Carnival and Holland America Plan to Stay at Vibrant Virginia Port
May 02, 2005
Only two out of the four cruise lines that called Norfolk, VA home in 2005 will return in '06. Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America Line will continue to offer cruises out of Norfolk, but Radisson Seven Seas' Navigator and Celebrity's Horizon will be elsewhere. While the announcement was disappointing to some considering the new 36 million dollar terminal is scheduled to open at Norfolk pier next year, Nauticus Executive Director, Richard Conti, sees a positive side to it all saying this absence may be helpful for the time being, as construction crews can't work when a ship is docked at the port.
It's important to remember that these ships were not pulled out due to lack of interest; Norfolk is growing more and more popular every year. Celebrity's ship Horizon has been sold to Island Cruises, a Royal Caribbean Company, and its last voyage out of Norfolk will be in June. The Navigator will sail from Norfolk for the last time on August 30 of this year. It has been scheduled to replace another ship in the fleet that makes runs to Europe. A company spokesman said that it is possible the ship could return to Norfolk at some point.
"Consumer response to 'Fun Ship' cruising from Norfolk has been very positive and as a result we're returning next year with another exciting series of voyages from this port," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. "These departures from Norfolk aboard Carnival Victory continue our efforts to providing more 'close-to-home' cruise options, which offer added convenience for our guests," he added.
Eastern ports offering this 'close-to-home' advantage have been widely popular in recent years. Nauticus Cruise Terminal is only about 20 minutes from Norfolk International Airport. For some folks, the convenience of cruising out of Norfolk and not having to worry about a flight to Florida---or getting on a plane period---makes cruise vacations an appealing option. The added cost of the flight or the added time it might take to fly to an embarkation port is what pushed cruising out of the budget for many folks, money-wise and time-wise.
Cruises out of Norfolk 2006
Returning next year with a series of voyages out of Nauticus Cruise Terminal is Carnival Cruise Lines 2,758-passenger ship, Carnival Victory. This 'Fun Ship' will be departing on six-day cruises to the Bahamas as well as two-day Cruises To Nowhere. The six-day Bahamas cruises aboard Triumph depart Sunday June 4 and Sunday October 8, 2006. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay in Nassau and a day-long visit to the excellent beaches of Freeport where water sports are very popular. The 2-day Cruises To Nowhere give guests the perfect chance to relax and enjoy onboard cruise ship amenities like spa treatments, exquisite dining and gambling in the casinos. The Carnival two-day cruises onboard Triumph will depart Norfolk June 10 and October 14, 2006. These voyages are both departing on Saturdays and returning on Mondays, providing the perfect weekend getaway. Also returning is Holland America's 1,613 passenger ship, ms Maasdam, offering ten and eleven-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises.
In-Port Fun - What Norfolk Has to Offer
Norfolk's cruise ship pier is adjacent to Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, an interactive science/technology center that focuses on the ocean. Also home to the Battleship Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy, Norfolk has plenty of options for folks who arrive early and care to spend some time in town. The cruise port is in the heart of a vibrant, revitalized downtown. You'll find everything you need within walking distance including a one million square-foot shopping complex, dozens of chef-owned restaurants, a thriving arts community and more.
On June 22, 2005, 'Live with Regis and Kelly' will be broadcasting with Nauticus, The National Maritime Center in Norfolk, as their backdrop. Hosts Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa will be broadcasting from Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America. Norfolk is one of a select few cruise facilities picked by the cruise line for this special series of broadcasts spotlighting the largest U.S. flagged cruise ship ever built.
Reservations
Give your friendly CruiseNetwork.com Cruise Specialist a call today at 888-267-1232 to reserve your space aboard a cruise out of Norfolk, Virginia.
Sources: www.cruisenorfolk.org and www.travelvideo.tv
