Royal Caribbean To Offer Cruises From Norfolk Starting Next Year
The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK Four-and-a-half years of persistence has paid off for the citys cruise efforts as Royal Caribbean Cruises will sail from here starting in April 2007.
Royal Caribbean, the worlds second-largest cruise operator, will travel between Norfolk and Bermuda for 15 seven-day voyages between April 20 and July 27, company and city officials said. Royal Caribbean will be using its 2,000-passenger Empress of the Seas, the first to sail from Norfolks $36 million downtown cruise terminal, scheduled to open next March.
The company made mention of the new service at a cruise conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Monday.
The news was especially welcomed by the city. Besides the addition of a major cruise line and the prospect of millions of dollars of passenger spending, it reverses the recent trend of cruise lines pulling out of Norfolk. In the p ast year, three carriers have either left or announced their intention to leave for various reasons.
Before the Royal Caribbean news, the only line scheduled to operate from the new terminal next year was Carnival Corp., the worlds largest cruise line, with four cruises.
This deal validates everything weve been working for, said Stephen Kirkland, the citys cruise operations and marketing manager. He said talks with Royal Caribbean extend back more than four years.
It confirms our optimism about Norfolk being a great port for cruise lines, Mayor Paul D. Fraim said.
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First Cruise From Us Port In More Than 15 Months Sets Sail
When asked how Carnival intends to handle Floridas new law, a spokesperson did not comment on the decision to break from the law and instead referred NBC News to its frequently-asked-questions page, which states that guests will be asked to confirm their status as fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination in advance of boarding, unless a vaccination exemption is given in advance.
Norwegian, which requires guests to bring proof of vaccination, responded to inquiries with a link to its latest press release from early June about its upcoming U.S. voyages.
Democrats have denounced the new law and accused DeSantis of undermining both public health and the cruise industry.
âThe governor is dictatorially imposing his will on Florida businesses trying to protect their customers, including cruise lines on whom our agriculture industry depends for millions in food sales,â Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said in a statement to NBC News.
Fried, a Democrat, is running to unseat DeSantis in next years election.
Pushaw said the governors executive order is not likely to scare away seagoing travelers.
Its almost unheard of for a vaccinated person to get seriously ill with Covid-19, she said in an email. Therefore, people who are vaccinated should not be worried about getting infected from those who arent.
Prior to the pandemic, the industry directly and indirectly supported nearly 160,000 jobs in Florida.
Ready To Set Sail Carnival Keeps Cruise Deal With Norfolk Trips Begin In 2022
NORFOLK, Va. People are taking to the skies, but not setting sail just yet. The CDC still has a conditional sail order in the United States.
But there is hope on the horizon!
The deal with Carnival Cruise Line and the City of Norfolk is still on. Carnivals president joined Hampton Roads business leaders Thursday to let them know bookings for next year are taking off!
2020 was stormy for the cruise industry and the 757.
A huge economic hit for this region, said Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland.
Major U.S cruise lines last set sail in March 2020. Kirkland said Norfolk missed out on 70 cruise ships.
Forty in 2020 and 30 this year, Kirkland said.
The Half Moone Cruise Center might sit empty for a few more months. Kirkland said they dont expect any cruise ships in 2021 but have bookings for 2022.
In February 2020, Carnival committed ships to sail from the Mermaid City through 2025. Kirkland said the deal stands.
Carnival is committed to Norfolk, Kirkland said. We are committed to Carnival.
Carnival President Christine Duffy updated local business leaders. The company is urging the CDC to lift restrictions.
To address where we are today and how we can get the cruise industry sailing from the U.S. in time for summer, Duffy said.
Sailing will likely start slow, with smaller capacities. However, 2022 is filling fast.
Our booking pace is better for 2022 than it was in 2019, Duffy said. 2019 was one of our best years.
