Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas was floated out of dry dock on August 29, 2025.
The float out marks a major construction milestone and the start of the outfitting phase.
The move also clears the way for work to begin on the fourth Icon Class ship as Legend of the Seas moves toward delivery in 2026.
Another giant of the seas has officially hit the water. On Friday, August 29, 2025, Royal Caribbean’s newest vessel, Legend of the Seas, floated out of its dry dock at Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard.
The moment marked the first time the ship touched water and officially begins the outfitting phase of construction.
The float-out is a traditional step in shipbuilding, celebrated as the point when heavy exterior work is complete and attention turns to interiors, technical systems, and final details.
This means the vessel’s 2,805 staterooms are about to be installed and decorated, edging it closer to her handover to Royal Caribbean and eager guests boarding its third Icon Class ship on its first voyage in less than a year from now.
At Meyer Turku, the ceremony also cleared the way for the next stage of assembly on the yet-to-be-named fourth Icon Class ship: laying the keel.
Legend of the Seas Float Out Ceremony (Photo Credit: Meyer Turku)
“Legend of the Seas continues the state-of-the-art Icon Class, which allows the Finnish maritime industry to showcase its unique expertise at its best,” said Casimir Lindholm, CEO of Meyer Turku.
The Icon Class has already made history for Royal Caribbean. Icon of the Seas, which began sailing in January 2024, was the world’s largest cruise ship until joined by Star of the Seas in August 2025, extending the class with similar features and improvements.
Now that Legend of the Seas has touched water, shipyard crews will focus on outfitting the vessel with thousands of details.
This phase involves installing staterooms, restaurants, theaters, crew spaces, entertainment venues, and technical systems. It is one of the longest phases of construction before sea trials begin.
Meyer Turku follows a precise sequence in building ships of this size. The keel laying, which is now taking place for the fourth Icon Class ship (scheduled to debut in 2027) starts assembly, followed by block construction where massive steel sections are welded together.
In July, Meyer Turku added Legend of the Seas’ iconic AquaDome, the revolutionary glass dome that appears on all Icon Class ships.
Legend of the Seas Float Out (Credit: Meyer Turku)
Once the hull is complete, the float-out transfers the vessel from dry dock to the water.
Outfitting is the final stage before Legend of the Seas is tested at sea to ensure it maneuvers and operates the way it is intended.
After that? The vessel officially transfers to Royal Caribbean, with Legend of the Seas’ inaugural cruise to take place in the Mediterranean on August 2, 2026.
The 7-night Western Med voyage will sail roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain, to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and La Spezia, Civitavecchia, and Naples, Italy.
The ship, which is likely to be similar in size to her sisters, both at 248,663 gross tons, will continue to sail that roundtrip itinerary, as well as one from Civitavecchia until October 25, 2026, when Legend of the Seas repositions to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
She will spend her first US season sailing an array of itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, including a preview 3-night journey to the cruise line’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Carnival Cruise Line will make in-cabin announcements on Alaska cruises if the Northern Lights make an appearance.
Onboard announcements can be controversial, but the cruise line wants to be sure no one misses such a memorable event.
Most guests are understanding about other announcements in staterooms, such as emergency code calls for developing incidents.
It’s the great announcement debate: how many intercom announcements are too many during a cruise, and does it matter what the types of announcements may be?
For guests in one bucket-list destination, a specific announcement can be a very welcome disruption even in the middle of the night. One interested guest reached out to John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, about such announcements.
“Do Alaska cruises provide announcements or notifications for northern lights or can a call be requested?”the guest asked.
Fortunately, Carnival Cruise Line will help guests have that experience, even if it might be a late-night interruption.
“Yes, we will have an announcement made inside the cabin should they appear,”Heald confirmed.“Fingers crossed for you and have a wonderful time.”
Even if guests were asleep, the volume of the in-cabin speakers would likely wake them up so they could enjoy the atmospheric phenomenon.
Many Alaska sailings do have an opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa are offering Alaska cruises from Seattle this year, while Carnival Legend has limited Alaska voyages from San Francisco.
In 2026, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Luminosa, and Carnival Miracle will all be visiting the Last Frontier.
Carnival Cruise Line just recently released its 2027 Alaska sailings for reservations. Guests can choose from Carnival Spirit, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Luminosa with more than 50 total itinerary options.
No matter what ship, sailing date, or itinerary guests choose, they should be understanding that aurora borealis sightings are never guaranteed.
Deck of Carnival Luminosa in Alaska (Photo Credit: Artha sant)
The celestial phenomenon is a result of solar winds and flares interacting with the Earth’s magnetosphere. Depending on the angle and strength of solar output, the Northern Lights may be visible as ripples, ribbons, or waves in shades of green, yellow, blue, pink, or red.
There is no easy way to predict the appearance of an aurora. Even if solar conditions are right for the display, overcast skies can still prevent cruise guests from seeing the lights.
Fortunately, Carnival Cruise Line’s practice of making appropriate announcements can alert guests when the borealis appears, helping them make outstanding cruise memories.
