Buffalo to Welcome Great Lakes Cruise Ships Starting This Summer

Buffalo is set to become a new destination for Great Lakes cruise ships, with vessels scheduled to dock at the Erie Basin Marina starting this May.

American Cruise Lines has announced a 14-day itinerary from Buffalo to Milwaukee, marking a significant milestone for the city's tourism industry.

Mark Wendel, president of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, highlighted the strategic importance of this development.

"We're looking to be a complementary terminal to what's already existing out there," Wendel stated.

"What we've learned is a lot of cruises start in Toronto, come through the Wellington Canal, and then end up in Milwaukee or Chicago, and they zigzag across the lakes to various US and American ports."

Initially, cruise ships will dock at the Miss Buffalo location from May through August.

Plans are underway to establish a permanent terminal at Slip 2 on the Outer Harbor, near the former Pier Restaurant site.

"We're hoping to have construction going at a permanent location out on the Outer Harbor just south of Wilkeson Pointe," Wendel explained.

"It's called Slip 2. The former Pier Restaurant used to be at this location, and we're looking to renovate it and allow for ships to be able to arrive there starting next year."

This initiative positions Buffalo as a key entry point for ships entering the U.S. from Canada.

Wendel emphasized the city's appeal: "We have great history. We have great attractions, culinary hospitality that could fit right into this existing infrastructure."

Passengers will have access to iconic local destinations, including Niagara Falls, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Martin House, and the Buffalo Naval Park.

"These itineraries obviously include Niagara Falls. They're probably going to include AKG, the Martin House," Wendel noted.

"They're going to include even our local naval park that people can enjoy and learn about the history of our Buffalo-owned Buffalo waterfront."

The cruise lines will offer multiple excursions at each stop, transporting guests between ports.

"They usually offer five or six different options to their passengers," Wendel said.

"They travel with their own coach buses, so the buses travel on the roads and meet them from port to port."

The ships can carry up to 130 passengers aboard newly built vessels featuring luxury suites, observation decks, and open-seating dining.

As Buffalo continues to revitalize its waterfront, the arrival of Great Lakes cruise ships is expected to boost the local economy and showcase the city's rich cultural heritage.