Sarah Bretz, ContributorCarnival Cruise Line has officially kicked off its new year-round season of sailings from Norfolk, Virginia.
The line’s ship Carnival Sunshine set sail from the east coast port today, transforming Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center from a seasonal cruise port to a permanent cruise hub. The port will welcome about 150,000 cruise guests annually — the highest volume in the city’s history.
Ahead of Sunshine‘s embarkation this morning, Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Port Operations David Candib welcomed local officials, including Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander and Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland, to celebrate a new chapter for the homeport.
“Carnival’s 23-year partnership with the City of Norfolk and Nauticus has been a great success, and we’re honored to build on our relationship by making Norfolk the newest year-round cruise port on the east coast,” said Candib. “Year-round cruises mean more options for fun adventures and unforgettable vacations for our loyal guests as well as more tourism and economic impact for the Norfolk community both before and after each cruise.”
The City of Norfolk made a $12 million investment in infrastructure upgrades, enhancing both capacity and the overall guest experience. Highlights include a debarkation ramp to allow a seamless transition from the second floor to the first into the CBP Federal inspection area and luggage hall, a new seating area to accommodate more guests that will be completed this fall, and other enhancements across the terminal.
“Norfolk’s maritime legacy enters an exciting new chapter with year-round cruising,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander. “This expansion strengthens our economy, brings more visitors and creates new opportunities for our community. We’re proud to partner with Carnival and look forward to a thriving future together.”
Carnival Sunshine‘s first cruise from Norfolk coincides with its return to service following a month-long routine dry dock. The dry dock included technical maintenance along with updates to public areas and staterooms.
The ship is now on a six-day Bahamas cruise with planned stops in Freeport and Bimini, Bahamas. As part of her year-round deployment from Norfolk, Carnival Sunshine will visit popular destinations in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the eastern Caribbean.
Starting this September, Carnival Sunshine will sail to the new exclusive destination for Carnival Cruise Line on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key.
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