Edelweiss Party Cruise

I wasn’t sure where to begin this entry, so it took much longer than anticipated; probably because I was really excited about my first cruise on the Edelweiss and was a bit disappointed. The thing is it’s not because it was a bad experience it just wasn’t what I expected.

I’ve come to terms with the fact that I was a fool for thinking an all-you-can-drink Miller Lite Party Cruise wouldn’t be like the booze cruises I’ve taken before.

I made reservations a few days in advance as suggested. Justin, Eric and Amy met my sister and I at our apartment, we all crammed into my Focus, and then headed for our Miller Lite Party Cruise.

The five of us were huddled together as we waited to board the boat. It was a chilly August evening, but pleasant since I was wearing jeans and a light jacket. Seconds later, the anticipated crowd shuffled onto the dock to join us. Many people in the groups looked underage, yet the woman at the ticket window didn’t check IDs, so anyone could get onboard.

We boarded from the starboard side of our boat around 10:30 p.m. and were “at sea” until 12 a.m. As we climbed aboard the Edelweiss Cruise Ship at the Third Street Pier, the moon created a picturesque backdrop for the nearby office buildings that captured its orange reflection in their shiny windows. At the same time, flocks of people pushed their way into the boat’s cabin and lunged for a seat on a window bench. A few minutes later, the boat began to navigate under bridges and through the heart of downtown Milwaukee. I was excited to see the outstanding views.

Inside, the European style canal boat was a bit outdated and not what I expected. Wood paneling and faded pictures on the wall reminded me of a nursing home waiting room.

The atmosphere was enthusiastic, especially as everyone pressed up against the large windows to take in the city lights rolling slowly past, although, the hip-hop music playing loudly wasn’t of my taste, particularly while I admired the Riverwalk lights and Akon’s “Smack That” played as background music.

Normally, I tolerate any type of music; however, I wasn’t expecting a DJ on board, especially one blasting the latest hip-hop and rap tracks all night. Let me be honest, my idea was that this cruise would be a unique place to drink with good friends, sightsee, and chit chat, not club. Instead, we had to shout at each other to make conversation and continuously dodge hip thrusting guests dancing in the boat’s cabin. I guess it’s called a “Party Cruise” for a reason, which is why I decided to make the most of it. It really wasn’t that bad since we were in good company and spirits.

The DJ was setup in a corner on a 6-foot folding table covered with a white tablecloth like the pair of high-top tables that were near the bar. I was a bit surprised that there were only two tables to accommodate the 60-some guests.

The bar consisted of one keg of Miller Lite and one eight-foot countertop covered with dozens of plastic cups brimming with beer and waiting for guests. It reminded me of a college house party, except with slightly better service.

There were two bartenders onboard. One bartender pumped the keg and the other filled cups and passed them to grasping hands. The bar was constantly surrounded by those wanting quick thirds, fourths, fifths or tenths. Everything else besides the Miller Lite was available for an additional price.

Across from the bar was the all-you-can-eat nacho bar. I was expecting a buffet with a large assortment of fixings. What was available was goopy cheese dip probably from microwavable jars bought at Pick n’ Save, sour cream and salsa, and of course tortilla chips that people picked up with their hands instead of using the tongs next to the bowl. As a result, I was completely turned off by the unsanitary nacho bar. At that point I was under the impression that this event was thrown together at the last minute.

The five of us claimed one of the two tall tables and stood around it with our beer. We had an exceptional view of the passing city that Eric, Justin and I saw more of when we decided to go out onto the deck at the back of the boat. Meanwhile, Amy and Terry continued to goof around and dance in the cabin.

The stern was crowded with passengers and plastic patio chairs. The choppy water made it difficult to stand at times and even more difficult to keep our beers from spilling over. The air was brisk as the wind tossed my hair around and made my ears numb from the cold. I can’t imagine going on this cruise in December even though the Edelweiss and the Edelweiss II offer public and private charters and cruises seven days a week from April until the start of winter. I certainly was glad I wore a jacket.

While we were on the back deck, the boat was no longer on the Milwaukee River but rather in Lake Michigan’s harbor. From here the city looked incredible. The boat took us past Milwaukee icons such as the Milwaukee Art Museum, Pier Wisconsin, Summerfest grounds, and Port of Milwaukee lighthouses.

Towards the end of the night the clusters of people became more high-spirited and playful, but never allowing integration. Talking got a lot louder as did the singing, and the dancing became more obscene. Nonetheless, it seemed like everyone was having a good time.

When the boat docked and we got off, I immediately began to reflect on the experience. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to go on an Edelweiss cruise. Despite my initial disappointment, I was pretty pleased.

In fact, on a scale of 1 to 5 (one being the best) I’d give the Edelweiss Party Cruise a three. It wasn’t what I wanted it to be, but for what it was – a good old-fashioned booze cruise – it was a decent time. What it boils down to is that nothing compares to being on a boat that travels right through downtown Milwaukee and into the harbor of Lake Michigan. I really enjoyed that aspect of the boat cruise.

Since all I really wanted was a cruise-on-the-river experience, I’d also like to take a sightseeing tour on the Iroquois since that might be more of what I was looking for. I’ve also decided that if I go on the Edelweiss again, I’ll opt for the dinner cruise, which should be classier and romantic (but out of my price range right now) or the Happy Hour Cruise – I can only imagine how awesome the city looks from Lake Michigan at sunset.

We finished the night searching for Amy’s wallet, which was stolen on the cruise. Note: don’t leave your purse unattended, ladies. Be warned. That definitely changed the mood of the night pretty quickly as I had to take Amy and my sister back home. Reluctantly, I eventually met Justin and Eric at the Old German Beer Hall on Old World Third Street for a liter of Hofbräu Dunkel. With alcohol content at 5.5% volume, it was time to call it a night.

