NORFOLK, VA – Further confirming that the seaport city of Norfolk, Virginia, is experiencing dramatic renaissance, a $36 million cruise terminal has completed the first phase of construction in the destination’s stunning natural harbor. Construction of 80,000-square foot terminal building was completed in March 2007 – just in time to usher in Virginia’s celebration of the 400-year-annviersary of Jamestown, America’s first English settlement.

The sophisticated new facility includes a 4,000 square-foot entrance and rotunda, 12,000 square-feet of exterior terrace space, a 14,000 square-foot waiting lounge and a 40,000 square-foot baggage area. It will become one of the largest domestic cruise ports in the country and will be located in the current ship docking location, adjacent to Nauticus, a fascinating, interactive, family-friendly science and technology attraction and museum.

With its enviable downtown location, the new terminal will also make visiting Norfolk an easy choice for cruisers looking to experience the vibrant city before they depart or after they return.  The nearby 23-story Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel, which offers stunning views of the waterfront and the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, Norfolk’s only waterfront hotel, are both within easy walking distance of the terminal and offers “Park and Cruise” stay packages. Cruise travelers can also explore – by foot or via free shuttle bus – a wide variety of art and cultural attractions within the walkable 10-block downtown, including world-class dining the more than 80 distinct restaurants such as the acclaimed, chef-owned Todd Jurich’s Bistro – also located across the street from the cruise terminal – as well as unforgettable, worthwhile attractions that encapsulate the destination’s military roots, including the Battleship Wisconsin, also situated alongside Nauticus.

In 2008, Norfolk welcomed more than 100,000 cruise passengers and was honored with the designation as “Best-Up-and-Coming U.S. Homeport” by Porthole Cruise Magazine. With regular service to Bahamas and the Caribbean, and an easy drive from many metropolitan cities and non-stop flights to Norfolk International Airport, Norfolk Cruise Port is poised to be an important hub for cruise travel.   Norfolk has also installed several easy-to-book pre-and post-cruise packages that combine hotel stays and parking, more information can be found via www.visitnortfolktoday.com.

Considered the dynamic heart of Virginia’s storied Hampton Roads region, Norfolk attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively downtown waterfront and 144 miles of shimmering coastline.  Offering a vibrant blend of history and heritage with contemporary attractions, outdoor adventure and the Commonwealth’s most important cultural institutions, Norfolk is an exciting destination.  Here, where the Elizabeth River meets the Chesapeake Bay, visitors will find an easily walkable downtown that offers eclectic dining options, a rich arts scene, high-end shopping and year-round special events.  For more information about Norfolk, visit the city on the Web at www.visitnorfolktoday.com, or call 757-664-6620 or toll free at 800-368-3097.