DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — A Swiss cruise company wants to bring ships to Dubuque if the city builds a dock along the Mississippi River. David Simmons of Viking River Cruises discussed the company’s potential plans at a City Council work session on Monday, The Telegraph Herald reported . The company hopes to build a cruise route with eight stops from St. Louis to St. Paul, Minnesota, with a potential stop in Dubuque if the city had the docking facilities, Simmons said.

The company’s brand involves pulling up to a port and allowing passengers to walk off the ship and explore a downtown area, he said. “(Dubuque is) currently in the schedule, you’re currently on the brochure, but we have to be certain we can deliver on that product,” Simmons said.

City Council members agreed last month to prioritize building a $4 million dock for the coming year. Officials still need to formally approve such a project. Viking is willing to partner with the city to build the dock, Simmons said. Council Member David Resnick said he was glad Simmons expressed cost-sharing ideas, but he said he wants to see a more formal commitment from the company.

The Mississippi River and vessels that travel on it are a critical part of Dubuque’s tourism, said Keith Rahe, president and CEO of Travel Dubuque. “(Viking) would be another tremendous asset to add to our inventory,” he said. “Any time you get a company like that, it is another avenue to get more people into Dubuque and showcase what we have here.”