Take a look below and give us a call with any questions and to make your reservations!
Join us aboard Manitou for a unique adventure back in time. You will discover the beauty of northern Lake Michigan from the deck of this majestic sailing vessel while enjoying a level of relaxation rarely experienced in today’s frenzied world.
2025 WINDJAMMER SCHEDULE
To make Windjammer reservations, please call 231-941-2000
Cruise Dates Price*
5-Day Explorer September 9th* -14th, 2025 $1,435 per person
4-Day Explorer September 16th* – 20th, 2025 $1,145 per person
1-Night Weekday Getaway September 24th** – 25th, 2025 $675 per person
2-Night Weekend Getaway September 26th* – 28th, 2025 $775 per person
*Board between 6:00 and 8:00 pm on the first day.
**Board at 1:00 pm on the first day.
Prices based on double occupancy
WINDJAMMER CRUISES
5-Day Explorer
September 9-14: If you want to immerse yourself in the rhythm of a windjammer cruise truly, this is the trip for you! With a little more time, Manitou can really stretch her legs and experience more of the varied destinations that the northern Lake Michigan region has to offer. On the 5-day sail, you can truly settle into the windjammer lifestyle and come away with a deep and meaningful experience that you will always cherish. Most of our returning passengers (and there are many!) clamor for this because they appreciate all it has to offer.
4-Day Explorer
1-Night Weekday Getaway
2-Night Weekend Getaway
THE SCHOONER
Manitou is one of the largest sailing ships on the Great Lakes, constructed with modern materials but similar in design to vessels that sailed one hundred years ago. She was built specifically for passenger service, making her one of the most comfortable Windjammers afloat.
Our licensed captain has many years of experience, and with the professional crew, you can rest assured you’re in good hands. Manitou meets or exceeds all U.S. Coast Guard regulations for construction, stability, safety equipment, and electronics for vessels in passenger service. If the wind should fail, the sturdy diesel engine powers her swiftly to the next destination. Because of her size and design, she ensures a comfortable relaxing sail for all. Manitou is a two-masted, gaff-rigged, topsail schooner, 114 feet in length with over 3,000 square feet of sail, and displaces (weighs) over one hundred tons. Up to twenty-four passengers can enjoy the pleasure and thrill of sailing aboard Manitou.
DESTINATIONS
Located at the base of beautiful West Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City, MI is the vibrant homeport for Manitou. Traverse City’s unique shops and galleries, as well as its many high-quality restaurants, are sure to enhance your sailing adventure.
Remove yourself from the trappings of modern life while aboard Manitou: no TV, phone (cell phones are discouraged), or email, and definitely no itinerary. The wind and weather conditions help determine our course, and after a good day of sailing, we drop anchor at one of a variety of possible destinations. We may take in a little local color at a historic fishing village such as St. James on Beaver Island, or visit one of Michigan’s oldest general stores (est. 1839) while at Old Mission Harbor. The storekeeper will recount its fascinating history while serving up a genuine fountain soda or ice cream. Enjoy a little wine tasting in Omena Bay, or hunt for an ancient Petoskey Stone while beachcombing in Cathead Bay. A wealth of islands, bays, anchorages, and coastal villages are within our reach.
ABOARD SHIP
Life aboard the Manitou is fun and informal. The object here is to slow down and take things as they come. Discover the lost art of conversation with newfound friends, read a good book, marvel at the breathtaking array of stars, and get back in touch with yourself. Many folks have told us that this is the best stress reliever they have ever found. While underway, you are free to leave the sailing to our experienced crew or lend a hand and learn the arts of the sailor. After Manitou tucks into a snug anchorage for the evening, take out our sea kayaks or rowing dinghy for a little exploration. Beachcombing is special fun for those who would like to further enjoy the beauty of many of our destinations.
You’ll love the food on Manitou. Our healthy menus will satisfy the heartiest of seagoing appetites, with emphasis on Manitou specialties, fresh fruits, and produce of the region. Our galley staff will delight you with bountiful home-cooked meals turned out of the ship’s galley. All of the cooking is done on our wood-fired stove and is served either family style in the main cabin or as a wonderful buffet on deck. Beverages such as juice, tea, and coffee are provided during meals. Soft drinks may be brought on board and stored in your cabin or in ice chests provided on deck.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Manitou accommodates twenty-four passengers in twelve double cabins. Each is nicely appointed but simple and rustic with two sturdy built-in bunks and electric lighting. They are clean, cozy, comfortable, and supplied with fresh linens, towels, and warm blankets. All of the cabins and entries have plenty of headroom and windows which can be opened for ventilation. Passengers look after their own cabins and keep them “shipshape.” Skylights and seating areas around the ship’s various cabin sections add to the overall comfort for conversation or an intimate encounter with a good book. The ship’s marine heads (toilets) and hot showers are conveniently located on deck.
WHAT TO BRING
Pack comfortable, casual clothes in soft luggage instead of suitcases for easy stowing. Bring layers of clothing so you can be prepared for cool and cold nights as well as warm or hot sunny days. Rubber-soled shoes, bathing suits, sunglasses, rain gear, cameras, and musical instruments are items to be remembered. For those who might like to sleep on deck during nights with bright stars and the Northern Lights, a sleeping bag and cushioned pad should be packed as well. For the comfort of all on board:
- Bring headphones for everyone’s comfort
- Smoking is permitted on deck only
- Excessive drinking is prohibited
- Minimum passenger age is 12
Cancellation Policy
Passengers may cancel their trip up until 30 days before the boarding day and still receive a refund of their deposit, minus a $25 per person processing fee. Cancellations within 30 days of departure are non-refundable.
Windjammer trips may be canceled by Traverse Tall Ship Company if the minimum number of bookings is not met. We will evaluate this 30 days before boarding day, and if the minimum number of bookings is not met, the windjammer will be canceled, passengers will be notified, and refunds will be issued.