Thunder Bay welcomed the cruise ship Victory II on Friday, marking the start of the 2026 season. the vessel departed that evening for Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, before heading to Green Bay, Muskegon and Chicago. Captain Vlad Ene praised the port’s facilities, calling it one of the best on the Great Lakes.

Victory II’s Friday arrival and immediate departure

According to the port authority, Victory II docked at Pool 6 in the morning and was scheduled to leave that night,continuing its itinerary along the U.S. side of the Great Lakes. The rapid turnaround underscores the efficiency of Thunder Bay’s Keefer Terminal and its ability to handle large expedition vessels.

Economic impact: $1.5 million expecetd from 3,000 passengers

Local officials estimate that roughly 3,000 cruise passengers and 400 crew members will visit Thunder Bay this season, injecting about $1.5 million into the regional economy.. The spending includes hotel stays , restaurant meals and local tours, providing a timely boost as the city recovers from pandemic‑related tourism losses.

June 19 double‑header: Victory II returns and Viking Polaris arrives

The schedule includes a second call by Victory II on June 19, this time docking at Keefer Terminal, followed by the arrival of the Viking Polaris at Pool 6 later the same day. This back‑to‑back programming is designed to maximize passenger throughput and keep the port bustling during the peak summer window.

Expedition cruising model fuels repeat visits

As the report notes, expedition‑style cruising relies on loyal customers and frequently refreshed itineraries , which help maintain steady demand for ports like Thunder Bay. The model encourages repeat calls and keeps the city in the spotlight, even if the exact number of ship calls varies year to year.

Who will fill the remaining slots? Unconfirmed ship calls

The season’s full roster remains unclear;while Victory II and Viking Polaris are confirmed, officials have not disclosed whether additional vessels will be added later in the summer. This gap leaves room for speculation about further economic gains.