Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Having welcome five Great Lakes cruise ships this summer - and two more are scheduled to berth in Buffalo next month, tourism leaders are saying the initiative have Buffalo added a port for the cruise lines is a success.
American Cruise Lines has brought its 130-passenger American Patriot to Buffalo five times since late May and, according to Visit Buffalo CEO Patrick Kaler, the feedback has been nothing but positive.
"This has turned out to be a great opportunity for Buffalo," Kaler said.
Bringing cruise ships to Buffalo was one of the top items on Kaler's tourism and hospitality bucket list. It took several years of cajoling and selling the notion of adding Buffalo to cruise ship operators tour routes but it finally became a reality just before Memorial Day when the American Patriot and its 130 passengers berthed at the Erie Basin Marina.
American Cruise Lines may be bringing as many as 15 ships into Buffalo next year and one of its competitors, Victory Cruise Lines confirmed it will be bringing one of its 200-passenger ships into the city next summer.
Kaler said negotiations are underway for exactly how many times Victory will bring one of its ships into Buffalo.
"It will be more than just once," Kaler said.
All of which sets the groundwork for Buffalo becoming a permanent destination for Great Lakes cruise ships operators.
By 2028, a formal terminal including a customs inspection center will be open along the Outer Harbor where the Shooters waterfront nightclub and restaurant once stood.
Having a customs center opens the door for Buffalo to welcome Great Lakes ships that are coming from Canadian destinations.
Kaler said one of the hidden benefits that comes with the cruise ships is that American Cruise Lines uses Buffalo as both an end destination and a beginning one, meaning passengers tend to stay longer.
As for the fledgling role as a Great Lakes cruise ship host city, Kaler said there were lessons learned this summer.
"There are obviously tweaks," Kaler said, "Nothing too major, just some minor tweaks here and there."
And, what are the most popular destinations for the passengers?
Kaler said the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings like the Darwin Martin House complex was at the top of the list as was Niagara Falls and stops at city neighborhoods like the Elmwood Village and Hertel Avenue,
"A little bit of everything," Kaler said.
Victory Cruise Lines is adding Buffalo to its tour routes
Victory Cruise Lines is adding Buffalo to its tour routes
