Milwaukee, Wisconsin

United States

Tour the world-class Milwaukee Art Museum with its iconic white wings that open and close like a ship in motion.

Currency US Dollar (USD)

Language English

Time Zone CDT (UTC-5)

Best Time to Visit May–Sep

Typical Duration 7-14 nights

Price Range From $5,790 pp

Port Type Departure & Port of Call

Tender Port No

Gateway to Great Lakes cruising with access to scenic destinations like Mackinac Island and Canadian ports, offering a unique freshwater cruise experience from the American Midwest.

Cruises that visit Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Build Your Day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM

Usually about 10 hours ashore

Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Milwaukee County Zoo 190-acre wildlife park with a carousel Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 18k

Milwaukee Public Market Indoor bazaar with local food vendors Event venue · ★ 4.7 · 12k

Harley-Davidson Museum® Exhibits of the iconic motorcycles Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 12k

Fiserv Forum Onsite services Arena · ★ 4.7 · 11k

Mayfair Large, upmarket mall with a cinema Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 10k Open · Closes 8 PM

Milwaukee Art Museum A-list art in an architectural landmark Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 9k

Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory Conservatory housing a variety of flora Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 7k

Milwaukee Public Museum State-of-the-art natural history museum Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 7k

Game Show Battle Rooms - Milwaukee (Brookfield) Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 7k

Bayshore Kid-friendly hub for shopping & dining Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 7k Open · Closes 8 PM

Café Benelux European cafe/market with rooftop patio Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 6k

Discovery World Science, technology & environment museum Science museum · ★ 4.6 · 5k

Veterans Park Park with a memorial & a walking path Park · ★ 4.7 · 5k

SafeHouse Agent Onyx was the coolest bartender in Milwaukee! Bar · ★ 4.3 · 4k

Botanas Restaurant Casual cantina for Mexican fare & drinks Mexican · ★ 4.4 · 4k

Mader's Restaurant Very enjoyable dinner at this classic restaurant of Milwaukee. German · ★ 4.4 · 4k

Harbor House by Bartolotta ... views of Milwaukee lakefront, excellent service and very good food. Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 4k Closes soon · 2 PM

Boerner Botanical Gardens A variety of specialty gardens Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k

Colectivo Coffee Lakefront Relaxed cafe with coffee & light eats Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 4k

Brookfield Square Indoor shopping hangout with a cinema Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k Open · Closes 8 PM

Lakefront Brewery Airy brewpub with organic beers & grub Brewery · ★ 4.6 · 3k

The Mayfair Collection Onsite services Outlet mall · ★ 4.3 · 3k Open · Closes 9 PM

Milwaukee Brat House German fare, local brews & a beer garden Grill · ★ 4.5 · 3k

Pabst Mansion House museum of the famed beer family Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 3k

The Wicked Hop Wonderful selection of beer and really good bloody Marys. Grill · ★ 4.4 · 3k

Swingin' Door Exchange Intimate, saloon-style bar & grill Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 3k

Lake Park Landmark city park & golf on the lake Park · ★ 4.7 · 3k Open now

Smoke Shack Cozy BBQ joint with Southern sides Barbecue · ★ 4.3 · 3k

The Avenue Stylish 3-level mall with a food hall Shopping mall · ★ 3.6 · 3k Open · Closes 6 PM

Point Loomis Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k Open · Closes 5 PM

Atwater Park Sandy lakefront beach & a playground City park · ★ 4.8 · 2k

The Corners of Brookfield Upscale shopping & dining destination Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 2k Open · Closes 8 PM

South Shore Park Lakeside park with a beer garden Park · ★ 4.7 · 2k

Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar Creative takes on Southern comfort food Southern · ★ 4.4 · 2k

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria Global street food & tequila drinks Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k

Cathedral Square Park Urban green space with free WiFi Park · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Stella Van Buren High-end hotel venue for Italian cuisine American · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closes soon · 2 PM

Oak Barrel Public House Historic district American diner & pub American · ★ 4.4 · 2k

Bryant's Cocktail Lounge The best cocktails, atmosphere and service in Milwaukee. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 3 PM

