Being a lifetime boater, I have cruised the Detroit riverfront for years. It’s always a beautiful scene to drift by the RenCen and Hart Plaza on a warm summer afternoon or evening. The thing is you don’t have to own a boat in order to experience it. The Detroit Princess gives guests the chance several times each week.

This 220 ft. boat was originally used for gambling in Louisiana but, under new owners, it was refurbished in Toledo and brought to Detroit in 2005. After some hageling with the City Council over permits and Coast Guard inspecitons, she began taking on paying customers in May of that year. I have been one of them on more that one occasion and even was a guest bartender one summer moonlight cruise. Although it is not open to the public, my date got the chance to do the “King of the World” thing at the rail just forward of the bridge and pilot house. The trips are two to three hours long and offer a lunch and two evening launches. It’s a great opportunity to see the city from a different perspective, not to mention the food is great and the drinks are delicious. One more thing. If you want a birds eye view of the fireworks this month for the Freedom Festival, the Princess’ offers a front row seat. Get on board now if you want to go cuz’ they always have a sell out crowd.