The Pictured Rocks Cruises has already begun their new season. The popular tourist destination in Munising opened for the year on Saturday, and according to operations manager Keegan Nebel, things are off to a great start. “We had about 500 people show up on opening day, which is very good,” he said. “We are excited to get back to it and hopefully have a busy summer.”

The longtime attraction features a narrated voyage near the shoreline of Lake Superior, giving boat-goers a picturesque view of the Pictured Rocks. “We are operating on a new parks service contract and we have been busy to get all of the pre-season stuff taken care of, but everyone has been doing a good job,” Nebel said. “I would say for the most part, it is business as usual. The tour is pretty similar, just minute differences that you see every year with minor cave ins or in different colors.”

While the season started last weekend, they obviously expect to have busier times this summer. “Memorial Day weekend we definitely have a big uptick, it is very busy for that weekend but it does taper down until about three weeks into June,” Nebel said.

Nebel added that reservations are encouraged to secure spots on cruises, especially during their busier times.

“I would say typically we recommend reservations about two weeks in advance, but we do hold some tickets for day of purchase,” Nebel said. “The best way to purchase tickets regardless of time frame is online, that is where our schedule is up to date. People can come in or call as well.”

Cruises are expected to run through the summer and end in October. For more schedules, ticket purchase and other information visit their website at www.picturedrocks.com.