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Norfolk makes a five-year deal with Carnival Corporation

It's the first agreement of its kind that Norfolk has made with any cruise line.

NORFOLK, Va. — Carnival Corporation is the world’s largest cruise company. A new five-year commitment ensures a Carnival ship will sail from the Mermaid City through 2025, with an optional three-year extension.

“It speaks volumes of our city [and] the work that we’re doing,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander.

To a packed house at the Half Moone Cruise Center, Mayor Alexander announced the deal.

With this agreement, Carnival will also operate a 130,000-ton Carnival Magic cruise ship from Norfolk beginning next year.

It’s the largest ship to sail from Norfolk and it can carry nearly 50,000 guests.

In 2021, Carnival Magic will offer a dozen cruises to tropical destinations, including the Bahamas, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

Terry Thornton is the Senior Vice President of Nautical Operations for Carnival Cruise Line. "It’s a very important strategic move for us because Norfolk is really an important market," Thornton said of the agreement.

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As part of the agreement, the city of Norfolk agreed to invest in its Half Moone Cruise Center and improve its port infrastructure.

That includes adding a new passenger boarding bridge to accommodate the new ships.

"Now we have to adjust the gangway to make sure it connects properly to the ship and provides a great guest experience," Thornton said.

The agreement shows the company’s confidence in Hampton Roads.

“This is a boost for our economy,” said Alexander. According to Cruise Lines International Association’s, 65 percent of cruise passengers spend “a few extra days” at embarkation or debarkation ports.  

The city estimates the 12 additional sailings will result in an additional 100,000 cruise passengers in 2021. That’s an estimated $12.5 million in overall spending and economic impact.

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