The Port of Norfolk welcomed a record number of guests in 2025.

According to an update shared by Cruise Norfolk, the Half Moone Cruise Terminal hosted 47 turnaround calls from Carnival Cruise Line, as well as 15 port-of-call visits, with over 340,000 unique visitors arriving at the port.

The year also marked the official launch of year-round cruising from Norfolk, with the Carnival Sunshine beginning continuous service from the homeport.

According to the update, the operation marked a first in the port’s history and a sign of growing demand.

“Momentum continued with expanded port calls and exciting long-term announcements,” the port authority said, highlighting Norwegian Cruise Line’s future visits to the port.

Beginning in 2027, the company will make regular visits to Norfolk as part of its itineraries to Bermuda.

Cruise Norfolk also highlighted Carnival’s expansion, which will replace the Carnival Sunshine with the larger Carnival Freedom in 2027.

The association also expanded its team, allowing it to enhance both its operations and guest experience.

“One of the most exciting additions this year was the launch of Port Call Activations — curated waterfront welcomes designed to create a warm, memorable first impression of Norfolk,” Cruise Norfolk said.

These activations featured local vendors, small businesses, and live local performances, giving visitors what the association called an authentic taste of Norfolk’s community the moment they stepped ashore.

Beyond the numbers, the year in Norfolk was highlighted by investments in education and collaboration, including a strengthened partnership with Old Dominion University, as well as other local organizations.

Cruise Norfolk also launched its mini boat project, through which Sail Nauticus Academy students launched custom-built, GPS-tracked mini boats from a Carnival Cruise Line ship departing Norfolk.

The vessels collected real-world ocean data as part of Educational Passages.

Students toured the ship, met the captain and followed their boat’s international journey, bringing STEM education to life through maritime exploration.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built, grateful for our partners, and energized for what’s ahead — including continued schedule growth and new experiences in 2026 and beyond,” Cruise Norfolk said.

Photo Credit: John Linka