DETROIT – Cruise ships on the Great Lakes are part of an industry where business is booming and there’s no sign of it slowing down anytime soon.
There’s been an increase in cruise ships in the area over the past few years and as it turns out, the business of cruising the Great Lakes benefits communities across the state.
The 2024 season is expected to break all records. The projection is there will be an estimated 20,000 passengers and 600 port visits across Michigan’s six ports of call -- a 50% increase.
Ann Tanski, with Cruise the Great Lakes, said it is estimated to create more than $200 in economic impact to the area.
Cruise the Great Lakes is a multi-state coalition dedicated to boosting the cruising industry here -- and not just to U.S. citizens either. There is a strong effort in Europe to bring international passengers here.
Viking operates the largest passenger ships cruising our waterways. They top out at a little more than 400 passengers, but there are five other lines with smaller ships cruising as well.
“We bring together unique experiences that include large Urban ports of call in major metropolitan cities as well as quaint unique destinations,” Tanski said.