NORFOLK, Va. — 2023 was a big year for cruise travel out of Norfolk.
The city’s partner cruise line Carnival served 230,000 passengers. It was the longest cruise season to date, and the Mermaid City doubled the number of ships in and out of the Peter G. Decker Jr. Half Moone terminal.
The interest in cruising is seeing a significant jump, up more than 16% from 2022 to 2023, according to AAA.
All of these developments are paving the way for an even bigger phase in Norfolk’s evolution into a cruising city.
Starting in 2025, the city will offer weekly cruises year-round for the first time. Carnival Sunshine will take over for Carnival Magic, finding its new assignment at the Half Moone terminal starting next February.
Before year-round cruising begins, Carnival cruisers will have to endure a 14-month break out of the terminal, though.
Norfolk is investing $12 million into Half Moone to prepare for the increase in travel.
The biggest projects include enclosing its outdoor terrace and adding 600 seats for passengers waiting to board. They’ll also make traffic improvements around the entrance loop at Nauticus and create a ramped system to make boarding more efficient.
In a statement, AAA Tidewater said agents are already booking Carnival cruises departing from Norfolk in 2025, so now may be the time to schedule your next vacation.