Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia

United States

Explore the world's largest naval base and stand aboard the mighty USS Wisconsin battleship for an unforgettable maritime adventure.

Currency United States Dollar (USD)
Language English
Time Zone EST (UTC-5)
Best Time to Visit Mar–May
Typical Duration 6-10 nights
Price Range $288-$9,810 per person
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Norfolk serves as a major homeport for Caribbean and Bermuda cruises, offering convenient embarkation for East Coast travelers with access to diverse cruise itineraries.

Cruises that visit Norfolk, Virginia

Build Your Day in Norfolk, Virginia

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM
Usually about 8 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Euro-themed playland for shows & screams Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 43k
Buckroe Beach and Park They have lifeguards on duty and a playground and clean restrooms. Park · ★ 4.6 · 9k
Norfolk Botanical Garden Azaleas, roses & miles of floral trails Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 9k
Janaf Shopping Center Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 9k Open · Closes 9 PM
Norfolk Premium Outlets In-store shopping Outlet mall · ★ 4.4 · 9k Open · Closes 8 PM
Virginia Zoo Open-air exhibits of 700+ animals Zoo · ★ 4.5 · 8k
Waterside District Waterside hub for dining & entertainment Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 8k
USS Wisconsin BB-64 Large, revered battleship offering tours Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 7k
Virginia Living Museum Exhibits, a planetarium & a nature trail Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 5k
Freemason Abbey Restaurant Church-turned-tavern with American fare American · ★ 4.6 · 5k
Doumar's Cones & Barbecue Iconic American food stand since 1904 Barbecue · ★ 4.5 · 5k
Navy Exchange Main In-store shopping·In-store pickup Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 4k Open · Closes 7 PM
Blue Moon Taphouse Sprawling tavern with a rooftop bar area Bar · ★ 4.1 · 4k
No Frill Bar And Grill For the first time out to eat on Norfolk in awhile, this food was delicious. American · ★ 4.6 · 4k
Ocean View Beach Park Outdoor area with festivals & bandshell Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Town Point Park Riverside green space with performances Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Saltine Airy stop for coastal cuisine Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Chrysler Museum of Art Fine works from Renaissance to Rothko Art museum · ★ 4.8 · 3k
Norfolk Scope Arena Onsite services Arena · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Southern Shopping Center Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k Open · Closes 11 PM
Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub and Restaurant Lively watering hole with a classy vibe Irish pub · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Captain Groovy's Grill & Raw Bar Relaxed wharf-themed venue for seafood Seafood · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint Norfolk Casual spot for brews & creative burgers Hamburger · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Nauticus Large maritime museum with a battleship Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k
The Fishin' Pig - Norfolk Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k
The Grilled Cheese Bistro Cozy choice for creative sandwiches American · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Community Beach Park Clean beach with lifeguards on duty. Park · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Hell's Kitchen Eclectic comfort food & live music American · ★ 4.1 · 2k
Ocean View Shopping Center Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 2k Open · Closes 10 PM
Cafe Stella Quirky spot for java drinks & light eats Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Grain Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Varia Really good food in the heart of Norfolk. Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
The Public House Gastropub for ale & upscale comfort fare American · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Selden Market In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 5 PM
MJ's Tavern Low-key gay bar with pub plates a patio Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Roosevelt Gardens Shopping Center Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Best Square Shopping Center Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Little Creek Square Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Open · Closes 8 PM
PBR Norfolk A Coors Banquet Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 PM Thu
Sarah Constant Beach Park Family friendly, clean, No lifeguard. Park · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Cure Coffeehouse Low-key haunt for espresso & cafe bites Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Byrd & Baldwin Bros Steakhouse ... and decor was all you’d imagine for a Michelin star restaurant. Steak · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Gershwin's Swanky speakeasy with live piano music Piano bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Press 626 Wine Bar Refined American dishes & warm surrounds Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Circuit Social Arcade Bar Social Onsite services Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Hermitage Museum & Gardens Art museum & classes in scenic surrounds Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Torch Bistro Casual, modern venue with American fare Bistro · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Luce Italian mains in a buzzy wine bar/eatery Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 4:45 PM
The Ten Top Funky cafe with American eats Sandwich · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Hair of the Dog Eatery, Downtown Norfolk All-day eatery & bar Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
PJay's Kitchen Dine-in·Takeout American · ★ 4.8 · 1k
The Twisted Crab - Downtown Norfolk Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Seafood · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Stony’s Dockside Bar and Grill Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Green Onion Charming French bistro with a patio Modern French · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Sanctuary Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery American · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Ocean View Beach It has wide sandy areas, calm waters, and a great atmosphere. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 1k
The Taphouse Grill American bar food & drafts galore Grill · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 4 PM
aLatte Cafe House-roasted beans & light gourmet fare Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 1k
LeGrand Kitchen Farm-to-fork fare in unassuming digs New American · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Monastery Restaurant Phenomenal menu, great wine, great desserts, and excellent service. European · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Chef's Kitchen and Cocktails Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Palace Shops & Station Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM
The Bird The small/quaint setting, the customer service, and the food was AMAZING! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closes soon · 2 PM
Mermaid Winery & Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Always Latte Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closes soon · 2 PM
Apelu Island Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Glass Light Restaurant The food, the service, and the atmosphere were exceptional! Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
blanca Food+Wine Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
The General Public Granby Street Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k
The Restaurant at Four Eleven York Cozy atmosphere, great food and cocktails, and our server was fantastic! Fine Dining · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Neptune's Fury Cafe & Roastery Dine-in·Takeout Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 2:30 PM
Hunter House Victorian Museum Tours of a rich merchant's mansion Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Blackeyed Peas Restaurant Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 3.4 · 0k
ilo bistro Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Caffiend Coffee Co Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Moses Myers House 1800s Jewish home with period rooms Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Sat
Beignets & Brew Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Willoughby Beach ... are small bays that are very calm and great for families to swim. Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
My Mama's Kitchen Dine-in·Takeout Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Fort Norfolk Historic fort site with summer tours Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Winterfest On The Wisconsin Onsite services Historical place museum · ★ 4.4 · 0k
21st Bay St Beach Access Beautiful area to visit, swim, walk, and relax! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
VisitNorfolk Visitor center · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Ocean View Station Museum Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Ghost Kitchen Norfolk Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Neon District Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Norfolk, Virginia is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Norfolk, Virginia

About Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia has established itself as a thriving cruise hub on the East Coast, welcoming travelers through seven major cruise lines including Carnival, Norwegian, Holland America Line, and others. With over 115 upcoming cruises and a robust schedule year-round, Norfolk serves as both an embarkation port where cruises begin and a port of call for those already at sea. Most voyages departing here span six nights, making Norfolk an ideal launching point for Caribbean getaways to popular destinations like Nassau, Half Moon Cay, Kings Wharf, and Grand Turk Island. The port experiences peak activity during spring and fall months, with particularly strong sailings in March, April, May, July, and October.

Beyond the cruise terminals, Norfolk offers passengers some delightful shoreside experiences before or after their voyage. History enthusiasts can explore the nearby Nauticus maritime museum and the impressive USS Wisconsin battleship, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy the revitalized downtown waterfront with its shops, restaurants, and scenic views. Whether you're embarking on your Caribbean adventure or arriving as a port visitor, Norfolk provides convenient access and a welcoming atmosphere for cruise travelers.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Historic Battleship Wisconsin Tour

Tour the legendary USS Wisconsin, a retired Iowa-class battleship permanently docked at the Norfolk Naval Station. This massive vessel offers fascinating insights into naval history and Cold War operations. Explore the bridge, gun turrets, and crew quarters while learning about the ship's remarkable service record spanning decades of American military history.

2

Fresh Seafood at Waterside District

Head to the vibrant Waterside District for exceptional fresh-caught seafood and local Chesapeake Bay specialties. Enjoy steamed blue crabs, oyster platters, and Virginia-style fish and chips at waterfront restaurants with stunning harbor views. The casual atmosphere and authentic flavors capture the essence of Norfolk's maritime heritage and coastal cuisine.

3

Stunning Harbor Views & Walks

Stroll the picturesque Norfolk waterfront, featuring scenic walking paths along the Elizabeth River with views of naval vessels, sailboats, and the iconic downtown skyline. The revitalized harbor district offers peaceful green spaces, public art installations, and perfect photo opportunities. It's an ideal way to experience Norfolk's maritime character and natural beauty in a relaxing setting.

4

MacArthur Center Shopping & Dining

Discover the upscale MacArthur Center, a premier downtown shopping destination featuring national retailers, local boutiques, and diverse dining options. This modern mall is conveniently located near the cruise port and offers everything from fashion to souvenirs. Browse unique Virginia-made gifts and enjoy meals ranging from casual to fine dining in one walkable location.

5

Chrysler Museum of Art Experience

Visit the world-class Chrysler Museum of Art, showcasing an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of artistic achievement, including stunning glass art and contemporary works. Located just minutes from the port, this museum offers cultural enrichment and inspiration. The beautiful building and thoughtfully curated exhibitions provide an excellent introduction to Norfolk's thriving arts and culture scene.

Cruise Lines at Norfolk, Virginia

Cruises Departing From Norfolk, Virginia

Cruises Visiting Norfolk, Virginia

Ship Schedule at Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia Location

Other Cruise Ports in United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Norfolk, Virginia?

Seven major cruise lines operate from Norfolk, Virginia: Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, American Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, and Viking Ocean Cruises. With 115 upcoming cruises available, you'll have plenty of options for both river and ocean voyages departing from this major embarkation port.

When is the best time to cruise from Norfolk, Virginia?

The peak months for cruising from Norfolk are March, April, May, July, and October. These months offer ideal weather conditions and are popular times for Caribbean itineraries. If you prefer smaller crowds, consider booking during shoulder seasons outside these peak months.

How much do cruises from Norfolk, Virginia cost?

Cruise fares from Norfolk, Virginia range from $288 to $9,810 per person, depending on the cruise line, itinerary length, cabin type, and season. River cruises and shorter voyages tend to be on the lower end of the price range, while longer ocean cruises and luxury lines command higher prices.

What are the top destinations from Norfolk, Virginia cruises?

Popular destinations from Norfolk include Kings Wharf, Celebration Key, Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Grand Turk Island. Most itineraries feature Caribbean ports of call, making Norfolk an excellent departure point for tropical getaways and island-hopping adventures.

How do I get from Norfolk port to downtown Norfolk and local attractions?

Norfolk's cruise port is conveniently located near downtown, just a short taxi or rideshare ride away. The Waterside District and downtown Norfolk attractions are within 2-3 miles of the port. Many visitors also use rental cars or arrange hotel shuttles for exploring the area before or after their cruise.

What can I see and do in Norfolk, Virginia in a day?

Norfolk offers several attractions within a day's visit, including the USS Wisconsin battleship, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the scenic Waterside District with shops and restaurants. The Naval Station Norfolk is one of the world's largest naval bases and offers tours. The downtown area is walkable and features waterfront parks, galleries, and local dining options.

Is Norfolk a good port for embarkation and disembarkation?

Yes, Norfolk serves as both an embarkation and port of call, making it a versatile cruise destination. The port features modern facilities with direct docking capabilities, eliminating the need for tenders. Ample parking, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation options make Norfolk convenient for cruise embarkation and disembarkation.