In a significant development for the cruise industry and Virginia’s tourism sector, Carnival Cruise Line has launched year-round operations from Norfolk, marking a historic transformation of the city’s maritime offerings.
The Carnival Sunshine’s inaugural sailing from its new permanent home port represents a major milestone, as Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center evolves from a seasonal port to a full-time cruise hub. This expansion is expected to welcome 150,000 guests annually, setting a new record for the city’s cruise operations.
To support this expansion, Norfolk has demonstrated its commitment through a substantial $12 million investment in infrastructure improvements. These enhancements include a new debarkation ramp facilitating smoother transitions between floors, an expanded seating area set for completion this fall, and various terminal upgrades to enhance the overall guest experience.
The Carnival Sunshine, fresh from a month-long routine dry dock, is well-equipped to serve its new home port. The 3,700-guest vessel features approximately 500 balcony staterooms and boasts an impressive array of amenities, including a three-level Serenity adult-only retreat. Passengers can enjoy popular venues such as Guy’s Burger Joint, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, RedFrog Pub, Havana Bar, and the signature Alchemy Bar.
Looking ahead, the ship’s deployment includes exciting itineraries to The Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Eastern Caribbean. The inaugural sailing features a six-day Bahamas cruise visiting Freeport and Bimini. Starting September 2025, passengers will have the opportunity to experience Carnival’s new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, on Grand Bahama.
Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, “Norfolk’s maritime legacy enters an exciting new chapter with year-round cruising. This expansion strengthens our economy, brings more visitors and creates new opportunities for our community”.
This expansion builds upon Carnival’s 23-year partnership with Norfolk and Nauticus, promising to deliver economic benefits to the local community while providing travelers with more options for year-round cruise vacations from the East Coast.
