Norfolk Cruise Port: Getting There, Parking, Terminals, and Extra

Norfolk Cruise Port, formally known as Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Middle, is an 80,000 square-foot cruise facility that’s situated within the coronary heart of downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

Welcoming over 250,000 cruise passengers per 12 months, it’s handy to get to, and the latest upgrades make it a pleasure to go to. I’m going to elucidate every thing it’s worthwhile to learn about visiting this well-known naval city’s cruise port.

Norfolk Cruise Port Location and Handle

Norfolk Cruise Port is situated proper on the waterfront of downtown Norfolk, simply west of the scenic City Level Park alongside the Elizabeth River. Cruise ships docking on the port make their method out to open water by touring alongside the Elizabeth River.

Instantly beside the Norfolk Cruise Port, you’ll discover the Nauticus Nationwide Maritime Middle and Museum. This interactive maritime museum can also be house to the Battleship USS Wisconsin, an Iowa-class battleship that noticed motion throughout World Battle II, however now acts as a floating extension of the museum.

That is truly one among my favourite options of the cruise port, as you may spot this storied battleship proper from the cruise port terminals. Because it’s only a brief stroll from the terminal, it additionally means there’s loads to do earlier than you board.

Plus, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Norfolk Worldwide Airport (ORF), making it simply accessible for these flying to the port from exterior of Virginia.

The port can also be accessible through the I-64 East and the US-13 North, making it very simple to achieve for these driving from exterior of the town.

Norfolk Cruise Port Handle

Half Moon Cruise and Celebration Middle, 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510

Norfolk Cruise Port Piers and Terminals

All cruise ships visiting Norfolk Cruise Port dock on the Half Moone Cruise Terminal on Waterside Drive.

This single trendy terminal was accomplished in 2007 and later upgraded with $12 million in enhancements. These renovations have been accomplished in 2025.

Whereas the port’s pier solely incorporates a single cruise ship berth, a part of the renovation efforts concerned increasing the dock and enhancing the amenities particularly so it might begin accommodating Carnival Sunshine.

For the reason that completion of the enlargement mission, the three,758-passenger capability Future-class cruise ship has been utilizing Norfolk as a homeport, providing year-round voyages from Norfolk.

Terminal Amenities

Half Moon Cruise Terminal is an 80,000 square-foot facility with large curved glass home windows and lofted ceilings. It has a very clear and trendy look, each inside and out of doors the constructing.

When you enterprise inside, you’ll see a spacious embarkation corridor, which is outfitted with comfy seating areas for passengers. A part of the 2025 renovation mission concerned introducing an inclined walkway and including additional safety desks and baggage inspection areas.

I solely sailed from Norfolk as soon as previous to the renovations, however they positively did an excellent job. It appears a lot better, and even navigating the constructing is method simpler. It’s additionally now totally wheelchair accessible, which wasn’t the case earlier than the replace.

As for sensible facilities, there are many accessible restrooms and a small reward store. Whereas there aren’t any eating places, you may decide up a couple of snacks to tide you over on the reward store or merchandising machines you’ll discover within the constructing.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible all through the terminal, and it even reaches the outside ready areas. Actually, whereas I used to be ready to board, I spent a while catching up on emails and sitting by the mermaid statue they put in exterior of the terminal.

This port could also be considerably restricted in comparison with among the bigger cruise ports you see down in Florida and all through the Caribbean, however it’s actually well-maintained and has a really passenger-friendly format.

Cruise Strains That Use Norfolk Cruise Port

The overwhelming majority of cruises that depart from Norfolk Cruise Port are operated by Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival Sunshine now makes use of it as a homeport year-round, with common 6-to-8-day itineraries to Freeport, Bahamas, Bermuda, and some choose Caribbean locations.

Different cruise strains that set sail from Norfolk Cruise Port embody:

• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Azamara Cruises

There are additionally plans for among the smaller cruise strains, like Viking Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, and TUI Cruises, to start out providing visits to Norfolk Cruise Port sooner or later.

TUI Cruises even plans to run a daily route from Norfolk Cruise Port to the Bahamas and Jap Caribbean aboard Mein Schiff 1 in 2026. The hope is that this may entice European vacationers, because the ship caters particularly to German-speaking passengers.

Parking at Norfolk Cruise Port

Whereas there isn’t a long-term parking zone connected to the terminal itself, parking is accessible by way of the close by Cedar Grove Parking Lot at 1000 Monticello Avenue.

The lot is just one.5 miles northwest of the port, however you don’t have to fret about strolling. They provide a complimentary shuttle service for all cruise passengers. The parking zone is operated by the Metropolis of Norfolk, so cruise parking charges are solely $15.00 per day.

The parking zone is totally fenced in and monitored in a single day, however it’s price noting that there are just one,200 spots obtainable, so that you’ll wish to reserve your spot forward of time on-line. For these with mobility wants, there are wheelchair accessible spots close to the entrance of the lot.