3rd St. Market Hall Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Food court · ★ 4.5 · 2k

MOTOR Restaurant Classic American fare in modern digs American · ★ 4.4 · 2k

The Capital Grille Upscale chophouse chain with clubby look Fine Dining · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 4 PM

Camino Relaxed stop for burgers & craft beer American · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Odd Duck I stay in Milwaukee when passing through just to eat here. Small Plates · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM

Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro Quaint French bistro with lake views Bistro · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

The Knick Casual New American spot with a patio New American · ★ 4.3 · 1k

Carnevor | Milwaukee’s Premier Steakhouse One of the best steals you will eat in the state of Wisconsin. Steak · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

The Outsider Great 👍 indoor/outdoor bar area with comfy seating and heated spaces. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 2 PM

East Town Kitchen + Bar Stylish venue for comfort food & craft beer American · ★ 4.5 · 1k

Boone & Crockett Wonderful ambiance, attentive bartenders, fabulous drinks. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM

At Random Atmosphere: Some of the coolest vibes in Milwaukee. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Zócalo Food Park Cool hangout for global eats & cocktails Food court · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Milwaukee, Wisconsin

About Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee has emerged as a vibrant cruise hub on the Great Lakes, welcoming passengers through two distinguished cruise lines: Viking Ocean Cruises and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. With 67 upcoming cruises and the flexibility to serve as both an embarkation port and a port of call, Milwaukee offers excellent options for those beginning their journey or adding it to their itinerary. Most cruises departing from here are seven-night voyages that explore the scenic beauty of the Great Lakes, visiting iconic destinations like Mackinac Island, Toronto, and charming ports across Ontario and Michigan. The peak season runs from May through September, making it an ideal time to experience these freshwater cruises.

Stepping ashore in Milwaukee, cruise passengers discover a city with genuine Midwestern charm and a rich cultural heritage. The lakefront location provides easy access to the city's famous breweries and museums, while the downtown area offers excellent dining and shopping opportunities. Whether you're embarking on your cruise adventure or enjoying a port day, Milwaukee welcomes visitors with warm hospitality and plenty to explore during your time in port.

Lakefront Views & Riverwalk Strolls

Milwaukee's stunning Milwaukee River Riverwalk stretches through the heart of downtown, offering picturesque views of historic bridges and waterfront architecture. Walk the scenic path lined with galleries, restaurants, and public art installations, or simply relax by the water's edge and watch sailboats drift past. The lakefront is just steps from the cruise terminal.

Brewery Tours & Local Beer Culture

Milwaukee earned its reputation as America's beer capital, and you can experience this legacy firsthand at historic breweries like Miller Brewing Company or Lakefront Brewery. Sample authentic Wisconsin craft beers, learn brewing traditions dating back to the 1800s, and enjoy the warm hospitality of local brewmasters. Many breweries offer quick tours perfect for cruise passengers.

Milwaukee Public Market's Local Flavors

Dive into Wisconsin's culinary scene at the vibrant Milwaukee Public Market, a year-round indoor marketplace bursting with local vendors, artisan foods, and regional specialties. Taste fresh cheese curds, bratwurst, and locally-roasted coffee while mingling with locals. This authentic market captures the heart of Milwaukee's food culture in one accessible location.

Third Ward's Art & Architecture

Explore the historic Third Ward neighborhood, Milwaukee's creative hub featuring galleries, street art, and stunning Victorian-era architecture. Wander through converted warehouses now housing studios and boutiques, or visit the Milwaukee Public Museum to discover the region's rich cultural heritage. The area's walkable streets reveal Milwaukee's artistic renaissance.

Harley-Davidson Museum Experience

Pay homage to an American icon at the Harley-Davidson Museum, celebrating over a century of motorcycle history and innovation. Explore vintage bikes, interactive exhibits, and the brand's deep roots in Milwaukee's industrial heritage. Even non-riders appreciate the impressive collection and the fascinating story of how this Wisconsin company changed the world.