In 2025, Norfolk reports a record 340,000 visitors.

In 2025, a record number of people visited the Port of Norfolk. Over 340,000 unique people arrived at the port, including 15 port-of-call visits and 47 turnaround calls by Carnival Cruise Line, according to an update provided by Cruise Norfolk. The Carnival Sunshine started operating continuously from the homeport that year, marking the official start of year-round cruising from Norfolk.  The report stated that the operation was a first for the port and an indication of increasing demand. The port authorities highlighted Norwegian Cruise Line’s upcoming port visits by saying, “Momentum continued with expanded port calls and exciting long-term announcements.”

As part of its Bermuda itineraries, the business will start visiting Norfolk on a regular basis in 2027. Additionally, Cruise Norfolk emphasised Carnival’s growth, announcing that the larger Carnival Freedom will take the place of the Carnival Sunshine in 2027. In order to improve its operations and visitor experience, the association also increased the size of its staff.  According to Cruise Norfolk, “the introduction of Port Call Activations curated waterfront welcomes intended to create a warm, memorable first impression of Norfolk was one of the most exciting additions this year.”

Visitors were given what the association referred to as an authentic flavour of Norfolk’s community from the time they walked ashore thanks to these activations, which included local small businesses, vendors, and live performances. Beyond the figures, Norfolk’s year was distinguished by collaboration and educational efforts, such as a deeper engagement with Old Dominion University and other regional organisations.

Additionally, Sail Nauticus Academy students launched specially designed, GPS-tracked little boats from a Carnival Cruise Line ship leaving Norfolk as part of Cruise Norfolk’s mini boat project. As part of Educational Passages, the ships gathered actual ocean data.

In order to bring STEM teaching to life through maritime exploration, students took a tour of the ship, spoke with the captain, and tracked their boat’s international voyage. Cruise Norfolk stated, “We’re proud of what we’ve built, thankful for our partners, and excited for what’s ahead including continued schedule growth and new experiences in 2026 and beyond.”