
Norfolk, Virginia, is a fantastic destination for a Carnival cruise, with its rich history, beautiful waterfront, and exciting attractions.
The city's waterfront district is a must-visit, with its picturesque harbor and scenic views of the Elizabeth River.
You can easily get to the city's downtown area on foot or by taking a short taxi ride from the cruise port.
Carnival cruises offer a variety of itineraries that include Norfolk as a port of call, ranging from 3 to 14 days.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line will be operating year-round out of Norfolk starting in February 2025. This is an exciting development for cruise enthusiasts in the area.
Carnival Cruise Line will be calling Norfolk home, offering a convenient and accessible option for those looking to set sail.
Cruise Line Overview
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the largest and most popular cruise lines in the world.
With a fleet of 27 ships, they offer a wide range of itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, and Europe.
Their ships can accommodate up to 6,000 passengers, making them a great option for families and groups.
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its lively atmosphere and entertainment options, including live shows, water parks, and casinos.
They also offer a variety of dining options, including fine dining restaurants and casual buffets.
From family-friendly activities to romantic getaways, Carnival Cruise Line has something for everyone.
Investments
The City of Norfolk has made significant investments to improve the guest experience and capacity at its port, a move that's part of the city's expansion plan with Carnival Cruise Line.
The city spent $12 million on the upgrades, which include easier customs processing and a greater seating area that's set to open in the fall.
Other terminal improvements are also part of the plan, designed to enhance the overall experience for cruise passengers.
Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander is excited about the expansion, seeing it as a way to strengthen the local economy and bring in more visitors.
Here are some key benefits of the upgrades:
- Easier customs processing
- A greater seating area (opening in the fall)
- Other terminal improvements
Embarkation & Disembarkation

Embarkation can be a breeze if you know what to expect. Passengers arriving at Cruise Norfolk via Cedar Grove parking lot shuttle or drop-off will be directed by staff to the terminal entrance.
Luggage will be checked at either the Cedar Grove Parking Lot before shuttle transfer or onsite by porters at the terminal. Refer to your cruise line's guidelines for scheduled check-in times to ensure a smooth embarkation process.
As you arrive, you'll notice porters handling luggage at the terminal. This is where you can hand over your bags for safekeeping while you check in.
Passengers should refer to their cruise line’s guidelines for scheduled check-in times to ensure a smooth embarkation process. This will give you an idea of when to arrive and what to expect.
Upon returning from the cruise, disembarkation is a straightforward process. Passengers will be directed to the baggage hall, where luggage will be organized by porters.
After retrieving your luggage, you'll need to proceed past customs for declaration processing. This is a necessary step before you can leave the terminal.
Returning passengers will be directed to awaiting coaches, taxis, limousines, or the parking lot shuttle. You can choose your preferred mode of transportation to get to your next destination.
Norfolk
Norfolk is a great destination for a Carnival cruise. The City of Norfolk invested $12 million to improve the port, making it a more enjoyable experience for guests.
Easier customs processing is now available, making it a breeze to get on and off the ship. A greater seating area is also being added, opening in the fall.
If you're planning to drive to the cruise port, you can park at the Cedar Grove parking lot, located at 1000 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA. From there, you'll be taken to the ship by a complimentary shuttle.
The cruise port is relatively close to Norfolk International Airport, taking only about 20 minutes to drive from the airport to the terminal.
Cruise Experience
The City of Norfolk has invested heavily in upgrading the port to improve the cruise experience for guests. A whopping $12 million was spent on these upgrades.
One of the benefits of these upgrades is easier customs processing, making it a more seamless experience for cruisers. This is a big deal for those who have had to deal with long lines in the past.
A greater seating area is also being added, set to open in the fall. This will give guests more space to relax and enjoy the views.
Here are some of the other terminal improvements that have been made:
- Easier customs processing
- A greater seating area (opening in the fall)
- Other terminal improvements
The Norfolk Mayor is excited about the expansion plan, calling it an "exciting new chapter" for the city's maritime legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Norfolk cruise port from the airport?
The Norfolk cruise port is approximately 10.8 miles from Norfolk International Airport (ORF). This convenient distance makes it easy to travel between the airport and cruise terminal.
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