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.
In this Article:
Norfolk Cruise Port Location and Address
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
Norfolk Cruise Port Piers and Terminals
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 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
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
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)
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.
Williamsburg International Airport (PHF)
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)
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Read Also: When Is the Best Time to Cruise to the Bahamas?
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!
