Carnival Cruise Line launched year-round cruising from Norfolk with Carnival Sunshine’s inaugural departure on Wednesday, Feb. 12. This marks the transition of Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center from a seasonal port to a year-round homeport,

NORFOLK, Va. — Thousands of people are swapping cold sleet and snow for the tropics, as Carnival Cruise Line launched its debut year-round cruise in the Mermaid City. Carnival Cruise executives and Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander cut the ribbon in what they called a historic day for the city. It is the first year-round cruise to launch in Virginia.

Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the start of year-round sailing from Norfolk on Tuesday following the completion of the $12 million in downtown terminal enhancements.