WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
The Lake Michigan city of Muskegon is now port of call for three cruise ships, attracting vessels used for so-called luxury cruising that started on the Great Lakes six years ago.
WGVU reports the financial impact for Muskegon has been positive.
Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, said it is estimated the city netted about $700,000 total from the 19 ships that stopped in Muskegon in 2023.
Each ship has many service needs that include additional supplies and fuel. Furthermore, Larsen said, passengers go to museums, the beach, solicit shuttles and motor coaches, and they pay for guides to accompany them.
It’s estimated 2,500 passengers visited the city this year.
Larsen said regionally, nearly 25,000 people made roughly 800 Great Lakes port visits in 2023. That’s an increase of more than 20 percent over the 2022 cruise season.
