MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Port Milwaukee is celebrating a record-breaking 2026 cruise season. Milwaukee welcomed nearly 20,000 passengers this year. 

The arrival of the Viking Polaris kicked off the cruise season back on April 23. The American Patriot marked the conclusion of the season on Oct. 31. 

Port Milwaukee recorded 62 cruise ship calls this season, bringing 19,820 visitors. 

By comparison, last year Milwaukee welcomed 11,000 cruise passengers across 22 ship calls. 

The 2027 cruise season will kick off on May 8, 2027, with the Viking Octantis.