In time for the summer travel season, Star Line Mackinac Island Hydro-Jet Ferry, a 39-year-old ferry boat company that services Mackinac Island from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, has upgraded several of the Arnold Line passenger service assets it acquired in November.
The vessels includee five classic ferries, one freight boat, one boatyard and its parking spots and ticket booths, and four docks, including the main dock on Mackinac Island.
Star Line has also added the Good Fortune, a family-friendly pirate ship which will run excursions form Mackinaw City five times daily during peak season. The company will operate the Mackinac Pirate Adventure Tour, which will feature water cannons for children, and a bar for nightly cruises for adults.
The company is also offering a new discounted ticket option, the mackPASS, which includes a round-trip ferry ticket, 90-minute narrated carriage tour, and entrance to Fort Mackinac. Star Line is also opening the Ship Store, a boutique outlet on the main dock at Mackinac Island that features Star Line merchandise, apparel, gifts, and collectibles.
“Star Line is looking forward to an exciting season of new ferries, increasing and improving options for our passengers along with the addition of the family-friendly pirate ship Good Fortune,” says Jerry Fetty, CEO of Star Line. “The new mackPASS is another way for us to help our customers create the best Mackinac Island memories.”
As part of the expansion, Star Line will use the restored main dock on Mackinac Island, and will double the available parking at its St. Ignace and Mackinaw City locations. The restored Mackinac Island main dock was painted blue to look more like the original, and features an old-fashioned bike museum, larger heated waiting area, signage, and the Ship Store.
More information about Star Line can be found here, and information about the pirate cruises can be found here.