Other Announcements Are More Controversial
While most cruise guests would not object to an announcement about the Northern Lights, other announcements are more controversial.
“It is the Cruise Director’s responsibility to promote the revenue and it is that onboard revenue that has always been the foundation on which Carnival Cruise Line can keep the cost of your cruises the most affordable in the entire industry,”he noted.
Those types of announcements are not automatically piped into guests’ staterooms. Instead, guests need to be in public areas or open their stateroom doors to hear such announcements properly.
Fortunately, the information in those types of announcements is also available in the printed Fun Times newsletter or through the Carnival Hub app, so guests aren’t missing out.
It can be more important, however, to tune in to such public announcements if the ship has an itinerary change. This can impact the day’s schedule, and onboard announcements will provide the most updated details.
One other type of announcement is piped into guest staterooms, but most guests are very understanding of it.
These are emergency code announcements that alert crew members to ongoing incidents such as an overboard situation, medical emergency, or possible fire.
Emergency calls are piped into staterooms to be sure all crew members are immediately alerted. Because crew members may be on different emergency teams, it is important that they receive alerts right away, even if they may be off-duty, repairing plumbing, or cleaning a guest stateroom.
Have you seen the Northern Lights on a Carnival cruise? Share your sightings on the Cruise Hive boards!
A recent guest of Carnival Adventure discovered pre-made towel animals under his bed, which ruins the magic in a hilarious way.
It makes sense for the housekeeping team to pre-make the beloved animals, as they would need to make hundreds to thousands every day to place one in every stateroom.
The guest made light of the situation and decided to display the towel animals as a surprise for his room steward.
Aside from its reputation as the Fun Ships, Carnival Cruise Line is perhaps most famous for its loveable towel animals.
In addition to leaving the animals in staterooms, most Carnival sailings feature a towel animal zoo on the Lido Deck and classes where guests can learn how to make their own towel creations.
In fact, these creatures are so popular that the cruise line even has a towel animal mascot named Ellie the Elephant.
However, one recent guest of Carnival Adventure who was recently on a Sydney-based sailing to Moreton Island has discovered a secret that has put a damper on the magic.
Matt Kortelainen, who goes by @mynamesmattt on TikTok, discovered a bag of pre-made towel animals underhis bed in his cruise cabin.
They weren’t made with love by the room stewards during the daily cleans or turn down service, but were rather just ready and waiting to be placed in the cabin for cruise guests to discover.
“It’s like finding out Santa’s not real. Oh my God,” Kortelainen exclaimed in a TikTok where he revealed the bag.
During my own Carnival cruise onboard Carnival Radianceat the end of last year, I can confirm that I did not find any towel animals under my bed, so this shocking discovery may have been an accident.
Instead, I actually found an old, smelly sock (which our room steward quickly removed and cleaned), but that’s a story for another time.
However, I would not be surprised if towel animals were pre-made and stored elsewhere onboard for the sake of efficiency.
If the cruise ships are at capacity, crew members could potentially have thousands of towel animals to make and leave for guests every single day, which is certainly a daunting task.
Carnival Cruise Line Towel Animals
Guests React to Towel Animal Discovery
Just like the TikToker, other guests reacted to the pre-made towel animals with a mix of good humor and at least feigned shock and disappointment.
Other past Carnival cruise guests confirmed that they’ve also found pre-made animals hidden in their staterooms.
“I was on a cruise several years ago and I found all the towel animals in a hidden cupboard beneath the port hole window. Yep. Spoilt that immediately,”one person recounted.
Of course, Kortelainen’s TikTok was posted because he found the discovery to be funny and he was not actually upset.
“I’m not mad, this video is pure sarcasm but I didn’t know they do this lol,”he clarified in the comments section.
In a subsequent TikTok, the cruise guest revealed that he had actually unpacked the animals and displayed them in his cabin as an “uno reverse” surprise for his room steward.
As of September 6, 2025, the daybeds in the Calypso Lagoon area can be used by guests over the age of 13.
Previously, this was a free adults-only area that was limited to cruisers over the age of 18.
The Pearl Cove Beach Club will remain an adults-only attraction, but guests must purchase a pass in order to enjoy it.
For some adult cruisers, what they are most looking forward to is relaxing on an island paradise without any kids running around to disturb the peace.
Calypso Lagoon at Carnival Cruise Line’s new Celebration Key in the Bahamas has already proven to be great option for guests over the age of 18 looking for this sort of adult-friendly fun or relaxation.
The area has a freshwater lagoon, a swim-up bar, a bar with swing seats, beach access, and more.
Many guests take their experience a step further by reserving a private water daybed in advance, which is an all-day rental that costs $119.99 for two guests.
But as of September 6, 2025, which is just about a week away, younger teenagers will also be welcomed to relax on the daybeds in the formerly adults-only haunt.
Carnival sent a letter informing guests who had booked and paid for their daybed reservations of the change:
“Thank you for purchasing the Water Daybed at Calypso Lagoon Swim Up Bar 18+ as part of your upcoming visit to Celebration Key…At the time of your purchase, this area within Calypso Lagoon was designated for guests 18 years and older,”the letter reads.
