A coalition is on a voyage to put the Great Lakes on the itineraries of the cruise ship industry.

The Great Lakes Cruising Coalition is looking to set the compasses of passenger vessels towards the Twin Ports. The coalition says they're in talks with cruise lines that represent approximately 30 vessels.

"What we're bringing them is the economic argument that they can make good money by traveling here," said Stephen Burnett of the coalition.

Cruising has made significant economic waves in the Twin Ports. On July 4th of this year, the Clelia II set anchor in the Twin Ports for the first time, opening the channel for more visits. The Bahamian-flagged boat can pack 100 guests in its 50 rooms and are served well by the crew of about 65.

"This industry is full of people who respect growth and they're tremendous entrepreneurs," said Burnett.

Burnett says three cruise ships, including the Clelia II, are cruising the Lakes system this year. Eventually, the coalition says it would like to put the Great Lakes region on the marine maps of several other lines.

"What we hear from the industry itself is they want to have that kind of a vision--they want to have that kind of a target to shoot at," said Burnett.

A target, Burnett says, much like Canada.

"An area that didn't get many cruise visitations," Burnett said. "And so with investment and vision, and the ambition to drive the industry, they've built their business very significantly."

But attracting the cruising industry to the Great Lakes and the Twin Ports doesn't come with out challenges.

"We're living in strenuous economic times and this is not a time when people are squandering their disposable income," said Burnett.

Down the road, the coalition says they hope to increase the number of cruise ships serving the Great Lakes from three to more than a dozen.

On a related note, the Clelia II is expected back in the Northland two more times this year.