___________________________________

Friday Night - Miller Lite Party Cruise
All you can drink Miller Lite with a nacho bar. 
10:30 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. 
$17 with Advanced Reservation
$22 Walk-up

Comments

[Andre]

I know I'm starting to act like an old person, but that cruise looks slightly less fun than a bullet to the head. I hope they have other cruises that aren't quite so "Water St".

Now Old German Beer Hall? That place is pretty cool. I brought a bunch of my extended family and friends there on my birthday earlier this year. A bunch of 30-50 year-olds dressed for and expecting to end up at a downtown club, sitting on benches and singing old drinking songs. Everyone liked it, and that says a lot for the place.

[KarenC]

Besides the Sunday brunch and dining cruise there’s the Margarita Fiesta Cruise and Seductive Soul Saturdays, which I bet are equally as “Water Street.” Also, there’s a "Sexy in the City" Cruise if that appeals to you...

It was good to leave the boat’s bumping and grinding for the OGBH. Drinking delicious beer comfortably and listening to polka is closer to my idea of a good time.

[duke]

I'm a little offended that you'd say you didn't have fun on the Party Cruise because it was like Water Street. I happen to enjoy going out and partying at Brothers and McGillycuddy's.

[JK]

Stealing someone's wallet is pretty ghetto to me.

[KarenC]

Hey Duke,
No one is trying to offend you. Like I said, the cruise wasn’t what I wanted it to be, but for what it was – a good old-fashioned booze cruise – it was a decent time. Despite my lack of interest in the clubbing scene, there were aspects of the cruise I really enjoyed (the sights).

You aren’t going to like everything I’m interested in and vice versa. In addition, I’m not always going to have the best time at places I visit, but I’m going to be honest about it. Would I recommend this cruise? Of course. It’s a really unique experience. People who aren’t into the music might opt out of it, but those who really enjoy that scene would have a blast! You should check it out.

[Amanda]

FYI the city definitely looks outstanding from Lake Michigan at sunset.

I was on the margarita/taco bar cruise. It was okay. In comparison to your experience, it was less clubby. Most of the people onboard were still in their suits from work.

[Eric]

Yeah the german beer hall rocks!!! I've had a blast everytime I went...plus they have currywurst!!! bratwurst and curry...what could be better?

The boat tour was fun, but yeah they really need to change the music. I hate hip-hop and rap anyway...but I'll usually tolerate it 'cause a lot of people do like it...but the stuff that the DJ was playing was really really offensive. Lots of "N-bombs" and really pornographic lyrics all night.

[Dave]

Erin and I took a dinner cruise on the Edelweiss about two years and it was totally cheese-a-riffic. This looked even worse.

[KarenC]

Hey Dave- Glad to see you’re still reading PITC. I’m going to think twice before taking the dining cruise… Thanks for the info! I just saved myself $130.

[Erin Nevicosi]

Yikes! I'm with Andre - that doesn't sound like fun at all!

Here's the link to our experience on the dinner cruise from September of 2005. Definitely save your money!!!

http://playinthecity.blogs.com/milwaukee_outdoors_erins_/2005/09/dinner_cruisin.html

[KarenC]

You're totally right. Thanks Erin! :)

[char]

This sounds unappealing and I wouldn't think about going. I wasn't interested in it even before your blog. I do like water street and some of the bars there. I really had fun at the German beer garden and would go back there again.

[Christi]

Thank god for this post Karen. Some of my friends and I were thinking about doing this cruise on Sunday but nothing about it looks appealing to me in any way. I think I'll try to talk them out of it =)

[Karen]

Christi- I'm glad I could help! I remember about half way into the cruise I wanted to jump ship. You should spend your money on martinis somewhere instead.

[Rose]

I went on the margarita/taco cruise about a month ago for the first time. I got food poisoning...

[dan]

I would reccommend the Sexy in the City Martini Cruise for a more classy experience. We appreciate your business and welcome the opportunity to serve you once again.
Daniel M. Jorgenson
Owner, The Edelweiss

[jennifer]

For $17 you cruised for an hour and half, drank free beer and had snacks??
Seems like a steal to me!

[Karen]

Jennifer, the beer technically wasn’t "free" considering we coughed up $17 for the package (the cruise, snacks and beer). But! I do agree that it was a pretty good deal simply because it was all-you-can-drink and the sights were phenomenal. I don't think I said anything negative about the price...or did I?… It seems so long ago!

All in all, it just wasn't my scene, but I’m sure many people would return for another cruise. Thanks for the response!

[Joe]

You try to act like a "mature" adult, almost like you are to good for a night of drinking. After your terrible time with friends you all file back into your car drive home, then back to 3rd st for more drinking. You don't seem like the type of person we need to be listing to.

[Karen]

1. I had a BLAST with my friends
2. I think there's a time and a place for drinking
3. I never said anything negative about drinking or those people who were or who do or whatever your beef is about
4. The only negative thing I said was that I wasn't expecting the club-like scene

(Please refer to my previous responses if you need more clarification.)

Again, the cruise wasn’t what I wanted it to be or expected it to be, but for what it was – a good old-fashioned booze cruise – it was a good time. I simply am not into the club scene. Sorry. But there were aspects that I certainly DID like.

Anyway, I think I'm entitled to my own opinion. As are you, Joe. But, next time I think you should probably know what you're talking about before you post such a rude and judgmental comment.

Thanks for stopping by.