"After more than 10,000
trips across the lake and
more than one million
passengers, it was time,"
indicates Aaron Schultz,
marketing director of the
Lake Express. "Everything
from the interior paint to
the carpeting had to be
Coast Guard approved,
making the renovation a
challenging process."
Local firm tapped for
seating
The passenger seating
includes airline-style seats
with pull-down tray tables
as well as club-style tables
and seats. The original
seating was purchased
from an Australian
company that was unable
to meet the Lake Express
renovation schedule. "In
the end we were able to
buy local, acquiring new
custom seating built by
the Brewer Company
in Menomonee
Falls," points out Ken
Szallai, president of
the Lake Express.
Capable of carrying
250 passengers, 46
passenger vehicles
and 12 motorcycles, the
Lake Express reaches
speeds of up to 34 knots
or 40 miles an hour,
crossing Lake Michigan
in 2 ½ hours. A self-
actuating, computerized
ride control system
provides passengers with a
smoother ride.
Onboard café & movies
In addition to snack bars
in both the Milwaukee
and Muskegon
terminals, L'Expresso
Café provides onboard
dining for passengers.
Movie screenings also
fresh look
for 'Fast Ferry'
Maintaining its reputation as the most up-to-date ferry service
in the U.S., Milwaukee's Lake Express High Speed Ferry begins
its 12th season May 1 with fully renovated interior cabins.
focus on transport
To find out more about the Lake
Express experience, buy tickets and see
photos and videos of lake crossings,
visit www.Lake-Express.com.
12 keymilwaukee.com
