2024 Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cruise Season Off To A Promising Start

The 2024 cruising season in the Great Lakes has commenced with an impressive lineup for April and May, following a record-setting year in 2023. This year is set to continue showcasing the resilience of the region's cruising sector, bringing significant economic benefits to both large and small regional destinations through passenger visits and onshore spending. The Great Lakes region is prepared to host nearly 600 port visits, welcoming over 20,000 passengers to explore the beauty and charm of its cities—a figure that has impressively doubled over the past decade.

The anticipated economic impact of cruising in the Great Lakes for 2024 is expected to exceed US $200 million. This projection is based on the increasing trend in passenger numbers, port visits, shoreside spending, and the growing appeal of Great Lakes cruises both domestically and internationally. The upcoming season is poised to witness a nearly 50% increase in economic impact compared to 2022, highlighting the significant growth and potential of the region's cruise industry.

The 2024 season will see the return of Ponant’s Le Champlain among other notable cruise lines such as Pearl Seas Cruises, Viking Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd, and Plantours Cruises. This diverse array of operators underscores the expanding interest and development within the Great Lakes cruising sector.

Anna Tanski, Tourism Director of Cruise the Great Lakes, expressed enthusiasm for the new season, emphasizing the commitment to sustaining the vitality of the region's cruising sector. "In just a decade, the number of cruise passengers has more than doubled, and Great Lakes ports continue to thrive as hubs for visitors," Tanski noted. This sentiment was echoed by Anne Sayers, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and Chair of Cruise the Great Lakes, who highlighted the enduring appeal of the Great Lakes' natural beauty and its significant contribution to the economic vitality of both large and small destinations across the region.

A Testament to Timeless Allure

The history of cruising in the Great Lakes spans over 150 years, with its rich natural beauty continuing to draw passengers from around the globe. The 2024 season not only promises an enriched experience for visitors but also stands as a testament to the timeless allure of the Great Lakes. With an expected influx of over 140,000 cruise passenger visits in 2024, regional ports are set to benefit greatly from this thriving sector.

The robust schedule for April and May marks a promising start to what is anticipated to be another successful year for cruising in the Great Lakes. As cruise lines and regional stakeholders collaborate to enhance visitor experiences, the economic and cultural impact on Great Lakes cities is poised for substantial growth. The commitment to maintaining momentum in this sector reflects a broader strategy aimed at leveraging tourism as a key driver for regional development.