Norfolk VA is a major port city located in southeastern Virginia (USA). It borders to the west Elizabeth River and to the north - Chesapeake Bay (Atlantic Ocean). The city has population around 250,000 (metro 1,67 million), ranking it the Virginia state's second largest - after Virginia Beach (around 450,000 / metro 1,72 million). The cities Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News and Hampton form together Hampton Roads metro area featuring one of the world's largest natural harbours.

Norfolk is an "independent city" (not part of any US county) and borders with two of the state's independent cities - Chesapeake (south) and Virginia Beach (east). Norfolk is considered Hampton Roads region's historic, cultural and financial center. It is also a major US military seaport, having the world's largest shipbuilding and shiprepair yard, Here are based US Marine, US Navy's Atlantic Fleet, USCG (Coast Guard), Armed Forces Staff College, Langley Air Force Base (astronaut training centre).

Popular among tourists neighbouring leisure and travel destinations are Virginia Beach. Williamsburg and Jamestown. The city is at less than 2 hours drive distance from Richmond, 3 hours from Northern Virginia and 3 hours from Raleigh. The cruise port benefits greatly from the Norfolk International Airport offering 200 flights daily. The airport is just 15-20 min taxi drive from the cruise terminal. Other popular city attractions are the Chrysler Museum and Mariners Museum (with USA's largest mariner artifacts collection - maps, ship models, watercraft, paintings, scrimshaw / bone or ivory engravings and carvings).

The town was established in 1682 and its early growth was based on West Indies trade and shipping of products from the North Carolina's and Virginia's plantations. However, virtually all buildings (except St Paul's Church) were destroyed during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). The city was rebuilt after the war and became an important maritime and shipbuilding centre. Its military growth started during WW1 (1914-1918).

As port of call (on transit cruise itineraries), the port's business expands each year. Among the large cruise shipping companies visiting Norfolk VA are AIDA, TUI, Princess, plus several luxury lines with smaller vessels (like Silversea, Regent, Oceania).

Currently, Carnival Cruise Line is the only company that homeports a ship here (Carnival Sunshine in 2017). Among the port's newly added amenities are Wi-Fi (throughout the waterfront area) and new bike lanes (cycle lanes) throughout the city.

Highlights: Mariners Museum, Chrysler Museum, Colonial Williamsburg