MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — For Michiganders, a Mackinac Island day trip means driving to Mackinaw City and taking a ferry.
But international tourists are coming by cruise ships as part of trips spanning the Great Lakes.
At the Mission Point Resort, the Viking Octantis is docked just offshore.
And at a news conference at Mackinac Island, Great Lakes tourism leaders gave their outlook for the 2024 cruising season.
Anna Tanski, of Cruise of the Great Lakes, said they expect about 20,000 visitors on a few different cruise lines, a 50% increase economically from previous years.
Many cruisers are European, often coming from Germany, the U.K. and Ireland.
Looking ahead further, Tanski said another cruise line will be docking in the Straits.
“Victory Cruise Lines will be returning,” Tanski said. “They were previously under the flag of American Queen Voyages. They will be operating two vessels on the Great Lakes in 2025.”
“Viking was a game changer,” said Tim Hygh, the CEO of…
