The Pearl Mist cut through the smooth water of Muskegon Lake on a cloudy early June morning.
Six decks lined with dozens of private balconies towered over Heritage Landing as about 200 people walked down a ramp ready to explore the small lakeshore town that’s bursting with local art, breweries and cultural landmarks.
This was the first cruise ship to dock at Muskegon in two years.
The Pearl Mist Cruise Ship
Muskegon is one of 27 Great Lakes ports that is welcoming passengers back after cruises were grounded for two years due to the pandemic. Pent-up demand and the growing popularity of Great Lakes cruises are making this a record-breaking year and bringing millions of dollars to local communities.
“We’re seeing this bounce back that we’ve been seeing in all of the leisure travel business,” said Dave Lorenz, chair of Cruise the Great Lakes and Vice President of Travel Michigan.