Carnival Cruise Line is bringing more fun to Norfolk, VA, by launching year-round cruising with Carnival Sunshine’s inaugural sailing, which departed on Wednesday, February 12. The new year-round deployment transforms Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center from a seasonal port to a permanent cruise hub that will sail 150,000 guests annually—the highest volume in the city’s history.
Ahead of Carnival Sunshine’s first-ever embarkation from Norfolk, Carnival Cruise Line Vice President of Port Operations David Candib welcomed local officials, including Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander and Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland, to celebrate a new chapter for the homeport.
The city of Norfolk made a $12 million investment in infrastructure upgrades, enhancing both capacity and the overall guest experience for cruisers. Highlights include a debarkation ramp to allow a seamless transition from the second floor to the first into the Customs and Border Protection inspection area and luggage hall, a new seating area to accommodate more guests that will be completed this fall, and other enhancements across the terminal.
Carnival Sunshine’s first cruise from Norfolk coincides with the ship’s return to service following a month-long routine dry dock, which included technical maintenance, along with updates to public areas and staterooms. The 3,700-guest ship includes approximately 500 balcony staterooms, along with a range of amenities, such as a three-level Serenity adult-only retreat. The ship features an array of guest favorites, like Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Pub, Havana Bar and the signature Alchemy Bar.
The ship departed on a six-day cruise to the Bahamas, visiting Freeport and Bimini. As part of its year-round deployment, Carnival Sunshine will visit popular destinations in the Bahamas, Bermuda and Eastern Caribbean. Beginning this September, Carnival Sunshine will sail to Celebration Key, Carnival’s new destination on Grand Bahama.
For additional information, visit www.carnival.com.
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