Governor Kathy Hochul announced on May 20 the release of renderings for a new cruise ship terminal on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor. The project, located at the Slip 2 parcel on Fuhrmann Boulevard where the Pier Restaurant once stood, is scheduled to begin construction in July 2026 and aims to open for the summer season of 2028. While construction is underway, Buffalo will welcome its first cruise ship in decades next week at a temporary docking site near Erie Basin Marina.
The development is intended to transform a long-vacant area into an active hub for Great Lakes cruises and support growth in Western New York’s travel sector. The terminal will offer services such as customs inspections and public restrooms, along with upgrades including seawall shoring, landscaping, lighting, parking facilities, and improved public access via multi-use paths and promenades.
“Buffalo’s waterfront is no longer a relic of our industrial past, but a premier gateway to the Great Lakes and a powerhouse for Western New York’s tourism economy,” Governor Hochul said. “By transforming this long-vacant Slip 2 site into a cruise line terminal, we are ensuring that Buffalo is no longer a city that cruise ships bypass, but a destination where they begin and end their journeys. With this investment, we will welcome the world and provide visitors with new ways to experience the Queen City of the Great Lakes.”
In recent years, efforts have been made to position Buffalo as an attractive stopover point for both domestic and international cruises touring between Toronto and Cleveland. A market demand study completed by ECHDC in 2024 assessed several potential sites before recommending Slip 2 as best suited for these operations. As part of ongoing discussions with major Great Lakes cruise lines, ECHDC has secured two commitment letters from operators planning to add Buffalo to their itineraries.
American Cruise Lines plans to bring its newest vessel—the American Patriot—to dock temporarily at Erie Street near Erie Basin Marina this summer. Passengers are expected to visit local attractions such as museums and Niagara Falls through curated excursions during their stay in Buffalo.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said: “The Great Lakes cruise industry is booming, and Buffalo is now in the perfect position to ride that wave. This new terminal will provide the modern customs facilities and welcoming space we need to handle international travel and serve as a homeport for major cruises. By making it easier for visitors to dock in Buffalo, we are driving more foot traffic to our local small businesses, museums and landmarks, ensuring our waterfront remains a destination for decades to come.”
