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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Sunday Arrival Launches Norfolk’s Busiest Season

February 18, 2022

First large-scale cruise ship since pause in port operations arrives at Nauticus on Sunday

Norwegian Getaway. PC: NCL

Norfolk, Va. (February 18, 2022) – Nearly two years after the Covid-19 pandemic paused the global cruise industry, Nauticus will welcome its first major ship to Norfolk with Sunday’s arrival of the 1,000-foot-long Norwegian Getaway. The port-of-call is the first of 25 total visits this year from Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the world’s premiere cruise lines sailing to nearly 400 destinations worldwide. Sailing at limited capacity due to its robust return-to-service health and safety protocols and normally able to accommodate nearly 4,000 passengers, Norwegian Getaway will carry 2,002 guests to experience the sites of Norfolk.

“After two years of overall cruise industry uncertainty, this first ship call is really significant,” said Nauticus executive director, Stephen E. Kirkland. “It’s surreal to go from a relatively empty pier throughout 2020 and 2021 to our busiest season ever in 2022.”

Nauticus anticipates welcoming more than 150,000 total passengers and 62,000 crew members in 2022. On average, each cruise guest spends $125 while in port. The economic impact from Norwegian Cruise Line’s operations represents the largest annual port-of-call commitment ever for Norfolk.

“Our Great Cruise Comeback not only celebrates the return of our vessels and resilience of our team members worldwide, but also underscores the revival of our destination partners,” said Norwegian Cruise Line President and Chief Executive Officer, Harry Sommer. “The kick-off of cruise season for the Port of Norfolk is another important milestone for the U.S. cruise industry and we’re honored that Norwegian Getaway will once again bring thousands of visitors to this historic destination.”

The newly-refurbished Norwegian Getaway will arrive at Nauticus on Sunday, February 20 at 11 a.m. and depart at 7 p.m. ET. For images of Norwegian Getaway or the Brand’s other 16 award-winning vessels, please visit the NCL Newsroom here.

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.

Catching Up with the Sail Nauticus Academy

February 18, 2022

By: Megan Roche

While the chilly temperatures might not make for the best sailing weather, things are still moving full speed ahead with the Sail Nauticus Academy team.

The Sail Nauticus Academy program is a free partnership between Norfolk Public Schools and Sail Nauticus that offers sixth, seventh, and eighth graders a place to go after school. The program is designed to teach sailing skills, but also the importance of teamwork, interpersonal communications, and working toward a major end goal.

According to Dylan Guill, the sailing program coordinator, the academy students stay active throughout their three years in the program.

“Students come to Nauticus once a week from 3:00 to 6:00. The emphasis is on the sailing end of things, but we do a lot of other things. We want to show them life skills, leadership skills, the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and more,” Guill says.

The actual sailing season is from September to November.

While the sailing skills are a major part of the program, during the winter months when it’s just too cold to sail, sixth and seventh grade students transition to learning how to swim, CPR, and First Aid training. Through their training, they build relationships with each other.

“It’s really inspiring to see the relationships that they build with each other and with us. They make lifelong friends and they learn how to overcome challenges together. I love watching that growth with them as they go throughout the three year program,” Guill says.

In eighth grade, the students take all their training and spend much of their time at the Tidewater Wooden Boat Shop.

“The eighth grade students are learning about how to build a boat. Right now, it’s woodworking, working with hand tools and hand power tools, it’s a really cool workshop for them. In the spring, the eighth graders have the opportunity to take their boats out on the waters of the Elizabeth River,” Guill shares.

Beyond eighth grade but a graduate of the Sail Nauticus Academy? There is a place for you too! Sail Nauticus Academy graduates are active within the Nauticus environment. Many of the program graduates are paid instructors for the Sail Nauticus Academy.

