MILWAUKEE — It’s near the end of the cruise ship season in Milwaukee.
This weekend, three cruise ships made their way into the city’s port, one being the Viking cruise ship. It marked one of the final ships of the 2022 season and the last Viking cruise of the season.
The Viking ship was docked at Port Milwaukee and ready to let passengers off to enjoy a slice of Wisconsin on Sunday.
“We have been planning for about four years for this season, so to see everything coming to a conclusion now is personally, very gratifying,” President of Great Lakes Shore Excursions Theresa Nemetz said.
Nemetz is in charge of getting guests from around the world to all the beautiful places in Milwaukee during their stay.
“We have had literally thousands of passengers, which means thousands of dollars in our communities every weekend with these cruse ships. It’s been an amazing opportunity to put Milwaukee on the map and be able to shine,” Nemetz said.
Over 300 passengers are able to board a bus and take in the sights of Milwaukee while learning the history of the Cream City.
Aboard the Viking ship were two couples who were friends from California. They said they’re using this trip to reconnect with each other while getting their first look at Milwaukee.
“The mansions are beautiful and this lighthouse is very charming,” passenger Wendy Boehm said.
The group said they may not have made it to Milwaukee if it wasn’t for their cruise ship trip.
“I never thought of coming to the Great Lakes or to Milwaukee, and I’m glad we did. This has been wonderful,” passenger Josette Claverie said.
Throughout the season, nearly two dozen cruises have made their way into Milwaukee, bringing in thousands. The final ship will come through the city in October.
While this season is soon coming to a close, the shore excursion group is already planning for the next season.