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Get On Board The #1 Tour In Norfolk Per Tripadvisor
From the very first we were impressed with the professional and courteous crew members of the Victory Rover. Every one of them was extremely nice and very helpful during the tour. The boat was very clean and almost continuously throughout our time on the boat we observed at least one crew member wiping down railings and door knobs, etc. The tour narrator , was extremely knowledgeable. The boat was set up and managed to keep passengers at social distance at all times.
Loved this cruise! Makes you appreciate the might of the American Navy! Being from landlocked Ohio I never get to see anything from the Navy so this was amazing. Loved the narrative and the obvious pride in what the American Navy stands for. Saw some dolphins which were a bonus! Spent time in the museum afterward. The cruise ship has a little snack bar and a few gift items. Buy a t-shirt and support them. Totally recommend this cruise!
An old Navy friend visited me and we decided to take this cruise.it was a great decision. The guide was unbelievably knowledgable, not only of the area but about all the ships we passed by as well. The surprising part for me was the fact that, even though I have lived here for many years, I was amazed by how much I learned about our area. I would recommend it to residents of this area and visitors alike.
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Carnival Pride Sets Sail On First Cruise From Port Of Baltimore
Seven-Day Cruise to the Bahamas Is First From Baltimore Since Industry-Wide Pause in Operations
BALTIMORE is the first cruise line to set sail from the Port of Baltimore since the industry-wide pause in operations. Carnival Pride is set to depart today on a seven-day cruise to The Bahamas , visiting the popular destinations of Nassau and the private island of Half Moon Cay .
Prior to departure, a Back to Fun event was held in the terminal during which Carnival President Christine Duffy cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially welcomed the first guests on board.
Were thrilled to be back in Baltimore , providing our guests with the relaxing vacation theyve been so patiently waiting for but also supporting the local economy and offering our crew members an opportunity to support their families back home, said Christine Duffy . Baltimore has been a wonderful partner for more than a decade and we are delighted to get Back to Fun in this key market which serves hundreds of thousands of guests in the Northeast and along the Atlantic Coast
Carnival Cruise Line launched the first year-round cruise program from Baltimore in 2009 and since then has carried well over one million guests, making Carnival the number one cruise operator from the port.
In November, a newer ship, Carnival Legend, will replace Carnival Pride in Baltimore when Carnival Pride shifts to departures from Tampa
Carnival offers the widest array of cruise options from Baltimore
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Royal Caribbean Bermuda Cruise
Depart from Norfolk for a six day Bermuda cruise on the Enchantment of the Seas. Cruise through the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean on days one and two. Days three and four put you on shore at Kings Wharf, Bermuda to enjoy two full days at this incredible port of call before you head back to Norfolk. While on board, enjoy the spa facilities, Casino Royale and the open atrium full of shopping opportunities.
Royal Caribbean International Corporate Guest Relations 1050 Caribbean Way Miami, FL 33132 866-562-7625 royalcaribbean.com
References
Best Cruise Deals And Discounts Sorted By Your Dream Destination
Sometimes its all about the destination and that is certainly true of cruise destinations. The cruise port you depart from and the amazing cruise ports you visit define your experience as much as what cruise line or cruise ship you sail on. At CruiseExperts.com we understand that and have sorted these cruises by the places youll visit on your cruise vacation. So whether its a cruise to Alaska, a Caribbean cruise, cruises to Hawaii, a cruise to the Bahamas or Bermuda or a cruise to Mexico youll find it easily with the help of our destination wizard. Maybe youre looking for a cruise vacation thats just a little different like a Panama Canal cruise, a Transatlantic cruise, cruises to Europe, a Tahiti cruise with a tour of the South Pacific, a down under adventure with an Australia / New Zealand cruise or even a fall foliage cruise through Canada and New England. Whatever âfloats your boatâ get started by selecting your dream destination on our cruise search page.