In addition to teaching the kids, the Sail Nauticus Academy has also teamed up with Keep Norfolk Beautiful. The students and staff of the academy go out weekly to collect marine debris and trash. Through educating the students about the Chesapeake Bay watershed, students have been tasked with cleaning and identifying trash, learning about landfills, trash management, the importance of recycling, and leaving an area nicer than it was found. The Sail Nauticus Academy students have been beautifying TownePoint Park, the Pagoda, and areas around the Nauticus campus.

Partnerships are stressed throughout the entire Sail Nauticus Academy program and those partnerships aren’t just student to student. Guill and the Sail Nauticus Academy staff learn a lot from their students too.

“The kids teach us quite a bit. They have a different perspective on life than we as instructors do. They remind us everyday of the importance of being patient with someone and how everyone learns differently,” Guill says.

Overall, seeing the students grasp the concepts are what the program is all about for Guill and the team.

“To watch the kids when they first come in as timid sixth graders to working their way up to staff members, it’s really special,” Guill says.

The 2022 Sail Nauticus Academy application process has ended, but for more information, visit www.sailnauticus.org.

Nauticus Exhibits Celebrates the Contributions of African Americans

February 18, 2022

Reduced admission on January 15 thanks to presenting sponsor, Bank of America

Norfolk, Va. (January 7, 2022) – The extraordinary contributions made by African Americans in the fields of medicine, mathematics, engineering, and science are highlighted in a new exhibit at Nauticus entitled The Creative Mind. The exhibit consists of a series of educational panels designed and produced by the National Academy of Sciences in Washington D.C.

“We produced the Creative Mind exhibition with the goal of heightening awareness of the contributions of outstanding African Americans to science, engineering, and medicine,” said Alana Quinn of the Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences. “Since its debut in 2012, the exhibition has been on view at more than 20 venues across the United States including museums, libraries, community centers, and universities.”

The Creative Mind originated as a photographic portrait collection organized by the African American History Program at the Academy. Adapting it to a traveling exhibition enabled the Academy to share the stories of these distinguished individuals with a much larger audience.

Nauticus is celebrating the exhibit’s Norfolk debut with a reduced, $7.57 general admission on January 15, courtesy of presenting sponsor, Bank of America.

“Bank of America believes that exhibits such as The Creative Mind have the power to inspire visitors to get involved with and solve big issues we face today, and those we’ll face tomorrow,” said Frank Castellanos, Bank of America President of Hampton Roads. “This exhibit builds perspective and cultural understanding of African Americans’ profound contributions in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

The Creative Mind opens on January 15 at Nauticus and will be on display through April 2. Admission includes access to the exhibition in addition to special STEM-based programming.

Plan Your Visit
Nauticus is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Paid admission includes access to the Nauticus museum, special programming, and the Battleship Wisconsin. As always, Nauticus members are free. Tickets and additional details are available online here.

About Nauticus
The Creative Mind and additional exhibits are supported by the Nauticus Foundation. 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.

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Nearly 65,000 Guests Visit Hampton Roads’ Newest Holiday Hit

February 18, 2022

WinterFest on the Wisconsin more than doubles its attendance in 2021

Norfolk, Va. (January 5, 2022) –In its second season, WinterFest on the Wisconsin welcomed more than double the number of guests from the previous year. Nearly 65,000 residents and visitors attended the waterfront light festival this holiday season, ensuring the event will be a family favorite for years to come.

“We were really overcome by the reception this year,” said Nauticus’ executive director, Stephen E. Kirkland. “Simply put, it gives us the confidence to keep growing this experience and further establish it as an annual holiday tradition.”

After a successful launch in 2020 as a safe, outdoor holiday experience, WinterFest returned in 2021 with additional lights, live entertainment, and onboard activities.

Thanks to WinterFest’s presenting sponsor, GEICO Military, over 1,000 active-duty and veteran service members attended WinterFest at no cost on opening weekend. Nearly 1,000 first responders, nurses, teachers and their families were welcomed aboard for two Heroes Nights in December.

