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Cruise lines sailing the Great Lakes during 2026 are sticking with tried-and-true destinations along Michigan’s shorelines. The season, which typically runs from April to October, will include six cruise lines operating nine ships that will make hundreds of stops at port cities around the Great Lakes basin. RELATED: Great Lakes cruising expected to see huge growth, $300M economic impact in 2026 Michigan has eight ports of call for the upcoming season: Alpena Detroit Escanaba Houghton Mackinac Island Marquette Muskegon Sault Ste. Marie Those are the same cities that welcomed ships in 2025. Mackinac Island routinely see the most visits; in 2025, the popular non-motorized island had 80 calls. RELATED: Triple Crown: Mackinac Island named Best Summer Travel Destination - again Hapag-Lloyd, Pearl Seas, Ponant, Victory and Viking cruise lines are all returning to the freshwater seas next year. Meanwhile, American Cruise Lines is joining the lineup for the first time. With American sailing its new American Patriot, some Michigan ports will see a new ship this year. The 130-passenger American Patriot will call on Muskegon, Sault Ste. Marie, Alpena, Escanaba, Mackinac Island and Detroit. RELATED: Cruise line focused on all-U.S. itineraries to join growing Great Lakes cruising industry Great Lakes cruising is expected to generate $300 million in economic impact from the region in 2026, according to a forecast by Cruise the Great Lakes, the region’s cruise marketing program. The number represents growth of 25% over 2025 and continued long-term growth of the industry, officials said.
