Carnival Cruise Line Makes Five-Year Commitment to Norfolk

Norfolk to host its largest passenger vessel in 2021

NORFOLK, VA – Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest leisure travel company, has signed a landmark agreement to bolster its long-term partnership with Norfolk.  The five-year commitment ensures a Carnival vessel will sail from the mermaid city through 2025; an additional three-year option would extend service through 2028.  This is the first-ever, multiple-year agreement for any cruise line sailing from Norfolk.

“This long-term commitment is a true testament to the strength of this market,” said Stephen E. Kirkland, Nauticus executive director.  “The world’s largest cruise line recognizes Norfolk is a tremendous draw for passengers throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and beyond.”

Furthering its show of confidence in the Hampton Roads passenger market, Carnival will operate a massive Dream-class vessel from Norfolk beginning in 2021.  The ship’s maximum capacity exceeds 4,000 guests, making it the largest ship to sail from Norfolk.

In 2021, the Carnival Magic will offer a series of 12 cruises with itineraries that include four to eight-day voyages to tropical destinations including the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

The agreement includes preferential use of the Decker Half Moone Center and Norfolk will make necessary improvements to its port infrastructure to accommodate the cruise industry’s newer class of ships, including a new passenger boarding bridge.

“Norfolk has been a valued partner for nearly 20 years, and we’re delighted to expand upon this relationship with this five-year contract that will bring exciting new choices from the Half Moone Cruise Center,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.  ‘Our cruises from Norfolk have been very well received by our guests, and this new agreement speaks volumes about our confidence in growing this market.”

According to Cruise Lines International Association’s 2020 State of the Cruise Industry, 65% of cruise passengers spend “a few extra days” at embarkation or debarkation ports.   To that end, the addition of these 12 sailings will result in Norfolk hosting an additional 100,000 cruise passengers in 2021, representing nearly $12.5 million in overall spending and economic impact.

For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.