City Cruises Norfolk: Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner Buffet Cruise

Discover the City Cruises Norfolk Buffet Cruise Experience

The City Cruises Norfolk offers a buffet cruise along the Elizabeth River that combines scenic views with delicious dining options. Priced at $80 per person, this 2 to 2.5-hour experience operates in the city of Virginia and is suitable for those wanting a relaxing, scenic outing with good food and entertainment. With ratings of 4.4 out of 5 from 343 reviews, it proves to be a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

The cruise departs from Norfolk aboard the Spirit of Norfolk, a recently renovated vessel with ample outdoor decks and the largest outdoor patio in the city. Whether you prefer brunch, lunch, or dinner, this cruise offers a variety of buffet menus, lively music, and stunning views of Norfolk’s skyline, Navy vessels, and waterfront. Consider this cruise if you are seeking a comfortable, scenic dining experience with a lively atmosphere, though it’s worth noting that alcoholic beverages are extra and dress code is dressy-casual.

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Key Points

• Price is $80 per person for a 2 to 2.5-hour cruise along Norfolk’s Elizabeth River.
• Buffet dining includes freshly prepared dishes for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• Outdoor decks provide spectacular views of Norfolk’s skyline and Navy vessels.
• Music and DJ entertainment create a lively, festive atmosphere.
• The largest outdoor patio adds a special touch to the experience.
• Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure; guests should arrive early.

Scenic Waterfront Views and Notable Vessels

This cruise showcases Norfolk’s picturesque skyline and the impressive Navy Atlantic Fleet vessels, making it a favorite for those interested in naval history and maritime scenery. The Elizabeth River provides a charming backdrop, especially at sunset or during daylight hours, when the city’s buildings and water reflections create a breathtaking setting. The views are a highlight and are appreciated by many reviews, which rank the scenery highly.

Passengers get to admire Norfolk’s historic waterfront while enjoying the comfort of the climate-controlled decks. The outdoor patios, especially the largest outdoor patio in the city, allow for unobstructed views, sunbathing, or stargazing depending on the time of day. The ship’s friendly crew ensures passengers are comfortable and well-informed about what they see, adding to the overall experience.

Buffet Dining: Fresh, Varied, and Well-Prepared

The buffet menu is attended and features a diverse selection of dishes suitable for brunch, lunch, or dinner. The menu includes salads such as Caesar, Greek, and Summer Berry and Farro, along with complementary side dishes like Mexican Elote-style corn, roasted tri-color potatoes, and roasted summer vegetables.

Main courses are hearty and flavorful, including oven-roasted salmon, baked orecchiette pasta, birria-style chicken, Caribbean jerk braised pork, and hand-carved tri-tip steak. Each entrée is paired with appropriate sides and sauces, ensuring a satisfying meal. For dessert, options like baked peach berry crisp and a signature dessert station with seasonal fruits and individual desserts provide a sweet finish to the meal.

Guests praise the quality and freshness of the food, with many noting the generous variety. However, some mention that hot foods sometimes arrive not very hot, and the dessert selection could be improved for more variety. Still, overall, the buffet offers good value and delicious choices.

Entertainment and Atmosphere on Board

Music contributes significantly to the cruise vibe. Depending on the cruise time, passengers can enjoy background music or a DJ spinning lively tunes. Many reviews highlight the fun atmosphere, with dancing and entertaining performances by professional dancers, including a co-captain who is described as friendly and knowledgeable.

The crew’s friendly attitude and attentiveness make the cruise comfortable, and many comment on the helpfulness of staff, especially in assisting guests with special needs. The music and dancing are often praised for creating a festive environment that encourages mingling and celebration.

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Outdoor Decks and Social Spaces

The outdoor decks are a major attraction of this cruise, especially the largest outdoor patio in Norfolk. Passengers can stroll under the stars, get sun exposure, or simply relax with a drink while soaking in the panoramic scenery. The decks are climate-controlled to ensure comfort regardless of weather, making this experience enjoyable year-round.

Guests are encouraged to bring their drinks topside to enjoy the view, although alcoholic beverages are not included in the price and must be purchased separately. The outdoor space provides an excellent opportunity for photos, socializing, or simply unwinding while observing Norfolk’s waterfront.

