Norfolk, VA arrival and departure

[georgiacat]

We recently sailed on the Magic from Norfolk, VA.  We flew into Norfolk and took a taxi to and from the port.  The street going into the port is very poorly designed with only a small circle for ALL traffic (cars and buses) to go around, stop, unload guests and luggage.  It is a single lane road with much congestion.  Traffic was backed up both days all the way back that I could see.

 

When we arrived the taxi turned left and deposited us on the sidewalk outside of the circle area.  That was okay because it was pretty close and faster than trying to go around the circle.  However it was raining and we had to wrangle our luggage a bit until we found a porter who was stacking luggage on a wagon.  That taxi ride cost $45 plus tip.  We got him from the que at the airport.

 

When we debarked from the ship, the process of finding a taxi was worse.  Debarkation was delayed for some reason, so we got off the ship about 10:15 when passengers were coming in.  The circle was packed with cars and busses trying to let people out.  I looked for an empty taxi, but did not find one.  We walked to the area where we got out of our taxi coming in, but that road was blocked off for a Wine Festival that weekend.  Traffic could not go down that way.  I asked a security person about finding a taxi; he recommended walking to the world trade center or past that to the Hilton.  We ended up at the Hilton, dragging our luggage and walking with canes.  The kind doorman started calling a couple of cabs; they were 30 minutes out.  I was convinced that we would miss the plane for the first time in our lives.  Traffic was very slowly moving toward that circle; I spied a Coastal taxi with the lights off.  I waved; he waved.  The taxi pulled out of the traffic jam; we loaded with luggage to go to the airport.  He pulled a U-turn out of the traffic and away from THAT circle.  He was relieved not to have to go further for a fare.  We were relived to find transportation to the airport.  He charged $30.90 plus tip  I gave him more, of course.

 

Lesson:  make sure you have transportation plans when you leave the ship in Norfolk.  Avoid that circle at all costs.  Check out things that may interfere with pick up spots (like that Wine Festival).

 

OK, it was harder for us because we have "dumb" phones (not smart ones).  No uber app, no lyft app, no local numbers for taxi companies.  I was relying on finding a taxi when we got off the ship.  Not so.  We made our flight on time and arrived safely home.

[navybankerteacher]

Probably a large part of the problem is the relative infrequency of cruise ships in and out of Norfolk.   If there were more regular sailings it is likely that more taxis would be available because of the awareness of the numbers of fares.  Also, traffic handling is more likely to be better organized if the surges were more frequent.

[Potstech]

Terminal is currently shut down for renovations to reopen in 2025 for year round cruises. Will be two Carnival ships there then.