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:
Norfolk Botanical Garden Extensive activities that interest both children and adults. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 9k 🕐 Closes soon · 7 PM
Janaf Shopping Center Great variety of stores, a post office, library, and good parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 9k 🕐 Open · Closes 9 PM
Norfolk Premium Outlets Good prices, a nice shopping environment, and a solid mix of stores. Outlet mall · ★ 4.4 · 9k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM
MacArthur Center It is clean and has a nice selection of shops, mostly clothes. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 8k 🕐 Closes soon · 7 PM
Waterside District They had board games for the kids, a DJ and great food and drinks. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 8k
Virginia Zoo Enjoyable experience and the kids couldn't stop talking about it for days! Zoo · ★ 4.5 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
USS Wisconsin BB-64 There are 7 decks and two museums to explore. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Freemason Abbey Restaurant This is a very enjoyable for lunch or dinner when In Norfolk, VA. American · ★ 4.6 · 5k
Navy Exchange Main Great items, and prices. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Closes soon · 7 PM
No Frill Bar And Grill My favorite place to eat in Norfolk. American · ★ 4.6 · 4k
Blue Moon Taphouse Great service, great drinks, and a great atmosphere. Bar · ★ 4.1 · 4k
Town Point Park The park was great with plenty of vendors activities for the entire family. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Ocean View Beach Park They had food vendors and a kids table with activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closes soon · 7 PM
Norfolk Scope Arena Great cost for fun date nights. Arena · ★ 4.4 · 3k
Chrysler Museum of Art Kids love the scavenger hunt among the art pictures and exhibits Art museum · ★ 4.8 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Saltine Airy stop for coastal cuisine Seafood · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Southern Shopping Center Nice selection of stores and plenty of parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM
Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub and Restaurant Food, service, atmosphere, drinks, music were all 10/10. Irish pub · ★ 4.5 · 3k
Nauticus Interactive exhibits and the team was engaging and inclusive of all ages. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Ocean View Shopping Center Everything is high quality and the prices are excellent!! Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 2k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
The Public House The bartender made my night and the food and drinks were fantastic. American · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Varia Really good food in the heart of Norfolk. Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Selden Market Lots of shopping options and lots of surrounding parking Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Roosevelt Gardens Shopping Center Great shopping center, located near safe quiet neighborhood Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
Best Square Shopping Center Miss the thrift store but they still have Harbor Freight Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
Grain Overall, Grain Norfolk is a gem in the Norfolk dining scene. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
PBR Norfolk A Coors Banquet Bar The music is great and the service is phenomenal! Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM Thu
Gershwin's The drinks, service, and atmosphere were all amazing. Piano bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k
PIXELS Pints & Bytes There's 2 floors, each with a bar and games, outside patio, and great food. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Press 626 Wine Bar Everything from food and drinks to atmosphere and staff is outstanding. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Circuit Social Arcade Bar Social The food is good and the beer (self pour) is amazing and reasonable. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Hermitage Museum & Gardens The museum is great (and free) and the grounds are beautiful. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Luce If you are in Norfolk for any reason, be sure to eat here! Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k
The Taphouse Grill I didn't eat but the drinks were cheap and the live music was amazing. Grill · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Hampton Roads Naval Museum Great museum and it's free to the public. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Palace Shops & Station Pretty easy parking, can get your hair cut and grab a bite to eat. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Bird This should be on your list of places to go in Norfolk! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Glass Light Restaurant Best place to eat in Norfolk hands down . Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Restaurant at Four Eleven York My favorite restaurant in Norfolk, rivals high end places in major cities. Fine Dining · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Ghent Great service, loved the view, the Boozy Cream Soda beer is perfection. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Moses Myers House Probably the best historic house museum tour I've ever been on. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Sat
ilo bistro One of the coolest restaurants in Norfolk! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Fort Norfolk ... was free to access, and there was about 30 mins worth of stuff to see. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Winterfest On The Wisconsin Great experience and a lot of activities for kids. Historical place museum · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Ocean View Station Museum Cute and small hyper local history museum. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
VisitNorfolk Visitor center · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Wishing Tree a cool spot, perfect date idea or something to do with friends/by yourself Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Neon District Worth the trip...an outdoor museum...get lots of steps in and live ... Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 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.