The Highs, the Lows, and Highs of Cruise Shipping in the Great Lakes | North Coast Chroniocles

May 26, 2023

Ralph Diehl: 30 years of Great Lakes cruises

North Coast Chronicles: Tales from the Great Lakes celebrates two years on ASPN with "The Highs, the Lows, and Highs of Cruise Shipping in the Great Lakes" with the May 2023 episode!  In a number of our previous North Coast Chronicle podcasts, the plethora of cruise ships now serving the Great Lakes was often highlighted.  But, cruise shipping is nothing new – historically – in the Great Lakes and there were decades when there was no cruise shipping because of marketplace pressures and regulatory requirements. Today, that has all changed. Joining the podcast to share his 30 years of first-hand knowledge of the business of cruise shipping – particularly in the Great Lakes – is Mr. Ralph Diehl.  In 2001, Ralph promoted a 226-passenger cruise ship in the Great Lakes.  He also shares the history of the U.S. flag ship, SS South American, considered the last great cruise liner in the Great Lakes!

Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Helen Brohl

Helen Brohl is a Great Lakes gal, having grown up on the south shore of Lake Erie and a lifetime of summers on Middle Bass Island. Helen understands the Great Lakes as a valuable resource with a Master's Degree from The Ohio State University in Great Lakes Land and Water Use Policy and as an economic engine for the nation with almost 40 years of experience in maritime transportation and trade development. Helen previously worked as professional staff on the U.S. Congressional House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, with NOAA's Office of Coast Management, did trade development for the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, was the Director of Marketing for the Port of Chicago, the Executive Director of the U.S. Great Lakes Shipping Association, and retired in January 2023 after almost 17 years as the Executive Director of the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System in Washington, DC. Follow along as Helen shares the nature, folk lore, and charm of the Great Lakes!