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Great Lakes cruises are having their most successful year ever, and a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection network is a big reason for more seamless cross-border cruises, according to a statement.
New refinery facilities are now operating in Duluth, Minnesota and Cleveland, Ohio, joining existing facilities in Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Previously, cruise ship operators had to work independently with US Customs and Border Protection.
The availability of crew and equipment was often uncertain, making it difficult or impossible for ship operators to plan itineraries that depended on on-time connections to shore transportation and activities. Even when it was available, the customer experience was highly variable and resulted in hours-long waits in some cases.
In response, the governors and premiers of the Great Lakes St. Lawrence along with the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Coastal Development Corporation and the American Great Lakes Ports Association partnered with US Customs and Border Protection to develop a new four-port customs solution.
Strategically located at key Great Lakes cruise ports, these customs facilities now form a network that provides trip planners with a predictable and enhanced passenger experience.
“Our region is a unique bi-national destination for cruise passengers. “This is one of our greatest assets and now our US Customs clearance facilities are well positioned to support excellent itineraries and market growth,” said David Lorenz, Cruise Great Lakes Chairman and Vice President of Travel Michigan. Cruisers, the Great Lakes are taking their place among the best cruise destinations in the world.”
This year, nearly 150,000 passengers will visit Great Lakes ports – up 25% from 2019. Nine ships will visit the Great Lakes for the first time, with Pearl Harbor, American Queen Cruises, and St. Lawrence Cruise Line. Ever, Viking.
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