Duluth Debuts New Seawall to Welcome Great Lakes Cruises

Duluth, Minnesota has unveiled a newly constructed section of seawall designed to better accommodate cruise ships visiting the city via Lake Superior. The enhancement made its debut on Tuesday as the Viking Octantis, the first cruise ship of the season, docked directly alongside the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center for the first time.

With the new infrastructure in place, Viking Octantis’s 374 passengers were able to disembark directly onto shore, avoiding the need for tenders that were previously required during past cruise visits. The improvement marks a significant step in positioning Duluth as a more accessible and attractive port for Great Lakes cruise itineraries.

The project was funded through a mix of public investment, including $13.5 million from the state of Minnesota, $4.9 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Economic Development, and $860,000 from the Duluth Economic Development Authority.

In addition to the seawall, the city has made broader waterfront enhancements to create a more welcoming experience for both visitors and locals. Two new public spaces—Portside Park and Paulucci Plaza—have been introduced and are expected to host a variety of community events in the future.

“You’re going to see a space that really is about people,” said Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert. “It really is about folks being able to, at their pace, enjoy what is the most prime real estate in all Duluth.”

The updates aim to boost tourism, enhance the waterfront experience, and solidify Duluth’s role as a growing cruise destination in the Great Lakes region.

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