Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates Partnership with Norfolk
World’s largest cruise line presents cake to Norfolk City Council
Photo Credit: Nathalie Silva Ariz
Norfolk, Va. (March 23, 2022) — On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, Carnival Cruise Line presented a special birthday cake to Norfolk City Council members in celebration of the line’s 50th birthday and to thank Norfolk leaders for a 21-year partnership. Carnival will begin sailing from Norfolk on May 15, 2022, marking the return of the cruise line after the COVID-19 pandemic paused the entire cruise industry.
“I’m happy to announce we are back,” said Carnival Cruise Line business development director, Kathy Donnelly. “We’re looking forward to many, many more years of sailing out of this great city.”
Carnival returns in May with a series of sailings to the Bahamas, Bermuda and Canada/New England. Passengers will cruise aboard the 4,000-passenger Carnival Magic, the largest vessel to ever homeport from Virginia.
“This is such a significant year for our cruise ship program,” said Stephen E. Kirkland, Nauticus’ executive director. “Norfolk will roll out the red carpet for 60 different ships from various cruise lines in 2022, making it our busiest year ever.”
Nauticus anticipates welcoming nearly 180,000 total passengers and 62,000 crew members in 2022. On average, each cruise guest spends $125 while in port.
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