cruises from norfolk va april 2023

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Discover the best cruise from norfolk, how can i find a cheap norfolk cruise.

With Expedia, you can find plenty of Norfolk discount cruises and cruise deals from Norfolk to fit your travel wants and needs. For cheap cruises out of Norfolk, consider staying in an economy-style cabin, booking an all-inclusive trip, or traveling with a low-cost cruise company. Regardless of your budget, you’ll likely be able to find deals from several of the top Norfolk cruise lines. Planning and booking a 2025 cruise from Norfolk in advance can help unlock even more discounts and a greater choice of itineraries. Booking last-minute cruise deals from Norfolk can also be another way to experience new destinations at wallet-friendly prices.

How can I find good deals on cruises from Norfolk?

You can search cruise ships leaving from Norfolk throughout the year and then sort the results by price. Norfolk cruise deals are automatically updated, so you can be sure you’re getting the right price at the right time. Norfolk cruise prices will vary depending on your destination and the time of year you plan to travel, as prices can fluctuate with demand. However, booking 2025 cruises out of Norfolk in advance can often lead to big savings and additional perks. If you have some flexibility or are just the spontaneous type, you can also find discounts on some of the best cruises out of Norfolk by looking for last-minute deals.

What to look out for when you book your Norfolk cruise?

When booking a Norfolk cruise vacation on Expedia, you can look for the cabin experience you want, the amenities you’d like included, and which cruise lines out of Norfolk you’d like to travel with. Whether you’re looking to book a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adults-only trip, you’ll be able to choose from a number of cruise ships out of Norfolk, all while getting fantastic Norfolk cruise prices. Expedia’s Norfolk cruise finder will present you with some of the top cruise deals out of Norfolk – and on some of the most popular cruise ships out of Norfolk – so that you can plan and book with ease.

How to book a cruise from Norfolk on Expedia?

Seamlessly find cruises departing from Norfolk by inputting your travel dates and the number of travelers in the search wizard. The results will present you with a variety of cheap Norfolk cruises and the most popular cruise lines from Norfolk so you can find your dream Norfolk cruise vacation. Our search wizard also allows you to select your cabin type, the included amenities, and the cruise type. Depending on the time of year, your preference of Norfolk cruise ships, and your travel requirements, your choice of cruises departing from Norfolk will vary. Once you’ve chosen your Norfolk cruise, you’ll be redirected to cabin selection and be asked to finalize your details. After that, you’re ready to embark!

Do you need a passport to cruise out of Norfolk?

Depending on your itinerary, you may be required to bring a passport for cruises leaving from Norfolk. Passports are not required for closed-loop cruises out of Norfolk to certain destinations. It’s advised to check entry requirements prior to your Norfolk cruise vacation to ensure you have the right documents with you. While you may not need a passport for certain Norfolk cruises, you will be required to show a valid ID card and your Norfolk cruise ship boarding pass.

Can I cancel my Norfolk cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel or modify your cruise from Norfolk via the ‘My Trips’ section on Expedia. For help canceling your cruise booking, it’s advised to contact customer service. Cancellation and refund policies are determined by your Norfolk cruise line. Generally, the further in advance you cancel your Norfolk cruise trip, the more likely you are to receive a refund.

Why should I book a cruise from Norfolk with Expedia?

Searching for cruises leaving from Norfolk is a seamless experience with Expedia, your one-stop-shop for all things travel. We put the best cruise lines out of Norfolk at your fingertips, and all deals and discounts will be automatically applied to the displayed price. Expedia compiles the deals offered by top Norfolk cruise lines so that you can find a cruise ship from Norfolk that’s perfect for your needs – and at a price that won’t break the bank. Booking Norfolk cruises in advance for 2025 can provide you with better flexibility, more itinerary options, and an abundance of Norfolk cruise destinations.

Norfolk Cruise Guide

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Pre and Post Cruise Hotels in Norfolk

Schooner Inn

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2024

Oceanfront Inn

Reviewed on Apr 10, 2024

Oceans 2700

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

The Bay Inn

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

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Cruises from/to Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, virginia cruise port.

Cruising from Norfolk, Virginia is so appealing to vacationers because of its splendid itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean, as well as the awesome attractions you can find before and after your cruise vacation in Norfolk itself. Those who have experienced Norfolk will insist upon a pre- or post-cruise stay in Virginia’s second largest city. The area is packed with things to do and sites to see, for all different types of pre-cruise vacationers. If your cruise embarks during Harborfest, enjoy a celebration of the historical nautical heritage of Norfolk, which is a great way to see ships of all types and sizes from all over the world participate in parades, and even catch some fireworks! The city’s surrounding areas have been developed as well, making the entirety of downtown Norfolk a tremendous place to spend a few days, and eventually embark for a cruise.

• Visit the butterfly garden at the Norfolk Botanical Garden and take in all of the beautiful flowers and butterflies.  
• Explore the Nauticus National Maritime Center, which is located on the Norfolk downtown waterfront and includes a shark petting lagoon.  
• Enjoy glass being blown into art at the Chrysler Museum of Art and view other beautiful pieces of American art.  
• Stroll through the historic Ghent area of Norfolk where there the Naro Expanded Cinema movie theater is located, along with many restaurants and shops.

Norfolk Virginia Cruise Port:

Top 10 Cruises to Norfolk, Virginia

• Island Princess 10 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jun 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Island Princess 11 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jun 2024)
• Island Princess 11 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jun 2024)
• Emerald Princess 14 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jun 2024)
• Island Princess 14 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jun 2024)
• Emerald Princess 19 NIGHT CANADA / NEW ENGLAND TOUR E415 Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jun 2024)
• Emerald Princess 19 NIGHT CANADA / NEW ENGLAND TOUR E427 Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Oct 2024)
• Emerald Princess 14 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Oct 2024)
• Crystal Serenity 14 Night Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Oct 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine 8-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean Cruise Departing From Norfolk, Virginia (Feb 2025 - Apr 2026)

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Carnival Cruises from Norfolk VA

Thinking about a fun cruise from Norfolk Virginia? Think Carnival Cruises for an experience packed with a variety of food, fun-filled activities, lavish entertainment, exciting new places to visit, and fun! The full schedule of Carnival cruises out of Norfolk is below.

The Carnival Sunshine is the "Fun Ship" cruising from Norfolk. It features Carnival WaterWorks, SportSquare, Cloud9 Spa, Guy's Burger Joint, and much more.