While this area is geared toward adults, a small section has always been family-friendly.
“However, effective September 6, 2025, we are updating the age requirement to 13 years and older, allowing a broader range of guests to enjoy the space,” the update continued.
It’s unclear at this time if the new age limit applies to the entirety of the adults-only section within Calypso Lagoon, or if younger teens will need to stay closer to the daybeds.
If guests are unhappy with this change, they are allowed to modify their plans in the HUB App or online through Carnival’s website.
But in this case, cruise guests are not happy about the change.
Some guests theorized that the age limit was lowered because crew members were having trouble enforcing the adults-only requirement.
“So instead of enforcing the 18+ rule, they change it to 13+ which they still won’t enforce,” one cruiser quipped.
As the daybeds are located in a prime spot near the swim up bar, others were worried about teens getting access to alcohol when they shouldn’t, which can become dangerous.
Celebration Key, Bahamas
The crew membersare of course not allowed to serve alcoholto underage guests, but some are worried about mischievous teens swiping a drink from other unsuspecting patrons.
“The swinging bar needs to be adults only. Takes just one drunk to not see a kid get their drink,” one person noted.
But perhaps the crux of the issue is that there is now no longer a free adults-only section within Celebration Key.
The Pearl Cove Beach Club at the western edge of the destination continues to enforce an age limit of 18 and up, and has its own selection of daybeds and cabanas to rent.
However, guests have to purchase passes to get in and there are only a limited number of these available per day.
Some are taking this change as Carnival forcing adults who want a kid-free experience to hand over more money – and this is following pushback to the prices of other experiences and dining options offered at the island destination.
“Well they weren’t making any money off the Calypso Lagoon. But you notice how they’re directing you to go pay more,”one cruiser observed.
“Honestly, I think this is wrong. It also seems they are forcing you to buy the admission to Pearl Cove,” another reacted.
As of the time of publication, admission to the Pearl Cove Beach Club ranges from $99.99 to $179.99 depending on if guests just buy general access or select an inclusive package that includes an open bar and/or food from the restaurant.
The Cruise Lines International Association is challenging Hawaii’s new tax on cruise ships with a federal lawsuit.
The lawsuit claims the new tax violates the US Constitution as well as the First Amendment.
CLIA is not against any and all taxes on cruise ships, but only on how this one is levied and how unfairly it targets cruise ships compared to hotels.
Hawaii’s plans to raise nearly $100 million annually through a new 11% tax on cruise ships may not be as lucrative as the Aloha State had hoped.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), along with several local plaintiffs, including two tour companies that serve cruise ships, has filed suit against the state’s new tax, claiming it is federally unconstitutional.
The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in the US District Court for the District of Hawai’i. The new tax was passed in early May, but is not scheduled to take effect until January 1, 2026.
As a “green” tax, the new fees would not go to support cruise operations through port development, dredging, or similar projects, but instead would be earmarked for conservation projects.
“In attempting to leverage Hawai‘i’s ports to raise general revenue from out-of-state businesses and visitors, Act 96 violates federal law three times over,”the lawsuit alleges.
“Conflicting with the Tonnage Clause of the U.S. Constitution, the First Amendment’s restriction on government-compelled speech, and a provision of the federal Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1884 that exists to prohibit fees exactly like the ones imposed.”
The Tonnage Clause (Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3) prohibits states from taxing ships for simply entering the harbor. Taxes can be levied for services, such as pilots or loading and unloading, and cruise ships regularly pay those types of taxes.
Similarly, the violation of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1884 is related to the overall amount of the fees. The Rivers and Harbors Act sets statutory limits on fees states may impose for using navigable waters.
Finally, the First Amendment violation is because the new Hawaii cruise ship tax requires cruise lines to disclose the tax in commercials and other advertisements, as well as onboard every ship visiting Hawaii.
Because the tax itself is being challenged, this extra requirement is now in conflict with the First Amendment.
Another aspect of the new tax is that individual counties in Hawai’i have the authority to levy their own additional taxes on cruise ships. These fees can be up to 3%, in addition to the 11% fee from the state.
Cruise Port Area in Hawaii (Photo Credit: Theodore Trimmer)
Those fees are on cruise fares paid by passengers.
“Between the 11% surcharge levied by the State and the 3% state-authorized surcharges levied by the counties, cruise-ship operators will be required to pay an effective 14% prorated portion of each passenger’s gross fare for the privilege of visiting ports in Hawai‘i,”the lawsuit explains.
That fee is likely to be passed along to cruise guests, raising fares substantially for sailings to Hawaii.
Despite the fact that the tax is intended to generate revenue for Hawaii, this could backfire with a loss of income if passengers choose more affordable cruise destinations.
Is the Tax Fair to Cruise Ships?
To be clear, cruise lines are not trying to disband all taxes and port fees, but this large increase and the way it is worded is particularly troublesome.
