The 130,000t Carnival Magic will offer cruises to the Caribbean from 2021. Credit: Thomas Doerfer / Wiki Commons.

Carnival Cruise Line has entered a five-year agreement with the City of Norfolk in Virginia, US, for the operation of seasonal cruises from the Half Moone Cruise Center.

According to the agreement, the City of Norfolk will invest in the Half Moone Cruise Center to increase the capacity, accommodate larger vessels and offer an improved guest experience.

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It will build a new boarding bridge that will support faster embarkation and debarkation process.

Carnival Cruise Line will introduce 12 cruises from the port in 2021, which will accommodate approximately 50,000 guests.

The 130,000t Carnival Magic will be the biggest cruise ship to depart from Norfolk when the cruises start operations.

Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said: “Norfolk has been a valued partner for nearly 20 years, and we are delighted to expand upon this relationship with this five-year contract that will bring exciting new choices from the Half Moone Cruise Center.

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“Our cruises from Norfolk have been very well-received by our guests, and this new agreement speaks volumes about our confidence in growing this market.”

The Carnival Magic cruise ship features a Caribbean-themed RedFrog Pub, the Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurant and SkyCourse.

The cruise ship offers balcony staterooms, suites, complimentary children’s programmes for three age groups and luxurious Cloud 9 Spa.

Guests can also enjoy Ocean Plaza indoor / outdoor dining and entertainment promenade, a Serenity adults-only retreat and a WaterWorks aqua park.

Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander said: “This is an exciting announcement. Carnival Cruise Line ships have become a welcome addition to our skyline.

“This commitment strengthens that partnership and solidifies Norfolk’s position as a true Mid-Atlantic cruise port.”

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