CCL-Carnival Cruise Line is about to embark on the company's longest sailing season ever, based on homeporting in Norfolk (Virginia USA).
According to a press release, the 4000-passenger liner Carnival Magic is scheduled to arrive on Sunday at Nauticus Half Moone Cruise Center, on the Elizabeth River.
Each week through to October 2023, Carnival Magic will sail on ex-Norfolk roundtrips to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and New England.
Stephen Kirkland (Nauticus' executive director) said Sunday marked the beginning of a pinnacle year for their cruise program, but it was also a real opportunity for their entire region.
“An expanded cruise ship season means many guests will be arriving from throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, and that’s an opportunity for us to showcase all Hampton Roads has to offer. This really is a regional tourism win.”
Nauticus' press release also said the cruise activity/passenger spending was expected to bring in ~$25 million to the local economy.
The release said CCL’s 6-month season is the largest in the Port's history, "representing more than 200,000 unique visits to Norfolk from vacationers beginning and ending their cruise from Nauticus."