Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is preparing to welcome 9 huge cruise ships this summer (2023), despite not being on an ocean.
This unexpected development comes after an agreement with Cruise the Great Lakes, a travel company that has scheduled nine different cruises to dock in Duluth for the day.
The port of Duluth is no stranger to massive ships, but they’re usually Great Lakes or ocean freighters, loaded with cargo, not passengers.
However, last year marked the first time in nearly a decade that cruise ships docked in Duluth, thanks to a new passenger cruise terminal that opened last spring on the harbor side of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.
In addition to Duluth, these Great Lakes cruises also visit ports in other cities including Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Sault St. Marie and Holland, Michigan; Kingston, Ontario; and Milwaukee and Green Bay, Wisconsin.
This summer, nine different Viking cruise ships are set to dock in Minnesota after cruising the Big Lake They Call Gitchee Gumee, also known as Lake Superior, on Mondays throughout the summer. The cruise ship Octantis kicked off the season when it sailed under the famous lift bridge into the Duluth harbor on Tuesday, May 30th.
The 2023 schedule includes the Hanseatic Inspiration and Ocean Navigator docking at the Port Terminal, and the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris docking at the DECC Docking. The docking dates range from June 4, 2023, to September 12, 2023.
This development is a significant boost for Minnesota’s tourism industry, as it brings a new dimension to the state’s travel and entertainment offerings. The docking of these cruise ships in Duluth not only provides a unique experience for the passengers but also contributes to the local economy by attracting visitors to the city’s attractions and amenities.
The return of the cruise ships to Minnesota’s shores is a testament to the state’s appeal as a travel destination, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and now, the unique experience of a cruise ship docking in the heart of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.