Escanaba Wraps Cruise Season With 36 Ship Visits, Spurs Tourism Revival

Escanaba, Michigan recently celebrated the culmination of its cruise ship season, a milestone marked by the arrival of Victory Cruise Lines’ final scheduled visit. This momentous occasion wrapped up a season that saw a significant resurgence in Great Lakes cruise tourism, following a gap in consistent port activity the previous year. Between May and October, Escanaba welcomed 36 cruise ship stops, including 34 visits from Victory Cruise Lines and two from Pearl Seas Cruises, leaving a lasting economic and cultural impression on the community and its visitors.

Victory Cruise Lines Concludes Season in Escanaba

The final call of Victory Cruise Lines’ 12-night, Chicago-to-Montreal itinerary was made Tuesday morning. Approximately 200 passengers disembarked to explore the city’s historic charm under autumn skies, weathering brisk winds and cooler temperatures. The ship was scheduled to continue its itinerary with a stop at Mackinac Island the following day.

First-time visitors to Escanaba, like George Bennett from Alabama, expressed awe at their Upper Peninsula experience. “I always hoped I would see it, and now, thank the Lord, I guess I’ll be able to see it,” he shared. The unique regional culture, exemplified by a lighthearted pronunciation challenge featuring local Native American and Finnish terms, made a memorable impression on participants.

Rich Cultural and Historical Excursions

Victory Cruise Lines collaborated closely with local organizations to craft excursions that highlighted Escanaba’s historical and cultural landmarks. Popular destinations included the U.P. Military Museum, Webster Marble: Inventing the Outdoors Museum, and the Bonifas Arts Center. Visitors also toured the downtown lighthouse, explored small businesses for shopping, and sampled regional delicacies such as pasties.

Tour guides played a pivotal role in ensuring that guests appreciated Escanaba’s ambiance and amenities. Mark Cowman, a local guide, noted, “It’s really amazing how many people come here and they comment on things that we take for granted, like that the streets are clean ... that the storefronts look good.” Echoing this sentiment, traveler Terry Fogleman from Florida remarked on the welcoming, well-kept nature of the town.

Economic and Community Impact

The economic effect of Victory Cruise Lines’ visits was evident in the increased spending at local businesses and attractions. Vickie Micheau, Executive Director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the importance of these visits for both the city and its local economy. “It was not only positive for their guests, but it certainly was positive for our community as well,” Micheau said.

Escanaba’s residents took pride in providing a welcoming experience for guests. Micheau emphasized, “We had guests from the East Coast, from the West Coast, and everywhere in between. They’ve been very impressed with our community.” These connections not only brought regional visibility to Escanaba but also underscored its potential as a recurring cruise destination on the Great Lakes circuit.

Looking to the Future

While no official return schedule has been finalized, local leaders are optimistic about future collaborations with Victory Cruise Lines and other operators. Escanaba’s port facilities, proximity to cultural landmarks, and hospitable community were key factors in this season’s success. “We have a wonderful port that can accommodate all the needs of the cruise ships,” Micheau noted. “If they are happy with the services and if we met their expectations, we’re hoping they’ll come back.”

Reflecting on the broader impact of this year’s endeavors, Micheau expressed pride in the city’s achievements. “You think about this little community and what it has to offer, and it makes us really proud of what this community has done and how many services they’re able to provide,” she said.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many cruise ships docked in Escanaba this season?

Escanaba hosted 36 cruise ship visits during the season, with 34 stops by Victory Cruise Lines and two by Pearl Seas Cruises.

What experiences did passengers enjoy during their time in Escanaba?

Passengers participated in guided shore excursions to historic and cultural sites, including the U.P. Military Museum, the Webster Marble Museum, and the Bonifas Arts Center. They also toured the downtown lighthouse, shopped local businesses, and sampled regional foods such as pasties.

What was the itinerary of the final Victory Cruise Lines voyage?

The final sailing was a 12-night itinerary that began in Chicago on October 18 and terminated in Montreal. Escanaba was one of the scheduled stops, followed by Mackinac Island.

How has the cruise industry impacted Escanaba’s economy?

The influx of cruise passengers has significantly boosted local business revenue, particularly in retail, dining, and tourism sectors. Increased visibility through these visits has further enhanced Escanaba’s reputation as a travel destination.

Are there plans for cruise ships to return to Escanaba in future seasons?

While no official plans have been confirmed, local officials are optimistic about future visits based on the success and positive feedback from this year’s operations.