Victory Cruise Lines Eyes Ashtabula as 2028 Great Lakes Port of Call
City Council — Ashtabula - Harbor District
Ashtabula is 99% confirmed as a new stop for Victory Cruise Lines on the Great Lakes beginning in 2028. The city may become an emergency "can stop" as early as late 2026. Excursion planning is underway with wine country tours and harbor museum visits being developed.
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