Author: Rob Alway

MV Manitowoc is frequent Manistee visitor

Photos by Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief June 25, 2025 By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief MANISTEE, Mich. — To date this season, I have photographed the MV Manitowoc more than any other freighter. The obvious reason for this is that the Manitowoc seems…

Welcome to Great Lakes Boat Blog. 

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief The intention of this site is to honor the deep maritime traditions of the Great Lakes by telling stories of vessels, crews, and entities, both past and present. I own and operate online news services Mason…

Cruising Muskegon’s legendary Aquastar

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Friday, June 20, 2025 MUSKEGON, Mich. — My focus the last few days has been centered around the Aquastar, a vessel that’s quite a bit smaller than many of my previous featured boats. Its size, though,…

Victory II makes 2025 Muskegon debut

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief June 12, 2025 MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Victory II visited Muskegon on Thursday, June 12, arriving about 6 a.m., docking at Heritage Landing, and then departing about 8 p.m. It’s the second cruise ship to visit…

291 years of combined maritime service

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Thursday, May 22, 2025 FERRYSBURG — Today was a two-for-one special in Ferrysburg/Grand Haven for west Michigan ship watchers. Two tug/barges, the Olive L. Moore/Menominee and Caroline McKee/Commander were unloading construction aggregates at the Verplank Dock…

Tulips and the Great Republic

Saturday, May 3, 2025 By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Today, I am taking you to Holland where I tracked down the MV Great Republic. Late Friday evening I checked the Marine Traffic app and noticed that the Great Republic was making…