The following cruises have been moved from Baltimore to Norfolk due to the Key Bridge disaster, including a rare Transatlantic repositioning cruise to Spain . If other cruises are moved, we will post the information when it becomes available.

March 31, 2024: 7-night cruise to the Bahamas & Caribbean on Carnival Legend. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas).

April 7, 2024: 7-day cruise to the Bahamas & Caribbean on Carnival Legend. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos), Princess Cays (Bahamas) and Nassau (Bahamas).

April 15, 2024: 12-day Transatlantic cruise to Spain on Carnival Legend. One-way from Norfolk (Virginia) to Barcelona (Spain). Visit Ponta Delgada (Azores), Malaga (Spain) and Alicante (Spain).

In 2025 Carnival Cruise Line will have cruises from Norfolk to Bermuda, the Bahamas and Caribbean.

February 16, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Princess Cays (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:30PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Amber Cove 10AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 7AM. Day 6: arrive at Princess Cays 9AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

February 24, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Bimini (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Bimini noon. Day 4: arrive at Nassau 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Freeport 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

March 2, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Nassau (Bahamas), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Nassau 1PM. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Freeport 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

March 8, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:30PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

March 16, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Nassau (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Nassau 1PM. Day 4: arrive at Bimini 9AM. Day 5: arrive at Freeport 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

March 22, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Amber Cove (Dominican Republic), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Princess Cays (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:30PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Amber Cove 10AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 7AM. Day 6: arrive at Princess Cays 9AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

March 30, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Nassau (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Nassau 1PM. Day 4: arrive at Bimini 9AM. Day 5: arrive at Freeport 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

April 5, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:30PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

April 13, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Bimini (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Bimini noon. Day 4: arrive at Nassau 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Freeport 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

April 19, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:30PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

April 27, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Freeport (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Bimini (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Freeport noon. Day 4: arrive at Nassau 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Bimini 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

May 3, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at San Juan noon. Day 5: arrive at Amber Cove 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Grand Turk 8AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

May 11, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Nassau (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Nassau 1PM. Day 4: arrive at Bimini 9AM. Day 5: arrive at Freeport 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

May 17, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

May 25, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Nassau (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Nassau 1PM. Day 4: arrive at Bimini 9AM. Day 5: arrive at Freeport 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

May 31, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at San Juan noon. Day 5: arrive at Amber Cove 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Grand Turk 8AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

June 8, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Nassau (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Nassau 1PM. Day 4: arrive at Bimini 9AM. Day 5: arrive at Freeport 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

June 14, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

June 22, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Nassau (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas) and Freeport (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Nassau 1PM. Day 4: arrive at Bimini 9AM. Day 5: arrive at Freeport 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

June 28, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at San Juan noon. Day 5: arrive at Amber Cove 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Grand Turk 8AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

July 6, 2025: 6-night cruise to Bermuda on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to King's Wharf (Bermuda). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Bermuda 7AM. Day 5: Depart from Bermuda at 4PM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

July 12, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

July 20, 2025: 6-night cruise to Bermuda on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to King's Wharf (Bermuda). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Bermuda 7AM. Day 5: Depart from Bermuda at 4PM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

July 26, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at San Juan noon. Day 5: arrive at Amber Cove 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Grand Turk 8AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

August 3, 2025: 6-night cruise to Bermuda on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to King's Wharf (Bermuda). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Bermuda 7AM. Day 5: Depart from Bermuda at 4PM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

August 9, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

August 17, 2025: 6-night cruise to Bermuda on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to King's Wharf (Bermuda). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Bermuda 7AM. Day 5: Depart from Bermuda at 4PM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

August 23, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at San Juan noon. Day 5: arrive at Amber Cove 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Grand Turk 8AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

August 31, 2025: 6-night cruise to Bermuda on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to King's Wharf (Bermuda). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Bermuda 10AM. Day 4: Depart Bermuda at 6PM. Day 5: at sea. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

September 6, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

September 14, 2025: 6-night cruise to Bermuda on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to King's Wharf (Bermuda). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Bermuda 7AM. Day 5: Depart from Bermuda at 4PM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

September 20, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to San Juan (Puerto Rico), Amber Cove (Dominican Republic) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at San Juan noon. Day 5: arrive at Amber Cove 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Grand Turk 8AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

September 28, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Nassau (Bahamas), Bimini (Bahamas) and Celebration Key (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Nassau 1PM. Day 4: arrive at Bimini 9AM. Day 5: arrive at Celebration Key 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

October 4, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

October 12, 2025: 6-night cruise to Bermuda on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to King's Wharf (Bermuda). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Bermuda 7AM. Day 5: Depart from Bermuda at 4PM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

October 18, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Celebration Key (Bahamas), Princess Cays (Bahamas) and Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Celebration Key 7AM. Day 5: arrive at Princess Cays 8AM. Day 6: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

October 26, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Celebration Key (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Bimini (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Celebration Key noon. Day 4: arrive at Nassau 10AM. Day 5: arrive at Bimini 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

November 1, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

November 9, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Celebration Key (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Bimini (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Celebration Key noon. Day 4: arrive at Nassau 10AM. Day 5: arrive at Bimini 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

November 15, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Celebration Key (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Bimini (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Celebration Key noon. Day 4: arrive at Nassau 10AM. Day 5: arrive at Bimini 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

November 21, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

November 29, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 7AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

December 7, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Celebration Key (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Bimini (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Celebration Key noon. Day 4: arrive at Nassau 10AM. Day 5: arrive at Bimini 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

December 13, 2025: 6-night cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Bimini (Bahamas), Nassau (Bahamas) and Celebration Key (Bahamas). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: arrive at Bimini noon. Day 4: arrive at Nassau 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Celebration Key 7AM. Day 6: at sea. Day 7: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

December 19, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 8AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

December 27, 2025: 8-night cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Sunshine. Round-trip from Norfolk (Virginia) to Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos) and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic). Day 1: leave Norfolk at 5:00PM. Day 2: at sea. Day 3: at sea. Day 4: arrive at Half Moon Cay 8AM. Day 5: arrive at Grand Turk 11AM. Day 6: arrive at Amber Cove 8AM. Day 7: at sea. Day 8: at sea. Day 9: arrive back at Norfolk 8AM.

