According to Stephen Kirkland from Cruise Norfolk:
- The terminal has recorded more than 800,000 passengers since 2001
- This represents $85 million in total spending (hotels, restaurants, etc.)
- $9.4 million in spending in 2008 alone
- $16 million in projected combined spending for 2009 and 2010
- 190 local jobs on-site for cruise call (stevedores, processors, security, etc.)
- 15-20 tractor-trailer loads of provision (average) per cruise – many are local providers
Plus, reviews from people who have cruised from norfolk speak to the quality of the experience especially compared to other ports. On CruiseCritic.com, one person writes "This was the best cruise terminal I have ever cruised out of. We were literally on the ship within five minutes!! The port personnel were very friendly and finding our luggage after we disembarked was a breeze." (more here >)
I have heard this echoed from our customers and my friends and family who have taken a cruise here too.
The most unique aspect is that unlike other terminals, this one was built entirely devoted to people. It's not like other stuffy, large, bare warehouses that are adapted for people during cruises but are used extensively for loading and unloading supplies or products. When Norfolk built the terminal they listened to comments from travelers about the things they liked and disliked about other ports and incorporated that in their decision-making.
All things considered, Norfolk is a "young" cruise port with a lot of potential.
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