Port Milwaukee, a Great Lakes turnaround destination located on the western shore of Lake Michigan in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, serves as a regional transportation and distribution center for nine states and three western Canadian provinces, though it primarily serves southeastern Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota and northern Illinois. It is also surrounded by accessible transportation options. The port owns 13.5 miles of rail connecting to two Class I railroads, both of which provide direct pier delivery to all port facilities. Interstates 94 and 794 lead directly into Port Milwaukee, and there are also highway connections to many other major Midwestern cities.  

Port Milwaukee is the northernmost approved point on the Great Lakes with access to the Inland River System, providing direct access to Gulf Coast ports, including Houston and New Orleans, via the Mississippi River.  

Port Milwaukee closed out the cruise season on October 13 with Le Bellot, a Ponant cruise ship. Carter added that the season went beyond expectations when it kicked off May 1, 2024, with the arrival of the Viking Octantis. “Before the season began, port officials estimated that the 2024 passenger count would exceed 12,000,” she said. “With the final count exceeding 13,000 passengers, initial estimates on passenger counts and economic impact were exceeded, a welcomed result for the port, city of Milwaukee and regionally.” 

The year-to-date total regional revenue impact was nearly $3.1 million, up from more than $2.1 million in 2023 and almost $2.5 million in 2022. 

Future Outlook 

Currently, the port has 16 berths and two cruise docks: Pier Wisconsin and South Shore. The docks are convenient to many Milwaukee attractions, including the RiverWalk, the Milwaukee Public Market and area neighborhoods.  

Port Milwaukee is in the midst of constructing a brand-new dock, slated to open in 2026. The decision to add a deep draft cruise dock was sparked when, in 2019, Viking selected Milwaukee as its Great Lakes turnaround port. “The redevelopment of the South Shore Cruise Dock will serve as the future docking space for Seawaymax vessels. The new cruise dock will be constructed along the eastern face of the vacant land behind the Lake Express Ferry Terminal,” Carter said. 

The new dock will be approximately 360 feet long by 135 feet wide, with walkways extending on either side of the dock for a total length of 740 feet and will accommodate one Seawaymax vessel; a midsize cruise ship would also be able to dock simultaneously along the southern face.  

She added that the current dock that hosts all Seawaymax cruise ships is designed for commercial use and is subject to tripping hazards due to uneven concrete surfaces and railroad tracks, not to mention loud noises from machinery and foul odor emanating from the nearby sewage district. “If a passenger is dissatisfied with their experience in Milwaukee, they will reflect this in their post-cruise survey. Such surveys are what steer company itinerary planners while making destination decisions for future years,” Carter said. 

Funding for this project came from several sources: a $3.5 million grant from the state of Wisconsin, and a $5 million investment in Milwaukee’s 2025 proposed budget, recently announced by Mayor Cavalier Johnson. It is still awaiting local and state approvals for construction and other permits. 

Proponents say that this new dock will benefit the city of Milwaukee from an economic standpoint and will impact passengers directly.  

“Having a dedicated space for Seawaymax cruise ships, outside of the commercial cargo space, will support our efforts to grow the tourism side of our business, generating revenue for the city of Milwaukee and contributing to services for Milwaukee residents,” Carter said.  

She added that passengers will also benefit from the new cruise dock, as it will reduce traffic on Jones Island. “Passenger tours leaving from the new South Shore Cruise Dock will have direct access to I-794, cutting the travel time from vessel to downtown by nearly five minutes each way,” Carter said. 

Promoting the Industry 

Victory Cruise Lines will be returning to Port Milwaukee in 2025 after a seven-year hiatus; its specific vessel, Victory I, has a passenger capacity of approximately 200. Efforts are also in the works to attract even more cruise ships to Port Milwaukee and to promote the passenger cruise industry. “Port Milwaukee is the founder of the Milwaukee Cruise Collaborative, a local group promoting the city as a cruise destination,” Carter said. “The group, which includes a cross-section of the local hospitality industry, has planned, promoted and prepared for increased Great Lakes cruising passengers.”  

Other local stakeholders are also involved in promoting Great Lakes cruising activity. “The Port is also a participant in the Cruise the Great Lakes initiative of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers,” she said. “The Port previously signed a Cruise the Great Lakes pledge to promote environmental stewardship practices and efforts.”