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Carnival Cruise Lines Bahama Cruise
Carnival Cruise Lines offers a six day cruise departing from Norfolk and sailing to the Bahamas. Spend your first full day at sea on the Carnival Glory. Days three and four are spent in Nassau, Bahamas, and the ship is docked in Freeport, Bahamas on day five. While on board, enjoy the Serenity adults only retreat, the twister water slide and a show at the Amber Palace.
Carnival Cruise Lines 3655 NW 87th Avenue Miami, FL 33178 888-CARNIVAL carnival.com
Cruise From Norfolk Virginia
Various seasonal cruise ships depart from Norfolk, Virginia. As a cruise port, Norfolk is the departure point for Carnival cruise ships sailing to the the Bahamas, Bermuda or the Caribbean islands. However, please be aware that only a few select dates are available for cruises from Norfolk. With that said, its advised to check availability and reserve your cruise from Norfolk as soon as possible considering the limited amount of sailings available from this cruise port.
Although Norfolk is a popular drive to port, if you need to fly into the area the cruise ship dock isnt far from Norfolk International Airport . It takes about 20 minutes for a taxi to drive the 10 miles to Nauticus in Norfolk, where the cruise terminal is located. The ride is metered and costs about $20.
Cruise passengers that drive to the pier can park at the Cedar Grove parking lot located in downtown Norfolk. It is suggested that you first drop off your luggage with a porter at the terminal before proceeding to parking. The parking fee is $15 per night, , and no reservation is necessary. Complimentary shuttles are available to get you back to the pier.
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Virginia To Bermuda Cruises
There are cruises from Norfolk to Bermuda. A cruise from this port is convenient for residents of Virginia and North Carolina.
There are fun things to do in and around Norfolk before your cruise. Take a Naval Base tour, sail on a harbor cruise, see the Chrysler Art Museum, or tour the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Colonial Williamsburg and historic Yorktown are also nearby.
Norfolk has a modern cruise terminal on the downtown waterfront. Its in a beautiful setting next to a park, the Nauticus museum and the Battleship Wisconsin.
Vacation Cruises From Norfolk Va
Vacation Cruises From Norfolk, VA
If you thought you had to make it to Miami to get on a cruise ship, then think again. If you live in the Norfolk, Virginia area, you might be surprised to find out that a number of cruise ships depart from Norfolk throughout the year. Visit the Caribbean, the Bahamas or Bermuda without having to arrange a flight to Florida first.
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Carnival Cruise Ship Is Largest To Homeport In Norfolk Guest Operations Resume
Carnival Cruise Line becomes the first to restart operations from Norfolk, Virginia in over two years with the Carnival Magic cruise ship.
Norfolk, Virginia, welcomes the first cruise ship in over two years this weekend. Carnival Magic has the honor to kick off the cruise season from the city, the first since the global pause in operations in March 2020. The ship is also the largest ever to homeport from Norfolk.
The Carnival cruise ship is sailing from the Half Moone Cruise Center on a six-day journey to the Bahamas. Guests are welcomed into the terminal with a signature Carnival Back To Fun event, which Carnival Cruise Director Simon London is hosting.
Carnival Cruise Line Will Sail From Norfolk Through 2025
Carnival Cruise Line has signed a five-year agreement with the city of Norfolk, Virginia to operate seasonal cruises from the Half Moone Cruise Terminal through 2025.
Carnivals 130,000 GRT Carnival Magic will become the largest cruise vessel to ever homeport in the city when it begins operations there in 2021. The ship will sail 12 different voyages from to The Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean, carrying an estimated 50,000 passengers.
In return, the City of Norfolk committed to improving infrastructure at the Half Moone Cruise Terminal. Additions include provisions to accept larger vessels, along with the purchase of a new gangway bridge.
Norfolk has been a valued partner for nearly 20 years, and were delighted to expand upon this relationship with this five-year contract that will bring exciting new choices from the Half Moone Cruise Center, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, in a news release. Our cruises from Norfolk have been very well received by our guests, and this new agreement speaks volumes about our confidence in growing this market.
