BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) Now that the state is increasing its investment in the Buffalo waterfront, with an eye toward making Buffalo a port city for Great Lakes cruises, just how big a deal is it?
The cruises are very popular according to Elizabeth Carey of the AAA
of Western and Central New York. "They run all Summer long. They go to places like Mackinac Island and Cleveland. The closest they come to Buffalo is Port Colborne, where they bus people to Niagara Falls as an excursion," said Carey.
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Pat Kaler, President of Visit Buffalo Niagara, said he's been anxious to see
this happen for Buffalo. "They pass right by, and we know what a great destination we have. These cruises bring millions of dollars to the ports that they stop in. So many of the ports are small destinations, like Duluth, Minnesota. They are great economic generators for those communities," he added.
The key would be to become a departure or arrival destination according to Kaler. People would arrive a couple of days before they set sail. Or, stay a day or two after the trip. Then you get an added hotel economic impact.
Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing a cruise terminal for the ships to pull into and dock, with easy access for passengers to get on and off. Kaler said that's the only infrastructure that's needed to become a cruise ship destination.
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The ships that sail across Lake Erie, Ontario, Huron, Michigan and
Superior are considerably smaller than ships that set sail in the ocean. Each ship accommodates 200 to 400 passengers.
"These are considered luxury cruises. They wine and dine you on board," said Carey.
Prices start at about 5-thousand dollars for a 10 night cruise. And prices go up from there depending on the accommodations you're looking for.
Currently, cities across Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Canada serve as ports for the ships, including Alpena, Detroit, Mackinac Island, Marquette, Muskegon, Sault Ste. Marie, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Duluth and Port Colborne, Ontario.
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Since the pandemic, Carey said there is a big demand for domestic travel.
"Some people are traveling internationally, but others still worry about getting stranded somewhere, or about flight issues." She said there are a lot of people cruising the Mississippi River and other domestic rivers this summer.
The downside according to Carey, is the high price point. "Right now we're seeing deals on cruises to the Bahamas. It's going to cost you a lot more to sail within the United States."
Carey was asked if she could envision a port for a cruise ship at Canalside in Buffalo, possibly near the DL&W Terminal on the Buffalo River? "It would be great if we could do that. Any investment in the waterfront to bring more people here, to increase tourism. is always a good thing."