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American Cruise Lines to make about 22 calls; city, port working on water/sewer access and $16M grant
Summary
American Cruise Lines has committed to roughly 22 port calls to Portsmouth through 2026; the city and port continue work with ACL and utilities on water and sewer access costs. Staff also reported a $16 million federal port infrastructure grant application for a Harper Avenue project.
An American Cruise Lines representative told the Portsmouth Port Industrial Commission on Sept. 23 that ACL remains committed to calling in Portsmouth, with roughly 22 port calls between now and 2026.
"They've committed to, between the rest of this year and in '26, about 22 port calls here in Portsmouth," the ACL representative said. City and port staff are working with ACL senior management and public‑works engineers to determine the cost of creating water and sewer access for vessels that call at the Seawall.
Separately, staff reported a port infrastructure grant application for a Harper Avenue facility was delivered to the federal government on Sept. 11. The application requests $16,000,000 toward an approximately $22,000,000 project; staff said they have briefed a senator's office to seek support for the request.
Council members asked whether ACL offers shore excursions and whether schedules are shared with local business groups. Staff said ACL coordinates itineraries with tourism offices and that they will confirm and circulate ACL's schedule to the Old Town Business Association for outreach and potential merchant engagement.
Staff said commission members may use available budget funds to attend the Virginia Maritime Association symposium Oct. 14–16 in Norfolk and that the port has a sponsor presence at the event.
