Tuesday, April 14 – The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission’s Tourism Thunder Bay, part of the Cruise Port Thunder Bay collective is showcasing Thunder Bay on the global stage at Seatrade Cruise Global, the world’s largest annual gathering of the cruise shipping industry April 13-16, 2026.
This four-day conference is attended by a bi-national Great Lakes consortium of ports and destinations. By attending, Tourism Thunder Bay aims to drive new cruise business for the region, strengthen existing relationships and build capacity through best practices education.
“Seatrade Cruise Global is the premier international gathering of cruise tourism professionals. It’s an important venue for us to sell Thunder Bay to the world as a premier destination for cruise shore itineraries and to the broader travel trade sector.” According to Paul Pepe, Manager of Tourism Thunder Bay and lead on cruise tourism. “This year, we’re excited to be joined by our local Cruise Port Thunder Bay partners Embark Port Services, to amplify Thunder Bay’s presence and better connect with more cruise itinerary decision makers about the advantages of bringing cruise guests to Thunder Bay.”
The Great Lakes Cruise sector has grown significantly since 2022 and brings considerable economic and media benefits to the region and to Thunder Bay. In addition to attending four days of education sessions, the Great Lakes pavilion returns in 2026, joining over six hundred other destination and cruise vessel supply chain exhibitors connecting with the expected twelve thousand delegates in attendance. A major annual tradition at the event continues with participating in the Great Lakes dinner, sponsored by the Toronto Port Authority. This event brings cruise decision makers and cruise media together for an evening of networking and partnership building with various Great Lakes destinations.
“Building the cruise tourism sector in Thunder Bay and region remains a key priority for the continued success of Cruise Port Thunder Bay. At Embark Port Services, our core focus is providing a “one-stop-shop” experience for our global cruise partners” says Sean Davies, Co-Owner and Operator of Embark Port Services. “Meeting in person with existing and potential partners highlights our commitment to the local and global cruise economy. By working closely with the CEDC’s Tourism team , we ensure that Thunder Bay remains the preferred destination on the Great Lakes.”
Thunder Bay welcomes Viking Cruises, Victory Cruise Lines and Pearl Seas Cruises back to Thunder Bay in 2026 for a total of ten vessel visits. The season kicks off June 5th at the Pool 6 Cruise Terminal with Victory scheduled as the first cruise ship of the season.
