Tauck carries cruisers to Cleveland for the first time

The 'Cruising the Great Lakes: Chicago to Toronto' itinerary operated aboard the 184-passenger Le Dumont d'Urville, chartered from Ponant. The Sept. 9 call marked Tauck’s first visit to Cleveland in its 98-year history and the ship's inaugural call as well.

Tauck will operate this itinerary visiting Cleveland 10 times in 2023 and 2024.

Cleveland's cruise growth

Earlier in the summer Viking Polaris made its first stop at Cleveland as Viking doubled its Great Lakes deployment with this second expedition ship. Forty-nine calls are scheduled this season, including visits by Pearl Seas Cruises and American Queen Voyages.

'Tourism is a vital part of our local economy,' said Will Friedman, president & CEO of the Port of Cleveland. 'We expect to see even more cruise ships arrive in Cleveland in the next several years, and are happy to work with Tauck to accommodate more visitors.'

Economic impact

Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin noted that 'Cruising in Cleveland has surged by 700% over the past couple of years, and it’s become an increasingly important driver for our local economy.' According to Cruise the Great Lakes, a regional marketing program, 2023 is set to break records with 800 port visits generating $235m in economic impact across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.

'Our cruises visit top destinations around the globe, from Antarctica to Venice, Italy to the Galápagos Islands, yet we’re always thrilled to showcase world-class locations closer to home,' Tauck CEO Dan Mahar said. 'Cleveland has so much to offer, and it’s a fantastic addition to our "Cruising the Great Lakes" itinerary.'

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and more 

Tauck's full day in Cleveland began with an exclusive pre-opening visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Saturday morning. After a pub lunch and beer flight at a local craft brewery, travelers took in other sites including Playhouse Square, Edgewater Park and University Circle. Le Dumont-D’Urville sailed that evening for the Welland Canal.