Princess Cruises will call on historic Yorktown, Virginia and Virginia’s Historic Triangle for the first time ever in 2024.
Two cruise ships will call on Yorktown, Virginia in the summer of 2024 offering an itinerary that highlights Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown in addition to the historic seaside town. The port of Yorktown is a very small port on the York River within the Chesapeake Bay. When Princess Cruises calls there, it will be the first major cruise line to have done so.
Princess Cruises is planning five calls to the port in 2024. Three calls from Island Princess and two calls from Emerald Princess. These port calls are expected to provide a significant economic impact to this area that has been instrumental in American history. Other details such as dates, itineraries and excursions will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Princess is already well known for our unique itineraries that appeal to our guests who gravitate toward interesting historical and cultural opportunities and Yorktown is perfectly in tune with that philosophy, offering not only a glimpse at the Revolutionary War but also dining, shopping and activity options with wide-ranging appeal. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.
Padgett also mentioned that these calls to Yorktown and excursions to the area’s historic sites are even more significant as the country is approaching the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Kristi Olsen-Hayes, Director, York County Economic & Tourism Development, said, “Our community is rooted in history and it is an important part of our visitor mix. We are honored that Princess Cruises sees the value in bringing their customers to Yorktown.”
“Additional visitors coming to our area via the cruise line would contribute to the region’s economy, benefiting retail, restaurants, and regional attractions, as well as generating revenue for both the Commonwealth and multiple local governments.”
Princess Cruises understands the significant role it plays as the first major cruise line to make Yorktown a port of call. Sailing at full capacity, the five port calls could bring more than 12,000 cruisers to the area. Princess Cruises recognizes the opportunity this brings to local tour operators and the economic impact this will bring to the Historic Triangle. Princess Cruises stated in a press release that they intend to work with local tour operators to “showcase the attributes of this fascinating historical region while benefiting local residents.”
“We couldn’t be more excited about this incredible opportunity to add this truly unforgettable destination experience to our already impressive array of itineraries,” said Padgett. “As a native Virginian myself, I can attest that an itinerary that offers the chance to visit Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown promises to be a most welcome addition for our guests, providing them memorable vacation experiences that they can’t find anywhere else.”
The Historic Triangle of Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown is rich in American history. Yorktown offers everything from revolutionary battlefields to Fifes and Drums performances to a scenic riverwalk along the York River.
A visit to Colonial Williamsburg affords tourists the opportunity to see why it was the capital of Virginia and the largest and most prosperous American colony. Guests will be able to re-trace history as they explore original buildings, homes and shops. It will feel as if you have traveled back in time.
A trip to Jamestown will take you to the original site of the first permanent English settlement in North America. Tourists will be fascinated by the history of three cultures—European, North American, and African—coming together to lay the unique foundation of the United States of America.
If you are a history buff, you will want to keep an eye on Princess Cruises for the release of these bookings in the coming weeks.