Between May and October 2021, will embark on a series of four- to eight-night sailings from Norfolk. These include quick getaways to The Bahamas and Bermuda, and longer voyages that explore the Caribbean.
Carnival Magic is scheduled to undergo a dry dock and refurbishment in Europe in early 2021 before returning to the United States.
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Carnival Cruise Line Sails First Cruise Out Of Norfolk In Over Two Years
Cruise Line & Cruise ShipCarnival Cruise LineLaurie Baratti May 15, 2022
Carnival Cruise Line today celebrated its return to guest operations in Norfolk, Virginia, as Carnival Magic became the first ship to set sail from the citys Half Moone Cruise Center since 2019. At the same time, it also became the largest ship to ever depart from the port.
In celebration, Carnival welcomed guests aboard the first cruise of the season departing Norfolk with a Back to Fun event, complete with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony that also debuted the terminal’s new gangway, which has recently been expanded to accommodate larger ships.
Norfolk is a key seasonal homeport for us and we are excited to have Carnival Magic based in Norfolk for our guests to enjoy and to support the local economy, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. I want to thank the City of Norfolk for its ongoing commitment to Carnival and the enhancements it made to the beautiful Half Moone Cruise Center, so that we could bring the larger Carnival Magic here for our restart.
In a statement today, the cruise line expressed pride in its 20-year partnership with the City of Norfolk, and the Nauticus waterfront maritime museum and science center, which operates Half Moone Cruise Center. Thanks to the ports newly increased capacity, more guests than ever will be able to enjoy a cruise vacation from Norfolk this summer and fall.
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Why Cruise From Norfolk Virginia
Norfolk is a beautiful city that also serves as Carnival Cruisesâ departure port for the Mid-Atlantic area.
from Norfolk, VA depart for destinations as varied as the New England coastline, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. Thereâs a reason that Carnival crews and passengers love this port â Norfolk is bursting with beauty, culture, and excitement. In the mood for a little history before you set sail? Norfolk is located near two incredible colonial villages . Want to keep it modern? Check out the delicious restaurants, unique shops, and multicultural events throughout the city. Donât forget to save time to visit the cityâs beaches and botanical gardens!
If youâre still in the planning phase for your cruise vacation, donât worry: Cruise Marketplace is here to help you save on cruises from Norfolk, VA in 2021, 2022, 2023, and beyond. Our expert team can work with you to see where and when you want to sail. We know how to find savings for senior cruise passengers, solo travelers, families, and more. Donât wait! Contact us online or via phone today.
Why do it yourself? Call our personal agents for help. You wont be disappointed.
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Port Of Norfolk Virginia
- 15 minutes from the Norfolk International Airport
- 30 minutes from the Newport News Airport
- 20 minutes west of the Virginia Beach Ocean Front
- 40 minutes east of Colonial Williamsburg
Directions:
- Start out going Southwest on Terminal toward Parking. 0.1 miles.
- Turn right onto Robin Hood Road for 1.4 miles Turn left onto N. Military Highway / VA-165.
- Turn left onto N. Military Highway / VA-165.
- Continue to follow N. Military Highway for 0.9 miles.
- Stay straight to go to N. Military Highway / US-13 South for 1.6 miles.
- Merge onto I-264 West, toward downtown Norfolk / Portsmouth, approximately 3.8 miles.
- Take Waterside Drive Exit #9 on the left approximately 0.3 miles.
- Stay straight to go to VA-337 ALT E/ Waterside Drive approximately 0.6 miles.
- Turn left onto West Main Street approximately 0.1 miles and youll end at Waterside Drive and the Pier Terminal.
Airport Information: Norfolk International Airport 12 miles to pier, approximate driving time 20 minutes
Airport Transportation: Taxis are available for hire.
Pier Long Term Parking:
For any day of travel concerns you may have, please contact our cruise line representative. Absolutely Charleston at 747-0689 or US at 256-6649.
Parking:
