Cleveland Welcomes Final Cruise Ship of Record-breaking 2026 Season

CLEVELAND, OH – The Port of Cleveland is set to welcome its final cruise ship of the 2026 season Sunday as the Victory I arrives at the docks and caps a record-setting year for Great Lakes cruising. The arrival will mark the port’s 54th vessel call of the season, surpassing the previous record of 53 calls set in 2025. It is the second consecutive year Cleveland has set a new record for cruise ship visits.

The cruise season, which ran from April through October, brought more than 9,500 passengers to Northeast Ohio, according to the Port of Cleveland. Visitors were able to explore a range of attractions across the region, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, West Side Market and Ohio’s Amish Country.

Great Lakes cruising also brings an economic benefit to Northeast Ohio. Each passenger is estimated to spend about $100 to $130 during a visit, generating an estimated $1.2 million in economic impact this season.

“The continued growth of Great Lakes cruising is an exciting opportunity for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio,” said David Gutheil, chief operating officer of the Port of Cleveland. “Setting a new record for vessel calls for the second consecutive year speaks to the appeal of our region and the importance of maintaining the infrastructure and services needed to welcome visitors to our waterfront,”

The Port of Cleveland began welcoming cruise ships to its docks in 2017. Since then, investments in port infrastructure — including a dedicated U.S. Customs facility — have strengthened its ability to accommodate passenger vessels and support the growth of Great Lakes cruising, port officials said.

WKYC-TV