A spokesperson for Princess Cruises confirmed on Friday, January 26, that the Island Princess is scheduled to make 3 port calls in Virginia this summer, with Norfolk VA being among the confirmed destinations.
"To ensure our guests experience legendary Virginian hospitality as they explore the region’s significant historical contributions to American history, Princess is confirming Norfolk on the published itinerary for Island Princess and its three new calls to the Commonwealth this summer," stated Vicki Johnson, Senior Vice President of Communication for Princess Cruises, in an email to WYDaily.
Princess Cruises had announced a series of custom-curated itineraries for this summer in February of last year, which included a port stop in Yorktown.
However, opposition swiftly emerged from residents concerned about the potential disruption the port visits could cause to the small, historic community, as well as the large influx of visitors expected to disembark. Other concerns raised included the environmental impact, historical implications, and perceived lack of transparency from the York County Board of Supervisors.
A petition opposing the Yorktown stop garnered 7000+ signatures, and a recent survey revealed that 70% of respondents were against Princess Cruises visiting Yorktown.
During an information session held in August, the cruise line disclosed plans to sail to Yorktown on three occasions in the summer of 2024, with discussions underway regarding the possibility of five port calls in 2025. The ship would anchor in the river, and tender boats would ferry passengers to floating docks near the Watermen's Museum.
On January 19, York County announced that a cruise ship information session would take place on February 7th (6-8 p.m.) at the York High School auditorium. However, the county subsequently announced the cancellation of the meeting on Friday.