Port of Cleveland Concludes Record-Breaking 2025 Cruise Season

The Port of Cleveland will welcome the final cruise ship of the 2025 season at 8 a.m. on Sunday, October 26, closing out a landmark year for cruise tourism in Cleveland. Over the course of the season, 53 cruise ship calls brought approximately 8,700 passengers to the city, reinforcing Cleveland’s growing reputation as one of the Great Lakes’ premier cruise destinations.

Economic Impact & Visitor Spending
Cruise visitors deliver meaningful economic value to Cleveland’s waterfront and downtown businesses. Each passenger spends an estimated $150 per visit on dining, attractions, and local experiences. With 8,700 passengers, this equates to $1.3 million in direct visitor spending. When factoring in dock operations, transportation, and indirect economic benefits, the total impact exceeds $2 million for 2025.

“These visitors bring real dollars into our city,” said David S. Gutheil, Chief Operating Officer for the Port of Cleveland. “From restaurants to museum admissions and small business sales, Great Lakes cruising has become a meaningful part of our tourism economy.” David Gilbert, President & CEO of Destination Cleveland, added, “Every cruise passenger who steps off a ship here discovers a city that exceeds their expectations. They help spread the word that Cleveland is a welcoming, world-class destination.”

Looking Ahead: Cleveland-Based Cruises in 2026
Building on this momentum, American Cruise Lines will debut new Great Lakes itineraries launching from Cleveland in 2026 — the first to sail exclusively to U.S. ports, meaning passengers will not need a passport or go through customs. Planned itineraries include:
• 14-day “American Great Lakes” route, Cleveland ↔ Milwaukee
• 9-day “Great Lakes & Thousand Islands” route, Cleveland ↔ Syracuse, NY

“This is extremely good news for Cleveland,” Gutheil said. “By becoming a starting and ending point for these voyages, Cleveland will see even more economic benefit — more hotel nights, more dining, and more visitors exploring our neighborhoods.”

About the Port of Cleveland
The Port of Cleveland is a key economic driver for Northeast Ohio, generating over $7 billion in annual economic activity and supporting more than 23,000 jobs. As a leading hub for international and Great Lakes shipping, the Port handles roughly 12 million tons of cargo each year. Established in 1968, the Port also advances regional growth through infrastructure improvements, shoreline resiliency projects, and development financing that supports both public and private investments. Guided by a nine-member board, the Port’s mission is to foster job creation, economic vitality, and global competitiveness for the Greater Cleveland region.
For more information on the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, visit www.portofcleveland.com.