Victory Cruise Lines Eyes Ashtabula as 2028 Great Lakes Port of Call

At the March 4, 2026 Community Development/Economic Development/Parks & Recreation Committee meeting, the City Manager reported that Ashtabula is on the verge of being added as a stop for Victory Cruise Lines on the Great Lakes. Key Details: - The city is "99% there" to being confirmed as a scheduled stop beginning in 2028 - Before that, Ashtabula may become a "can stop" by late 2026 or early 2027 — meaning the cruise ship could dock if needed for weather, emergencies, or repairs - Victory Cruise Lines travels with two 50-passenger coach buses that accompany the ship - Representatives from Victory Cruise Lines are scheduled to visit Ashtabula again this month Excursion Planning: The Ashtabula Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Lift Bridge Community Association are collaborating on itineraries including: - Wine country tours (leveraging Ashtabula County''s wine region) - Local harbor museum tours (Hubbard House, Finnish Museum, U.S. Marine Museum) - A downtown "passport" program for passengers who prefer to explore on their own Why This Matters: A cruise ship stop would bring a steady stream of affluent tourists directly into the harbor district. Businesses on Bridge Street and along the waterfront should begin preparing for increased foot traffic and high-end visitor expectations. Source: City of Ashtabula Community Development Committee Meeting, March 4, 2026