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York County officials confirm cancellation of Princess Cruises pilot program

The Island Princess. (Courtesy - Princess Cruises via WY Daily)
The Island Princess. (Courtesy - Princess Cruises via WY Daily)

York County has confirmed a pilot program for Princess Cruises to visit Yorktown that was scheduled to begin in June has been canceled.

This story was reported and written by our media partner WY Daily

“York County works year-round to welcome visitors who wish to experience our part in the nation’s history as well as our fine dining, shops, events, and hospitality,” said Mark Bellamy, Interim County Administrator. “We hope the collaboration between Norfolk and Princess Cruises is a mutually successful one and also that the ship passengers have wonderful vacations where they make lifelong memories of their travels to Virginia.”

According to the county, just before noon on Friday, Jan. 26, it received an email from Vicki Johnson, Senior Vice President of Communications for Princess Cruises, that read, “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.”

This was the same email received by WYDaily. No additional information was provided.

Later in the afternoon, the county said confirmation of the canceled pilot program was received from a Princess Cruises representative.

A total of three stops at Yorktown were planned over the summer, with cruise ship passengers to be tendered to the piers at Riverwalk Landing, where they could then either embark on one of several available excursions or spend the day in Yorktown on their own. The cruise line now plans to make those stops in Norfolk.

There are no scheduled visits to Yorktown for Princess cruise ships in 2024 or beyond, according to York County Public Affairs.