Carnival Magic’s 2023 Sailings from Norfolk Now Open for Bookings

• May 20, 2021

Reservations have opened today for a series of four- to eight-day sailings from Norfolk, Va., aboard the Carnival Magic in 2023.

In total, 11 voyages will depart from Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center in summer and fall 2023, visiting destinations in Bermuda, The Bahamas, and, for the first time, Canada and New England.

• Six-day Bermuda cruise with two full days and an overnight call on the island departing May 14;
• Five-day Bahamas cruises calling at Nassau and Freeport departing May 20, 25 and 30, June 4 and 9, Sept. 30, and Oct. 9 and 22;
• Four-day Bermuda “long weekend” voyage with a full-day visit to the island departing Oct. 5;
• Eight-day Canada/New England sailing with stops at Portland, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia, departing Oct. 14.

These voyages complement nearly a dozen four- to eight-day voyages from Norfolk in 2022.

Of note, the Carnival Magic is currently in drydock in Marseilles, Frances, undergoing a variety of enhancements and upgrades, as well as the addition of a stunning new red, white and blue hull design that is modeled after the line’s newest ship, the Mardi Gras, and will be become a trademark across the fleet.  

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Carnival Magic

Cruise line Carnival Cruise Line

• Miami (Florida)

Carnival Magic current position

Carnival Magic current location is at North West Atlantic Ocean (coordinates 21.56715 N / -71.24799 W) cruising at speed of 17.1 kn (32 km/h | 20 mph) en route to TCGDT - USMIA. The AIS position was reported 1 minute ago.

Current itinerary of Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic current cruise is 6 days, round-trip Eastern Caribbean . Prices start from USD 669 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 14 Apr, 2024 and ends on 20 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Carnival Magic

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Carnival Magic Itineraries

Carnival magic review, review of carnival magic.

The 2011-built Carnival Magic cruise ship is one the biggest and Carnival's second DREAM-class liner, together with Breeze , Dream as well as Costa Diadema . Carnival Magic was last refurbished in February 2021.

The vessel (IMO number 9378486) is currently Panama- flagged (MMSI 370491000) and registered in Colon .

History - construction and ownership

Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) is a US shipping company, trademarked brand and subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (shipowner). CCL was founded in 1972 as an independent company by Ted Arison (1924-1999, co-founder of NCL Norwegian ).

CCL has the Corporation's largest fleet as number of vessels and GT-tonnage (ship sizes/volumes and passenger capacities). In 2023, CCL had ~9% (by revenue) and ~19% (passengers) share of the cruise industry's worldwide market. In 2024, the parent company (Carnival Corporation) had ~51% stake in the US$64+ billion industry.

The 3690-passenger ship Carnival Magic was built in 2011 for USD 740 million. Magic features facilities similarly designed on the previous generations of line's ships while presenting some new features. This extraordinary ship marks the end of Carnival's longtime interior architect Joe Farcus, and he goes out in style. While cruisers might still expect neon and mirrored surfaces, his touch is limited, as far as other designers were also hired. This is the reason why there is a lighting refinement to many of the places, including the main dining rooms, the sun deck and especially Serenity adults-only area.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Magic staterooms (1845 total) include 54 Suites, 877 Balcony, 227 Oceanview and 713 Iside cabins, in all 34 grades. Most staterooms are sized 170-185 ft2 / 16-17 m2. Most cabin balconies are sized 35-45 ft2 / 3-4 m2. Deluxe Oceanviews are with two separate washrooms and advertised as "Family cabins" having max capacity 5 passengers. Cove Balcony (located beneath the lifeboats on Deck 2) have partially enclosed verandas.

CCL Magic ship also has 368 connecting ("Family" cabins), 79 "Cloud 9 Spa", 35 wheelchair-accessible, and "Cove Balcony" cabins (located on Deck 2/by the lifeboats). The largest are the Grand Suites (345 ft2 / 32 m2 plus 85 ft2 / 8 m2 terrace) with max occupancy 4 passengers. Deluxe Oceanviews have max capacity 5 passengers.

The boat has 14 decks , of which 9 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The two formal dining rooms on Carnival Magic are the Southern Lights and the smaller Northern Lights. Both restaurants are the focal point of dining onboard the ship. For those who like laughter with their food, is the Punchliner Comedy Brunch, taking place in the Spotlight Lounge only on sea days. The real foodies who are curious about how the galley feeds so many people, have to check out Chef's Table. For US$75 per person, you'll be able to meet the head chef and tour the galley, as well as dine on a multi-course meal at a private table, while watching the chefs at work.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Magic restaurants and food bars.

• Southern Lights Restaurant (1248-seat aft Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings and “Anytime Dining”)
• Northern Lights Restaurant (948-seat forward Dining Room, with two fixed dinner seatings, open seating breakfast and lunch; “Seuss At Sea” themed breakfasts for $5 cover charge)
• Sushi and More Bar (sushi bar, complimentary; serves as salad bar during the day)
• Lido Marketplace buffet restaurant (825-seat self-service restaurant with various complimentary takeaway food stations)
• Prime Steakhouse (69-seat, reservation-only specialty restaurant, serving seafood and prime beef)
• Cucina del Capitano (117-seats Italian restaurant; offers complimentary lunch and a la carte dinner/surcharge; serves as pasta bar during the day)
• SeaDogs (complimentary hot dogs, toppings)
• Guy’s Burger Joint (fast-food bar) and Bluelguana Cantina (Mexican eatery). Other new venues on Lido deck are BlueIguana Tequila Bar (Mexican-themed outdoor bar for frozens and beers) and the Pizzeria del Capitano
• Guy’s Burger Joint (fast-food bar) - since 2017
• Bluelguana Cantina (Mexican food bar) - since 2017
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar (Mexican bar for frozens and craft beers) - since 2017
• Pizzeria del Capitano - since 2017.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Lots of what is found onboard Carnival Magic came from first-in-class Carnival Dream, like the Seaside Theatre, 2-deck Cloud 9 spa and WaterWorks aqua park (Magic has two waterslides - corkscrew and bowl slide, Dream's got one). But Magic is not just a refined version of Dream. The liner has ushered in a handful of new features, such as Cucina del Capitano Italian restaurant which boasts singing waiters and handmade pasta for a $10 fee; Cherry on Top candy store and industry's first water "dump bucket", that complements ship's waterslides.

