Ports & destinations

Cruise the Great Lakes forecasts record growth in 2026

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 07 November 2025 07 November 2025

Cruise the Great Lakes, the region’s cruise marketing program, announced recently its forecast for the 2026 cruising season at a press conference in Green Bay that featured remarks from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. The 2026 season continues the long-term growth of Great Lakes cruising, delivering more passengers, port visits, and record-breaking $300 million (US) economic impact on large and small regional destinations.

The economic impact of cruising on the Great Lakes is expected to exceed $300 million (US) in 2026, a 25% increase from 2025. More passengers, more port visits, higher shoreside spending, and a rising price premium for Great Lakes cruises are critical drivers of this growth. The ongoing expansion of Great Lakes cruising continues to bring significant economic benefits to both large and small port communities throughout the region.

Cruise lines and ships

A new cruise line will enter the Great Lakes market in 2026 – American Cruise Lines will bring ships to U.S. ports in the region. The itinerary highlights the growing variety of travel options.

In total, 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
– American Cruise Lines

These lines will operate 10 ships cruising the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River in 2026:

– Pearl Mist (Pearl Seas)
– Canadian Empress (St. Lawrence Cruise Lines)
– Viking Octantis (Viking)
– Viking Polaris (Viking)
– Le Bellot (Ponant)
– Le Champlain (Ponant)
– Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag-Lloyd)
– Victory 1 (Victory)
– Victory 2 (Victory)
– American Patriot (American)

Passenger visits

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

“Great Lakes cruising is vitally important to Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region. It’s a major economic driver and job creator for our port communities and the state,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “I commend Cruise the Great Lakes for playing a key role in promoting the Great Lakes as a world-class destination.”

“Great Lakes cruising does more than delight passengers. It drives dollars to shorelines across the region,” said Wisconsin Tourism Secretary and Cruise the Great Lakes Chair Anne Sayers. “The expected growth means more travelers making lifelong memories, more passengers visiting businesses in port cities, and more economic impact in Wisconsin and across the Great Lakes region.”

“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.”

“Being part of Cruise the Great Lakes is a tremendous opportunity for Green Bay,” said Brad Toll, CEO of Discover Green Bay. “Each ship that visits introduces travelers from around the world to our community while generating meaningful economic benefits for local businesses. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum in 2026 and to showcase all that Green Bay has to offer cruise passengers.”

2026 season statistics at a glance:
– Economic impact over $300 million (US), an expected increase of nearly 25% from 2025.
– 10 cruise ships will operate on the Great Lakes in 2026.
– 148 itineraries (trips) are planned by the 7 cruise lines
– Over 23,000 passengers will cruise on the Great Lakes.
– Cruise ships will make more than 800 visits to Great Lakes ports, a 15% increase.
– Total cruise passenger traffic at ports will total over 175,000, up 15% from 2025.

Port Everglades celebrates cruise season with new ships and new road

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 07 November 2025 07 November 2025

Broward County's Port Everglades is making history by homeporting three brand-new cruise ships and exceeding its own passenger record with a preliminary guest count of more than 4.7 million during Fiscal Year 2025 (beginning October 1, 2024). In addition, Broward County is celebrating major capital improvements at Port Everglades, including an expanded convention center and an elevated roadway for traffic relief.

This month, Port Everglades will welcome Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Xcel, Disney Cruise Line's Disney Destiny and Princess Cruises' Star Princess – three brand-new cruise ships that are reaching new heights for Caribbean cruising. Coinciding with these ship celebrations, new infrastructure at the port includes the soon-to-open Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, an expanded convention center and a flyover that takes convention attendees directly from U.S. 1 (Federal Highway) to the more than 1.2 million-square-foot event space and provides residents and tourists with a shortcut to the beach.

"Cruising is more popular than ever, and the cruise lines are exceeding guest expectations every time a new ship comes into the marketplace," said Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris. "The new ships that are coming to Port Everglades have more entertainment and dining options, and offer some of the latest technology with greener fuels and impressive connectivity."

Princess Cruises' Star Princess, the line's second Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) fueled Sphere-class vessel, will celebrate her inaugural season from Port Everglades starting November 7, 2025. Both 4,300-passenger Star Princess and her sister ship Sun Princess will homeport at Port Everglades this year. Echoing the sleek, sophisticated design of Sun Princess, Star Princess will also boast cutting-edge features like The Dome, the first geodesic dome at sea, and The Sphere, a breathtaking glass-enclosed Piazza at the heart of the ship.

