Latest news with #Nauticus
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nauticus Robotics Reports Strong Start to 2025
Revenue Momentum Builds; Strategic Acquisition Positions Company for Accelerated Growth HOUSTON, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nauticus Robotics, Inc. ("Nauticus" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: KITT), a trailblazer in subsea robotics and intelligent automation, today announced its financial and operational results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. President and CEO John Gibson commented, "Our offshore season launched in Q1 with solid momentum and continues to gain strength into the second quarter. With the successful integration of SeaTrepid, the combined business is on pace to exceed Nauticus's full-year 2024 revenue during the first half of 2025." Strategic Acquisition Fuels Innovation and Scale On March 20, 2025, Nauticus completed the strategic acquisition of SeaTrepid International LLC ("SeaTrepid"), a seasoned provider of subsea robotic services. This milestone transaction enhances the Company's operational capabilities and accelerates the deployment of Nauticus's autonomy software, ToolKITT, across SeaTrepid's active ROV fleet. This powerful integration brings together cutting-edge robotics with intelligent automation, enabling seamless underwater collaboration between ROVs and Aquanaut vehicles. This breakthrough positions Nauticus to deliver industry-first efficiencies and unlock new commercial opportunities in the offshore services market. The $14.4 million transaction included the acquisition of substantially all assets and select liabilities of SeaTrepid. Operational Milestones and Project Success Nauticus launched the 2025 Gulf Coast offshore season with significant activity: One ROV began a contract with a drill ship, expected to remain active through the summer. A second ROV successfully completed a project in the Northeast and is now operational off the Gulf Coast, conducting detailed subsea inspections. Two Aquanaut® vehicles progressed through rigorous readiness testing; one is fully prepared for deployment, while the other is undergoing final validation. Advancing Next-Generation Technology Nauticus's Software team achieved notable progress this quarter, developing and finalizing new capabilities for Aquanaut and preparing a commercial-ready release of software for work-class ROVs. Simultaneously, the Electric Manipulator team continued advancing purpose-built electric manipulators designed for seamless integration with both Aquanaut vehicles and ROVs – ushering in a new era of versatile, high-performance subsea tools. Customer Demand and Outlook Market response to Nauticus's expanded service offerings has been overwhelmingly positive. Long-standing customers are engaging with the Company's new operational model, exploring innovative ways to partner and deploy the latest robotic technologies. The sales team is seeing a meaningful shift in customer mindset, signaling increased openness to autonomous solutions. With strong demand, innovative products, and a growing platform, Nauticus is well-positioned for a standout 2025. "We are committed to improving our value," Gibson said. "The foundation we've laid is strong, and the opportunities ahead are truly exciting." Financial Highlights Revenue: Nauticus reported first-quarter revenue of $0.2 million, compared to $0.5 million for the prior-year period and $0.5 million for the prior quarter. Operating Expenses: Total expenses during the first quarter were $6.0 million, a $0.02 million increase from the prior-year period and a $0.4 million decrease from Q4 2024. Adjusted Net Loss: Nauticus reported adjusted net loss of $6.6 million for the first quarter, compared to an adjusted net loss of $6.4 million for the same period in 2024 and an adjusted net loss of $6.9 million for the prior quarter. Adjusted net loss is a non-GAAP measure which excludes the impact of certain items, as shown in the non-GAAP reconciliation table below. Net Loss: For the first quarter, Nauticus recorded a net loss of $7.6 million, or basic loss per share of $0.28. This compares with a net loss of $72.8 million from the same period in 2024, and a net loss of $84.5 million in the prior quarter. G&A Cost: Nauticus reported G&A first-quarter costs of $4.3 million, which is an increase of $0.9 million compared to the same period in 2024 and a $0.4 million increase from the previous quarter. Balance Sheet and Liquidity As of March 31, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $10.1 million, compared to $1.2 million as of December 31, 2024. In Q1 2025, the Company conducted At The Market offerings, in which it issued and sold almost 7.5 million shares for net proceeds of $19.4 million. Conference Call Details Nauticus will host a conference call on May 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time to discuss its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. To participate in the earnings conference call, participants should dial toll free at +1-800-549-8228, conference ID: 78839, or access the listen-only webcast at the following link: A link to the webcast will also be available on the Company's website ( Following the conclusion of the call, a recording will be available on the Company's website. About Nauticus Robotics Nauticus Robotics, Inc. is a developer of ocean robots, cloud software and services delivered to the ocean industry. Our portfolio includes fully autonomous underwater vehicles ("AUVs"), robotic manipulators, an open robotic