The following official YouTube video reviews Carnival's Dream-class vessels (Breeze, Dream, Magic) as facilities and onboard amenities.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Magic lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Showtime Theatre (1349-seat show lounge for a live show and music productions; features the “Playlist Productions” live musical mixes and “Hasbro Game Shows")
• Magic Atrium (11-deck high midship open floor area, featuring Magic Lobby Bar with piano and dance floor)
• Cherry on Top (candy shop; offers branded gear, special occasions gifts, tuxedo rentals)
• Escape Bar (a 30-seat club with bar)
• FunHub (24-hour Internet computers room; free Intranet offered for information on onboard programs, menus and scheduled events)
• Circle C (complimentary kids' club and lounge area with video games, parties, movies, planned activities)
• Club O2 (teens only lounge with movies, karaoke, video games, themed parties); Warehouse Video Games Arcade
• Hat Trick Casino (500-seat, with slot machines and gaming tables; features gambling tournaments and complimentary classes)
• FunHub 44 (with Internet/Intranet computers)
• The Lanai (60-seat promenade with Lanai Bar-BQ Bar and four cantilevered Whirlpools; Power Walking/Jogging Track)
• Ocean Plaza (270-seat lounge with Plaza Cafe)
• Vibe Disco and Nightclub; Play It Again Bar; Spotlight Lounge (400-seat; hosts the Punchliners Comedy Club)
• RedFrog Pub (120-seat, with indoor and outdoor seating, games, live music, international beers selection and Thirstyfrog/RedFrog beer)
• Guy’s Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse (added 2017, replacing Lanai Oceanside Barbeque)
• Tides Pool area; Sunset Pool area
• Camp Carnival (complimentary kids play area)
• Cloud 9 Spa (Thermal Suite, Oriental Steam Bath, Aroma Steam Bath, Steam Rooms, Sauna, Lacanium, Thalassotherapy pool)
• Carnival WaterWorks (kids pool play area with Twister water-slide, DrainPipe, and AquaPark)
• Seaside Theatre (with a huge LED screen for movies, sports events, concerts, with a stage for live performances)
• SportSquare complex (featuring outdoor relaxation area with Sports Park Bar; 18-hole mini golf course, Ping-Pong Tables and multisport court)
• Serenity (adults-only relaxation complex with sundeck and Serenity Bar).

Itineraries

Prior to the COVID crisis, Carnival Magic was homeported in Galveston TX for 7-day roundtrips to the Bahamas, Eastern, and Western Caribbean. Feature port destinations included Key West Florida, Jamaica, Nassau , Belize , Mexico (Progreso, Cozumel, Costa Maya), Roatan, Grand Cayman.

Carnival Magic itinerary program in 2022 was based on homeporting in Port Canaveral-Orlando (Florida) . In 2023, the liner was homeported in Miami Florida and also offered voyages from Norfolk Virginia . Summer 2023 season from Norfolk VA was CCL's longest (6 months/May 14th thru October 22nd) since 2002. Carnival Magic's previously scheduled homeporting in NYC (to Bermuda) was canceled in Nov 2022.

Ex-Norfolk itineraries (roundtrip departures from Nauticus Half Moone Cruise Center) visit ports in The Bahamas (6-night to Bimini Island, Nassau, Freeport), Eastern Caribbean (8-night to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove Dominicana), Bermuda (6-night to King’s Wharf), Canada and New England (8-night to Portland ME, St John NB, Halifax NS, Sydney NS). Voyages to the Caribbean include 4 sea days (2 southbound plus 2 northbound).

Carnival Magic - user reviews and comments

Photos of carnival magic.

Carnival Magic ship related cruise news

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Other Carnival Cruise Line cruise ships

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
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• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
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• Carnival Glory
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• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
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Carnival Magic Wiki

The boat's Fun Ship 2.0 upgrade was done in 2015. The Carnival ship Magic is the second of the company's Dream-class vessels ( Fincantieri Monfalcone -built), with sisterships Breeze and Dream , and also Costa Diadema . The boat was christened by Lindsey Wilkerson (worker at the NYC -based ALSAC - fundraising organization for St Jude Children's Research Hospital).

Due to scheduled drydock refurbishment projects , in September 2020 CCL canceled all planned for 2020 and 2021-Q1 itineraries for 4 ships.

• Carnival Magic itineraries (15 total) from Miami Florida were canceled from November 7, 2020, through March 13, 2021 (1st departure).
• Carnival Paradise itineraries from Tampa Florida were canceled from November 2, 2020, through March 19, 2021 (1st departure).
• Carnival Valor itineraries from NOLA New Orleans   were canceled from November 2, 2020, through April 29, 2021 (1st departure), including two Transatlantic crossings - from NOLA (January 25) and from Barcelona (February 26).
• Carnival Spirit itineraries from Brisbane Australia   were canceled from December 6, 2020, through May 16, 2021 (1st departure is on June 12 / repositioning cruise from Singapore to Brisbane).

Carnival Magic drydock 2021

In 2021 (April 24 - May 24) Carnival Magic was drydocked at Chantier Naval de Marseille (CNdM Shipyard in Marseille France ), mainly for general maintenance works.

Curiously, Magic became Carnival's first liner to change the old hull design (white, with a red line running the entire length) with the new trademarked livery (red-white-blue) introduced on Mardi Gras.

During drydock 2021, the ship's Casino was expanded (with a greater variety of slots and other games), also were refreshed the WaterWorks aquapark and Lido Deck's swimming pools.

Carnival Magic refurbishment 2016 review

The list of deckplan changes after the ship's 2016 drydock refurbishment (February 21 to March 5) includes:

(On Promenade deck 5) was added the Alchemy Bar (cocktail pharmacy with resident mixologists). Also here, the Lanai Oceanside Barbeque was replaced by the new fast-food bar named “Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse”. The bar is complimentary and via a partnership with Guy Fieri (running also the “Guy’s Burger Joint” on Lido deck). Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse is an open-air restaurant for a variety of BBQ favorites. The menu features pork butt, blue ribbon chicken, sliced smoked beef, Guy Fieri's traditional sides, and gourmet burgers, a variety of BBQ sauces, hot sauce bar. Signature menu items are named Mac Daddy Mac'n Cheese, Old Skool Potato Salad, Scratch-Made Slaw, Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey, Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon and Burnt Ends.

