Norfolk

City Cruises Norfolk departs from:

Otter Berth | 173 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA

Several convenient parking garages and lots are located near the Norfolk Waterfront, making access to City Cruises Norfolk easy and stress-free. Nearby options include:

Waterside Garage (50 Martins Lane) – Just steps from Nauticus and the cruise boarding area.

MacArthur Center Garage (500 City Hall Avenue) – A short walk from the waterfront, with ample space.

Boush Street Garage (112 W Main Street) – Conveniently located near downtown restaurants and attractions.

Street parking in the area is limited and often time-restricted, so using a parking garage is recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, and during major events. Arriving early is a great way to ensure smooth boarding and time to enjoy the waterfront before your cruise.

Public Transit: Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) operates several bus routes that serve downtown Norfolk, including stops near Nauticus and the cruise departure point.

Ride-Sharing Options: Services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and can conveniently drop passengers off near 1 Waterside Drive, just steps from the boarding area.

Tide Light Rail: The Tide, Norfolk’s light rail system, offers a convenient option for getting to the waterfront, with nearby stops like MacArthur Square Station within walking distance of the cruise dock.

Yes! City Cruises Norfolk offers a variety of sightseeing, dining, and special event experiences throughout the year. Seasonal times and schedules may vary.

You will be quite comfortable cruising year-round with City Cruises. Most of our vessels feature climate-controlled interiors, panoramic windows, and open-air decks, making cruising comfortable throughout the year.

Yes. Many City Cruises vessels are wheelchair accessible and offer accessible boarding areas, climate-controlled indoor spaces, and accessible restrooms on select vessels. Accessibility features may vary by vessel and departure location, so guests with specific mobility needs are encouraged to review their cruise details or contact Guest Services before sailing to ensure the best experience.

Absolutely! Service animals are welcome aboard City Cruises experiences.

Yes. Many City Cruises Norfolk experiences are suitable for families, couples, groups, and visitors of all ages.

Most guests should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for boarding and check-in.

Norfolk City Cruises are ideal for:

For Couples

Enjoy a romantic evening on the water with a Norfolk dinner cruise or sunset experience.

For Families

Relax together while enjoying waterfront views, naval history, and a unique perspective of the city.

For Groups

Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, graduations, and social events aboard a City Cruises vessel.

For Corporate Events

Host networking events, team outings, client entertainment, and company celebrations with the Norfolk waterfront as your backdrop.

Wedding-Related Events

Celebrate your love story on the water with unforgettable views, customizable event options, and a setting your guests will remember. We are pleased to host weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, day-after brunch, engagement parties, and more!

Military and History Enthusiasts

Norfolk is home to the world's largest naval base, making a City Cruises experience an unforgettable way to see active naval vessels, learn about the city's rich maritime heritage, and gain a unique perspective on one of America's most important military ports.

Looking for Norfolk dining with a view?

City Cruises Norfolk combines waterfront dining with spectacular views and exceptional hospitality.

Norfolk Dinner Cruises

Enjoy chef-prepared cuisine, entertainment, and beautiful views of the Elizabeth River and Norfolk skyline. Perfect for date nights, anniversaries, birthdays, and celebrations.

Norfolk Brunch Cruises

Spend a relaxing morning on the water with brunch, cocktails, and scenic waterfront views.

Sunset Cruises

Watch the sun set over the harbor as the city begins to light up for the evening.

Holiday & Specialty Cruises

Celebrate holidays, seasonal events, and special occasions with unforgettable experiences on the water.

Gospel Lunch Cruises

A Norfolk Gospel Lunch Cruise features performances by Chris Evans. Enjoy live entertainment, an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, scenic views, and good fellowship.

Guests can enjoy views of the Elizabeth River, Norfolk skyline, Hampton Roads Harbor, Naval Station Norfolk, waterfront attractions, and surrounding coastal scenery.

Absolutely. A cruise offers one of the best ways to experience Norfolk's maritime heritage, naval history, and waterfront attractions while relaxing on the water.

Many cruises offer views of Norfolk's active harbor and naval facilities, providing a unique perspective on one of the world's most important naval ports.

Comfortable clothing and layers are recommended, especially during evening cruises or cooler seasons.

Dining cruises include meal service, and many experiences offer beverages and bar options depending on the cruise.

Norfolk offers beautiful cruising conditions throughout the year, with spring, summer, and fall being especially popular.

Yes. Sunset cruises are among the most popular experiences and offer spectacular views of the harbor and waterfront.

Many cruises offer cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. Specific offerings vary by cruise type.

Throughout the year, City Cruises hosts holiday celebrations, Father's Day cruises, Fourth of July cruises, New Year's Eve events, live entertainment experiences, and specialty themed sailings.

Of course! We have a variety of vessels in our fleet that can fit your event needs. In addition, our complimentary event coordinators are well-versed in custom event planning.

We love birthdays and are honored you want to spend it with us. Many guests choose Norfolk City Cruises to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations, and other milestones.

At City Cruises, we love a good celebration. We offer wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, and other wedding-related events on the water. In addition, we regularly host client events, team outings, networking receptions, holiday parties, and company celebrations.

Depending on your route, you may enjoy views of the Elizabeth River, Norfolk skyline, Hampton Roads Harbor, Naval Station Norfolk, naval vessels, waterfront attractions, and Chesapeake Bay scenery.

Norfolk combines coastal Virginia charm, rich naval history, Chesapeake Bay scenery, and a working harbor unlike almost anywhere else in the United States.

Norfolk is best known for Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world, as well as its waterfront attractions, maritime heritage, Chesapeake Bay access, and vibrant downtown district.

Definitely. Norfolk is one of the most important naval cities in the United States and offers unique opportunities to experience military history, maritime heritage, and active naval operations.

Dinner cruises typically feature chef-prepared cuisine, entertainment, indoor and outdoor seating, and beautiful views of the Norfolk waterfront and Elizabeth River.

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and one of the most important waterways on the East Coast. It plays a major role in the culture, economy, and natural beauty of coastal Virginia.

The Elizabeth River runs through the heart of Norfolk and connects the city to Hampton Roads Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. It's one of the region's most important waterways and provides the setting for many Norfolk cruises.

Many cruises feature views of:

• Naval Station Norfolk
• Battleship Wisconsin
• Nauticus
• Waterside District
• Hampton Roads Harbor
• Downtown Norfolk
• Elizabeth River waterfront
• Chesapeake Bay waterways

Depending on harbor activity and cruise routes, guests may see aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, and other naval vessels operating in one of the world's busiest military ports.