Passenger Cruise Ships Coming To The Twin Ports

A passenger cruise line hasn’t visited Duluth-Superior in more than three years, but cruise ships will once again call on the Twin Ports.

Miami-based Victory Cruise Lines will be gracing the waters of Lake Superior next summer, according to president and CEO Bruce Nierenberg. He said customers are looking for tours that are safe, exciting and close to home.

“Because traveling internationally is not quite as convenient and as attractive as it has been because of everything from terrorism, to the way the air travel is being managed. So, staying close to home is a little easier on people,” he said.

Adele Yorde with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority said these cruise tours of Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes target more mature customers.

“Those who have time to spend on these 9-, 10-, 12-, 14-day cruises, they are looking to learn about the culture – the history of a region. I think these days many of them are looking for a safe place to cruise. We’ve been hearing that a lot coming inland here in the U.S. And there’s a lot of unexplored territories, some of which I think those of us who live here may take for granted. But, when you cruise the North and South Shore(s) of Lake Superior, the scenery is breathtaking,” she said.

Yorde said the cruises are a valuable tourist draw for Duluth-Superior. She expects the hundreds of people taking part may attract more visitors to the Twin Ports through word of mouth. Nierenberg with Victory Cruise Lines said their tour packages start at $5,500.