Badger sets sail Friday; June shoreline cruise scheduled

LUDINGTON — The boilers of the S.S. Badger were lit up earlier in the week and the ship had its Coast Guard inspection Wednesday, in preparation for Friday’s first sailing of the 2014 season. The Badger is expected to leave Ludington port at 8:30 a.m.

A Caribbean themed pirate party shoreline cruise is planned for Saturday, June 7 at 8 p.m. First, passengers who help fill the pirate ship with a donation of non-perishable food items for the local Salvation Army Food Pantry, will be included in a free drawing to win a 2014 SS Badger trip. Also, there will be a Caribbean costume contest judged by members of the Pyrates of the Inland Seas Parrot Head Club. The winner will win a trip aboard the Badger.

The Pyrates will also have their pirate ship at the dock for photo opportunities plus there will be two opportunities to win passes for free trips on the SS Badger this season.

Tickets are $39 per person and kids under 5 are free. Activities will include Caribbean music, activities for kids, a Caribbean fare buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, Buccaneer buck a beer special – $1 domestic draft beer, cash bar with drink specials and photo backdrops.

Tickets are now available and must be purchased in advance by stopping in at the Ludington Ticket Office or by calling 800.841.4243. This shoreline cruise will go on rain or shine. Price does not include security fee. No passes will be accepted for this event. Boarding is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.