NORFOLK - VIRGINIA - USA
PORT INFORMATION
photo courtesy Norfolk CVB
The City of Norfolk in Virginia, a 400-year-old port city, is home to the largest naval base in the world. It is also home to thriving restaurant, nightclub, artistic and shopping districts, internationally respected museums, and a wealth of other attractions including a zoo and a battleship.
Brief History of Norfolk, Virginia
One of the earliest “cruise passengers” to sail into Norfolk was Thomas Jefferson in 1789 on his way to Charlottesville.
2 centuries later, Norfolk now hosts some 62,000 cruise passengers every year heading for Bahamas and the Caribbean aboard Holland America, Carnival and Royal Caribbean International ships.
Cruise Terminal in Norfolk, Virginia
Located in a picturesque waterfront park in Norfolk, and within walking distance of major local attractions, the Norfolk Cruise Terminal features the new cruise terminal for Norfolk opened in 2007 – the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center.
Located in the heart of downtown Norfolk and with sweeping views of an historic panorama, the state of the art, 80,000-square-foot terminal is only about 20 minutes by taxi from Norfolk International Airport.
There is a complimentary and regular shuttle to the ship from the Cedar Grove parking facilitiy. Reservations are not required.
Cruise Lines using Norfolk Cruise Terminal as an Embarkation / Disembarking Port
Cruise lines using the Port of Norfolk to start and end their cruises include Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International. The Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas offers cruises from Norfolk to Bermuda and the Caribbean. The Carnival Glory offers Bahamas cruises and a cruises to nowhere.Must See Attractions in Norfolk, Virginia
Nauticus: Right next door to the cruise terminal, this exciting interactive science and technology center explores the naval, economic, and nautical power of the sea with hands-on exhibits, HD films on a giant screen, nd more. Nauticus is also home to the Battleship Wisconsin on board which visitors can explore the largest battleship ever built by the US Navy with a self-guided or audio tour that brings alive the amazing history of this majestic ship.
Chrysler Museum of Art: Only 4 minutes away from the terminal by car (the route is not considered to be pedestrian friendly), the Chrysler Museum of Art is one of America's great fine arts museums, and features over 30,000 artefacts representing more than 5,000 years of world history.
Virginia Zoo: Only 10 minutes from the terminal by car, the popular Virginia Zoo exhibits over 350 animals including African elephants, lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinoceroses, zebras, reptiles and various farm animals, in modern facilities and beautiful grounds.
Virginia Beach: Just 20 minutes from the terminal and the centre of Norfolk, Virginia Beach is the ideal family attraction with its 300-foot wide beach and 3-mile long concrete oceanfront boardwalk.
Colonial Williamsburg: Though an hour away by car, Colonial Williamsburg is considered to be one of the area’s must-see attractions. The world’s largest living history museum, this 301-acre, restored 18th-century historic district is an authentic interpretation of a colonial American city.
