Cruise the Great Lakes, a marketing program for the region’s cruise industry, has announced its projections for the 2024 cruising season. Following an exceptional year in 2023, the 2024 season is expected to maintain the strength of the Great Lakes cruising sector and bring passengers and their spending to both large and small regional destinations.
Passenger Visits
Cruise the Great Lakes forecasts that cruise ships will make almost 600 port visits in 2024, bringing over 20,000 passengers to experience the beauty and charm of Great Lakes cities. This is roughly double the number of passenger visits compared to a decade ago. Regional ports are expected to receive over 140,000 total estimated cruise passenger visits in 2024.
Economic Impact
Cruise the Great Lakes anticipates that the regional economy will receive more than $200 million in economic impact generated by cruising in 2024. This is due to the rise in passenger numbers, port visits, shoreside spending, and the growing domestic and international popularity of Great Lakes cruises. The 2024 season will bring a remarkable increase in economic impact of nearly 50% compared to 2022.
Ships
We are excited to announce the return of Ponant’s Le Champlain to the Great Lakes in 2024 as the region’s cruise industry continues to grow. Other cruise lines operating on the Great Lakes in 2024 include Pearl Seas Cruises, Viking Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd, and Plantours Cruises.
“As we look ahead to 2024, we remain committed to sustaining the vitality of our region’s cruising sector,” said Anna Tanski, Tourism Director of Cruise the Great Lakes. “In just a decade, the number of cruise passengers has more than doubled, and Great Lakes ports continue to thrive as hubs for visitors. We are focused on maintaining this momentum as we navigate the future.”
“The history of Great Lakes cruising extends back over 150 years, and the rich natural beauty of our region continues to captivate passengers in 2024,” said Anne Sayers, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and Chair of Cruise the Great Lakes. “This enduring fascination is a testament to the timeless allure of the Great Lakes, and the economic impact of cruise passengers supports the economic vitality of large and small destinations.”