The lawsuit explains that because the 11-14% surcharge is on the entire cruise fare, “rather than just that portion of the fare attributable to on-board accommodations,” it is not comparable to tourist fees levied on hotels and resorts.
After all, a cruise fare includes far more than a hotel room. It also includes multiple dining options, daily activities and entertainment, pools and other onboard amenities, as well as transportation between ports.
A similar tax on hotels specifically excludes charges for amenities such as meals, drinks. Likewise, flights between islands are not taxes, but a cruise fare includes port to port transportation.
“As a result, cruise-ship operators and (by extension) their passengers will be forced to make payments significantly higher than those required in connection with other types of tourism-related businesses,”the lawsuit clarifies.
It will likely be at least several months before the lawsuit is decided. In the meantime, it is unclear whether or not guests booked on Hawaii cruises in early 2026 should be prepared for additional taxes or fees. It is possible the fees may be suspended until the lawsuit is settled.
Norfolk Cruise Port, officially called Half Moone Cruise & Celebration Center, is an 80,000 square-foot cruise facility that’s located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, Virginia.
Welcoming over 250,000 cruise passengers per year, it’s convenient to get to, and the recent upgrades make it a pleasure to visit. I’m going to explain everything you need to know about visiting this famous naval town’s cruise port.
Norfolk Cruise Port is located right on the waterfront of downtown Norfolk, just west of the scenic Town Point Park along the Elizabeth River. Cruise ships docking at the port make their way out to open water by traveling along the Elizabeth River.
Directly beside the Norfolk Cruise Port, you will find the Nauticus National Maritime Center and Museum. This interactive maritime museum is also home to the Battleship USS Wisconsin, an Iowa-class battleship that saw action during World War II, but now acts as a floating extension of the museum.
This is actually one of my favorite features of the cruise port, as you can spot this storied battleship right from the cruise port terminals. Since it’s just a short walk from the terminal, it also means there’s plenty to do before you board.
Plus, it’s just a 15-minute drive from Norfolk International Airport (ORF), making it easily accessible for those flying to the port from outside of Virginia.
The port is also accessible via the I-64 East and the US-13 North, making it very straightforward to reach for those driving from outside of the city.
Norfolk Cruise Port Address
Half Moon Cruise and Celebration Center, 1 Waterside Drive,Norfolk, VA 23510
All cruise ships visiting Norfolk Cruise Port dock at the Half Moone Cruise Terminal on Waterside Drive.
This single modern terminal was completed in 2007 and later upgraded with $12 million in improvements. These renovations were completed in 2025.
While the port’s pier only features a single cruise ship berth, part of the renovation efforts involved expanding the dock and improving the facilities specifically so it could start accommodating Carnival Sunshine.
Since the completion of the expansion project, the 3,758-passenger capacity Destiny-class cruise ship has been using Norfolk as a homeport, offering year-round voyages from Norfolk.
Terminal Facilities
Half Moon Cruise Center (Photo Credit: Kyle J Little)
Half Moon Cruise Terminal is an 80,000 square-foot facility with huge curved glass windows and lofted ceilings. It has a really clean and modern look, both inside and outside the building.
Once you venture inside, you’ll see a spacious embarkation hall, which is outfitted with comfortable seating areas for passengers. Part of the 2025 renovation project involved introducing an inclined walkway and adding extra security desks and luggage inspection areas.
I only sailed from Norfolk once prior to the renovations, but they definitely did a great job. It looks much better, and even navigating the building is way easier. It’s also now fully wheelchair accessible, which wasn’t the case before the update.
As for practical amenities, there are plenty of accessible restrooms and a small gift shop. While there aren’t any restaurants, you can pick up a few snacks to tide you over at the gift shop or vending machines you’ll find in the building.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and it even reaches the outdoor waiting areas. In fact, while I was waiting to board, I spent some time catching up on emails and sitting by the mermaid statue they installed outside of the terminal.
This port may be somewhat limited compared to some of the larger cruise ports you see down in Florida and throughout the Caribbean, but it’s really well-maintained and has a very passenger-friendly layout.
Cruise Lines That Use Norfolk Cruise Port
Carnival Magic, Norfolk, Virginia (Photo Credit: Nauticus)
The vast majority of cruises that depart from Norfolk Cruise Port are operated by Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival Sunshine now uses it as a homeport year-round, with regular 6-to-8-day itineraries to Freeport, Bahamas, Bermuda, and a few select Caribbean destinations.
Other cruise lines that set sail from Norfolk Cruise Port include:
Norwegian Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
Holland America Line
Oceania Cruises
Azamara Cruises
There are also plans for some of the smaller cruise lines, like Viking Cruise Line, AIDA Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, and TUI Cruises, to start offering visits to Norfolk Cruise Port in the future.
TUI Cruises even plans to run a regular route from Norfolk Cruise Port to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean aboard Mein Schiff 1 in 2026. The hope is that this will attract European travelers, as the ship caters specifically to German-speaking passengers.
