Skip navigation

Construction Begins on Norfolk’s New $2.6 Million Cruise Ship Gangway

October 20, 2021

Nauticus prepares for one of its busiest cruise seasons in 2022.

Norfolk, Va. (October 20, 2021) – An enormous crane takes center stage along Norfolk’s downtown waterfront this week as construction begins on Nauticus’ new cruise ship gangway. The new passenger boarding system will accommodate larger, more modern cruise ships, including the Carnival Magic, scheduled to set sail from Norfolk in 2022. The gangway was designed by Swedish company, Seawing PBB. The new boarding system arrived aboard the vessel M/V Sluisgracht on October 6 and will be assembled at Nauticus over the coming weeks.

“Next year will be a game changer for our cruise ship program,” said Nauticus’ executive director, Stephen E. Kirkland. “Not only will we begin our five-year partnership with Carnival, we’ll also welcome 25 ships from Norwegian Cruise Line, representing the largest port-of-call commitment ever for Norfolk.”

Construction on Nauticus’ new passenger boarding bridge is set to be completed in mid-November. Nauticus will welcome more than 180,000 cruise ship passengers in 2022

About Nauticus
Located on the Nauticus campus, the Peter G. Decker, Jr. Half Moone Center is Virginia’s only cruise terminal. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

WinterFest to Display Military Appreciation on Opening Night

October 20, 2021

Nauticus to celebrate active-duty and veteran service members on Veterans Day

Norfolk, Va. (October 14, 2021) – Nauticus will be kicking off this season’s WinterFest on the Wisconsin celebration on Veterans Day, November 11, with a special salute to the military.

Nauticus is excited to announce that on opening day, Nov. 11, WinterFest will have an exclusive deal for our military service members. Tickets will be complimentary that evening to all active-duty and veterans service members, thanks to the generous support of our presenting sponsor, GEICO Military.

Hampton Roads is home to one of the world’s largest populations of military personnel and the largest naval base. WinterFest was conceived last year as a way to celebrate the Hampton Roads community, and also pay tribute to the men and women who continue to keep our country safe.

“GEICO Military is honored to continue our partnership with Nauticus and present Winterfest on the Wisconsin to celebrate our commitment to the military and veteran communities,” said Brian Schlicht, representing GEICO’s Military Assistance Team. “GEICO is excited to support this holiday event that focuses on the rich history and culture in Hampton Roads.”

Free admission is restricted to one (1) ticket per service member while supplies last, advanced reservations online are required. Upon entry, active-duty & veteran service members must show valid ID with their reserved e-ticket to the Nauticus Admissions desk. Reserve opening day tickets here.

WinterFest’s general admission and member tickets are now on sale. Book your night to discover your holiday spirit exploring this dazzling, waterfront light festival of over 650,000 lights.

Plan Your Visit
WinterFest on the Wisconsin runs November 11, 2021, to January 2, 2022, and is open each Wednesday – Sunday throughout the holiday season. Pricing varies: Wed-Thurs – $12.50 adult, $10 child general admission, Fri-Sun – $14.50 adult, $12 child general admission. Nauticus members receive a discounted rate.

About Nauticus
Support for WinterFest on the Wisconsin directly benefits the Nauticus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Funding provides interpretation and restoration of the Battleship Wisconsin and allows Nauticus to open new onboard spaces and experiential learning opportunities for students, families and visitors.

Schooner Virginia Sails into First Place at the Great Chesapeake Schooner Race

October 20, 2021

Norfolk, Va. (October 11, 2021) – The 122-foot-long Schooner Virginia sailed her way to victory last Saturday in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race (GCBSR). The windy journey took just under 40 hours at 39:45:18.

On Thursday, October 7, 16 sailing vessels lined up just south of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Annapolis, Md. 119 nautical miles later in Portsmouth, Va. on Saturday, October 9, the Virginia and her crew triumphantly claimed first place in the AA class over the Pride of Baltimore II.

Helping to take this year’s title were 22 crewmembers who worked tirelessly to make the race a success. Among the crew was her captain Erik Lohse, who helped set the current race record in 2017.

“We had an amazing crew that navigated all the different weather conditions we faced this year,” captain Erik Lohse said. “Our crew had a great mentality that kept everyone happy and want to work hard. We can’t wait to compete again next year.”

While waiting for the race in Baltimore, the schooner participated in a parade and hosted expeditionary learning experiences aboard where local students toured her and connected to past and present life aboard a working vessel.

“As one of the largest gatherings of schooners on the East Coast, and an event dedicated to the maritime heritage of the Chesapeake, it dovetails beautifully with the Virginia’s mission and purpose,” Sail Nauticus’ manager Sarah Linden-Brooks said. “We were able to engage students in Baltimore through the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race’s education fund. Sail Nauticus benefits from increased awareness through Virginia’s participation in the race.”

Over the 25 years of the annual GCBSR, the Virginia has raced 10 times and broken several records, including their own. The race brings focus to the maritime traditions of schooners on the Chesapeake and brings attention to the environmental issues facing the Chesapeake.

About Schooner Virginia
The Schooner Virginia is a program of the Nauticus Foundation and is used as a vital resource and tool to engage the Hampton Roads community. Programming emphasizes STEM education, maritime history, tall ship training, workforce development and the conservation of our local waterways. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org/schooner-virginia.

About Nauticus
The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Nauticus Welcomes Arrival of New Passenger Gangway and Cruise Ship

October 20, 2021

Preparations underway for one of the busiest cruise seasons ever in 2022.

Norfolk, Va. (October 5, 2021) – Norfolk’s cruise ship program stages a comeback this week as the global industry begins to re-emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic. This afternoon, Nauticus will welcome its first foreign-flagged cruise vessel since the pandemic began, the 341-foot Ocean Explorer. Launched earlier this year, the ship accommodates up to 177 passengers, though 53 are currently onboard; the ship is scheduled to arrive at 1:00 p.m.

On Wednesday morning, Nauticus ushers in a new era for its cruise ship program with the arrival of its new passenger gangway system. The new boarding system will accommodate larger, more modern cruise ships, including the Carnival Magic, scheduled to set sail from Norfolk in 2022. The gangway was designed by Swedish company, Seawing PBB. The new boarding system will arrive disassembled aboard the vessel M/V Sluisgracht, and be re-assembled at Nauticus over the coming weeks.

“Our program continues to grow exponentially,” said Nauticus’ executive director, Stephen E. Kirkland. “In 2022, we’ll roll out the red carpet for 180,000 passengers, making it one of our very busiest seasons ever.”

Carnival Cruise Line begins its five-year sailing schedule from Nauticus in 2022 with the 4,000-passenger Carnival Magic. Also of significance, Norwegian Cruise Line will call on the mermaid city 25 times in 2022, making it Nauticus’ largest port-of-call commitment ever.

About Nauticus
Located on the Nauticus campus, the Peter G. Decker, Jr. Half Moone Center is Virginia’s only cruise terminal. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org/