First Cruise Ship of 2025 Season Docks at Port Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, WI — The first cruise ship of the 2025 season, the Viking Octantis, docked at Port Milwaukee around 10 a.m. Monday. This marks the fourth consecutive year the vessel has opened the city’s cruise season.

Exclusive footage from WISN’s Newschopper 12 captured the ship navigating past the Lake Michigan breakwall and under Milwaukee’s Hoan Bridge. Port Milwaukee officials expect 22 cruise vessel calls this season, with a total of 44 itineraries scheduled between late April and mid-October.

The Viking Octantis carried approximately 320 passengers upon its arrival. Port officials anticipate that around 11,000 global passengers will visit Milwaukee this season, contributing significantly to the local economy.

According to Cruise the Great Lakes, about 22,000 passengers are expected to cruise the Great Lakes this year, reflecting a nearly 10% increase from 2024. The region’s economic impact from cruise tourism is projected to exceed $230 million, which is a 15% rise compared to the previous year.

In addition to the arrivals this year, construction on the South Shore East cruise dock will begin this spring. The new facility is expected to be operational by the 2026 season, which could bring around 18,500 global passengers to Milwaukee. Port Milwaukee Director Jackie Q. Carter noted that the project, valued at $17 million, aims to accommodate larger cruise vessels, enhancing the city’s appeal as a cruise destination.

“This really is a great economic booster for us, and one that I’m really excited to be a part of,” Carter said.