Michigan’s cruising season is underway.
The 665-foot Viking Octantis got things started on Friday when it docked in Detroit.
On Saturday, the ship anchored in Thunder Bay and passengers climbed aboard tender boats to visit Alpena. The ship then continued its journey north on Lake Huron.
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Octantis ties with its twin, the Viking Polaris, for the largest cruise ship on the Great Lakes. (However, they are several hundred feet smaller than many freighters on the lakes, which can exceed 1,000 feet.)
Viking Octantis made its Great Lakes debut in 2022 and was joined by its identical sister, Viking Polaris, in 2023.
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Octantis’ first voyage of the season followed the Niagara & the Great Lakes itinerary, stopping at Mackinac Island on Sunday. The cruised ended Tuesday.
Victory Cruise Lines began its season today, April 30, with a first stop in Detroit. It’s All 5 Great Lakes itinerary includes stops at Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, Mackinac Island on Saturday and Escanaba on Sunday.
Michigan’s cruising season will run through October. It will include ships from Pearl Seas, Viking, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd and Victory.
The industry is expected to have a $230 million economic impact on the Great Lakes region this year – that’s a 15% increase over 2024, according to a forecast by Cruise the Great Lakes, a marketing program focused on attracting more passengers to the region.
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Between the six cruise lines, a total of 700 port visits are expected, which is a 30% increase over 2024. Michigan’s ports of call include Detroit, Mackinac Island, Alpena, Escanaba, Sault Ste. Marie, Houghton, Marquette and Muskegon.
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