Carnival Cruise Line has formally kicked off its new year-round season of sailings from Norfolk, Virginia.
The line’s ship Carnival Sunshine set sail from the east coast port immediately, reworking Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center from a seasonal cruise port to a everlasting cruise hub. The port will welcome about 150,000 cruise friends yearly — the best quantity within the metropolis’s historical past.
Ahead of Sunshine‘s embarkation this morning, Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Port Operations David Candib welcomed native officers, together with Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander and Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland, to rejoice a brand new chapter for the homeport.
“Carnival’s 23-year partnership with the City of Norfolk and Nauticus has been a great success, and we’re honored to build on our relationship by making Norfolk the newest year-round cruise port on the east coast,” mentioned Candib. “Year-round cruises mean more options for fun adventures and unforgettable vacations for our loyal guests as well as more tourism and economic impact for the Norfolk community both before and after each cruise.”
(Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)
The City of Norfolk made a $12 million funding in infrastructure upgrades, enhancing each capability and the general visitor expertise. Highlights embody a debarkation ramp to permit a seamless transition from the second flooring to the primary into the CBP Federal inspection space and baggage corridor, a brand new seating space to accommodate extra friends that can be accomplished this fall, and different enhancements throughout the terminal.
“Norfolk’s maritime legacy enters an exciting new chapter with year-round cruising,” mentioned Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander. “This expansion strengthens our economy, brings more visitors and creates new opportunities for our community. We’re proud to partner with Carnival and look forward to a thriving future together.”
Carnival Sunshine‘s first cruise from Norfolk coincides with its return to service following a month-long routine dry dock. The dry dock included technical upkeep together with updates to public areas and staterooms.
The ship is now on a six-day Bahamas cruise with deliberate stops in Freeport and Bimini, Bahamas. As a part of her year-round deployment from Norfolk, Carnival Sunshine will go to standard locations within the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the japanese Caribbean.
Starting this September, Carnival Sunshine will sail to the brand new unique vacation spot for Carnival Cruise Line on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key.
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