Great Lakes Cruise Ship Industry Continues to Thrive, Look for Visits at These Michigan Ports in 2026

The Great Lakes cruise industry continues to thrive and grow, and this year we will see even more visits to Michigan ports. Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd, Pearl Seas, Victory Cruise Lines, and Viking Cruise Lines will be joined by American Cruise Lines in 2026 to make a total of six companies operating nine ships on the Great Lakes. These ships bring visitors to some of our favorite museums, restaurants, shops, state and national parks, and other attractions. Many communities have invested in infrastructure improvements to draw in more cruise ships or enhance the visitor experience, and we hope anyone on these ships visiting Michigan for the first time has a positive experience. Here’s a look at some of the ports these cruise ships will visit in 2026, and a little information about each of the cruise ship companies:

Mackinac Island – This remains the most popular port for cruise ship visits, though a recent court ruling means that the ship will not be able to tie up at the dock and will instead have to run visitors to the island in shuttles. Attractions like Arch Rock, Fort Mackinac, and the downtown shopping area make for a memorable experience for visitors to this car-free island.

Alpena – Cruise ships continue to stop here so visitors can explore the area and its attractions like shipwreck tours in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Besser Museum, Dinosaur Gardens, Rockport State Recreation Area, and several lighthouses.

Escanaba – Downtown Escanaba is full of historical attractions, dining options, and shopping. Visitors can check out the Sand Point Lighthouse or Bonifas Arts Center, grab a pasty, and enjoy the scenic shoreline here in the third largest city in the U.P.

Houghton – The gateway to Copper Country continues to be a popular spot for cruise ships. Visitors can explore all the great food options in Houghton, or head north to the Keweenaw Peninsula where they can see lighthouses, copper mining history, waterfalls, and more.

Sault Ste. Marie – Michigan’s oldest city offers plenty for cruise ship visitors. In addition to seeing the Soo Locks, visitors can check out great food from Clyde’s or the West Pier Drive In, visit the Museum Ship Valley Camp or the Tower of History, and do some shopping along Portage Ave. Day trip opportunities include Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise.

Muskegon – A stop at this beautiful beachfront town on Lake Michigan gives visitors a chance to check out Muskegon State Park, area museums, lots of restaurants, and two lighthouses. Some trips will also include a visit to Holland where Dutch heritage is on full display.

Marquette – When cruise ships dock in the harbor here, visitors are just a few blocks from downtowns restaurants (Delft Bistro, Ore Dock Brewing, Lagniappe, Trenary Toast Cafe) and shopping. They can choose to visit the area’s museums and historical attractions or soak in the U.P. outdoor experience with a trip to local waterfalls, Presque Isle Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, or the Iron Ore Heritage Trail.

Detroit – Any cruises coming from the eastern Great Lakes must pass by or stop at Detroit on their way to Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, or Lake Superior. Here they can visit Belle Isle, dive into history and Greenfield Village or the Henry Ford Museum, or check out downtown and its countless restaurants and shops.

Ponant Cruise Lines will bring the Le Bellot to the Great Lakes on several trips, visiting Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, and Mackinac Island. Their trips run from Toronto to Milwaukee and include guides from Smithsonian Journeys.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will return to the Great Lakes with the beautiful Hanseatic Inspiration making visits to Mackinac Island, Fayette, Sault Ste. Marie, and Detroit on its various trips.

Victory Cruise Lines returns with its 5 Great Lakes cruises and more for 2026, with stops in Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Houghton, and Marquette on its trips. The Victory I and Victory II have been our most frequently spotted cruise ships during our travels!

Pearl Seas Cruises will bring the Pearl Mist back for stops at Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit, Mackinac Island, Escanaba, Houghton, Muskegon/Holland and Marquette. They offer a variety of trips including the Great Lakes Explorer cruise, 7 night and 11 night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay cruises, and a 15 day St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes cruise.

Viking Cruise Lines offers the Great Lakes Treasures, Great Lakes Collection, and Niagara & the Great Lakes cruises, with stops at Detroit, Alpena, Mackinac Island, and Sault Ste. Marie. Look for the Viking Octanis and Viking Polaris on the Great Lakes again this year.

American Cruise Lines returns to the Great Lakes this year with the new ship American Patriot. Its American Great Lakes Cruise (Buffalo to Milwaukee) makes stops in Detroit, Alpena, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, and Muskegon/Holland. Its Lake Michigan & Upper Peninsula Cruise visits Escanaba and Muskegon.

These cruise ships are estimated to contribute more than $300 million to the region with the increased number of passengers and trips in 2026!