Disney Cruise Line will bring even more magic to Port Everglades when iconic Disney, Pixar and Marvel heroes and villains spring to life on board the Disney Destiny, the newest ship in the line's fleet and third in the Wish class. The new 4,000-passenger (full occupancy), LNG-powered ship will begin her inaugural year of 4- and 5-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean on November 20, 2025, joining seasonal sailings from Port Everglades aboard the Disney Dream. Port Everglades is Disney's second Florida homeport residing in the "Finding Nemo" inspired 104,000-square-foot Cruise Terminal 4, which was reimagined in November 2023 by Walt Disney Imagineering exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests to provide a seamless embarkation experience.

Celebrity Cruises' will name its newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, at Port Everglades on November 16, 2025. With a guest count of 3,250, Xcel is Celebrity's fifth Edge-class cruise ship, all of which have been named at Port Everglades. The newest Celebrity Cruises ship will feature new experiences from her sister ships including an enhanced poolside paradise, an arcade lounge under neon lights and new spa experiences to unwind in style. Plus, Celebrity's first-ever Celebrity Flagship store will immerse guests in the vacation brand's journey of innovation and offer custom mementos to cherish for years to come.

In addition, coming next year, Royal Caribbean has announced that its third Icon-class vessel Legend of the Seas will homeport at Port Everglades in November 2026. With a passenger capacity of more than 5,600, Legend of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship to ever sail from Port Everglades.

Convention Center Connector (Bypass Road)

The newly opened Convention Center Connector (Bypass Road), an elevated bypass through Port Everglades, provides direct connectivity from U.S. 1, State Road 84 and SE 17th Street to the Convention Center and soon-to-open Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, eliminating the need to pass through port security checkpoints. The project also improves access to the beaches and nearby businesses along the 17th Street Causeway, easing congestion in one of the busiest corridors in the region.

"When you look at the big picture, this connector is a crucial piece of infrastructure that will ease congestion, improve access and support the continued growth of our Convention Center district. Today is a moment to celebrate - but it's also a moment to look ahead," said Furr during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the roadway and newly expanded Broward County Convention Center.

The new roadway makes it easier for drivers to reach shops and restaurants while improving logistics for local deliveries. For visitors, it provides a seamless route to the Convention Center, Cruise Terminals 2 and 4, and Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, making travel more convenient.

Le Havre, the first port on the Atlantic coast to connect a cruise ship to shore power

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 31 October 2025 31 October 2025

On Thursday, October 30, the call of MSC Poesia, operated by MSC Cruises at Le Havre’s Pierre Callet quay, marked a symbolic moment: the very first shore power connection for a cruise ship along the Atlantic coast!

This major step in the port’s energy transition was made possible thanks to the joint investment of HAROPA PORT, the French State, and the Normandy Region. The electrification of cruise berths will enable zero-emission calls, combining commercial attractiveness, environmental performance and passenger comfort.

With this system, ships can now switch off their engines while alongside and connect directly to the local power grid, significantly reducing CO₂ and fine particle emissions in the port area.

“This first connection embodies the vision of a modern, attractive, and sustainable port. Le Havre is investing for cruise compagnies, for their passengers, and for a more sustainability cruise”, said Alexandra Ruiz, Managing Director of GIP Le Havre Croisières.

GIP Le Havre Croisières commends the technical success achieved by the port’s teams and highlights the strategic importance of this innovation for cruise lines partners and the territory.

Further connection will now be carried out with all cruise compagnies to ensure, once the system is fully operational, a smooth, reliable process for every ship calling at Le Havre.

This first shore power connection is fully aligned with the global development project of Le Havre’s future cruise terminals, led by GIP Le Havre Croisières a concrete step toward modern, sustainable and city-connected infrastructures, designed to provide an exemplary and responsible port experience for cruise lines and their guests.

Global Ports Holding awarded a 30-year concession for Ferrol Cruise Port

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 03 November 2025 03 November 2025

Global Ports Holding, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has been awarded a 30-year concession for the operation of the Ferrol Cruise Port, located in the inner port of Ferrol, Spain.

The concession was granted to GPH following a competitive tender process launched by the Port Authority of Ferrol–San Cibrao (Autoridad Portuaria de Ferrol–San Cibrao). The closing of the transaction is subject to the successful execution of the concession agreement.

During the concession period, a new terminal building will be constructed on the outer jetty. The first phase will comprise a 480-square-metre building, followed by an expansion to 980 square metres in the second phase, expected to be completed in 2031.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding, said: “Ferrol represents an important milestone in our continued expansion across Spain and the Atlantic region. We look forward to investing in a modern cruise terminal that will elevate the guest experience and support the long-term growth of the destination.”

Ferrol is strategically located on the northwest coast of Spain, along key Atlantic cruise routes connecting Northern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Canary Islands. This project will further strengthen GPH’s presence in Spain – where Ferrol will become its tenth port – while enhancing its footprint in the wider Atlantic region alongside its existing operations in Málaga, Las Palmas, Casablanca, and Lisbon.

