Carnival Cruise Line Starts Year-Round Cruising from Norfolk, Virginia
Carnival Cruise Line is bringing more fun to Norfolk by launching year-round cruising with Carnival Sunshine. (Image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
Virginia is for Cruise Lovers! Carnival Cruise Line Starts Year-Round Cruising from Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va., Feb. 11, 2025 – As the popularity of cruising continues to grow, Carnival Cruise Line is bringing more fun to Norfolk by launching year-round cruising with Carnival Sunshine’s inaugural sailing today. The new year-round deployment transforms Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center from a seasonal port to a permanent cruise hub that will sail 150,000 guests annually – the highest volume in the city’s history. Video from today’s event can be seen here, and video of the ship’s arrival in Norfolk is available here.
Ahead of Carnival Sunshine’s first-ever embarkation from Norfolk, 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 for cruisers. Highlights include a debarkation ramp to allow a seamless transition from the second floor to the first into the Customs and Border Protection 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 the ship’s return to service following a month-long routine dry dock, which included technical maintenance, along with updates to public areas and staterooms. The 3,700-guest ship includes approximately 500 balcony staterooms, along with a wide range of amenities, such as a three-level Serenity adult-only retreat. The ship features an array of guest favorites, like Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, RedFrog Pub, Havana Bar and the signature Alchemy Bar.
The ship is departing today on a six-day cruise to The Bahamas, visiting Freeport and Bimini. As part of its year-round deployment, Carnival Sunshine will visit popular destinations in The Bahamas, Bermuda and Eastern Caribbean. Beginning this September, Carnival Sunshine will sail to Celebration Key, Carnival’s new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama.
For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
Photo of Ribbon-Cutting (Left to Right): Council Member Carlos Canton, Council Member Jeremy McGee, Carnival Cruise Line Hotel Director Neelesh Santiago, Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Port Operations David Candib, Carnival Cruise Line Captain Leonardo Contarino, Mayor Kenneth Alexander, Carnival Guest Jennifer Stanard and Vice Mayor Martin Thomas, Jr.
ABOUT CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is the first cruise line to sail over 100 million guests and is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. Since its founding in 1972, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise industry and popularized the cruise vacation as an affordable and fun travel option. Carnival operates from 13 U.S. and two Australian homeports, as well as seasonally from Europe and employs more than 48,000 team members representing 120 nationalities.
Carnival’s fleet of 27 ships reflects an exciting period of growth that continues with the addition of seven ships through 2033: two ships joining in March 2025 when P&O Cruises Australia integrates into Carnival; a fourth and fifth Excel class ship scheduled for 2027 and 2028 respectively; followed by three additional new ships from an innovative new class currently under development. Carnival’s next new guest offering will be the all-new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, set to debut on Grand Bahama next summer.
