Carnival ups Norfolk cruises leading to potential year-round operation

Monday's announcement is a first step toward a proposed year-round cruise program from Norfolk starting in 2025, as Carnival and city leaders discuss necessary terminal and port improvements to support expanded operations.

With plans to carry about 100,000 cruisers from Norfolk next year, this would make the highest passenger volume in the history of the city's Half Moone Cruise Center.

The new 2023 offerings go on sale today and include four- to 10-day voyages aboard Carnival Magic. Itineraries include the eastern Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda and Canada/New England.

Builds on 20-year commitment to Norfolk

'We have been working closely with Norfolk city officials on this expansion since our successful restart earlier this year and it’s great to now share our plans with our guests,' Carnival President Christine Duffy said. 'We look forward to building on our 20-year commitment to this community and continuing the momentum toward further expansion in the future while increasing our positive economic impact in Norfolk.'

Carnival has been sailing from Norfolk since 2002 and Carnival Magic, which began seasonal cruises for the first time in May, became the largest ship to embark at the port, following enhancements to Half Moone Cruise Center.

'Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for our cruise program and our community,' Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander said. 'For a full six months next year, guests from across the mid-Atlantic will have the chance to board a Carnival ship from Norfolk and beginning in 2025, our collective goal is for Carnival to set sail from Nauticus year-round.'

Linked to Carnival Venezia deployment in New York

Carnival’s plan to deploy Carnival Magic for a longer stay at Norfolk is part of a larger expansion of the line’s mid-Atlantic operations. In June 2023, Carnival will begin offering year-round service from New York aboard Carnival Venezia. This will allow Carnival Magic, which has been splitting its spring/summer season between New York and Norfolk, to remain in Norfolk for half the year.

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