Parking at Norfolk Cruise Port
Photo Credit: Kyle J Little / Shutterstock
While there isn’t a long-term parking lot attached to the terminal itself, parking is available through the nearby Cedar Grove Parking Lot at 1000 Monticello Avenue.
The lot is only 1.5 miles northwest of the port, but you don’t have to worry about walking. They offer a complimentary shuttle service for all cruise passengers. The parking lot is operated by the City of Norfolk, so cruise parking fees are only $15.00 per day.
The parking lot is completely fenced in and monitored overnight, but it’s worth noting that there are only 1,200 spots available, so you’ll want to reserve your spot ahead of time online. For those with mobility needs, there are wheelchair accessible spots near the front of the lot.
If you are planning to park at Cedar Grove, I highly recommend taking the shuttle bus. It operates on a loop throughout the day and takes you directly from the lot to the curbside drop-off area outside of the terminal building. Plus, the bus has racks for luggage.
Another option is Asphalt Lots. It’s located 11 miles from the port, but this covered garage also provides a complimentary shuttle bus to the cruise port. The lot is also fully wheelchair accessible and monitored 24/7.
If spaces at Cedar Grove and Asphalt Lots are not available, or you plan on spending time exploring Norfolk itself before embarkation day, most of the downtown hotels also have their own parking lots.
Traveling from Nearby Airports
With several airports serving the area, Norfolk Cruise Port is easy to fly to. If you’re planning on flying, here’s a quick breakdown of how to get to the port:
Norfolk International Airport (ORF)
Norfolk International Airport (Photo Credit: Kate Scott)
Your closest option is Norfolk International Airport, which is less than 10 miles north of the terminal. If you’re driving yourself or taking a taxi, it should only take you about 20 to 25 minutes to reach the terminal.
Taxi and rideshare vehicles are widely available at the airport, but if you want to save a few bucks, the HRT Bus 961 runs from the airport to downtown Norfolk. From there, you can take a public bus to the Nauticus Museum.
I’d say take a taxi instead, especially if you’re carrying luggage. It will be simpler, and taxis only charge about $25 to get from the airport to the port.
If you’re grabbing a rental car and want to drive yourself, follow these directions:
Take Airport Road and follow signs for I-64 E.
Take I-64 E for about 1.5 miles, then merge onto the I-264 W towards downtown Norfolk.
Take Exit 9 for Waterside Drive and continue to your destination.
Located 36 miles away on the other side of the Elizabeth River, PHF is another option for those planning to fly into Norfolk before their cruise.
Since it’s located in Newport News, you’ll have to take the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel, which can get pretty congested. I’d suggest giving yourself at least an hour, even though it only takes about 35 minutes to complete the drive without traffic.
Like Norfolk International, there are plenty of taxis available at Williamsburg International. Both Uber and Lyft are also available, so you can call your own ride if you prefer.
If you plan on driving yourself, here’s how to get to the port:
Get on the I-64 E for about 8.3 miles.
Take exit 264 for I-664 S toward Downtown Newport News/Chesapeake/Suffolk, and continue on I-664 S for about 19.7 miles.
Take exit 15A for I-264 E toward Norfolk and continue onto I-264 E for about 7 miles.
Take exit 9 on the left to merge onto Waterside Dr, then follow Waterside Dr to Elizabeth River Trail.
Richmond International Airport (RIC)
Richmond International Airport (Photo Credit: OJUP)
It’s nearly 90 miles away in Richmond, Virginia, but Richmond International is another option. You should anticipate a 1.5-to 2-hour drive, but if you do fly into Richmond, you can take the I-64 E and 1-264 S to the port.
It’s more of a hassle and definitely requires giving yourself a lot more travel time on embarkation day, but sometimes you can get cheaper flights into Richmond.
How to Get to Norfolk Cruise Port
Once you arrive in the Norfolk area, there are several ways to reach the port itself. Here are some of the easiest:
Arriving By Car
Nauticus (Photo Credit: Kyle J Little)
If you’re planning to drive your own vehicle, make sure you enter the address 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk when you are trying to get directions.
Keep in mind that Norfolk is a major port city with multiple harbors and private marinas. To avoid confusion, make sure you type in the correct address so you don’t end up at the wrong spot.
If, like a lot of the port’s visitors, you are planning on coming east from Richmond, you’ll end up crossing at the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel. Keep in mind that there is a toll, but once you cross, you can follow the signs to I‑264 West.
From there, take Exit 10 towards City Hall, then follow St. Paul’s Boulevard, which becomes Monticello Ave. The port entrance is on Waterside Drive, a few blocks down.
No matter where you’re arriving from, you’ll be able to drop off passengers right outside the terminal. If you want to park and then make your way to the port, I’d suggest the Cedar Grove lot.
Arriving by Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
View of Norfolk Cruise Terminal and Transport Access (Photo Credit: John Couture)
There are plenty of taxis and rideshare vehicles operating in Norfolk. Whether you’re taking a taxi or prefer to call a ride through Uber or Lyft, most fares to the port are going to be between $25 and $35 if you’re already within Norfolk.
