Cruise ship Milwaukee arrival; Viking Octantis, 1st vessel of 2023 season
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee welcomed on Thursday, May 4, the Viking Octantis -- the first cruise ship to visit Port Milwaukee as part of the 2023 season.
The Viking Octantis arrived at the Port’s City Heavy Lift Dock around 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
Sixty-five days after Shelli Marquardt and Cathy Priem set sail, they arrived at Port Milwaukee.
"It’s really surreal to be back here in Wisconsin, our hometown," Marquardt said.
The two began cruising with the Viking Octantis in Antarctica. Nine counties and thousands of miles later, they stepped off the ship greeted by the sounds of polka music.
"It’s nice to be home and put our feet back on the Wisconsin soil, but also share it with the rest of the people on the cruise ship," Marquardt said.
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"People don’t realize how many great local restaurants Milwaukee and Wisconsin has; you have to leave it to appreciate it," said Cathy Randall, another Octantis passenger.
Hundreds of passengers on board the Viking cruise ship spent the day seeing and appreciating everything Milwaukee has to offer.
Cruise ship Viking Octantis arrives in Milwaukee for start of 2023 season
"We're getting ready we are going to do a beer tour today," Randall said.
But while Brew City marks the final destination for the Octantis, it is just the beginning of the cruising season at Port Milwaukee.
"I’m here to show off our city to the thousands and thousands of cruise ship passengers who will pass through Port Milwaukee," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Cruise ship Viking Octantis arrives in Milwaukee for start of 2023 season
The Viking vessel is the first of 31 ships to visit Milwaukee this season. City leaders say it not only opens a door to the Midwest's hidden gem, but also is a driver for the economy.
"When these beautiful vessels dock in Milwaukee, the dollars don’t just stay on the ship. Instead, they are spread around the community," said Peggy Williams-Smith, VISIT Milwaukee President and CEO.
The Viking Octantis can carry up to 378 passengers on voyages throughout the Great Lakes. Also this year, Viking will also be introducing a second ship, the Viking Polaris, to the Great Lakes. It is identical to the Octantis.
The public can stay up-to-date on cruise ship arrivals and departures through Port Milwaukee’s virtual vessel tracker.