This week we embarked on a fun two day getaway to the Grand Hotel on Michigan’s wonderful Mackinac Island. Because it is an island, everyone must take a ferry boat ride to arrive. Cars are not allowed on the island.
We rode the Star Line Hydro-Jet ferry and wanted to share with you just how nice of a journey it was.
We boarded the Star Line boat in Mackinac City, one of two destinations that have service to the island. The other city you can leave from is St. Ignace, Michigan. If you opt to leave from St. Ignace you will first have to cross the Mackinac Bridge.
Getting to the ferry terminal was super easy, right off I-75. Parking was convenient and the boat left right on time. Of the several ferry boat options available, Star Line is the fastest. Their Hydro-Jet boats produce a unique water jet “rooster tail” as they travel.
The boats are clean, and easy to move around in. Because it was chilly, we sat inside for the ride, but in nicer weather you can sit outside on the upper deck. There is a heated waiting room where you can relax while you wait for your ferry to open for passenger arrival.
When we arrived at the island it was very easy to start our adventure because the dock is located right downtown in the busy center of the town, and for us a short walk to the Grand Hotel. 
One nice feature is that if you are staying overnight at the Grand Hotel, you can check your bags in at the departure ferry terminal and the bags will be delivered to the hotel for you. That was very convenient, and it is a complimentary service.
The day we returned from the island the weather was horrible. It was raining and very windy; we were thankful that we were on Star Line ferry because the bumpy water crossing was fast. Having lived in Scotland for years on an island, we had experience rocky water crossing before so we were not scared. We felt very safe in the ferry, but it was kind of like riding a roller coaster and we were happy to reach land!
You can find out the Star Line ferry schedule and even buy tickets at the Star Line ferry website. You can also find Star Line on Facebook. They often post beautiful scenic shots of the area which we are sure you will enjoy.
Disclosure: In exchange for our honest review, we were furnished with complimentary tickets.
