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

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.