News Summary
Milwaukee has launched its South Shore Cruise Dock project with a groundbreaking ceremony. This $17 million facility will enhance maritime tourism by accommodating Seawaymax vessels, significantly boosting local economic impact and job creation. The dock is expected to be operational by mid-2026, paving the way for increased cruise visits and a competitive edge over other Great Lakes ports.
Milwaukee has officially commenced its South Shore Cruise Dock project, with a groundbreaking ceremony taking place on September 4, 2025. The $17 million docking facility will be situated at 2320 S. Lincoln Memorial Drive and aims to bolster the city’s maritime tourism sector by providing a dedicated port-of-call for Seawaymax vessels, such as the Viking Octantis cruise ship.
Currently, Viking ships dock at the City Heavy Lift Dock, located near the Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewage District (MMSD). This existing docking site has been criticized for lacking a welcoming environment for visitors. The new South Shore Cruise Dock is anticipated to improve the experience for cruise passengers and enhance Milwaukee’s reputation as a prime docking destination.
For the upcoming 2025 cruise season, an estimated economic impact of $2.5 million is expected from 22 visits to Milwaukee. However, with the opening of the South Shore Cruise Dock, projections indicate an increase in economic impact to $3.5 million over 55 visits in 2026. The construction of the new dock is viewed as a strategic move to attract additional cruise ships and tourists to the area.
To maintain its competitive edge against other Great Lakes ports, including Duluth, Minnesota, Milwaukee is investing in this significant infrastructure project. The new dock is scheduled to be operational by mid-2026, just in time for the next cruising season.
The total cost of the South Shore Cruise Dock is set at $17 million, funded through various sources, including:
- $2 million from an amendment to the city’s 2023 budget
- $3.5 million from a state capital tourism grant
- $500,000 from a state Harbor Assistance Program grant
- $7.64 million from Port Milwaukee funds
- $5 million from the city’s budget for 2025
Milwaukee’s cruise industry has seen a steady growth trend in recent years. Despite experiencing a decrease in port calls from 27 in 2024 to 22 in 2025, the overall anticipation for the future is positive. In addition, the cruise industry across the Great Lakes is projected to attract 150,000 passenger visits, contributing $230 million to the regional economy in 2025.
The South Shore Cruise Dock project is expected to create over 200 local jobs and generate additional revenue for the local economy. The economic impact of cruise ship visitors on local businesses and the community is significant, with stakeholders recognizing the necessity of this infrastructure investment.
Initially, the dock project faced funding challenges, with its preliminary estimated cost around $7 million before escalating to the current total. However, with agreements already established for turnaround stops from cruise lines through 2030, including Pearl Seas Cruises and Viking Cruises, Milwaukee is poised to become a turnaround city for cruising activities.
In conclusion, the South Shore Cruise Dock project represents a crucial investment in enhancing Milwaukee’s infrastructure to support the growth of its maritime tourism sector. The expected economic benefits and job creation will contribute positively to both the local and regional economy, solidifying Milwaukee’s status as an emerging destination for cruise ships in the Great Lakes region.
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Additional Resources
- Fox6Now
- Wikipedia: Cruise Ship
- OnMilwaukee
- Google Search: Milwaukee South Shore Cruise Dock
- Jsonline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tourism
- Urban Milwaukee
- Google News: Milwaukee Cruise Ship
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
