Carnival Cruise Line recently marked its return to guest operations from Norfolk, Virginia. Carnival Magic was the first cruise ship to set sail from the city since 2019 as well as the largest ship to ever depart from the city’s Half Moone Cruise Center. 

“Norfolk is a key seasonal homeport for us and we are excited to have Carnival Magic based in Norfolk for our guests to enjoy and to support the local economy,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival welcomed guests with a “Back to Fun” event that included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting which cleared the way for guests to enter the terminal’s new gangway, built to accommodate larger ships, then board Carnival Magic.

Carnival Magic boasts the stunning new red, white and blue hull design running the entire length of the 1,004-foot-long ship, which has become a trademark feature of the Carnival fleet paying homage to maritime tradition and patriotic colors. The ship introduced many of Carnival’s signature elements now enjoyed across the fleet, including

• Caribbean-themed RedFrog Pub
• Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant
• SkyCourse, a suspended ropes course with breathtaking views to the sea 150 feet below.

This first cruise of the season departing from Norfolk today, a six-day sailing to The Bahamas, with stops in Nassau, Half Moon Cay and Freeport. In total, 11 voyages with various itineraries will depart from Norfolk this summer and fall, visiting destinations in Bermuda, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.