In 2026, Great Lakes cruises are projected to welcome more than 23,000 individual passengers, a 5% increase from 2025. More than 800 port visits are planned, which is nearly 15% higher than 2025. The total number of cruise passenger visits across the region is estimated at nearly 175,000, up nearly 15% from this year.  

Seven cruise lines are scheduled to operate on the Great Lakes in 2026, including Pearl Seas, Ponant, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines, Victory, Viking, Hapag-Lloyd and American Cruise Lines. These lines will operate 10 ships cruising the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. 

“As we look to 2026, we’re excited to see continued growth in the Great Lakes cruise sector,” said Sally Davis Berry, tourism director of Cruise the Great Lakes. “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.”

Photo of Hanseatic Inspiration, operated by Hapag-Lloyd, courtesy of Port Milwaukee