Temporary dock allows cruise tourism to return to Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Cruise tourism is back in Providence thanks to a new temporary dock.

The dock, installed on India Street next to the Seastreak Ferry Terminal, will allow American Cruise Lines to stop in Providence on its routes.

That’s the same area the Providence-Newport ferry runs out of.

The company offers cruises within the United States — for example, the New England Islands Cruise, which starts and ends in Providence.

That cruise trip runs seven nights, taking travelers to Newport, Block Island, and New Bedford, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket in Massachusetts.

State and local officials participate in a ribbon cutting for a new, temporary cruise ship dock in Providence on Thursday, June 26, 2025 (WLNE).

The temporary dock allowed trips to start immediately while local and state officials consider development of a permanent dock, according to a city spokesperson.

“This is the first step of what we hope will be a long-term investment and a long-term relationship with American Cruise Lines here in Providence,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said.

The Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates hotel business from the cruises will generate more than $1.3 million in revenue this summer.