Cleveland's 2025 cruising season is officially underway.

Cleveland has kicked off its 2025 cruising season with the arrival of a Victory Cruise Lines ship at the Port of Cleveland, which will serve as a gateway for tourists to explore Northeast Ohio. This event marks a significant return for Victory Cruise Lines after a one-year hiatus and signals a promising season ahead for the local economy. According to port officials, the cruise line plans to dock over 30 times this year, contributing to more than half of the total 55 ships expected across five cruise lines. In stark contrast to the previous year's modest tally of just over 20 stops, Cleveland is poised to welcome more than 10,000 passengers, potentially generating an economic boost of over $1.5 million. Kierra Cotton, the Port of Cleveland's manager of marketing and communications, underscored the importance of this surge by noting that visitors typically spend around $150 per day upon disembarking a cruise ship in the region. The excitement surrounding the cruise industry extends beyond Cleveland, as other cruise lines like Viking, Pearl Seas, Hapag-Lloyd, and Plantours are also set to make stops in the area this year. Overall, the revival of cruise operations in Cleveland represents not just a return to previous business levels but suggests a revitalization of interest in Great Lakes cruising as a unique travel experience. The combination of the region's cultural offerings and upcoming attractions in 2025 positions Cleveland as a desirable destination for both leisure and exploration, particularly as the industry rebounds from pandemic disruptions. The expected influx of tourists is seen as a catalyst for job creation and the local economy's growth, paving the way for future investments in cruise tourism infrastructure.