In case you are planning to park at Cedar Grove, I extremely advocate taking the shuttle bus. It operates on a loop all through the day and takes you instantly from the lot to the curbside drop-off space exterior of the terminal constructing. Plus, the bus has racks for baggage.

Another choice is Asphalt Tons. It’s situated 11 miles from the port, however this lined storage additionally gives a complimentary shuttle bus to the cruise port. The lot can also be totally wheelchair accessible and monitored 24/7.

If areas at Cedar Grove and Asphalt Tons usually are not obtainable, otherwise you plan on spending time exploring Norfolk itself earlier than embarkation day, a lot of the downtown inns even have their very own parking heaps.

Touring from Close by Airports

With a number of airports serving the realm, Norfolk Cruise Port is straightforward to fly to. In case you’re planning on flying, right here’s a fast breakdown of methods to get to the port:

Norfolk Worldwide Airport (ORF)

Your closest choice is Norfolk Worldwide Airport, which is lower than 10 miles north of the terminal. In case you’re driving your self or taking a taxi, it ought to solely take you about 20 to 25 minutes to achieve the terminal.

Taxi and rideshare autos are broadly obtainable on the airport, however if you wish to save a couple of bucks, the HRT Bus 961 runs from the airport to downtown Norfolk. From there, you may take a public bus to the Nauticus Museum. 

I’d say take a taxi as a substitute, particularly in the event you’re carrying baggage. Will probably be easier, and taxis solely cost about $25 to get from the airport to the port. 

In case you’re grabbing a rental automotive and wish to drive your self, comply with these instructions:

• Take Airport Highway and comply with indicators for I-64 E.
• Take I-64 E for about 1.5 miles, then merge onto the I-264 W in the direction of downtown Norfolk.
• Take Exit 9 for Waterside Drive and proceed to your vacation spot.

Williamsburg Worldwide Airport (PHF)

Positioned 36 miles away on the opposite aspect of the Elizabeth River, PHF is another choice for these planning to fly into Norfolk earlier than their cruise. 

Because it’s situated in Newport Information, you’ll should take the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel, which might get fairly congested. I’d counsel giving your self a minimum of an hour, regardless that it solely takes about 35 minutes to finish the drive with out site visitors. 

Like Norfolk Worldwide, there are many taxis obtainable at Williamsburg Worldwide. Each Uber and Lyft are additionally obtainable, so you may name your individual experience in the event you choose.  

In case you plan on driving your self, right here’s methods to get to the port:

• Get on the I-64 E for about 8.3 miles.
• Take exit 264 for I-664 S towards Downtown Newport Information/Chesapeake/Suffolk, and proceed on I-664 S for about 19.7 miles.
• Take exit 15A for I-264 E towards Norfolk and proceed onto I-264 E for about 7 miles.
• Take exit 9 on the left to merge onto Waterside Dr, then comply with Waterside Dr to Elizabeth River Path.

Richmond Worldwide Airport (RIC)

It’s almost 90 miles away in Richmond, Virginia, however Richmond Worldwide is another choice. It’s best to anticipate a 1.5-to 2-hour drive, however in the event you do fly into Richmond, you may take the I-64 E and 1-264 S to the port.

It’s extra of a trouble and positively requires giving your self much more journey time on embarkation day, however typically you will get cheaper flights into Richmond.

How you can Get to Norfolk Cruise Port

When you arrive within the Norfolk space, there are a number of methods to achieve the port itself. Listed here are among the best:

Arriving By Automotive

In case you’re planning to drive your individual car, ensure you enter the handle 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk when you’re making an attempt to get instructions.

Remember the fact that Norfolk is a serious port metropolis with a number of harbors and personal marinas. To keep away from confusion, ensure you sort within the appropriate handle so that you don’t find yourself on the unsuitable spot.

If, like a variety of the port’s guests, you might be planning on coming east from Richmond, you’ll find yourself crossing on the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. Remember the fact that there’s a toll, however when you cross, you may comply with the indicators to I‑264 West. 

From there, take Exit 10 in the direction of Metropolis Corridor, then comply with St. Paul’s Boulevard, which turns into Monticello Ave. The port entrance is on Waterside Drive, a couple of blocks down. 

Regardless of the place you’re arriving from, you’ll have the ability to drop off passengers proper exterior the terminal. If you wish to park after which make your solution to the port, I’d counsel the Cedar Grove lot. 

Arriving by Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

There are many taxis and rideshare autos working in Norfolk. Whether or not you’re taking a taxi or choose to name a experience by way of Uber or Lyft, most fares to the port are going to be between $25 and $35 in the event you’re already inside Norfolk.

