Viking River Cruises could dock in Davenport when the European-based company begins Mississippi River tours in 2017.
Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba said he has been working with consultants from the company for several weeks now, and even led them on a tour of the Quad Cities in January.
"I'm very excited," said Gluba. "This is an international corporation, Viking Cruiselines, who I met with about a month ago and kinda sold them on the idea to make a stop in Davenport, and it sounds like they will."
Once Rhythm City Casino moves to land, a dock or pier could be constructed at the foot of Main Street, allowing cruise ship passengers easy access to downtown Davenport.
Joe Taylor, president of the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the ships would remain docked in the Quad Cities from early morning until late at night, and they would bring a unique clientele, as well.
"They're older, they're very education-oriented, and they are learners. They are continuing learners in their lives. So, they don't want to just come and look, they want to come and do," said Taylor.
Gluba said the consultants were especially excited about the Rock Island Arsenal and the area's ties to John Deere.
"We have so much history in the Quad Cities, we've just got to show it off to the rest of the world and showcase our city," said Gluba. "And it'll bring a lot of money in."
Construction of a dock or pier also fits in with the city's River Vision. On Wednesday, aldermen unanimously approved a 2016 budget that included $500,000 to further work on that plan.