Thunder Bay Welcomes Return of Cruise Ships for 2025 Season
Thunder Bay, ON – The 2025 cruise season is officially underway in Thunder Bay with the return of Viking Octantis, ushering in another exciting summer for the local tourism sector. The vessel arrived at the Pool 6 Cruise Terminal on June 1, carrying 378 passengers and 256 crew members—marking the first of 15 scheduled ship calls through September 8.
This year’s season features visits from three major cruise lines: Viking Cruises, Pearl Seas, and Victory Cruise Lines. In total, approximately 5,100 guests and crew will disembark in Thunder Bay throughout the summer, bringing international attention and welcome economic stimulus to the city.
Adding to the day’s significance, Thunder Bay will witness a rare back-to-back docking event: Viking Octantis will depart just before 6:00 p.m. to make way for her sister ship Viking Polaris, which is scheduled to arrive that same evening for a turnaround call.
“There’s something special about seeing these ships in our harbour and knowing that people from around the world are choosing to visit Thunder Bay,” said Mayor Ken Boshcoff. “When they step off the ship and experience our beautiful waterfront, vibrant culture, and incredible natural surroundings, they’re genuinely impressed. Welcoming these visitors is a great boost to our economy, and their reaction when they arrive is a great reminder of how lucky we are to call this place home.”
Cruise Tourism’s Growing Economic Impact
The cruise sector is now a critical part of Thunder Bay’s diversified tourism economy. In 2024 alone, cruise-related activity contributed an estimated $4.3 million in direct and indirect economic benefits to the city. That included visitor spending at local attractions, restaurants, shops, accommodations, and support for port logistics and vessel resupply services.
On a broader scale, Great Lakes cruising generated over $26.4 million in global earned media value in 2024. As a key member of the Great Lakes cruise collective, Thunder Bay continues to benefit from international exposure as a destination of choice for eco- and culture-focused cruisers.
“This season reflects the continued evolution and diversity of our tourism sector,” said Paul Pepe, Manager of Tourism Thunder Bay. “It’s a credit to our local Cruise Port Thunder Bay partners who all work hard to ensure every visitor and crew member has an exceptional experience in our city.”
A Strategic Investment in Regional Growth
The City of Thunder Bay, alongside its Cruise Port partners, is positioning the region as a leading port of call on the Great Lakes. The continued arrival of small luxury expedition ships reflects global interest in sustainable, authentic, and locally immersive travel experiences. From Indigenous heritage and outdoor excursions to vibrant arts and dining, Thunder Bay offers a compelling experience for global travelers.
For more details on the 2025 cruise season schedule and how to get involved in welcoming visitors, visit www.thunderbay.ca/tourism.
