Muskegon Welcomes Cruise Lines in 2026

In 2026, four Great Lakes cruise lines will make Muskegon a port of call, bringing a total of twenty-four scheduled stops. American Cruise Lines, Ponant Great Lakes Cruises, Pearl Seas Cruises, and Victory Cruise Lines will bring passengers to explore Muskegon attractions, museums, historic sites, and the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline. Three of these vessels sail under international flags, while American Cruise Lines’ American Patriot sails under the U.S. flag. Pearl Mist is registered in the Marshall Islands, Victory II sails under the Bahamas flag, and Ponant’s Le Bellot sails under the French flag, bringing an international presence to Muskegon’s waterfront.

Aerial view of a large white cruise ship docked at a vibrant lakeside city. A giant American flag waves, surrounded by green parks under a blue sky.

Message from a Cruise Ship Traveler

In 2022, Visit Muskegon received a heartfelt message from a Pearl Mist passenger that still sticks with us today. With the sender’s permission, we’re honored to share it with you. If you’re a volunteer, an active community member, or someone who takes pride in Muskegon, this message is for you.

And if you’re thinking about visiting our Lake Michigan beach town, read on...

"In June, my husband and I sailed on the Great Lakes with the Pearl Mist, and one of our stops was Muskegon. Frankly, we weren’t that excited about the stop until we spent the day in your city."

A red trolley bus parked beside a large white cruise ship under a bright blue sky, conveying a sense of travel and leisure on a sunny day.

We toured the town by trolley, visited the Muskegon Heritage Museum, Hackley and Hume Historic Sites, Muskegon Farmers Market, had lunch in town, and toured the USS Silversides Museum. When the day was over, we felt honored to have witnessed first hand the rebirth of a city by citizen commitment and volunteerism.

Collage of a historic house, a museum with a U.S. flag, a bustling market, and a docked submarine. Text reads "Wish You Were Here."

"When the loss of manufacturing decimated your town, the citizens gave it new life by recreating Muskegon through museums and restorations, demonstrating pride in your heritage and your survival. The trolleys, museums, and ships were staffed by volunteers who shared their love of Muskegon with each of us who visited your town. We even met a volunteer restoring parts of the submarine."

A large white cruise ship docked at a sunny pier, a U.S. flag flutters to its right; behind are trees, cars, and a clear blue sky.

"By the end of the day, we had met the best of America, citizens dedicated to sharing their love of their town with all tourists and ensuring its continuation by their own 'sweat equity.' We are now converts who sing the praises of Muskegon to all of our friends. We believe that Muskegon reflects the best of America. You just can’t keep us down. Thank you for reminding us that ours is the best country on the planet because we have the best people in the world."

~ S. Chapman, Texas

2026 Cruise Ships Visiting Muskegon

⚓️ American Patriot

American Cruise Lines | U.S. Flag | Built 2025 | 130 Guests

  • Patriot-class cruise ship with a uniquely designed bow for deeper drafts

  • Luxurious grand suites, open seating dining, multiple guest lounges, and bow terrace for observation

  • Elevator access to all decks and fitness center

  • Multi-night stays possible during Muskegon visits

⚓️ Pearl Mist

Pearl Seas Cruises | Marshall Islands Flag | Launched 2010 | 210 Guests

  • 5,109 GT cruise ship with 70 crew

  • 99 m (325 ft) length, 16.8 m (55 ft) beam

  • Powered by twin Caterpillar engines for Great Lakes cruising

  • Open decks and scenic viewing areas for passengers

⚓️ Le Bellot

Ponant Great Lakes Cruises | French Flag | 184 Guests

  • 131 m length, 18 m beam, ice-class 1C

  • 92 staterooms and suites with 118 crew

  • Five guest decks with nine Zodiacs for shore excursions

  • Expedition-style design with observation areas

⚓️ Victory II

Victory Cruise Lines | Bahamas Flag | 190 Guests

  • 286 ft length with five guest decks

  • 95 staterooms and 80 crew

  • Refurbished in 2024

  • Designed for Great Lakes cruising with observation lounges

Docked white cruise ships beside a pier under a clear blue sky, with greenery in the foreground. The scene is serene and inviting.

Plan Your Visit and Go Ship Spotting

Whether you’re arriving by land or lake, Muskegon offers plenty to explore. Visit historic downtown, tour local museums, walk the Lake Michigan shoreline, or find a spot along the channel to watch ships arrive and depart.
Plot your course for ship spotting – download the full 2026 Muskegon cruise schedule HERE!

2 men carry surfboards at their sides as they walk over sandy path leading to lake michigan. text on left of image says click here to view our visitors guide