operating system, and related consulting and prototype services with a strong alignment to offshore energy and national security interests. Our technology solutions enable autonomous operations for both the commercial and defense sectors. To effectively enter markets dominated by legacy solutions, we have developed innovative and value-driven technologies. Our flagship autonomous fully electric vehicle, Aquanaut, provides advantages over conventionally tethered Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and untethered AUVs. Aquanaut represents the next generation of subsea robotics integrating eight independent thrusters to precisely propel and position a hull design to maximize efficiency and speed high-resolution data collection, and autonomous fully electric manipulation comparable to traditional ROV operations. ToolKITT is a sophisticated software platform that governs our suite of robotic products. It enables robots to perceive their environment, navigate in three dimensions, make autonomous decisions, and execute tasks with minimal human intervention. ToolKITT has been deployed on third party commercial ROVs and competing robotic platforms, enhancing our ability to offer advanced inspection and intervention services. This software also plays a critical role in next-generation inspection services, a key industry need for ensuring the integrity of subsea pipelines and offshore infrastructure. The Olympic Arm is a fully electric subsea manipulator designed for complex intervention tasks on both work-class ROVs and Aquanaut. Its patented electric actuators replace traditional hydraulic systems. The strategic acquisition of SeaTrepid International LLC intends to integrate Nauticus AI-driven autonomy software, ToolKITT, into SeaTrepid's existing remotely operated vehicle (ROV) fleet. The combination will showcase unprecedented advancements in power efficiency and operational performance across the industry. The ability of ROVs and Aquanaut to seamlessly communicate at depth unlocks new service opportunities, enabling two autonomous systems to collaborate in delivering cutting-edge underwater solutions. Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Act"), and are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Act as well as protections afforded by other federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: the expected timing of product commercialization or new product releases; customer interest in Nauticus' products; estimated operating results and use of cash; and Nauticus' use of and needs for capital. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "plans," "scheduled," "anticipates," "intends," or "continue" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Nauticus' management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. There can be no assurance that the events, results, or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Nauticus is not under any obligation and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports which Nauticus has filed or will file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and that could cause actual outcomes to be materially different from those indicated in the forward-looking statements made by the Company, in particular the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in documents filed from time to time with the SEC, including Nauticus' Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2025. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. The documents filed by Nauticus with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website at NAUTICUS ROBOTICS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS March 31, 2025December 31, 2024(Unaudited) ASSETSCurrent Assets:Cash and cash equivalents $10,054,304$1,186,047 Restricted certificate of deposit 52,64052,151 Accounts receivable, net 326,830238,531 Accounts receivable unbilled 165,256- Inventories 955,894880,594 Prepaid expenses 1,695,9911,389,434 Other current assets 607,391573,275 Assets held for sale 750750 Total Current Assets 13,859,0564,320,782 Property and equipment, net 22,812,43217,115,246 Operating lease right-of-use assets 999,4961,094,743 Other assets 157,701154,316 Goodwill 10,652,388- Total Assets $48,481,073$22,685,087 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICITCurrent Liabilities:Accounts payable $4,892,453$5,916,693 Accrued liabilities 9,674,2825,602,721 Contract liability 346,279346,279 Operating lease liabilities - current 447,292435,307 Notes payable - current 2,437,744- Total Current Liabilities 17,798,05012,301,000 Warrant liabilities 131,025181,913 Operating lease liabilities - long-term 653,402768,939 Notes payable - long-term, fair value option (related party) 3,307,7582,583,832 Notes payable - long-term, net of discount (related party) 10,955,05213,820,366 Notes payable - long-term, net of discount 13,219,16612,531,332 Other liabilities 895,118895,118 Total Liabilities $46,959,571$43,082,500 Stockholders' DeficitSeries A Convertible Preferred Stock $0.0001 par value; 40,000 shares authorized, 35,434 shares issued at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 and 19,846 and 35,034 outstanding at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. $2$4 Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 625,000,000 shares authorized, 35,153,188 and 9,761,895 shares issued, respectively, and 35,153,188 and 9,761,895 shares outstanding, respectively 3,515976 Additional paid-in capital 262,825,753233,342,188 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (42,229)(42,229) Accumulated deficit (261,265,539)(253,698,352) Total Stockholders' Deficit 1,521,502(20,397,413) Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit $48,481,073$22,685,087 NAUTICUS ROBOTICS, INC. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three Months Ended3/31/202512/31/20243/31/2024 Revenue:Service $165,256$471,223$464,354 Total revenue 165,256471,223464,354 Costs and expenses:Cost of revenue (exclusive of items shown separately below) 1,238,9572,114,8372,093,955 Depreciation 480,376452,970426,185 Research and development -19,31663,534 General and administrative 4,309,6863,867,2323,430,010 Total costs and expenses 6,029,0196,454,3556,013,684 Operating loss (5,863,763)(5,983,132)(5,549,330) Other (income) expense:Other income, net (87,397)(55,012)(96,473) (Gain) loss on lease termination -42,618(15,365) Foreign currency transaction loss 3,26740,3205,147 Loss on extinguishment of debt -48,870,99178,734,949 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (50,888)(211,181)(8,309,623) Change in fair value of New Convertible Debentures -28,123,852(4,504,426) Change in fair value of November 2024 Debentures 723,926435,864- Interest expense, net 1,114,5161,309,9311,475,397 Total other expense, net 1,703,42478,557,38367,289,606 Net loss $(7,567,187)$(84,540,515)$(72,838,936) Basic and diluted loss per share $(0.28)$(21.59)$(58.75) Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 27,447,4253,915,6841,239,881 NAUTICUS ROBOTICS, INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Three months ended March 31, 20252024 Cash flows from operating activities:Net loss $(7,567,187)$(72,838,936) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:Depreciation 480,376426,185 Amortization of debt discount 9,895381,592 Amortization of debt issuance cost 173,447142,821 Capitalized paid-in-kind (PIK) interest 166,882- Accretion of RCB Equities #1, LLC exit fee 24,15224,212 Stock-based compensation 312,679530,655 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (50,888)(8,309,623) Change in fair value of New Convertible Debentures -(4,504,426) Change in fair value of November 2024 Debentures 723,926- Loss on extinguishment of debt -78,734,949 Non-cash lease expense 95,247115,778 Gain on disposal of assets -(4,231) Gain on lease termination -(15,365) Changes in current assets and liabilities:Accounts receivable (115,200)55,101 Inventories -(15,930) Other assets (282,031)1,196,413 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (517,629)(222,104) Contract liabilities -(2,289,834) Operating lease liabilities (103,552)(67,539) Net cash used in operating activities (6,649,883)(6,660,282) Cash flows used in/from investing activities:Capital expenditures (47,989)(324,147) Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (3,871,992)- Proceeds from sale of property and equipment -384,708 Proceeds from sale of short-term investments -7,921 Net cash from investing activities (3,919,981)68,482 Cash flows from financing activities:Proceeds from notes payable -13,305,000 Payment of debt issuance costs on notes payable -(1,279,291) Proceeds from ATM offering 20,141,905- Payment of ATM commissions and fees (703,784)- Net cash from financing activities 19,438,12112,025,709 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 8,868,2575,433,909 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 1,186,047753,398 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $10,054,304$6,187,307 NAUTICUS ROBOTICS, INC. Unaudited Reconciliation of Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders (GAAP) to Adjusted Net Loss Attributable to Common Stockholders (NON-GAAP) Adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders is a non-GAAP financial measure which excludes certain items that are included in net loss attributable to common stockholders, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Items excluded are those which the Company believes affect the comparability of operating results and are typically excluded from published estimates by the investment community, including items whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated or are non-recurring. Adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders is presented because management believes it provides useful additional information to investors for analysis of the Company's fundamental business on a recurring basis. In addition, management believes that adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders is widely used by professional research analysts and others in the valuation, comparison, and investment recommendations of companies such as Nauticus. Adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net loss attributable to common stockholders or any other measure of a company's financial performance or profitability presented in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the differences between net loss attributable to common stockholders and adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders is presented below. Because adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders excludes some, but not all, items that affect net loss attributable to common stockholders and may vary among companies, our calculation of adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other Months Ended3/31/202512/31/20243/31/2024 Net loss attributable to common stockholders (GAAP) $(7,567,187)$(84,540,515)$(72,838,936) Loss on extinguishment of debt -48,870,99178,734,949 Change in fair value of warrant liabilities (50,888)(211,181)(8,309,623) Change in fair value of New Convertible Debentures -28,123,852(4,504,426) Change in fair value of November 2024 Debentures 723,926435,864- Stock compensation expense 312,679430,550530,655 Adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders (non-GAAP) $(6,581,470)$(6,890,439)$(6,387,381) View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Nauticus Robotics, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio

Associated Press
21-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Nauticus Robotics Announces Early Closure of SeaTrepid International Acquisition
Nauticus Robotics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KITT, 'Nauticus'), a leading innovator in autonomous subsea robotics and software solutions, today announced ahead of schedule, the final closing of the acquisition of all assets and business of SeaTrepid International, LLC ('SeaTrepid'), an expert in providing subsea robotic services to customers throughout the world. The early closing reflects the dedication and cooperation of both teams to finalize the transaction. The combined company will begin operations as Nauticus Robotics immediately. Having closed the transaction, the company will now begin the transition and alignment activities which management expects will result in meaningful operational growth. John Gibson remains the CEO and President of Nauticus Robotics and Bob Christ is the President of SeaTrepid Operations. Steve Walsh is the Vice President of Sales, tasked with bringing the combined offering to the market. Mr. Gibson stated, 'The dedication and collaboration displayed throughout this process is confirmation that we are an excellent fit. It feels like perfect timing to accelerate the adoption of autonomy in a strong offshore market.' Mr. Christ added, 'We look forward to what our combined efforts will produce. The market is ready for a strong player bringing automation to existing infrastructure while continuing to push the boundaries of subsea robotic technology.' Mr. Walsh commented, 'The opportunities for increased offshore safety, vehicle uptime, and efficient operations are enormous. I cannot wait for our team to show existing and potential customers how we will positively impact their operations now and into the future.' Nauticus Robotics, Inc. develops autonomous robots for the ocean industries. Autonomy requires the extensive use of sensors, artificial intelligence, and effective algorithms for perception and decision allowing the robot to adapt to changing environments. The company's business model includes using robotic systems for service, selling vehicles and components, and licensing of related software to both the commercial and defense business sectors. Nauticus has designed and is currently testing and certifying a new generation of vehicles to reduce operational cost and gather data to maintain and operate a wide variety of subsea infrastructure. Besides a standalone service offering and forward-facing products, Nauticus' approach to ocean robotics has also resulted in the development of a range of technology products for retrofit/upgrading traditional ROV operations and other third-party vehicle platforms. Nauticus' services provide customers with the necessary data collection, analytics, and subsea manipulation capabilities to support and maintain assets while reducing their operational footprint, operating cost, and greenhouse gas emissions, to improve offshore health, safety, and environmental exposure. About SeaTrepid International SeaTrepid International, LLC is an applied robotic solutions provider offering support for commercial, public safety, municipal, military and scientific applications. It owns and operates a variety of robotic equipment and sensor suites for both inland and offshore customers worldwide. Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 'Act'), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to: the expected timing of product commercialization or new product releases; customer interest in Nauticus' products; estimated operating results and use of cash; the synergies between Nauticus and SeaTrepid; and Nauticus' use of and needs for capital. Generally, statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning possible or assumed future actions, business strategies, events, or results of operations, are forward-looking statements. These statements may be preceded by, followed by, or include the words 'believes,' 'estimates,' 'expects,' 'projects,' 'forecasts,' 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'seeks,' 'plans,' 'scheduled,' 'anticipates,' 'intends,' or 'continue' or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results, or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Nauticus' management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. There can be no assurance that the events, results, or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Nauticus is not under any obligation and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers should carefully review the statements set forth in the reports which Nauticus has filed or will file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the 'SEC') for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and that could cause actual outcomes to be materially different from those indicated in the forward-looking statements made by the Company, in particular the sections entitled 'Risk Factors' and 'Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements' in documents filed from time to time with the SEC, including Nauticus' Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 10, 2024. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties, or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. The documents filed by Nauticus with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website at
