Cruise ships to return, and some passengers to start and end voyages in Duluth
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The cruising season is about two months away, with 11 total visits scheduled for 2023. Expect to see the Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris, Ocean Navigator and the Hanseatic Inspiration.
And this year, there’s something new.
Four of the cruise visits from Viking vessels will be turnaround cruises. That means people will either start or end their voyage here.
It’s been a goal for city leaders.
Tricia Hobbs, senior economic developer for Duluth, explained, “So that’s more economic impact. Obviously visitors had a really great time last year visiting the local attractions like The North Shore Scenic Railroad, Glensheen, the aquarium. But this year they’ll get to do more things beyond just those attractions. So they’ll get to go to restaurants, they’ll get to go to local shops and spend a little bit more time here.”
(WDIO)
A majority of the passengers for the turnaround cruise voyages will be flying in and out of the Duluth International Airport, according to Hobbs.
“This is a really great opportunity to lift up and partner with the airport as well. They’ve been meeting with the excursion tour coordinators who help get folks to Duluth and on the ship. And so lots of great conversations there too,” Hobbs said.
Viking passengers will still use the tenders to get to and from the DECC.
The other vessels will be docking at the Clure Public Marine terminal.
The success of last season has even more companies looking to Duluth as well.
There are need for more workers to help, especially with the added turnaround visits. Click in the link below to find out about hiring.
https://www.greatlakesshoreexcursions.com/
Here’s the 2023 Cruise Schedule:
May 30, 2023: Viking Octantis — DECC Docking
June 4, 2023: Hanseatic Inspiration — Port Terminal
June 9, 2023: Ocean Navigator — Port Terminal
June 13, 2023: Viking Octantis — DECC Docking
June 23, 2023: Ocean Navigator — Port Terminal
June 24, 2023: Viking Polaris — DECC Docking (Turnaround cruise)
June 27, 2023: Hanseatic Inspiration — Port Terminal
July 11, 2023: Viking Octantis — DECC Docking
July 22, 2023: Viking Polaris — DECC Docking (Turnaround cruise)
August 18, 2023: Viking Octantis — DECC Docking (Turnaround cruise)
September 12, 2023: Viking Polaris — DECC Docking (Turnaround cruise)