According to Cruise the Great Lakes, the region’s cruise marketing program, Great Lakes cruising is expected to generate $300 million in economic impact in 2026.
Officials said the number represents growth of 25% over 2025, and that growth is expected to continue.
Great Lakes cruises are projected to welcome over 23,000 individual passengers, which is a 5% increase from 2025. More than 800 port visits are also expected, a 15% increase from this year.
Seven cruise lines are scheduled to operate 10 ships on the Great Lakes in 2026. Two cruise lines made Muskegon port of call with a total of fifteen stops in 2024.
Tourism Director of Cruise the Great Lakes, Sally David Berry said, “We forecast this upcoming season to be even stronger than 2025, both in terms of passenger numbers, destinations visited, and economic impact, which underscores the appeal of cruising in the Great Lakes.”
For a weekly dose of news right to your inbox, sign up for the WGVU newsletter.
