Norfolk became a year-round homeport in February 2025, when Carnival Sunshine moved here from Charleston; it was the first ship homeported year-round at the port. The Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center sits next to the Nauticus maritime museum and the Battleship Wisconsin on the Elizabeth River, right in downtown Norfolk.
Carnival Sunshine runs six- to nine-day Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean cruises, and Carnival plans to base Carnival Freedom in Norfolk from May 2027. The city's visitor bureau also lists weekly Norwegian Pearl visits from April through August 2027.
It is a small, easy port: one terminal, one ship on most days, and a drive-in crowd from Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Sailaway takes you past the Norfolk naval base area and out through the Chesapeake Bay.
Where cruises from Norfolk go
- Bahamas The quick escape: short cruises from Florida to Nassau, Freeport and the cruise lines' private islands.
- Eastern Caribbean Beach-hopping through the Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and Puerto Rico, with some of the calmest sailing in the region.
Cruise lines sailing from Norfolk
- Carnival Cruise Line Casual, affordable Fun Ships sailing from more US ports than almost anyone.
Line schedules change by season. We confirm which ships sail from Norfolk on your dates when we quote.
Cruise terminals
| Terminal | Used by |
|---|---|
| Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center 1 Waterside Drive, downtown Norfolk, next to Nauticus. Opened in 2007. | Carnival |
Getting there
The terminal is downtown at 1 Waterside Drive, off I-264. Norfolk International is about 11 miles away, typically a 20-minute drive. Drop off passengers and luggage at the terminal, then park at Cedar Grove and ride the shuttle back.
- ORF Norfolk International Airport: about 11 miles
Parking
The City of Norfolk runs cruise parking at the Cedar Grove lot, 1000 Monticello Avenue, about 1.5 miles from the terminal, with shuttles to the ship. It is open on cruise days only: the lot opens at 9:30 a.m., shuttles start around 9:45 a.m., and the last shuttle leaves at 2:30 p.m. You can pay on entry by cash or card or prepay online.
Where to stay the night before
Downtown Norfolk's waterfront hotels are walking distance or a short ride from the terminal. Virginia Beach is about 20 miles away if you want an oceanfront night.
Season: Year-round for Carnival.
Embarkation-day tips
- Be at the Cedar Grove lot before the last shuttle at 2:30 p.m.
- Drop your bags at the terminal before parking so you do not haul them on the shuttle.
- Pack layers for the first sea day; the mid-Atlantic can be cool outside summer.
- Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin are right next to the terminal if you arrive early.
Cruising from Norfolk: questions
Which cruise line sails from Norfolk, Virginia?
Carnival. Carnival Sunshine has sailed year-round from Norfolk since February 2025, and Carnival Freedom is scheduled to join in May 2027.
Where do I park for a Norfolk cruise?
At the City of Norfolk's Cedar Grove lot at 1000 Monticello Avenue, about 1.5 miles from the terminal, with shuttles on cruise days. You can pay on entry or prepay online.
How far is the Norfolk cruise terminal from the airport?
Norfolk International Airport is about 11 miles from the terminal, usually around 20 minutes by car.
Sources and fact-checking (last checked October 14, 2026)
We write our own guides and check hard facts like fleet sizes, ship specs and published fees against these sources. Cruise lines change things often, so we re-confirm details in every quote. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
