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

Norfolk Cruise Port, formally referred to as Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Middle, is an 80,000 square-foot cruise facility that’s positioned 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 clarify the whole lot it’s essential to find out about visiting this well-known naval city’s cruise port.

Norfolk Cruise Port Location and Tackle

Norfolk Cruise Port is positioned 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 Conflict II, however now acts as a floating extension of the museum.

That is really certainly one of my favourite options of the cruise port, as you possibly can spot this storied battleship proper from the cruise port terminals. Because it’s only a quick stroll from the terminal, it additionally means there’s a lot 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 outdoors of Virginia.

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

Norfolk Cruise Port Tackle

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 fashionable 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 encompasses a single cruise ship berth, a part of the renovation efforts concerned increasing the dock and enhancing the services particularly so it might begin accommodating Carnival Sunshine.

Because the completion of the growth venture, the three,758-passenger capability Future-class cruise ship has been utilizing Norfolk as a homeport, providing year-round voyages from Norfolk.

Terminal Services

Half Moon Cruise Terminal is an 80,000 square-foot facility with big curved glass home windows and lofted ceilings. It has a extremely clear and fashionable look, each inside and outdoors 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 venture 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 a terrific job. It seems significantly better, and even navigating the constructing is method simpler. It’s additionally now absolutely wheelchair accessible, which wasn’t the case earlier than the replace.

As for sensible facilities, there are many accessible restrooms and a small present store. Whereas there aren’t any eating places, you possibly can decide up a number of snacks to tide you over on the present 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. In reality, 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 outdoors 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, but it surely’s actually well-maintained and has a really passenger-friendly structure.

Cruise Traces 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 traces that set sail from Norfolk Cruise Port embrace:

Norwegian Cruise Line

Princess Cruises

Holland America Line

Oceania Cruises

Azamara Cruises

There are additionally plans for among the smaller cruise traces, 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 it will appeal to 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 the close by Cedar Grove Parking Lot at 1000 Monticello Avenue.

The lot is only 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, but it surely’s value noting that there are only one,200 spots accessible, so that you’ll need 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.

If you’re 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 immediately from the lot to the curbside drop-off space outdoors of the terminal constructing. Plus, the bus has racks for baggage.

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

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

Touring from Close by Airports

With a number of airports serving the world, Norfolk Cruise Port is straightforward to fly to. Should you’re planning on flying, right here’s a fast breakdown of easy 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. Should you’re driving your self or taking a taxi, it ought to solely take you about 20 to 25 minutes to succeed in the terminal.

Taxi and rideshare autos are extensively accessible 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 possibly can take a public bus to the Nauticus Museum. 

I’d say take a taxi as an alternative, particularly should you’re carrying baggage. Will probably be less complicated, and taxis solely cost about $25 to get from the airport to the port. 

Should you’re grabbing a rental automobile and need to drive your self, observe these instructions:

Take Airport Street and observe indicators for I-64 E.

Take I-64 E for about 1.5 miles, then merge onto the I-264 W in 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 facet of the Elizabeth River, PHF is an alternative choice for these planning to fly into Norfolk earlier than their cruise. 

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

Like Norfolk Worldwide, there are many taxis accessible at Williamsburg Worldwide. Each Uber and Lyft are additionally accessible, so you possibly can name your individual trip should you choose.  

Should you plan on driving your self, right here’s easy 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 observe Waterside Dr to Elizabeth River Path.

Richmond Worldwide Airport (RIC)

It’s practically 90 miles away in Richmond, Virginia, however Richmond Worldwide is an alternative choice. It is best to anticipate a 1.5-to 2-hour drive, however should you do fly into Richmond, you possibly can take the I-64 E and 1-264 S to the port.

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

Tips on how to Get to Norfolk Cruise Port

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

Arriving By Automobile

Should you’re planning to drive your individual car, be sure to enter the tackle 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk when you find yourself attempting to get instructions.

Needless to say Norfolk is a significant port metropolis with a number of harbors and personal marinas. To keep away from confusion, be sure to sort within the right tackle so that you don’t find yourself on the flawed spot.

If, like a number of the port’s guests, you’re planning on coming east from Richmond, you’ll find yourself crossing on the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. Needless to say there’s a toll, however when you cross, you possibly can observe the indicators to I‑264 West. 

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

Irrespective of the place you’re arriving from, you’ll be capable of drop off passengers proper outdoors the terminal. If you wish to park after which make your technique to the port, I’d recommend 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 trip by Uber or Lyft, most fares to the port are going to be between $25 and $35 should you’re already inside Norfolk.

Taking a taxi or rideshare car is de facto simple, as most drivers will drop you off proper on the terminal constructing itself. Once more, simply make it clear that you simply need to go to Half Moone Cruise Terminal so that you don’t find yourself within the flawed 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 tons cater to the cruise port, so they supply a complimentary shuttle service.

A few of the inns close to the port additionally enable long-term parking for friends planning to take a cruise trip. Those who do additionally supply a shuttle for cruise passengers who go away their automobile 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 properly value testing.

Utilizing Public Transportation

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

The Tide Gentle Rail doesn’t really attain the port or anyplace alongside the waterfront, however you possibly can take it to MacArthur Sq. after which both stroll or take a brief taxi trip.

To be utterly sincere, I’d extremely advocate taking a taxi as an alternative. You’ll save a lot time, and taxi fares in Norfolk are very affordable. Should you’re already in downtown Norfolk, you may 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 referred to as the Elizabeth River Ferry that has a terminal simply outdoors the cruise port. Should you booked a lodge in Portsmouth, it’s a enjoyable technique to get throughout the river.

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

Irrespective of the way you get to the port, simply be sure to’re there properly forward of your check-in time. Belief me, you don’t need to be dashing to your cruise ship on embarkation day!

Sights Close to Norfolk Cruise Port

Norfolk is a reasonably small metropolis, however there’s a lot to do. And because the Half Moone Terminal is positioned proper downtown, you don’t should go far to see among the finest issues the town has to supply. Listed here are only a few of my favourite issues to do every time 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 middle, and one of many high sights in all the metropolis.

You’ll be able to discover the various interactive displays 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 possibly can stroll there in minutes wasn’t sufficient of a motive to go to, entry to the museum and battleship is lower than $20 for adults, so it’s additionally a budget-friendly technique to kill a while earlier than your cruise.

Discover Downtown Norfolk

Should you’re already on the north facet of the river, you possibly can simply discover the Waterside District and its many outlets and eating places. Granby Avenue is a bit additional, but it surely’s one other space value exploring should 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 value visiting, when you’ve got 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 wonderful day journeys from the port.

Greatest Time to Go to Norfolk

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

Whereas the summer time months are typically seen as the very best time to go to, and Virginia Seaside 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 should you’re prepared to journey through the shoulder months.

Should 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 value experiencing. It often runs the final weekend in August.

Simply remember the fact that should you go to through the summer time, visitors could 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