Taking a taxi or rideshare car is admittedly simple, as most drivers will drop you off proper on the terminal constructing itself. Once more, simply make it clear that you just wish to go to Half Moone Cruise Terminal so that you don’t find yourself within the unsuitable place.

Taking a Shuttle Service

There aren’t any devoted shuttle companies from any of the airports that serve Norfolk, however most long-term parking heaps cater to the cruise port, so they supply a complimentary shuttle service.

A number of the inns close to the port additionally enable long-term parking for friends planning to take a cruise trip. People who do additionally supply a shuttle for cruise passengers who depart their automotive on the lodge throughout their journey.

Norfolk Waterside Marriott affords a shuttle, however you’ll have to e book forward of time. The Go to Norfolk Web site has a information to inns that supply in a single day parking and shuttle companies for cruise passengers that’s effectively price trying out.

Utilizing Public Transportation

Sadly, Norfolk’s public transit service, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), is fairly restricted for these desirous to get to the cruise port.

The Tide Gentle Rail doesn’t truly attain the port or wherever alongside the waterfront, however you may take it to MacArthur Sq. after which both stroll or take a brief taxi experience.

To be fully sincere, I’d extremely advocate taking a taxi as a substitute. You’ll save a lot time, and taxi fares in Norfolk are very cheap. In case you’re already in downtown Norfolk, you possibly can additionally simply stroll to the port. It’s solely about half a mile, and it’s a protected metropolis.

Taking the Water Ferry

Norfolk additionally has a water ferry service known as the Elizabeth River Ferry that has a terminal simply exterior the cruise port. In case you booked a lodge in Portsmouth, it’s a enjoyable solution to get throughout the river.

You’ll should stroll about 5 minutes to get to the cruise port from the ferry terminal, however it runs each half-hour and solely prices $2.00 for one-way rides.

Regardless of the way you get to the port, simply ensure you’re there effectively forward of your check-in time. Belief me, you don’t wish to be speeding to your cruise ship on embarkation day!

Points of interest Close to Norfolk Cruise Port

Norfolk is a reasonably small metropolis, however there’s loads to do. And because the Half Moone Terminal is situated proper downtown, you don’t should go far to see among the greatest issues the town has to supply. Listed here are only a few of my favourite issues to do at any time when I’m there.

Go to the Nauticus Museum and USS Wisconsin

Proper subsequent to the terminal, you’ll discover the Nauticus Museum. That is Norfolk’s well-known maritime science heart, and one of many prime points of interest in your entire metropolis.

You possibly can discover the various interactive reveals and even step aboard the Battleship USS Wisconsin, which sits virtually parallel with the cruise ships after they’re docked on the port.

As if the truth that you may stroll there in minutes wasn’t sufficient of a cause to go to, entry to the museum and battleship is lower than $20 for adults, so it’s additionally a budget-friendly solution to kill a while earlier than your cruise.

Discover Downtown Norfolk

In case you’re already on the north aspect of the river, you may simply discover the Waterside District and its many outlets and eating places. Granby Road is slightly additional, however it’s one other space price exploring in the event you’re hoping to do some buying.

The Chrysler Museum of Artwork can also be lower than a mile from the port, and you may simply stroll there in about 20 minutes.

Go to the Norfolk Botanical Backyard and the Virginia Zoo

They’re each a bit farther from the port, however the Norfolk Botanical Backyard and the Virginia Zoo are each spots price visiting, if in case you have the time earlier than or after your cruise.

The zoo is lower than 2 miles north of the port, whereas the Norfolk Botanical Backyard is 8 miles away. Each are simply accessible by taxi and make for glorious day journeys from the port.

Greatest Time to Go to Norfolk

Norfolk has a comparatively average local weather all year long, however summers will be fairly scorching and humid. Peak summer time highs have a tendency to take a seat round 85 to 90°F, with occasional rain or storms.

Whereas the summer time months are usually seen as the very best time to go to, and Virginia Seashore will get tremendous crowded throughout that point of 12 months, peak cruise season tends to be within the winter and spring months.

Learn Additionally: When Is the Greatest Time to Cruise to the Bahamas?

Personally, my favourite time to go to is the autumn, particularly round October, as that is when the temperature is most comfy and the crowds die down a bit. It’s additionally a good time to attain cruise offers in the event you’re keen to journey in the course of the shoulder months.

In case you’re hoping to time your go to with among the metropolis’s largest festivals, Norfolk Harborfest runs from June 6-8 yearly.

Waterfront Jazz Fest is one other two-day summer time pageant that’s price experiencing. It normally runs the final weekend in August.

Simply take into account that in the event you go to in the course of the summer time, site visitors will be fairly intense, particularly on weekends. Take my recommendation and provides your self some additional journey time. Apart from that, simply get pleasure from your time in Norfolk and your cruise trip!

Norfolk Cruise Port: Getting There, Parking, Terminals, and Extra

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