Cruise Ships Returning to New Bedford After State Setback

The New Bedford Port Authority and Mayor Jon Mitchell has reached an agreement with American Cruise Lines to bring cruise ships back to New Bedford this summer. The cruise line's decision to not come to New Bedford this summer has been reversed.

After the unexpected closure of State Pier in late 2025 for major repairs, the future of cruise visits to the city was in doubt. American Cruise Lines, which has been making regular stops in New Bedford since 2000, had announced earlier this year that it would not return without a suitable docking location.

"The state announced that the state pier was in disrepair, because the state wasn't taking care of it, frankly. As a result it could not support the docking of a vessel as large as even a relatively small cruise ship like American Cruise Lines. So they said we can't stop in New Bedford."  Mitchell says he called the CEO of American Cruise Lines and told them they New Bedford would find a place for their ships one way or another."

Cruise Ships Returning to New Bedford

Ultimately, they were able to block off the eastern section of Pier 3 as a temporary docking site for the summer season. "This is a temporary arrangement while the state rebuilds the state pier," said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. "The state wasn't doing what the state should have been doing.  It's a busy port and we've got to be flexible. I'm glad we were able to pull the bacon out of the fire."

The rearrangement means that cruise ships, and more importantly their passengers, will once again make stops in New Bedford between May and October.  For local businesses that translates into big money, with thousands of visitors roaming the waterfront and historic area.

Why the Decision Matters

The issue for New Bedford became problematic as the harbor tried to juggle being the nation’s top commercial fishing port, while also growing as a site for offshore wind and maritime innovation. With such a busy harbor, finding space for the cruise ships was tough. However, the cruise ships were deemed a priority project and a workaround plan was implemented.

For decades, approximately 3,000 cruise passengers have been visiting New Bedford, supporting local businesses and enjoying the city's culture in the historic district.

What It Means for the Waterfront

City leaders say the agreement is a temporary solution as the long-term goals for State Pier continue to roll out. In the meantime, small business owners in and around the waterfront are popping champagne as they prepare for the thousands of visitors to Union Street.

"Once those cruise ships find a new place to go, it's hard to get them back," said Mitchell.