Mackinac Island). I opted for the "Less Drowsy" Dramamine and it was perfect. If you sit on the top deck, it is WINDY. Baseball caps and the like are not recommended--you might find them disappearing into Lake Superior...LOL. A hooded sweatshirt or hooded jacket might be a better option. If it's cool weather, then perhaps a stocking cap sort of thing might prove helpful. Again, if you sit on the upper open decks, it's windy. Sunglasses are a good option to consider--even it's cloudy. We lucked out--blue skies and sunshine for the entire cruise. TAKE A CAMERA...even if it's just your cellphone camera. I have all sorts of professional cameras and gear, but on this trip, it was just my iPhone camera and I caught some fun pics. Be sure to check out their gift shop--t-shirts, mugs, photos, etc. So many great souvenir options. Enjoy your time on Lake Superior--she's a gem! One last suggestion, if you feel so inclined, tip the crew...they work hard to make your...
Read moreAmazing experience and must do highly recommended beautiful. Few pointers: 1- try to schedule on a sunny day as the waters are beautiful color clear turquoise we did the get splashed evening 7:30 pm tour and sunset it was cloudy still very worth it. 2- they will warn you as you are waiting to board about the seating arrangements I just wish they will tell you on your ticket that first come first serve seating and getting at least 1 hour earlier paid off for us we were able to seat pay attention to this right side of The boat on the very top where if you get cold you can always find seat below in the cabin where is warm. If you seat on left or don’t get there early you will be probably seating below where you won’t be able to see the rocks as well as we did I enclosed some pics hope all this helps you. 3- it gets cold the boat goes kind of fast and recommend rain jacket and pants even in the summer gets windy 4- hold on to your phones 5- get a snack and water for the children can be a long 2.5 hours 6- they tell you that on the way back you will be able to get pics if you are seating on the left side but, the boat it’s going fast and it’s not the same as the boat stops and turns around for everyone to see certain features not all 7- our capitan took us into a formation of a rock that surrounded us that was amazing 8- took one star because they do not give you any heads up about the seats but we all must assume to get there 1 hour earlier so you can choose best seats 9- we arrived 1 hour later to stand in line and the smell of the diesel is terrible as you stand there disclosure 10- also there was about 20 people alredy there when we got to stand online 11- there is about 10 rows of 6 seats available on 2 different boats there was about 160 total they divided us into 2 separate cruises so if you arrive early much opportunity to get a good seat upstairs 12- we went on a week day it was pretty booked something to consider for a weekend visit 13- stayed at a little motel walking distance and if you don’t have dinner prior at least the late cruise when you get back just a few restaurants are open latest 11 pm there is a burger food truck close by open late 14- there is a little gift shop with all kinds of goodies recommend to go before maybe less busy than after the tour when 160 + people enter and it’s impossible to use the restroom or buy anything 15 overall...
Read moreI recently embarked on a journey with Picture Rock Cruise LLC, and my experience falls somewhere between satisfactory and impressive, earning them a 3.5 out of 5 rating.
The highlight of my cruise with Picture Rock was undoubtedly the stunning scenery of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, Michigan. The rugged cliffs, colorful rock formations, and pristine waters of Lake Superior make for a breathtaking natural spectacle. The tour guides did an excellent job of narrating the history and geology of the area, enhancing the overall experience. The opportunity to see iconic landmarks like Chapel Rock and Miners Castle up close was a real treat for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The boat itself was comfortable and well-maintained. The seating arrangements were adequate, allowing passengers to move around and find good vantage points for sightseeing and photography. The vessel's safety measures were reassuring, and the crew members were knowledgeable and attentive.
However, my experience was not without its drawbacks. The duration of the cruise felt somewhat short, leaving me yearning for more time to explore the wonders of Pictured Rocks. Additionally, the availability of refreshments on board was limited, and the options were basic at best. It would have been nice to have a wider selection of snacks and beverages.
Another minor downside was the limited interaction with wildlife during the tour. While the focus is understandably on the natural rock formations, encountering some of the local fauna, such as seagulls or other wildlife that inhabit the area, would have added an extra layer of excitement to the journey.
In conclusion, Picture Rock Cruise LLC offers a visually stunning and informative experience exploring the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. While there is room for improvement in terms of the cruise duration and onboard refreshments, it remains a solid choice for those seeking an up-close encounter with the beauty of Lake Superior's shoreline. If you have a passion for natural wonders and geological marvels, this cruise is certainly worth considering for your...
Read more