Over the coming weeks, crews will remove more than 650,000 lights and the below-deck areas will be returned to their regular interpretive layout. Proceeds from WinterFest on the Wisconsin will allow Nauticus to open new areas of the battleship and more fully interpret key areas prior to the ship’s birthday celebration on April 16, 2022.

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.

Waterfront Parade Ushers in Holiday Season This Weekend

February 18, 2022

Santa arrives by boat in Downtown Norfolk

Norfolk, Va. (November 23, 2021) – The Elizabeth River will look much brighter this Saturday evening as a lighted sailboat parade launches the holiday season in Hampton Roads. The fleet of sailboats, owned and operated by the Nauticus Foundation, will be decked with lights as part of WinterFest on the Wisconsin, a holiday light experience aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. The parade occurs along the waterfront adjacent to the battleship and culminates with the arrival of Santa Claus by boat.

“Though WinterFest guests will have a great view of the boats, this awesome parade is for our entire community,” said Nauticus executive director, Stephen Kirkland. “We hope everyone will come down to the waterfront and help us ring in the season.”

This weekend’s parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, November 27. Santa Claus will arrive by boat at approximately 6:20 p.m. Once Santa disembarks the boat, he will greet the public along the waterfront and be available for photos.

After the parade, grab a cup of hot chocolate at Griswold’s Café and stay for the tree lighting ceremonies later that evening!

Going to miss this Saturday’s parade? Santa and the sailboats will return on Saturday nights (weather permitting). Santa sails away December 18 with our fleet, so don’t miss the fun!

WinterFest’s general admission and member tickets are 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.

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

February 18, 2022

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

February 18, 2022

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

February 18, 2022

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

February 18, 2022

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/

WinterFest on the Wisconsin Set to Open with 300,000 Additional Lights

February 18, 2022

Nauticus doubles the lights and adds more evenings to this holiday hit.

Norfolk, Va. — Nauticus has revealed its plans for this season’s WinterFest on the Wisconsin, including doubling the holiday lights aboard the battleship (more than 650,000 in total), increasing the number of nights, adding new programming and entertainment, and kicking the celebration off on Veteran’s Day with a special salute to the military. WinterFest on the Wisconsin was launched in 2020 as a safe, outdoor holiday experience for the Hampton Roads community. Each night was sold out, and more than 31,000 guests enjoyed the experience.

“Based on the overwhelming response we received last year, our team has been planning since February for this season,” said Stephen E. Kirkland, Nauticus’ executive director. “Mark my words, this year the battleship will truly be a showstopper.”

Along with more lights and more nights, Nauticus’ creative team is designing several new experiences. Each evening, guests will enjoy a snowfall inside the museum’s Wonder Hall. A live-action animatronic Gingerbread Man is being designed to greet guests in the ship’s historic galley, and families will have a special moment with Santa in a new North Pole experience. The battleship’s fantail (stern of the ship) will feature a new centerpiece – a massive, 32-foot-tall Christmas tree with special tree lighting ceremonies throughout the evening. This season’s WinterFest on the Wisconsin will also see the return of some holiday favorites, like the lighted boat parade on the Elizabeth River each Saturday night (Santa arrives by boat), dozens of cheeky elves below deck, an elaborate train display, and of course, Oliver, the talking Christmas tree.

WinterFest on the Wisconsin opens on Veteran’s Day (November 11) and tickets are free that evening to all active duty service members and veterans, thanks to the generous support of GEICO Military. The event runs through 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 can purchase discounted tickets beginning September 27; general admission tickets go on sale October 1.

All proceeds from WinterFest on the Wisconsin directly support the Nauticus Foundation, the 501(c)3 nonprofit founded to support the mission and activities of Nauticus. Support enables Nauticus, now and in the future, to fulfill its mission benefiting the community through educations, impactful experiences, and by sharing access to maritime resources.

For more information, visit Nauticus.org.