NORFOLK, Va. — Carnival Cruise Line is temporarily moving its Baltimore-based ship to Norfolk following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning.
According to the company, the Carnival Legend vessel will go to Norfolk from its current voyage on Sunday, March 31. Guests will get a complimentary bus ride back to Baltimore.
The Legend's next seven-day itinerary on March 31 will then operate from and return to Norfolk, the company said. People on the current and upcoming cruises are being informed of this change.
“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” wrote Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”
This shift from Baltimore to Norfolk could bring more traffic to Hampton Roads. Local restaurant host Kendra Fulgenzi says the pizzeria she works at will have to plan ahead.
“We have lots of regulars,” Fulgenzi explained. “But we would definitely need more people scheduled for those days.”
In December 2022, Norfolk city officials announced weekly cruises will leave Norfolk year-round, beginning in 2025. Before that, substantial upgrades will come to the Peter G. Decker Jr. Half Moone terminal. Norfolk is investing $12 million to prepare for the 2025 increase in travel.
City officials could not comment on the ship’s arrival Tuesday night but Hampton Roads could see increased traffic sooner. Fulgenzi’s co-worker Geovana Duo says that out-of-town visitors are welcome no matter the circumstances.
"It’s really good for us. It gets us going. Local businesses are important because they tell the story of the city.”
In 2023, Carnival Cruise Lines served 230,000 passengers out of Norfolk.