MILWAUKEE — Port Milwaukee is celebrating a record-breaking cruise ship season, welcoming nearly 20,000 passengers to the city in 2026 as Milwaukee continues to grow as a destination for Great Lakes cruises.
According to Port Milwaukee, 19,820 passengers visited the city aboard eight different cruise ships, which made a combined 62 stops between April 23 and October 31. That’s a significant increase from 2025, when approximately 11,000 passengers arrived on 22 cruise ship visits.
“Milwaukee’s 2026 cruise season was another exciting opportunity to showcase our city to visitors from around the world,” Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. “Each ship docked along our shoreline brings visitors who support our local businesses and restaurants, and contributes to the vibrancy of our waterfront.”
The record-breaking season also included the arrival of American Cruise Lines, which began offering Great Lakes itineraries through Milwaukee this year. On three occasions, the city welcomed three cruise ships at the same time.
The growth comes as Milwaukee prepares to open its new South Shore Cruise Dock. Construction remains on schedule and within budget, with completion expected by the end of 2026. The dock will accommodate some of the largest cruise ships operating on the Great Lakes.
Port Milwaukee Director Benji Timm says the new facility will create additional opportunities to bring visitors to the city.
“With continued interest in Milwaukee as a cruise destination and the upcoming opening of our new South Shore Cruise Dock, Port Milwaukee is well positioned to create more opportunities for visitors to experience our city,” Timm said.
The 2027 cruise season is scheduled to begin May 8, when the Viking Octantis arrives at the new South Shore Cruise Dock.
Port Milwaukee says additional information about the economic impact of this year’s cruise season will be released at a later date.