Taking a taxi or rideshare vehicle is really straightforward, as most drivers will drop you off right at the terminal building itself. Again, just make it clear that you want to go to Half Moone Cruise Terminal so you don’t end up in the wrong place.
Taking a Shuttle Service
Norfolk Cruise Terminal (Photo Credit: Carnival)
There aren’t any dedicated shuttle services from any of the airports that serve Norfolk, but most long-term parking lots cater to the cruise port, so they provide a complimentary shuttle service.
Some of the hotels near the port also allow long-term parking for guests planning to take a cruise vacation. Those that do also offer a shuttle for cruise passengers who leave their car at the hotel during their trip.
Norfolk Waterside Marriott offers a shuttle, but you’ll need to book ahead of time. The Visit Norfolk Website has a guide to hotels that offer overnight parking and shuttle services for cruise passengers that is well worth checking out.
Using Public Transportation
Hampton Roads Transit Bus (Photo Credit: Kyle J Little)
Unfortunately, Norfolk’s public transit service, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), is pretty limited for those wanting to get to the cruise port.
The Tide Light Rail doesn’t actually reach the port or anywhere along the waterfront, but you can take it to MacArthur Square and then either walk or take a short taxi ride.
To be completely honest, I would highly recommend taking a taxi instead. You’ll save so much time, and taxi fares in Norfolk are very reasonable. If you’re already in downtown Norfolk, you could also just walk to the port. It’s only about half a mile, and it’s a safe city.
Taking the Water Ferry
Elizabeth River Ferry (Photo Credit: Kyle J Little)
Norfolk also has a water ferry service called the Elizabeth River Ferry that has a terminal just outside the cruise port. If you booked a hotel in Portsmouth, it’s a fun way to get across the river.
You’ll have to walk about 5 minutes to get to the cruise port from the ferry terminal, but it runs every 30 minutes and only costs $2.00 for one-way rides.
No matter how you get to the port, just make sure you’re there well ahead of your check-in time. Trust me, you don’t want to be rushing to your cruise ship on embarkation day!
Attractions Near Norfolk Cruise Port
Norfolk is a fairly small city, but there’s plenty to do. And since the Half Moone Terminal is located right downtown, you don’t have to go far to see some of the best things the city has to offer. Here are just a few of my favorite things to do whenever I’m there.
Visit the Nauticus Museum and USS Wisconsin
USS Wisconsin (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
Right next to the terminal, you’ll find the Nauticus Museum. This is Norfolk’s famous maritime science center, and one of the top attractions in the entire city.
You can explore the many interactive exhibits and even step aboard the Battleship USS Wisconsin, which sits practically parallel with the cruise ships when they’re docked at the port.
As if the fact that you can walk there in minutes wasn’t enough of a reason to visit, entry to the museum and battleship is less than $20 for adults, so it’s also a budget-friendly way to kill some time before your cruise.
Explore Downtown Norfolk
Downtown Norfolk, Virginia (Photo Credit: Motion Ninety)
If you’re already on the north side of the river, you can just explore the Waterside District and its many shops and restaurants. Granby Street is a little further, but it’s another area worth exploring if you’re hoping to do some shopping.
The Chrysler Museum of Art is also less than a mile from the port, and you can easily walk there in about 20 minutes.
Visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Virginia Zoo
They’re both a bit further from the port, but the Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Virginia Zoo are both spots worth visiting, if you have the time before or after your cruise.
The zoo is less than 2 miles north of the port, while the Norfolk Botanical Garden is 8 miles away. Both are easily accessible by taxi and make for excellent day trips from the port.
Best Time to Visit Norfolk
Overview of Norfolk Cruise Port and Surrounding Area (Photo Credit: Felix Mizioznikov)
Norfolk has a relatively moderate climate throughout the year, but summers can be quite hot and humid. Peak summer highs tend to sit around 85 to 90°F, with occasional rain or storms.
While the summer months are generally seen as the best time to visit, and Virginia Beach gets super crowded during that time of year, peak cruise season tends to be in the winter and spring months.
Personally, my favorite time to visit is the fall, especially around October, as this is when the temperature is most comfortable and the crowds die down a bit. It’s also a great time to score cruise deals if you’re willing to travel during the shoulder months.
If you’re hoping to time your visit with some of the city’s biggest festivals, Norfolk Harborfest runs from June 6-8 every year.
Waterfront Jazz Fest is another two-day summer festival that’s worth experiencing. It usually runs the last weekend in August.
Just keep in mind that if you visit during the summer, traffic can be pretty intense, especially on weekends. Take my advice and give yourself some extra travel time. Aside from that, just enjoy your time in Norfolk and your cruise vacation!
A large, inflatable duck has been spotted sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas.
Many cruise guests eagerly hunt for bigger and more unique ducks on different cruise lines.
Inflatable objects are not permitted to be stored on stateroom balconies. It is unknown if the guests faced any consequences for their feathered cabin-mate.