(On Lido deck 10) were added 2 new poolside eateries (both complimentary) – Guy’s Burger Joint (fast-food bar) and Bluelguana Cantina (Mexican eatery). Other new venues on Lido deck are BlueIguana Tequila Bar (Mexican-themed outdoor bar for frozens and beers) and the Pizzeria del Capitano (complimentary).

(On Lido deck 10) were added RedFrog Rum Bar (rum bar for frozens and beers, plus the Carnival’s private label ThirstyFrog Red (draught beer).

Among the various technical enhancements implemented were shoreside power capabilities and new hull coating.

In 2021-Q1 (February-March-April) Carnival Magic was drydocked at Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport Bahamas , mainly for general maintenance works.

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Cruise Norfolk

The Half Moone Center is located on Nauticus’ along the downtown Norfolk waterfront. The 80,000 sq. ft. facility is home to Virginia’s only cruise ship program. Cruise Norfolk offers passengers a unique setting from which to begin and end their cruise as it shares its space with Nauticus’ Maritime Discovery Center, sailing center and the historic Battleship Wisconsin.

In 2023, Cruise Norfolk hosted nearly 250,000 unique cruise passenger visits – by far the busiest cruise season in Norfolk’s history. Norfolk will become the east coast’s newest year-round cruise port in 2025 when Carnival begins sailing from downtown each week. In preparation, Nauticus’ Half Moone Cruise Center is undergoing $12 million in enhancements. This guest-focused project consists of an inclined walkway for debarking passengers, additional seating for guests waiting to board, and an improved ground transportation design.

Carnival Cruise Updates for Sunday, March 31

Please visit the City of Norfolk’s website with details regarding cruise parking + embark / debark details on March 31.

Passenger Drop-offs /PickUp : Due to traffic safety restrictions in the Terminal’s front drive, drop offs and “for-hire” vehicles (Taxis, Uber, Lyft, Limousines, etc.) must drop off passengers streetside; ideally on Waterside Dr. or on Main Street just across from the Terminal.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Update for April 2024

Nauticus will host Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ship  Vision of the Seas  for three calls in April. The 2,500-passenger vessel, originally scheduled to return to Baltimore on April 4, will instead debark its guests in Norfolk. Buses will transport many of those guests back to their vehicles in Baltimore.

Please visit the City of Norfolk’s website here for more information regarding parking.

Lost Luggage?

If you recently cruised with Carnival from the Norfolk port at Nauticus, please contact 757-816-3970.

Please note, the port is located on Nauticus’ campus but Nauticus is not responsible for luggage left behind at the port or at the parking lot. All passengers must contact Intercruises at the number listed above.

Privacy Overview

Carnival Magic - October 14, 2023

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October 14, 2023

October 14 - 22, 2023

Carnival Magic

Carnival Cruise Lines

8 Night Canada & New England

from Norfolk, Virginia

The October 14, 2023 cruise on the Carnival Magic departs from Norfolk, Virginia. On this 8 Night Canada & New England sailing, the ship will visit a total of 5 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Carnival Magic sets sail on a Saturday (October 14, 2023) and returns on a Sunday (October 22, 2023).

The Carnival Magic was built in 2011 and is amoung Carnival's 26 ships in it's fleet. The Carnival Magic is included in the cruise line's Dream Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Carnival Magic vs all other Carnival ships.

All Itineraries

Norfolk, Virginia's theaters and performing arts have made it the Cultural Capital of the South. Attractions include world-class museums, the world's largest battleship, and 155 acres of botanical gardens. Not to mention fabulous shopping, dining and golf. With such a diverse collection of things to do, Norfolk is the ideal spot for just about anyone who wants more from their vacation.

Norfolk, Virginia's theaters and performing arts have made it the Cultural Capital of the South. Attractions include world-class museums, the world's largest battleship, and 155 acres of botanical...

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. Explore the Carnival Magic Deck Maps and make sure to view our list of Ship Venues and Features. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Portland has a thriving waterfront in the heart of downtown that is a hodgepodge of condos, fish markets, and ferry docks. Bordered by Maine's rocky coast to the north, and miles of white, sandy beaches to the south, the city offers hiking, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing, and to the west and north lies some of the best skiing in the world. This is Maine, "the way life should be".

Portland has a thriving waterfront in the heart of downtown that is a hodgepodge of condos, fish markets, and ferry docks. Bordered by Maine's rocky coast to the north, and miles of white, sandy...

Saint John is a spectacular commerical port at the intersection of the St. John River and the Bay of Fundy. Visitors will be exhilarated by the pounding surf and sounds of the world's highest tides, best viewed at Reversing Falls. Saint John features a climate-controlled pedway system, allowing the utmost comfort as you visit attractions including the Canada Games Aquatic Centre and Old City Market.

Saint John is a spectacular commerical port at the intersection of the St. John River and the Bay of Fundy. Visitors will be exhilarated by the pounding surf and sounds of the world's highest tides...

Halifax is perfect for exploring on foot, with tree-lined streets, inviting sidewalk cafes, and museums in a park-like waterfront setting. Discover historic dockside vessels at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Stroll lazily through one of the finest Victorian city gardens in North America. Experience the charm of Peggy's Cove, as ships from every corner of the globe sail by in the background.

Halifax is perfect for exploring on foot, with tree-lined streets, inviting sidewalk cafes, and museums in a park-like waterfront setting. Discover historic dockside vessels at the Maritime Museum of...

Royal Caribbean cruises rerouted from Baltimore to Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. – Three Royal Caribbean cruises originally scheduled to return to Baltimore are now coming to Norfolk instead —another ripple effect of the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge on Tuesday.

Nauticus said passengers who are were aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas cruise ship as of March 29 would arrive at Norfolk's Half Moone cruise terminal, which is operated by Nauticus, April 4. Two other cruises on the same ship will leave Norfolk shortly after, Nauticus added.

The Vision of the Seas holds 2,500 passengers.

Royal Caribbean tells News 3 passengers impacted by the change are receiving accommodations to make any necessary arrangements. They shared the following statement with us:

"Due to the impact of the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, on Thursday, April 4,  Vision of the Seas  will now complete its current cruise in Norfolk, Virginia. Our guests on board will be provided compensation and complimentary shuttle transportation as well as Wi-Fi and phone calls to adjust their travel arrangements.  For  Vision’s  upcoming April 4 and April 12 cruises, the ship will sail from Norfolk. Our guests booked to sail with us will receive compensation due to the necessary adjustments made to their vacations. After returning from the April 12 cruise,  Vision  will head to The Bahamas for its previously scheduled maintenance. Our guests and travel partners are being directly notified of these updates. "

Kim Keizer is a travel advisor in Chesapeake.

