Welcome Back: Carnival To Return To Norfolk

Carnival Cruise Lines will again operate a series of voyages from Norfolk, Va., in 2015. The news was announced by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe in his first “State of the Commonwealth” speech on Jan. 13 and confirmed by Carnival.

Carnival said it will operate “a series of cruises in the spring and fall” of 2015, but declined to reveal the ship, date and itinerary information.

“More specific details are expected to be announced this spring,” the company said in a statement. “We would like to thank the port, and local and state leadership, for their continued partnership, and we greatly look forward to returning to Norfolk next year.”

Carnival operated several sailings out of Norfolk in 2013, but in late June announced that the Carnival Glory will stay in Miami year-round beginning in November and would not return to Norfolk, Va.

McAuliffe told the General Assembly that Carnival’s return will stimulate tourism and create more jobs, according to an Associated Press article. He said he hopes Carnival will eventually use Norfolk as a homeport.

Cruises from Norfolk operate out of the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, which opened in April 2007 adjacent to Nauticus, a maritime-themed science center and museum.

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