CLEVELAND — Thousands of travelers are expected to stop in Northeast Ohio this summer as dozens cruise liners will dock, in addition to the massive influx on cargo ships.
The Port of Cleveland welcomed its first cruise ship on Wednesday since the COVID-19 pandemic started two years ago. Port President and CEO Will Friedman says it was the busiest day at the harbor since he started 12 years ago.
On Friday, another set of passengers aboard a cruise ship will stop in Cleveland. All together, the Port will host 36 cruises this year which will bring seven to eight thousand guests.
"Cleveland is rated the No. 2 destination within the Great Lakes," vice president of external affairs Jade Davis said.
Passengers visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, downtown attractions, and University Circle, just to name a few. But tourism isn't the only thing making the Port of Cleveland a popular place: Davis told 3News the harbor saw the busiest month in April its seen in a decade.
"Both locally, regionally, and throughout the world, [people] are seeing Cleveland as a place you can come get your products shipped in and shipped out," Davis added.
Related headlines:
- Cleveland to be port of call for new Viking 'Great Lakes Collection' cruise starting in 2023
- FIRST LOOK: Check out the fleet of tall ships coming to Cleveland for this year's festival
- Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week: A look at which locations are participating
- ODOT awards $2.5 million to city of Cleveland for proposed Haslam Sports Group lakefront development