The cruise duck phenomenon continues to get bigger and better than ever as guests spread their wings with gleeful fun. Now, one of the largest ducks ever to set sail has been spotted on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas.
Photos being shared online are proof positive of the duck’s oceangoing voyages. A large, inflatable yellow duck is just enjoying his cruise on one of the ship’s balconies.
The duck appears to be 3-4 feet tall, with classic yellow coloring and a red-orange bill. While he doesn’t have a cruise duck tag attached, it’s quite clear he’s enjoying a fun sailing.
“At least we can safely say that everyone has found a duck on this cruise,”one commenter quipped.
Similar photos shared on Facebook identify the ship as Quantum of the Seas, as the ship’s name can be seen on a lifeboat two decks below the duck’s balcony.
It is important to note that personal items are not permitted to be stored on stateroom balconies on any Royal Caribbean ship. While the photos do show the ship in port, if the ship were at sea the wind could easily send even the largest duck on a lengthy flight rather than a relaxing cruise.
It is not known if the guests who brought the oversized duck onboard faced any consequences for the balcony antics, or if the duck was simply removed and brought indoors to continue his fun.
Quantum of the Seas is currently homeported from Seattle, offering 7-night Alaskan itineraries through the end of September. On the ducky day in question, the ship was visiting Icy Strait Point as the first port of call on her August 25 departure.
Giant Cruise Duck on Quantum of the Seas (Credit: Trish Keller)
The 169,000-gross-ton ship will also visit Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria during the cruise, along with a scenic day at sea in Tracy Arm Fjord. Quantum of the Seas will return to Seattle on Monday, August 1.
Following her season in Alaska, the ship will reposition to Los Angeles for 3-7-night Mexican Riviera itineraries for the next year. In late September 2026, she will head down under to be homeported from Brisbane, Australia.
Will the large duck be along for so many exciting itineraries? Duck-hunting cruisers will have to keep watch!
More Unique Ducks Found Onboard
This super-sized, balcony-loving duck isn’t the only unique duck guests are finding on cruises.
With the fun, guest-led game sailing all over the high seas, it can be exciting to find new and different ducks.
The best I’ve found was actually on Carnival Celebration. An extra-large (a bit bigger than a softball) glittery pink duck was a special find behind the “big blue chair” near the ship’s casino. I did re-hide the duck and hope it was found by someone else who smiled just as much at the discovery as I did.
For guests who love finding or hiding ducks or both, it can be a point of pride to seek out unusual feathered friends. Some of the more unique birds found onboard include:
Blinged-out ducks coated in glittery gems
Casino-themed mini-ducks mounted on poker chips
Crocheted or knitted ducks of any size
3-D printed ducks with unique features, like a Carnival whale tail
Holiday ducks with Santa hats or reindeer antlers
Well-traveled ducks from other cruises (with tags to prove it!)
Exclusively on Carnival ships, another fun duck to find is the life-size character Ducky, who was first spotted as an unofficial crew member in late 2024. His photo-ready appearances are rare, but he might fly along with any Carnival sailing.
On Oasis- and Icon-class Royal Caribbean ships, just don’t be looking for or hiding ducks in Central Park. The cruise line has recently banned ducks in those natural spaces to keep plants from getting damaged or trampled.
Australia’s prime cruising season will begin in October 2025 and continue to April 2026, drawing 60-plus cruise ships operated by two-dozen cruise lines.
A major annual conference, Cruise360 Australasia, is underway in Sydney, where delegates are discussing cruise trends across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.
Data shows that the average age of cruise guests has fallen to 46.5 years, with fully a third of passengers now under age 40.
The summer cruising season in the Northern Hemisphere is starting to fade, as the final voyages to destinations such as Alaska, Iceland, and Scandinavia are closing in, but Down Under in Australia, the summer season is just gearing up and it looks to be another winner.
Australia’s prime cruise season runs from October to April, and during the 2025-26 season, 63 cruise ships operated by 24 cruise lines will sail the region.
The look-ahead numbers were revealed as Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) Cruise360 Australasia conference is held in Sydney on August 27 to 28, 2025.
Attracting some 850 delegates, the gathering addresses industry trends evolving in the region, such as growth in the luxury cruise market and an increase in first-time cruise guests.
“The popularity of cruising continues to grow worldwide, and Australia is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular cruise destinations,” said Joel Katz, managing director of CLIA Australasia.
“The summer ahead will offer an incredible diversity of experiences aboard some of the world’s most spectacular ships,” added Katz.
The Australia region is seeing a spike in new cruisers, as roughly 31% of cruise guests during the past two years were first-time passengers. The number shows an increase from pre-pandemic years, when just 24% of cruisers were new to the industry in 2019.
Advances in niche cruise markets such as luxury and expedition have led to increases in popularity in these sectors, and overall, cruise guests are getting younger.
Globally, a cruise guest’s average age is 46.5 years, and one-third of all cruisers are under 40, data from the conference shows. On a regional basis, the Australia/New Zealand/Pacific area comes in seventh in the top 10 worldwide cruising destinations, according to CLIA’s 2025 State of the Industry report.
