Cleveland, OH
Cruise season begins in CLE, could be one of bigget yet
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) — Cleveland is once again setting sail into cruise season — and this year could be its biggest yet.
The Port of Cleveland welcomed its first ship of 2026 on Tuesday, bringing visitors and a boost to the local economy along with it. Local leaders told Fox 8 that this is just the beginning.
“This is a great day. It’s officially the kickoff of the 2026 cruise season in Northeast Ohio and at the Port of Cleveland,” said Dave Gutheil, chief operating officer at the Port of Cleveland.
The arrival marked the start of what could be a record-breaking cruise season for the Port of Cleveland. Since launching cruise operations in 2017 with just nine ship visits, the port now expects 57 — its highest ever.
“Really a big economic impact on the city. Each passenger spends about $100 to $150 when they come in. So, we should have close to 10,000 passengers this year,” said Gutheil.
That excitement is exactly what local leaders are counting on as cruise tourism continues to grow year after year. Visitors are stepping off ships and straight into Cleveland’s top attractions — from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the West Side Market and beyond.
“We are super excited. We have friends here, they’re going to show us around,” said cruise passengers, Margaret Niehaus and Robert Niehaus from Santa Barbara, Ca.
For travelers from across the country like the Niehaus’, the Great Lakes cruise is both scenic and personal.
“The cruise is great. The food is delicious, the staff is great, the ship, only about 200 passengers, it is very nice, really intimate,” the Niehaus’ said.
Victory I carries about 200 passengers on 10-to-14-day Great Lakes routes, with stops including Chicago, Toronto and Cleveland. For many, it’s a chance to see the Great Lakes in a completely different way.
“The Great Lakes are a very special ecosystem, very special environment, of course, you know, and having a chance to see them from the shore is a lifetime experience for a lot of people,” said cruise passenger Steve Kaverman from Denver, Colo.
Ships like this will continue arriving through mid-October — bringing thousands more visitors to Cleveland’s waterfront.
“If you see passengers from the cruise vessels out in Northeast Ohio, wish them a warm welcome to Cleveland and let’s put out the red carpet for them,” said Gutheil.
Trips can be booked directly through Victory Cruise Lines website. Port officials said they expect both visitor numbers and economic impact to keep growing in the years ahead.
Larry Ray Duffield, age 51, passed away on May 17, 2026. He was born on May 19, 1974, in Cleveland, Ohio, to his loving parents, James E. and Patty M. Carr. Beloved father of Emily, Victoria, Lauren Rae, and Olivia. Cherished grandfather of Kate, Boston, Frankie Jr., Addison, John, Oliver, Dean, Ezra, Elias, Lovely, Revel III, and Andrew. Dear brother of Keith (Crystal) and Sabrina. Treasured uncle of Brittany, Cameron, Courtney, Jerry, Kyle, Brooke, Jann Jr., Jalani, and Leilani.
Ray was an ASC certified mechanic with a degree in HVAC Heating and Cooling. Gifted with his hands and able to fix just about anything, he was also an excellent painter and proudly lived up to the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” He enjoyed helping others whenever he could and was known for his hardworking nature, quick wit, and ability to make people laugh.
Above all else, Ray’s greatest love in life was his family. He loved them deeply, irrevocably, and unconditionally, and treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. His presence, love, and unforgettable personality will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Slone & Co. Funeral Directors 13115 Lorain Ave. Cleveland, OH 44111. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 2 p.m., at Riverside Cemetery 3607 Pearl Rd. Cleveland, OH 44109 (Please meet at cemetery gates by 1:45 p.m.).
CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) has officially finished their Central Security Checkpoint Expansion Project.
According to a press release from the airport, the project doubles the number of security screening lines and the size of the guest queueing space. They also said it streamlines the CLEAR screening area.
“The Central Checkpoint expansion helps improve the guest experience and reduce congestion at the ticketing level while supporting current passenger needs ahead of future headhouse renovations under CLEvolution, the airport’s long-term vision for modernization, with the Terminal Modernization Development Program (TMDP) serving as its cornerstone,” the release reads.
The airport is also reminding travelers that the airports near the central checkpoint were recently remodeled, opening in November of last year. The price tag for the checkpoint expansion project was $4.8 million, and the restrooms were $1.3 million.
“These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to modernize the existing terminal while enhancing accessibility, operational efficiency, and the overall passenger experience as we move forward with CLEvolution and the Terminal Modernization Development Program,” said Bryant L. Francis, director of Port Control. “Reconfiguring and expanding the Central Checkpoint allows us to better accommodate passenger demand today while preparing the airport for future growth.”
Ramona Rodriguez Rivera, age 76, passed away on May 17, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1949, in Comerio, Puerto Rico, to her loving parents, the late Ramon Rodriguez and Carmen Rivera.
Beloved mother of Juan Alberto Alejandro, Juan Antonio Alejandro, and Jose Ramon Rivera. Cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. Dear sister, treasured aunt, and loving mother-in-law.
Ramona loved to cook and sing Christian music, bringing joy and comfort to those around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10 a.m. until time of Service at 11:30 a.m., at Slone & Co. Life Celebration Center 3556 W. 130th St. Cleveland, OH 44111. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.
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