As the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution approaches, Princess Cruises will call in Yorktown, Va., in 2024, when the line sails a series of itineraries highlighting the region, including Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown.
Princess said it will be the first major cruise line to call in Yorktown. The line is planning five day-long calls at the small port with the Island Princess and the Emerald Princess. Guests will take water shuttles from the ship to the port.
Sister line Carnival has offered cruises from Norfolk for two decades, but Norfolk is about an hour's drive from Yorktown.
The Emerald Princess will call in Yorktown in 2024. Photo Credit: Princess Cruises
The Battle of Yorktown, led by Gen. George Washington, was the last major battle of the American Revolution. The war, which began in 1775, is nearing its 250th anniversary and will be commemorated by numerous events leading up to the anniversary.
Princess Cruises has yet to specify sailing dates, itineraries and shore excursions for summer cruises calling in Yorktown, but the line plans to unveil more details in the coming weeks.
Shore excursions are likely to include a visit to Colonial Williamsburg, the most prosperous American colony. Jamestown likely will also be included. Jamestown is about a 30-minute ride from the port and was the site of the first permanent English settlement in North America.
John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, said its guests are interested in historical and cultural events, adding the area also offers dining, shopping and other activities.