As of Friday, she was getting a lot of questions from people interested in taking a cruise after learning at least two cruise ships will be making unexpected stops in Norfolk.

Along with Royal Caribbean, Carnival also chose to divert one of its Baltimore-bound cruise ships to Norfolk.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there," said Keizer.

Work underway in Norfolk to prepare for cruise ship re-routed from Baltimore

Carnival’s Legend was scheduled to arrive March 31 to drop off passengers at the end of a cruise and then take on new passengers and head back out the same day for another cruise.

“Carnival Corporation and the travel industry, the most important thing is they know that we have our sincere condolences for the tragedy that happened in Baltimore. That said, there are going to be cancellations. So if you are local and you want to go on a cruise with carnival you’ll just need to get on a wait list ,' Keizer explained.

If you do, be prepared. You may only get one day’s notice that you’ve gotten a spot and the ships could go back to Baltimore at any time.

“If you do not have a passport, you have to have an original birth certificate issued by the state, not a hospital one, and a government issued ID," said Keizer. "You want to make sure you have any medical conditions noted on your account.”

National News

Gov. Youngkin assesses Hampton Roads bridge risks after Baltimore collapse

“It’s just such a great way to travel," Newport News resident Sharon Hyer said about cruising.

Hyer is excited to have an opportunity to possibly cruise.

She went on a cruise in 2023 and didn’t think she’d be able to go on another one until 2025.

“I’m sorry for the reason they’re going out of Norfolk this year, it’s horrendous," said Hyer. "I can’t stop what happened. If I could turn the clock back, I certainly would, but I might as well try to get on one of them as long as they’re going out of here.”

Norfolk wasn’t scheduled to have any cruises this in 2024 because of a roughly year-long renovation of the city’s cruise terminal taking place.

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Travel + Leisure’s 2024 It List.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Elizabeth Rhodes/Travel + Leisure

For the first time, we’re spotlighting new cruise ships on Travel + Leisure ’s It List, as these exceptional vessels become more and more like floating resorts — celebrity chefs, crystal chandeliers, and Rolex boutiques included.

Explora Journeys’ Explora I

Paul Brady/Travel + Leisure

It’s not every day a new cruise line arrives. The debut of the remarkable Explora I was a moment years in the making for Explora Journeys , the upstart luxury operator that aims to bring a European sensibility to the world of vacations at sea. So far, the project is a smashing success, thanks to the ship’s low-key vibe, standout food and beverage, and intriguing itineraries that visit in-demand ports in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean. My own August 2023 trip on Explora I , from Copenhagen to Hamburg, Germany, included fulfilling visits to places such as Oslo and the town of Stavanger, Norway, a gateway to adventurous hiking with a postcard-perfect Old Town. The ship itself was also a destination, with its abundance of outdoor space — including an alfresco fitness center — and pools at seemingly every turn. The 461 suites, all of them with balconies, are filled with luxurious touches such as Frette linens and robes, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. But Explora I truly shines when it comes to food: During the week I was aboard, it was impossible to find a bad meal — and I was often astonished at the quality of, in particular, the pasta served in the Emporium Marketplace and the sushi on offer at Sakura, two of the nine restaurants aboard. The most ambitious of them all is Anthology, a rotating-chef concept that has seen a residency from seafood whiz Mario Ulaissi, known for his Michelin three-starred restaurant on Italy's Adriatic coast, and that recently welcomed Emma Bengtsson, from Aquavit , in New York City. Much has been made of Explora I ’s Rolex boutique — the first on any cruise ship — but for my money, the other shops on board were more interesting: The company has tapped family-owned businesses around the world to create capsule collections of resort wear, handbags, fragrances, sunglasses, and beautiful gifts that can’t be found elsewhere. From $2,050 per person for a six-day sailing. Accessible ship. — Paul Brady

Oceania Cruises’ Vista

Nick Tortajada/Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

The new Oceania Vista is in a class of its own; no really, it’s the first in Oceania Cruises ’ new Allura class. Of its 11 bars and restaurants, three are entirely new to the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings–owned brand — including a high-end cocktail spot called Founders’ Bar, serving 26 intricate drinks that use house-made syrups and top-shelf booze like Whistle Pig and parsley-infused Grey Goose. As Oceania levels up, the cruise line has produced a ship that feels more like a floating resort than the vessels that came before. There’s pickleball; a health-conscious restaurant, Aquamar, serving made-to-order salads and pressed juices; and a coffee shop that looks like one in walking distance of my home in L.A. (marble counters, gold accents, leather bar stools) and pulls an espresso shot of similar quality. Vista has more suites than others in the Oceania fleet, too: There are 14 Oceania Suites (up to 1,200 square feet); eight Vista Suites (up to 1,850 square feet); and three Owner’s Suites with Ralph Lauren Home decor and two massive terraces (2,400 square feet). But the most hotel-like touch? A celebrity chef–driven restaurant, Toscana, where Giada De Laurentiis — the ship’s godmother — supplied two recipes for the menu. As someone who watched a lot of Everyday Italian in the early aughts, I was particularly excited to try her signature, Capri-inspired lemon spaghetti, and lemon-cream sauce with grilled shrimp and capers didn’t disappoint. From $2,499 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ sixth ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur , sailed its inaugural season in December, joining sibling ships Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor as the newest member of the luxury fleet. The cruise line is a favorite among T+L readers for its gorgeous ships and all-inclusive pricing that covers unlimited shore excursions, dining at specialty restaurants, and even round-trip airfare. Grandeur lives up to its name thanks to stunning, art-filled spaces designed by cruise ship interior experts Studio Dado: signature restaurant Compass Rose is enchanting with interiors inspired by a fairy-tale forest; the Observation Lounge sparkles with an undulating chandelier and swanky bar; and the $11,000-per-night Regent Suite has a private en suite spa and custom Treesse mini pool. As I boarded Grandeur for the ship’s inaugural sailing, I was mesmerized by the grand staircase and glittering chandelier. And with a maximum capacity of 744 guests, I found it easy to take time to myself in the myriad of quiet spots tucked throughout the ship, whether in the Serene Spa and Wellness area, in the Library, or on the Sports Deck overlooking the ocean. Seven restaurants include specialty steakhouse Prime 7, pan-Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, and breakfast and lunch buffet La Veranda, which refines the cruise buffet experience with daily specials like paella and sushi. Several bars and lounges, a pool and hot tubs, a casino, Broadway-style productions, and cooking classes at the Culinary Arts Kitchen make the ship a destination in itself, though guests will want to take advantage of those included excursions on Caribbean, Central American, North American, and European itineraries, ranging from seven to 16 nights, during the ship’s 2024 season. From $4,669 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Silversea’s Silver Nova