Practical Details: Boarding, Dress Code, and Tips

Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure, and arriving early is essential to avoid missing the boat. The dress code is dressy-casual, with a prohibition on jeans, shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, t-shirts, gym shoes, or flip-flops. Guests should dress neatly for a more polished experience.

The ship’s interior is non-smoking, but smoking is permitted on outdoor observation decks. Infants are admitted free of charge if a free infant ticket is selected during booking. For larger groups, it’s best to make one reservation to ensure everyone is seated together.

Passengers should bring a passport or ID, and arrive promptly as late arrivals may miss the departure. The cruise offers the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and options to reserve now and pay later, making planning easier.

Food and Drink: Service and Pricing Notes

While the buffet is included in the ticket price, alcoholic beverages are not included and are available for purchase onboard. Many reviews mention that drinks are priced higher than typical bars, so budgeting accordingly is wise. The quality of drinks varies, with some noting that sodas like Sprite can be flat, so checking beverages before consumption can improve enjoyment.

Coffee, tea, and other non-alcoholic beverages are included in the buffet experience, enhancing the meal. The staff’s attentiveness ensures prompt service, although some reviews suggest that drink vouchers can sometimes be overlooked, so checking with staff upon seating is recommended.

The Experience for Celebrations and Special Occasions

Many reviews highlight the cruise as a fantastic setting for celebrations such as anniversaries or special nights out. The relaxed yet festive environment is perfect for romantic dinners or group gatherings. The scenic views, delicious food, and music combine to create a memorable evening.

The friendly staff and professional crew often go above and beyond to ensure guests feel welcome and comfortable. The atmosphere is lively but also suitable for more intimate moments, especially when enjoying the outdoor decks during sunset or at night.

Limitations and Considerations

While the cruise offers many strengths, some guests note occasional issues with hot food temperatures and overpriced drinks. The dress code enforcement can be inconsistent, with some guests wearing casual attire despite restrictions. Plus, interior noise levels can sometimes make audio narration difficult to hear, which could be a consideration for those wanting detailed commentary.

It’s also worth noting that seats are assigned at the time of reservation, so large groups should plan to book together for optimal seating. The dining experience is primarily buffet-style, so guests looking for table service might find this setup less personal.

Is This Cruise Right for You?

This buffet cruise is ideal for those wanting scenic views combined with good food and lively music. It appeals to families, couples, and groups celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a relaxing evening on the water. The outdoor deck space and flexibility with meal times make it a versatile choice.

However, travelers who prefer formal dining, quiet atmospheres, or all-inclusive drinks might find this cruise less fitting. The dressy-casual attire ensures a neat appearance, and guests should plan for extra costs for alcohol if desired.

The Sum Up: A Relaxing and Scenic Dining Experience in Norfolk

The City Cruises Norfolk buffet cruise offers a well-rounded package of beautiful waterfront views, tasty buffet dining, and entertaining music. Many guests praise the friendly staff, delicious food, and stunning scenery, making it a strong pick for those celebrating special occasions or simply seeking a fun, scenic outing.

The largest outdoor patio and multiple deck options enhance the experience, and the flexible timing allows for visits in the morning, afternoon, or evening. On the downside, drink prices and occasional food temperature issues are worth considering, but they do not overshadow the overall enjoyment.

This cruise works best for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere, good food, and scenic water views. It provides a comfortable, memorable experience suitable for many occasions but is best suited for guests willing to pay extra for drinks and adhere to the dress code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are drinks included in the price of the cruise?
No, beverages such as alcohol, wine, and specialty drinks are available for purchase onboard. Coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages are included with the buffet.

What is the dress code for the cruise?
Guests are asked to adhere to dressy-casual attire. Jeans, shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, t-shirts, gym shoes, and flip-flops are not permitted.

Can I bring children on the cruise?
Yes, infants are admitted free with a free infant ticket. Children are welcome, but parents should consider the dress code and dining options, which are designed to suit adult tastes.

What should I do if I arrive late?
Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and late arrivals may miss the cruise. Arriving early is strongly recommended to ensure access.

Is this cruise suitable for celebrating special occasions?
Absolutely. The lively atmosphere, scenic views, and delicious buffet make it a popular choice for anniversaries, birthdays, or romantic evenings.

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