Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - On two fronts, Buffalo is ready to take major step forwards with its quest to become a permanent stop on routes operated by Great Lakes cruise ships.
Buffalo will welcome its first Great Lakes ship when American Cruise Line's American Patriot pulls into the Miss Buffalo dock shortly after 8 p.m. on May 29 where some 200 passengers and crew will exit for a nearly two-day stopover in the city.
"It is a big moment," said Patrick Kaler, Visit Buffalo president and CEO.
Kaler has been leading the lobbying effort to bring in Great Lakes cruise ships for more than five years. It became a top priority for the state when Gov. Kathy Hochul, in 2022, said she would work closely with Kaler - and others - on making Buffalo a permanent stop for the cruise ships.
At the same time, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. said work on constructing the permanent Great Lakes cruise ship terminal will start this summer with the goal of having it passenger-ready by early 2028.
The terminal will serve as a customs center and offer other amenities. The 10,000-square-foot building is being constructed along Fuhrmann Boulevard on the site of the former Shooters - and later Pier - restaurant. The site has been empty for nearly twenty years.
"It does need some clean-up," Wendel said.
In the region's fast growing growing tourism and hospitality industry, securing a permanent destination status from Great Lakes cruise operators was considered a major missing piece in the local mosaic.
Cities like Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Cleveland and Detroit have all fostered and nurtured Great Lakes cruise ships.
Great Lakes Marketing Corp, pegs the annual impact from Great Lakes cruise ship passengers at north of $230 million.
Kaler said passengers tend to have discretionary income - especially some trips charges more than $8,600 per passenger.
"These trips whet people's appetites for a region," Kaler said. "They may want to come back to see Niagara Falls or take an architectural tour."
Buffalo prepping for first ship's arrival; terminal construction to start
Buffalo prepping for first ship's arrival; terminal construction to start