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Carrying 728 passengers, Silver Nova is big for the luxury sector, but boasts a hugely important metric: a capacious passenger space ratio — that is, the number of guests relative to the size of the ship. Simply put, this ship offers more elbow room per passenger than almost any other cruise vessel. Silver Nova is wrapped in glass, with an asymmetrical layout; the funnel is positioned off-center, so is the pool, offering an expansive, uncluttered pool deck. Many features of the brand-new ship recall previous Silversea successes, my favorite of which is the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) program, expanded for Silver Nova . S.A.L.T. perks include a gorgeous, sea-facing lab for hands-on culinary lessons (at no additional cost), plus a new concept, the Chef’s Table, where an 11-course menu is prepared for just 24 diners. All facets of the S.A.L.T. ecosystem, including ingredients, a bar, lectures, and shore excursions, are keyed to the region Nova is sailing. While food is a drawing card for Silver Nova , accommodations also received a revamp. Tied to the theme of bringing the outside in, there are brilliant new suites found in the aft starboard corner of the ship, with wraparound balconies revealing a 270-degree view.  This is where you can tuck me in when I win the lottery and head off on a world cruise. But until then, Silver Nova will summer in Alaska and spend northern hemisphere winters in Australia and New Zealand, places where top-deck views should prove ceaselessly rewarding. From $3,250 per person for a seven-night sailing. Accessible ship. — David Swanson

It List 2024

HRBT Expansion Project boring machine reaches North Island

The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project has reached a major breakthrough by boring the first-ever Virginia tunnel.

Mary the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) has arrived at the North Island after launching from the South Island on the Norfolk side in April 2023. 

VDOT officials say the machine was custom-built for the HRBT Expansion Project. The TBM measures 46 feet in diameter and 420 feet in length. The equipment allowed for the project to create the first bored roadway tunnel in Virginia, and only the third ever in the United States.

Previously built tunnels in Hampton Roads were constructed using the immersed tube approach, instead of boring.

The TBM was named Mary after NASA engineer Mary Winston Jackson by Hampton Roads middle school students, VDOT said.

"With the breakout of the TBM, we are one step closer to the completion of this transformative project that will increase capacity at one of the region’s most congested corridors," said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich.

After reaching the North Island, the TBM will be repositioned for a return trip. VDOT says it will take up to six months to turn her around and position her for relaunch to build a parallel tunnel back to the South Island.

The two-lane bored tunnel is part of the entire HRBT Expansion Project, which also includes widening I-64 from Hampton to Norfolk, five new bridges, and 20 widened bridges.

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A Look at Iran’s Military Capabilities

The direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel has brought renewed attention to Iran’s armed forces. What are they capable of?

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By Farnaz Fassihi

• Published April 12, 2024 Updated April 14, 2024

The start of a direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel has brought renewed attention to Iran’s armed forces. Early this month, Israel attacked a building in Iran’s diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital, Damascus, killing seven of Iran’s senior commanders and military personnel .

Iran vowed to retaliate, and did so about two weeks later, starting a broad aerial attack on Israel on Saturday involving hundreds of drones and missiles aimed at targets inside Israel and the territory it controls.

Here’s a look at Iran’s military and its capabilities.

Why is Iran’s military relevant right now?

Israeli officials had said they would respond to any attack by Iran with a counterattack, which could prompt further retaliation from Iran and possibly expand into a wider regional war. There is even a chance that a conflict of that sort could drag in the United States, although Washington has made clear it had nothing to do with the Damascus attack.

Analysts say that Iran’s adversaries, primarily the United States and Israel, have avoided direct military strikes on Iran for decades, not wishing to tangle with Tehran’s complex military apparatus. Instead, Israel and Iran have been engaged in a long shadow war via air, sea, land and cyberattacks, and Israel has covertly targeted military and nuclear facilities inside Iran and killed commanders and scientists.

“There is a reason Iran has not been struck,” said Afshon Ostovar, an associate professor of national security affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School and an expert on Iran’s military. “It’s not that Iran’s adversaries fear Iran. It’s that they realize any war against Iran is a very serious war.”

What sort of military threat does Iran pose?

The Iranian armed forces are among the largest in the Middle East, with at least 580,000 active-duty personnel and about 200,000 trained reserve personnel divided among the traditional army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, according to an annual assessment last year by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

The army and the Guards each have separate and active ground, air and naval forces, with the Guards responsible for Iran’s border security. The General Staff of the Armed Forces coordinates the branches and sets the overall strategy.

The Guards also operate the Quds Force, an elite unit in charge of arming, training and supporting the network of proxy militias throughout the Middle East known as the “axis of resistance.” These militias include Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, militia groups in Syria and Iraq and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza.

Power by Proxy: How Iran Shapes the Mideast

A guide to the armed groups that let Iran extend its influence throughout the region.

The commander in chief of Iran’s armed forces is the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the last word on all major decisions.

While the proxy militias are not counted as part of Iran’s armed forces, analysts say they are considered an allied regional force — battle ready, heavily armed and ideologically loyal — and could come to Iran’s aid if it was attacked.

“The level of support and types of systems Iran has provided for nonstate actors is really unprecedented in terms of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles,” said Fabian Hinz, an expert on Iran’s military at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Berlin. “They could be viewed as part of Iran’s military capability, especially Hezbollah, which has the closest strategic relationship with Iran.”

What kinds of weapons does Iran have?

For decades, Iran’s military strategy has been anchored in deterrence, emphasizing the development of precision and long-range missiles, drones and air defenses. It has built a large fleet of speedboats and some small submarines that are capable of disrupting shipping traffic and global energy supplies that pass through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has one of the largest arsenals of ballistic missiles and drones in the Middle East, Mr. Ostovar said. That includes cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles, as well as ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,000 kilometers, or more than 1,200 miles. These have the capacity and range to hit any target in the Middle East, including Israel.

