BASKING IN THE BEAUTY OF THE DETROIT RIVER

A local cruise company offers a variety of packages for people to enjoy one of our greatest natural resources.

By Matthew St. Amand

One of this region’s most important natural assets is its waterfront. Windsor Premier Cruises offers a wide variety of cruises, times, dates, themes, for people of all ages to enjoy the singular beauty of the Detroit River waterway. Tami and Paul Mancini purchased Windsor Premier Cruises in 2021, and this is their second full season. Paul is not only part-owner/operator, he is also captain of the Macassa Bay, having held a captain’s license for more than 25 years.

the same with either service. We also offer vegan options.”

Beer, wine, and catering are locally sourced, and so is the entertainment. The Macassa Bay features various area DJs.

“Friday nights are the dinner cruises, but if large groups want to book Saturday evening for a dinner cruise, we can accommodate them,” Tami says. “We have acoustic musicians on Fridays and DJs come in on Saturday nights. The dance floor is open both evenings.”

The summer schedule has cruises departing on Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m., open to all ages. Saturday cruises are from 8 to 11 p.m. and are reserved for people 19 years of age and older.

The hallmark of Windsor Premier Cruises is flexibility.

Windsor Premier Cruises also offers day trips to Amherstburg. These usually leave around 10:30 a.m. Once docked at the King’s Navy Yard Park, passengers disembark and have approximately two and a half hours in Amherstburg to shop, sightsee, or eat. While that happens, the Macassa Bay takes other passengers for a two-hour tour around Boblo Island.

“All two-hour cruises are lightly commentated,” Tami adds. “On the Boblo cruise, we point out historical facts and landmarks with information provided by Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island and the Town of Amherstburg.”

Passengers can expect to return to Windsor between 6:30 and 7 p.m.

With restrictions on gatherings lifted, they are pulling out all the stops.

“We do all kinds of cruises,” Tami says. “The 80s- and 90s-themed cruises are always fun—we’ll bring in an 80s hair band. Cinco de Mayo fell on a Friday this year, so we are doing a Cinco de Mayo-themed cruise. We have had quite a good response for this event!”

For those curious about the progress of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, bridge tours are offered on select Sundays.

Food is available on all cruises. The boat menu offers something for everyone, ranging from gourmet roasted hotdogs to the famous Macassa Picnic and charcuterie, which serves up to four people and comes with a bottle of wine.

“We now offer two service styles for our dinner cruises, deck or dining room,” Tami explains. “With deck service, passengers enjoy a more casual evening, and are nearer to the entertainment. Seating is available on the upper outside deck or on the stern deck. All three courses are served where they sit, in takeout containers. Passengers go to the bar for all of their beverages.”

Tami continues: “Dining room service is for guests who want a formal dining experience. All courses are plated. You have a server for all your beverages. It’s highly recommended for large groups. St. Clair College is our caterer for dinner cruises. Both meals are

“Private charter is the way to go if you want the whole boat to yourself,” Tami says. “Quite a few groups book with us each year. You have the option of bringing your own food, though no outside beverages or alcohol are allowed on any cruise. We see a lot of bachelorette parties, birthday parties. Groups also have the option for a semiprivate cruise by drawing a curtain at their section. That way, they don’t have to pay for a charter, but get to enjoy semi-privacy. We see a lot of people doing this with weddings and special events.”

Comments left on Windsor Premier Cruises’ website tell the story of how much passengers enjoy themselves, seeing Windsor-Detroit from the water—a perspective from which many Windsorites have probably never seen the city.

“We do see some amazing sunsets on the cruises!” Tami says.

To learn more about Windsor Premier Cruises, or to book a cruise, see images of past cruises, or check the upcoming themed cruises, visit windsorpremiercruises.com.