Under the agreement, GPH will invest in the construction of a modern, open-access terminal designed to serve all cruise lines, shipping agents, and passenger service providers. The terminal will include dedicated areas for passenger check-in, luggage handling, and guidance services, with additional mobile facilities to accommodate ships berthing farther from the main building.

Leveraging GPH’s global operating expertise and strong relationships with cruise lines, Ferrol Cruise Port is expected to experience significant growth in cruise traffic. The number of passengers is projected to increase from approximately 23,000 in 2026 to around 80,000 by 2034 under GPH’s management.

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore completes major upgrades, reinforcing Singapore as a Leading Cruise Hub in Asia

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 29 October 2025 29 October 2025

Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), managed by SATS-Creuers Cruise Services (SCCS), has completed a $40 million upgrade to enhance passenger experience and accommodate the growing cruise travel demand in Asia.

MBCCS has reorganised its passenger flows to efficiently manage simultaneous dual mega ship calls through its existing two berths; a new dedicated check-in hall on Level 1, offering 70 counters and over 500 seats will serve Pier 2, while the existing facility on Level 2 check-in hall will serve Pier 1, ensuring a smoother start to passengers’ journeys. Both check-in halls have VIP lounges that offer comfort and convenience for premium travellers.

The upgraded facilities extend beyond check-in. The new Ground Transport Area (GTA) improves accessibility and convenience for all passengers, featuring widened roadways leading to MBCCS, increased coach bays, and early baggage drop-off, allowing bags to go directly to the ship. This helps travellers move through the terminal more quickly, reduce wait times at the terminal and start their cruise journey with ease. In addition, ride-hailing lots have more than doubled to meet growing passenger demand, while a looped shuttle service on select cruise days links Marina South Pier MRT station to the terminal, making travel to and from MBCCS easier.

For travellers who prefer to drive to MBCCS, the new Advanced Carpark Reservation System, allows parking to be reserved up to 60 days in advance at discounted rates, ensuring a hassle-free start to their holidays. A buggy service is also available to assist passengers with reduced mobility to move between the GTA and the terminal.

New services at MBCCS further improve convenience for passengers. The terminal has partnered with preferred third-party providers to offer baggage transfer services to all Singapore hotels and Changi Airport, as well as shuttle services to popular attractions including Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown on select cruise days. MBCCS has also re-introduced the Cruise-Fly Service for international passengers disembarking in Singapore, allowing them to check-in and tag their baggage for same-day connecting flights. This enables travellers to explore the city baggage-free before continuing their onward journey.

Behind the scenes, MBCCS has deployed an innovative Vehicle Slot Management System that leverages real-time tracking and automated scheduling to streamline provision handling and minimise congestion. The system coordinates deliveries of essential supplies including food, linens, and ship stores, ensuring mega ships carrying thousands of passengers are efficiently resupplied and can depart on schedule, even during simultaneous dual ship calls.

In a first for maritime passenger terminals, MBCCS has also designed and launched the PortDeck, an innovative convertible bench-table system in terminal areas to optimise space, operational efficiency and passenger comfort during peak travel periods.

“The new check-in hall, redesigned passenger flows, and expanded facilities mark a transformative step for MBCCS,” said Gregory Tan, CEO of SATS-Creuers. “By streamlining check-in, introducing early baggage drop-off, upgrading ground transport, and deploying innovative back-end systems, we are improving efficiency and convenience for passengers and cruise operators alike. We invite travellers and cruise operators to experience the ease and comfort of cruise travel at MBCCS.”

Bob Chi, Chairman of SATS-Creuers, said: “This extensive upgrade underscores our commitment to growing Singapore’s cruise industry in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. Together, we aim to raise service standards, attract leading cruise lines, and unlock greater opportunities for Singapore’s dynamic tourism ecosystem.”

Ong Huey Hong, Assistant Chief Executive, Industry Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "The enhanced Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore exemplifies our Tourism 2040 ambition of creating an attractive destination by strengthening our tourism offerings. Through our partnership with SATS-Creuers, we are future-proofing our tourism landscape by delivering world-class infrastructure that meets the needs of evolving traveller expectations while reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading cruise destination in the region. As we chart the next chapter for tourism, these enhancements underscore cruise tourism’s vital role in our broader ecosystem of quality, sustainable growth."
Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding1 (parent company of Creuers), said: "This milestone reflects our shared vision with SATS and the Singapore Tourism Board to make Marina Bay Cruise Centre a benchmark for operational excellence in Asia. As cruise travel continues to expand across the region, this upgraded facility will enhance the passenger journey and exemplify Singapore’s continued leadership in shaping the future of cruise travel across Asia. Global Ports Holding is proud to support this partnership through our shared commitment to innovation and world-class passenger experiences."