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norfolk to hold ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off year-round cruises
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The City of Norfolk is getting ready to start off their year-round cruises with a ribbon cutting at the newly renovated Half Moone Cruise Center Tuesday morning. The Carnival Sunshine, which holds up to 3,700 guests, will be the first cruise of the year. Carnival said they expect to sail a total of 150,000 guests annually from Norfolk — a feat only possible due to recent renovations to help with customer flow. Renovations almost complete to enhance cruise operations in Norfolk The $12 million renovation includes a new walkway to allow for more passengers to debark at one time and an improved space for customers to pick up their luggage before going through new customs checkpoints. Due to all of the renovations, Carnival will now offer six-to-eight-day itineraries to The Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada and the Eastern Caribbean out of Norfolk. Carnival announces new cruises out of Norfolk for 2026-27 Work will continue throughout the season, however, to continue to improve access for traffic dropping off passengers. All of the improvements are expected to bring over $19 million to the city annually, according to officials. The ribbon cutting is expected to take place around 10 a.m. at the Half Moone Cruise Center. Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander, Nauticus Executive Director Stephen Kirkland and Carnival Vice President of Port Operations David Candib will be in attendance. 10 On Your Side's Nick Broadway will be at the event and will provide updates throughout the day. Continue to check for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cruises to leave from Norfolk weekly, year-round starting next week
This cruise season will be unlike any other at Nauticus as it sets sail on a new schedule of weekly cruises year-round. Norfolk's business community looks at those passengers and sees an opportunity. It is making a joint effort to draw them out for experiences in the area before and after voyages. This takes the form of expanded discount packages involving local restaurants and hotels and promotions for business districts like Selden Market and Waterside in downtown Norfolk. Weekly cruises will begin Feb. 11 with the Carnival Sunshine and run through December, instead of being from early spring to early fall and being more sporadic. Each week, there will be more than 3,000 passengers disembarking from the previous week's cruise and 3,000-plus more passengers embarking for another weeklong cruise, according to Stephen Kirkland, executive director of Nauticus. Cruise passengers spend an estimated $125 per person in the area before and after their voyages, according to Rehn West Saunders, director of development and marketing for Nauticus. That means an estimated $375,000 per ship and $19 million annually in economic impact from the new weekly schedule. Nauticus is expecting an estimated 300,000 cruise passengers this year, Saunders said. 'Our primary opportunity here is continuing to position Norfolk as an incredible pre- and post-destination,' Kirkland said in a presentation to the Norfolk City Council last month. 'Savvy travelers know if I get there the day before I can spend some time in the port and I can make sure that I'm ready for my cruise – that's our opportunity.' Along with the new schedule, cruise passengers leaving from Norfolk this year can now book cruises to Canada and Bermuda, Saunders said. To help promote local businesses, Visit Norfolk created a webpage with a full list of the discount packages being offered to cruise passengers. The page launched in September 2024 and quickly became the most viewed page on their site, according to Sarah Hughes, director of marketing for Visit Norfolk. The discounts include a free night at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel near the Norfolk Airport along with parking for the length of the cruise and transportation to and from the cruise terminal, 20% off a meal at select restaurants at Hilton Norfolk The Main, 15% off meals at restaurants at Waterside, and promotions with the city's various museums and other attractions. The year-round cruise schedule for Norfolk has been in the works since the announcement of Nauticus's relationship with Carnival in 2023, but the disruption to cruise traffic caused by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore put many of these ideas on the fast track, according to Saunders. 'What we really saw last spring with the Baltimore bridge collapse when both Carnival and Royal Caribbean were redirected to Norfolk … The community really stepped up and saw that there were going to be a lot of cruise passengers coming here, people were being bused down from Baltimore, and we were just able to come together and quickly come up with packages and deals and things for these passengers to do and I feel like that was what spurred (the year-round schedule) because (local businesses) were able to see a return,' Saunders said. Later this month, Nauticus will host more than 100 travel agents for a site visit to help promote Norfolk as a cruise destination across the country. Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806,