Norfolk Lunch Cruise: Atlantic Fleet views on the Elizabeth River

Two hours on the water: lunch, the Atlantic Fleet, and a DJ on the skyline deck

A 2-hour lunch cruise on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk with views of the Navy's Atlantic Fleet, including a buffet lunch, live DJ entertainment, and narrated sightseeing. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the boat passes Naval Station Norfolk, the USS Wisconsin battleship museum, Nauticus Maritime Museum, and other historic waterfront landmarks. Casual attire and arrive early to avoid missing the boat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Norfolk Signature Lunch Cruise

• Board the cruise ship
• Cruise along Elizabeth River
• Pass sights like Nauticus Maritime Museum
• Pass USS Wisconsin battleship
• Pass Naval Station Norfolk
• Enjoy lunch buffet
• Listen to live narration
• Enjoy DJ entertainment and games
• Relax in lounge spaces
• Drink unlimited coffee and tea
• Disembark after 2-hour cruise

The experience

The Elizabeth River cruise passes the working heart of Norfolk's waterfront: Naval Station Norfolk (the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command headquarters), the USS Wisconsin battleship museum, Nauticus Maritime Museum, and the Norfolk Southern Coal Terminal. You'll see the floating dock called Titan, Old Fort Norfolk, and the site where the Monitor and Merrimac fought. A live guide narrates the sights as the boat moves, so you get the history without having to read a placard.

Lunch is a buffet with freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dessert dishes. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water come with it. The boat has a full bar if you want to order cocktails. Entertainment runs the whole time: a DJ plays music on the skyline deck, there are interactive games, and lounge spaces to sit if you want a break from the crowd. The dress code is casual, and the whole thing is designed to work for families, office groups, or anyone looking for a different kind of lunch outing.

Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure, and the operator stresses arriving early: late arrivals will miss the boat. The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult's lap. If anyone in your party has a food allergy or dietary restriction (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free), let your server know before ordering.

What’s included

• 2-hour cruise on the Elizabeth River.
• lunch buffet with breakfast, lunch, and dessert dishes.
• unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water.
• live DJ entertainment on the skyline deck.
• interactive games and lounge access.
• live narration of Navy sites and waterfront landmarks.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and FridayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 200

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by City Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you want a meal and entertainment bundled into one outing rather than a straight sightseeing tour. The 2-hour window fits a lunch break or an afternoon escape without eating up a full day, and the DJ and games mean it works as well for a casual office group as for a family.

Traveler reviews

4.83★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What Navy sites will I see on the Elizabeth River cruise?

Naval Station Norfolk, the USS Wisconsin battleship museum, Nauticus Maritime Museum, Old Fort Norfolk, the Norfolk Southern Coal Terminal, and the floating dock Titan are all visible from the boat. The guide provides live narration about each one as you pass.

What's included in the lunch buffet?

The buffet has freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dessert dishes. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included. Cocktails and other drinks come from the full bar at an extra cost.

How long is the cruise and what entertainment happens onboard?

The cruise lasts 2 hours on the Elizabeth River. A DJ plays music on the skyline deck, interactive games run throughout, and a live guide narrates the sights and history as you pass them.

What time should I arrive for boarding?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. The operator asks guests to arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat.

Are there dietary options available?

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options may be available. Inform your server of any food allergies or dietary needs before ordering, as menus are subject to change.