NORFOLK, Va. — Carnival Cruise Line is kicking off its six-month sailing season from Norfolk on Sunday as the 4,000-passenger Carnival Magic cruise ship arrives at Nauticus.
This year's cruise season will take people from Norfolk to different destinations, including the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England.
The sailing season will be the largest passenger commitment in program history, with more than 200,000 unique visits to Norfolk expected from people starting and ending their cruise in the city, Nauticus officials said in a news release.
Because cruise passengers are expected to stay in hotels nearby, passenger spending is expected to create around $25 million in economic impact.
Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland described the launch of the sailing season as a "regional tourism win."
“Sunday marks the beginning of a pinnacle year for our cruise program, but it’s also a real opportunity for our entire region,” Kirkland wrote in a news release. “An expanded cruise ship season means many guests will be arriving from throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, and that’s an opportunity for us to showcase all Hampton Roads has to offer."
The Carnival Magic is set to arrive at Nauticus at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday and depart for its six-night Bahamas sailing trip at 4:30 p.m.
After the 2023 cruise season wraps up, Nauticus will work on modifications to the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center to get ready for Carnival’s year-round sailings beginning in 2025.
For more information about cruises coming through Norfolk, visit the Nauticus website.
