Port Milwaukee will welcome the Viking Polaris as the first cruise ship to call on the city for the 2026 season on Thursday, April 23.

“We are proud to kick off our record-breaking cruising season and welcome visitors from around the world to our city,” Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said.

“Each arrival brings new energy to our waterfront, supports local businesses and creates a powerful opportunity to showcase what makes our community special,” added Johnson.

“We are also excited to soon celebrate our new cruise dock, a major investment that further positions Milwaukee as a premier destination on the Great Lakes.”

The port said in a press release that the Viking Polaris is scheduled to arrive at the City Heavy Lift Dock at midday.

Port Milwaukee added that it is expecting a record-breaking season with 64 cruise vessel calls, featuring over 80 itineraries in Milwaukee, between late April and October. There will be six companies and eight vessels.

Port Milwaukee officials are estimating 20,000 global passenger visits this season. Last year, Port Milwaukee hosted 23 cruise ship calls and 11,255 passengers.

The South Shore Cruise Dock-East is slated for operations this cruising season and is designed to accommodate the largest cruise ships operating on the Great Lakes-St Lawrence Seaway system.

American Cruise Lines will also feature two new itineraries to Milwaukee, operated by the American Patriot. Eight calls, all turnaround visits, have been scheduled.

Cruise ship arrivals and departures throughout the season are available on the port’s virtual vessel tracker, available online here.