Ludington City Council to consider cruise ship request today

American Patriot. Photo by American Cruise Lines.

LUDINGTON — A proposal that could bring a cruise ship to Ludington this summer will go before the Ludington City Council today at 6 p.m. at the Ludington Municipal Building, 400 S. Harrison St.

The council is scheduled to consider a request to allow docking access for American Cruise Lines’ new ship, American Patriot, which is tentatively scheduled to visit the Port of Ludington on Aug. 7 and Aug. 14, pending approval.

The request, submitted by the Ludington Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, seeks permission for the vessel to dock along the outer west seawall of Waterfront Park.

The proposal was advanced to the full council following approval by the city’s Cemetery, Parks and Recreation Committee on March 24.

According to LACVB Executive Director Brandy Miller, the 243-foot, U.S.-flagged vessel would represent a low-barrier entry into the growing Great Lakes cruise market, requiring fewer security measures than foreign-flagged ships.

If approved, the ship would arrive in Ludington at 9:30 a.m. and depart at 6:30 p.m. during each visit.

A recent inspection of the Waterfront Park seawall — jointly funded by the city and the visitors bureau — determined the structure is suitable for temporary docking use.

The seawall location is intended as a short-term solution. Long-term discussions are ongoing with Interlake Maritime Services about docking future cruise ships at its Ludington port facility.

Miller said cruise ship visits could provide an economic boost, with local excursions planned to destinations such as the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, Historic White Pine Village, downtown Ludington, area lighthouses, Ludington State Park and Stearns Park.

Cruise ship tourism is a growing sector across the Great Lakes, with industry projections estimating a $230 million economic impact in 2025.

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