Chicago – Cruise the Great Lakes, the region’s cruise marketing program, announced its forecast for the 2024 cruising season. Following a record-breaking 2023, the 2024 season will continue to uphold the resilience of the region’s cruising sector and deliver passengers and their onshore spending to large and small regional destinations.
Cruise the Great Lakes projects vessels will make nearly 600 port visits in 2024, bringing over 20,000 individual passengers to experience the beauty and charm of Great Lakes cities – roughly double that of a decade ago. Regional ports are anticipated to see total estimated cruise passenger visits of over 140,000 in 2024.
Cruise the Great Lakes anticipates the regional economic impact generated by cruising will surpass US$200 million in 2024, driven by the upward trend in passenger numbers, port visits, shoreside spending, and the growing domestic and international appeal of Great Lakes cruises. The 2024 season represents a remarkable increase in the economic impact of nearly 50% compared to 2022.
Cruise lines operating on the Great Lakes in 2024 include Pearl Seas Cruises, Viking Cruises, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd, and Plantours Cruises.
(Photo of Pearl Mist at Port of Milwaukee)
