SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — A representative of Princess Cruises said Friday that the Island Princess would make its three Virginia port calls this summer in Norfolk.
“To ensure our guests experience legendary Virginian hospitality as they explore the region’s significant historical contributions to American history, Princess is confirming Norfolk on the published itinerary for Island Princess and its three new calls to the Commonwealth this summer,” Vicki Johnson, Senior Vice President of Communication for Princess Cruises said in an email to WYDaily.
Princess Cruises announced in February of last year a series of custom-curated itineraries slated for this summer that would include a port stop in Yorktown.
Opposition quickly arose from residents concerned about the disruption the port visits would cause to the small, historic community and the large numbers of visitors who may disembark. Other concerns included the impact on the environment, the historical ramifications, and a perceived lack of transparency from the York County Board of Supervisors.
A petition in circulation against the Yorktown stop has more than 7,000 signatures, and a recent survey found 70% of respondents opposed to Princess Cruises coming to Yorktown.
At an August information session, the cruise line said it planned on sailing to Yorktown on three different occasions in the summer of 2024, with plans being discussed about the possibility of five port calls in 2025. The ship would anchor in the river and tender boats would shuttle passengers to floating docks near the Watermen’s Museum.
On Jan. 19, York County announced a cruise ship information session would be held on Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the York High School auditorium. The county sent notice Friday that the meeting was off, and when contacted Monday by WYDaily, the county said the pilot program had been canceled.
