News Summary
A recent traveler on the Lake Express ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon faced severe seasickness, forcing them to abandon their ticketed plans. Despite paying for a premier cabin to enjoy amenities like spacious seating and table service, discomfort from the journey left them unable to take advantage of the offerings. The traveler opted for a rental car to return home after feeling unwell throughout their visit, underscoring the unpredictability of ferry travel across Lake Michigan.
Muskegon – A traveler’s recent trip on the Lake Express ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon took a turn for the worse due to unexpected seasickness, leading them to abandon their plans and drive home instead. The individual had purchased a premier cabin ticket for $279, but found themselves unable to enjoy the ferry’s amenities because of the discomfort caused by the waves.
The ferry significantly shortens the travel time across Lake Michigan, with a journey that lasts approximately 2.5 hours, compared to a typical 4.5 to 5-hour drive. However, despite the convenience, the traveler was unable to experience the advantages offered by their premier ticket, which included spacious seating and table service.
Round-trip tickets for adults on the ferry start at $199 for a classic cabin and $245 for a premier cabin, plus additional fees for bringing a vehicle onboard, which can increase the fare to around $236 in total. The traveler’s ticket cost included all taxes and fees, and they arrived at the Milwaukee ferry terminal early for their scheduled 6 a.m. trip, which was set to reach Muskegon by 9:30 a.m. local time. The time difference, with Michigan being in the eastern time zone, contributed to some confusion during the journey.
Initially, the forecast predicted wave heights of about one foot, which may have seemed manageable. However, the traveler was given a motion-sickness pill by the security team upon check-in, heightening their concerns. While amenities at the terminal included complimentary coffee and purchasable snacks, the experience on the ferry was ultimately overshadowed by seasickness.
Once onboard, passengers with vehicles were loaded first, and the waiting area featured a spacious classic cabin design, complete with clusters of eight seats around tables. The premier cabin offered even more space, allowing for four to six seats per table and generally fewer crowds, which in theory should have provided a comfortable setting. Passengers could order food and beverages at their seats from a menu, with items ranging from breakfast burritos at $10 to sandwiches and pizzas priced between $11 and $12. Local beers and other alcoholic options were also available.
Despite having a premium ticket, the traveler found themselves struggling with the strong motion of the ship, which contributed to severe seasickness. Although the ferry crew was attentive and quick to respond with ginger ale, anti-nausea wristbands, crackers, and sickness bags, the traveler spent much of the trip lying down rather than enjoying the onboard features. Bathrooms were noted for their cleanliness and spaciousness, but the traveler ultimately could not partake in what the ferry had to offer.
Upon reaching Muskegon, the traveler continued to experience nausea and dizziness, managing only to consume plain applesauce during their visit. They visited the USS Silversides Submarine Museum but were still feeling unwell. A conversation with a veteran Lyft driver later revealed that many soldiers also deal with seasickness, offering a sense of community solace to the traveler.
Opting not to face the ferry ride back, the traveler instead rented a car for their return home, which cost $123.27, as their ferry ticket was non-refundable. The drive back to Milwaukee took approximately 4.5 hours, covering about 300 miles. This experience led the traveler to decide that, in the future, they would admire Lake Michigan from the shore rather than from the deck of a boat.
According to studies, about one in three individuals experiences motion sickness, with genetic predisposition being a significant factor. The traveler’s advice to others includes checking forecasts for weather and wave conditions prior to booking nautical travel and having flexible options for return trips.
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Additional Resources
- AOL: Travel Experience on Lake Express Ferry
- Business Insider: Lake Express Ferry Experience
- Fox6Now: Lake Express Ferry Travel Season Announcement
- Green Bay Press Gazette: Wisconsin Ferry Lines
- MLive: Lake Michigan Ferry Season Opening
- Wikipedia: Seasickness
- Google Search: Lake Michigan Ferries
- Google Scholar: Motion Sickness
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ferries
- Google News: Lake Express Ferry
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
