Overview of Cruise Lines at Norfolk Port
Norfolk Cruise Port hosts a mix of homeported sailings, port-of-call visits, and small-ship coastal cruises out of the Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center. This page covers the ships currently using the Port of Norfolk and the deployments announced for upcoming seasons.
Current Norfolk Ship (2026): Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Cruise Line began operating year-round from Norfolk in February 2025 with Carnival Sunshine, which sails weekly. This made Norfolk a full-time Carnival homeport rather than a seasonal one, serving guests across the Mid-Atlantic.
- Ship: Carnival Sunshine
- Operation: weekly, year-round homeport sailings
- Destinations: the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean
What Changes in 2027: Carnival Freedom
Carnival Sunshine will run through mid-May 2027, and Carnival Freedom will then replace it as Norfolk’s year-round homeport ship. The Conquest-class Carnival Freedom repositions from Port Canaveral and makes its Norfolk debut on May 23, 2027, launching the most varied itinerary program ever offered from the port.
Announced Carnival Freedom itineraries from Norfolk include:
- Six-day Bahamas cruises featuring Celebration Key, Nassau, and Bimini
- Six-day Bermuda cruises with two full days on the island
- Eight-day Eastern Caribbean voyages visiting Amber Cove, RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay, and Grand Turk
- Eight-day Canada sailings with stops such as Halifax, Sydney, Saint John, or Charlottetown
Port-of-Call Visits
Beyond homeported sailings, Norfolk welcomes port-of-call visits from lines repositioning along the East Coast. The port has announced calls from Viking, TUI Cruises, Azamara, and Princess, among others. For 2027, Norwegian Cruise Line announced an expanded port-of-call schedule, with 20 weekly visits from the 2,400-passenger Norwegian Pearl planned from April through August.
These calls are visits, not departures — passengers on port-of-call ships come ashore to explore Norfolk for the day rather than beginning or ending a cruise here.
Small-Ship and Coastal Cruises
American Cruise Lines uses Norfolk as a turnaround port for small-ship itineraries along the Chesapeake Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Historic South. U.S.-flagged vessels call at Half Moone as part of multi-night coastal voyages, giving Norfolk a steady small-ship presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise lines currently sail from Norfolk?
Carnival operates homeported sailings from Norfolk, and American Cruise Lines uses the port as a turnaround for small-ship coastal itineraries. The port also receives port-of-call visits from lines such as Norwegian, Princess, and Holland America.
Is Carnival still sailing from Norfolk?
Carnival has been the primary homeport operator at the Half Moone terminal for years, running seasonal sailings to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Bermuda. Schedules change season to season, so always confirm current sailings directly with the cruise line.
What is the difference between a homeport sailing and a port-of-call visit?
A homeport sailing begins and ends at Norfolk, so passengers board and disembark here. A port-of-call visit is a single-day stop during a longer itinerary based at another port, where the ship docks for the day before sailing on.
How can I see which ships are in port on a given day?
Cruise schedules are published by the cruise lines and the terminal operator and shift by season. Check the cruise line for homeported sailings and the Nauticus and City of Norfolk announcements for port-of-call dates.
What is there to do in Norfolk when a ship is in port?
Downtown Norfolk has plenty within walking distance of the terminal, from Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin to waterfront dining and museums. For a full list of attractions and tours, see our companion guide at Norfolk Shore Excursions.
Before You Book
Ships, dates, and itineraries are set by the cruise lines and can change. Confirm current sailings directly with the cruise line, and see the official City of Norfolk cruise announcements for the latest port news: norfolk.gov/6030/Cruises.
Last verified: July 2026, against official City of Norfolk / Nauticus announcements.