Carnival will return to Norfolk

By Tom Stieghorst

Carnival Cruise Lines will resume sailing from Norfolk, Va., in 2015, after pulling out of the port this year.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe made the announcement to the state assembly Monday evening. In an e-mail, Carnival confirmed that it would offer a series of spring and fall sailings next year.

"Specific ship, date and itinerary information is still being finalized, and more specific details are expected to be announced this spring,” the statement said.

Carnival Glory had been the only cruise ship offering roundtrip voyages from Norfolk. Carnival redeployed the Glory to Florida, citing the costs associated with the North American Emissions Control Area on sailings from Norfolk and several other East Coast ports.

Carnival has since said it expects to install emissions-scrubbing technology on many of its ships, easing the financial impact of compliance.

This year will be the first since 2001 that Carnival has not had a ship based in Norfolk.