The Sapphire Coast region of New South Wales includes the Port of Sydney, Port of Eden, Port Botany, Port Jackson, Port Kembla, and the Port of Newcastle, all of which were predicted to receive a total of about 1.2 million cruise guests during the 2024-25 season.
The cruise industry in those regions is responsible for bringing nearly $8.5 billion a year to the Australian economy. Sydney attracts the greatest share of cruise ships in New South Wales, as it is a homeport for many vessels and a routine port call on virtually every world cruise.
Major Cruise Lines Will Sail Australia in 2025-26
Australia attracts the contemporary cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, along with several ultra-luxury brands and expedition lines, plus premium brands like Holland America Line, Azamara Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises, among others.
Carnival Cruise Line will have four ships based in Australia during the upcoming season, as Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Encounter sail from Brisbane, and Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor homeport in Sydney.
Carnival Luminosa in Sydney, Australia (Photo Credit: Artha sant)
Royal Caribbean will deploy Anthem of the Seas to Sydney and Voyager of the Seas to Brisbane, while Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Spirit will sail between Sydney and Auckland.
In 2025, premium line Princess Cruises will mark 50 years of sailing from Australia. The line’s Crown Princess will deploy to Sydney in September 2025 and operate year-round voyages through early November 2026.
Disney Cruise Line will base Disney Wonder Down Under for a third season, sailing from three ports — Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland, but in a surprise announcement, it recently disclosed it will not return to Australia after the 2025-26 season.
Expedition cruise lines set to return to Australian waters include Aurora Expeditions, Coral Expeditions, and Heritage Expeditions, while top luxury lines that will bring guests to Australia are Crystal, Ponant, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
The newly-introduced fresh (but for a fee) donuts are already available on 11 Carnival cruise ships.
The treats will be rolled out fleetwide in the next couple of weeks, though exact dates are not confirmed.
Donuts, beignets, and churros will be available at different venues depending on the exact Carnival ship.
Carnival Cruise Line’s new breakfast treats have been sweet news for cruisers, but where exactly can they be found? While the donuts, beignets, and churros are being rolled out fleetwide, they are not yet available on every ship.
John Heald, the cruise line’s brand ambassador, has confirmed the list of ships where the new for-a-fee snacks are available. Guests can already enjoy them aboard:
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Dream
Carnival Firenze
Carnival Horizon
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Magic
Carnival Panorama
Carnival Venezia
Carnival Vista
Mardi Gras
The treats will still be rolled out to the remaining ships in the Carnival fleet, though exact dates for their availability have not been confirmed.
“They will be on the rest of the North American fleet in the next couple of weeks,”Heald explained.
The exact timing will undoubtedly depend on when appropriate supplies are available onboard to fry and serve the donuts as the delicious, made fresh, warm treat they are advertised to be.
Guests have their choice of cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, Boston cream, and glazed donuts, or beignets with powdered sugar, strawberry sauce, and chocolate sauce. Fresh churros rolled in cinnamon sugar are also on the menu.
But where onboard will guests find the treats? Heald has also clarified that.
“They are served from Street Eats, or Sweet Spot, or Seafood Shack and other locations depending on the ship,”he said.
Street Eats is a quick-service venue located on all three Excel-class ships, Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. The venue is located midship, starboard side on Deck 16, just forward of the pool.
Because Street Eats typically only serves grab-and-go daily selections during the afternoon hours, this is a natural choice for where to offer the new breakfast selection.
Sweet Spot is another great choice for where to find donuts and beignets. Part of the Lido Marketplace buffet on most Carnival ships, it will be easy for guests to grab these bites.
It may be confusing, however, that they are offered for a fee when other items in the buffet space are free.
Carnival Cruise Line Breakfast Treats
Seafood Shack is similar to Street Eats in that it is typically only open during the afternoon hours. This makes the space underutilized in the morning when donuts would be most popular.
Already a for-a-fee venue with grab-and-go items, Seafood Shack is a good choice for where to offer the pastries. Most Carnival ships already have a Seafood Shack onboard.
It is possible that the new donuts, beignets, and churros may be available in different locations on the same ship. This would be helpful to ensure short lines and extra-fresh treats for everyone to enjoy.
Whether or not multiple locations will prepare the pastries will depend on overall ship operations as well as demand for the donuts.
“The Funtimes and the Hub App will have all the information,”Heald noted.
Will Guests Enjoy the Donuts?
The donut announcement was met with mixed reactions. Some guests dislike the idea that they are an extra-charge treat, particularly when danishes, croissants, muffins, and cinnamon rolls are free every day.
This can feel like a nickel and diming situation, with new things added to the cruise line not being included with the cruise fare.
Others note that a made fresh treat is certainly worth the small fee. There’s no denying that the two for $4 donuts or the four for $3.50 beignets do seem to be a good value.
Time will tell whether or not Carnival keeps the donuts onboard, changes or even eliminates the fee, or perhaps expands the donut menu to include additional flavors, such as holiday or seasonal options.