In recent years, Tehran has assembled a large inventory of drones with ranges of around 1,200 to 1,550 miles and capable of flying low to evade radar, according to experts and Iranian commanders who have given public interviews to the state news media. Iran has made no secret of the buildup, displaying its trove of drones and missiles during military parades, and has ambitions to build a large export business in drones. Iran’s drones are being used by Russia in Ukraine and have surfaced in the conflict in Sudan.

The country’s bases and storage facilities are widely dispersed, buried deep underground and fortified with air defenses, making them difficult to destroy with airstrikes, experts say.

Where does Iran get its weapons?

International sanctions have cut Iran off from high-tech weaponry and military equipment manufactured abroad, like tanks and fighter jets.

During Iran’s eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s, few countries were willing to sell weapons to Iran. When Ayatollah Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader in 1989, a year after the war ended, he commissioned the Guards to develop a domestic weapons industry and poured resources into the effort, which was widely reported in the Iranian news media. He wanted to assure that Iran would never again have to rely on foreign powers for its defense needs.

Today, Iran manufactures a large quantity of missiles and drones domestically and has prioritized that defense production, experts said. Its attempts to make armored vehicles and large naval vessels have met with mixed results. It also imports small submarines from North Korea while expanding and modernizing its domestically produced fleet .

How do other countries see Iran’s military, and what are its weaknesses?

Iran’s military is viewed as one of the strongest in the region in terms of equipment, cohesion, experience and quality of personnel, but it lags far behind the power and sophistication of the armed forces of the United States, Israel and some European countries, experts said.

Iran’s greatest weakness is its air force. Much of the country’s aircraft date from the era of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, who led Iran from 1941 to 1979, and many have been disabled for lack of spare parts. The country also bought a small fleet from Russia in the 1990s, experts said.

Iran’s tanks and armored vehicles are old, and the country has only a few large naval vessels, experts said. Two intelligence gathering vessels, t he Saviz and Behshad, deployed on the Red Sea, have aided the Houthis in identifying Israeli-owned ships for attacks, American officials have said.

Will Israel’s attack disrupt Iran’s military?

The assassinations of the senior military officials are expected to have a short-term impact on Iran’s regional operations, having eliminated commanders with years of experience and relationships with the heads of the allied militias.

Nevertheless, the chain of command for the armed forces inside Iran remains intact, experts say.

An earlier version of this article misstated the name of a group in the Gaza Strip. It is Palestinian Islamic Jihad, not Islamic Palestinian Jihad.

How we handle corrections

Farnaz Fassihi is the United Nations bureau chief for The Times, leading coverage of the organization, and also covers Iran and the shadow war between Iran and Israel. She is based in New York. More about Farnaz Fassihi

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Gilbert “Butch” Keene Obituary

Gilbert “Butch” Keene of Portsmouth, VA passed on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. A viewing will be held from 2 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Corprew Funeral Home,Portsmouth,VA 23704. Service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:00am at Third Baptist Church, 461 Godwin St, Portsmouth, VA 23704. In lieu of flowers, please send a charitable donation to www.tbcport.com in Butch Keene’s honor.

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Iran missile and drone attack on Israel – what we know so far

Israel’s military has reported minor damage after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles towards it late on Saturday

• Iran attack on Israel – live updates
• Full report: Iran launches drones and cruise missiles against Israel

Iran launched hundreds of drones as well as cruise missiles towards Israel , in the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Jewish state, in response to the 1 April strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which killed a senior figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards and eight other officers.

Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet, said that Israel will exact a price from Iran in response to its mass missile and drone attack when the time is right. His comments came ahead of a war cabinet meeting alongside Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the country’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant.

Tehran has warned it will strike again with greater force if Israel or the US retaliate for the Iranian strike on Israel by more 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night. The air raids , the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Israeli state, brought a years-long shadow war into the open and threatened to draw the region into a broader conflagration as Israel said it was considering its response.

However, the attack, mostly launched from inside Iran, caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down with the help of the US, Britain and Jordan. An air force base in southern Israel was hit, but continued to operate as normal and a seven-year-old child was seriously hurt by shrapnel. There were no other reports of serious damage. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said that 99% of the launches had been intercepted.

Most of the Iranian drones flying over Syria’s airspace during Tehran’s strikes overnight were downed by Israeli and US jets before reaching their targets in Israel, two western intelligence sources told Reuters .

The UN security council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday at the request of Israel’s ambassador to the UN, the council’s president said in a statement.

Iran informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source has told Reuters . The source also said that the US conveyed to Iran via Ankara that its operation must be “within certain limits”. These reports come after Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian , said in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran that Iran had informed the US that its attacks against Israel will be “limited” and for self-defence only.

John Kirby, the White House’s top national security spokesperson, told ABC’s This Week programme on Sunday that the US will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war with Iran. “We don’t seek escalated tensions in the region. We don’t seek a wider conflict,” Kirby said. News outlet Axios reported that Joe Biden , the US president, had told Netanyahu that he would oppose an Israeli counterattack against Iran and that the prime minister should “take the win”.

UK Royal Air Force fighter jets and refuelling aircraft were also involved in Israel’s defence, taking off from bases in Cyprus. Their role, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, was to fill in for the US air force in the sorties against Islamic State normally carried out over Iraq and north-eastern Syria, but also to intercept Iranian drones if they came into the UK area of operations.

World leaders have condemned Iran’s attack, with regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Egypt calling for restraint. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, said: “I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”

Jordan’s prime minister, Bisher Khasawneh , warned that any escalation in the region would lead to “dangerous paths”, joining a chorus of condemnation from world leaders to the attack. Other countries including the UK, Spain, the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and China, have called for restraint amid fears of a regional escalation of conflict across the Middle East. Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned the ambassadors of the UK , France , and Germany to question what it referred to as their “irresponsible stance” regarding Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel, the semi-official Iranian Labour news agency reported .

Major airlines across the Middle East, including Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways , announced they would resume some of their operations in the region after cancelling or rerouting some flights in response to Iran’s attack on Israel. Israel said it had reopened its airspace as of 7:30am local time on Sunday morning, with Beirut airport also reopening this morning. Several Iranian airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International, however, have cancelled flights until Monday.

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