Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise

Imagine cruising along the Elizabeth River, surrounded by the sleek silhouette of ships and submarines from the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet, all while enjoying a hearty buffet and lively music. That’s exactly what the Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise offers—an engaging blend of sightseeing, good food, and entertainment on the water.

We’ve looked into this experience to see if it’s worth your time, and here’s a straightforward review to help you decide if it fits your travel plans.

What draws us in? First, the view of Norfolk’s navy vessels from the skyline deck is genuinely special. Second, the buffet, with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, promises solid value for the price. One possible downside? The service can sometimes be inconsistent, with reviews mentioning long waits for drinks or slow staff, especially if they’re short-handed.

That said, if you’re after a relaxed, social evening with scenic views, this cruise could be a good choice—especially for groups, celebrations, or those wanting a taste of local maritime pride.

Key Points

• Spectacular Navy Views: Catch sight of the Atlantic Fleet’s ships from the deck, a highlight for military enthusiasts and maritime fans.
• Good Value for Money: A 2.5-hour cruise with buffet, entertainment, and drinks at around $107 per person offers a decent mix of experience and affordability.
• Variety of Entertainment: DJ music, interactive games, and lounge spaces make the cruise lively and engaging.
• Flexible for Celebrations: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or casual gatherings, with a festive atmosphere.
• Potential Service hiccups: Some reviews note slow service, so patience might be needed if you’re in a rush.
• Ideal for Groups and Families: The cruise accommodates up to 200 travelers and is suitable for most ages and mobility levels.

This experience made our article of 4 Fantastic Boat Tours & Cruises In Norfolk.

An Overview of the Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise

This cruise, operated by City Cruises, offers a chance to enjoy Norfolk’s waterfront from the deck of a comfortable vessel while indulging in a buffet dinner. With a duration of just over two and a half hours, it’s a manageable outing that combines sightseeing, dining, and entertainment. The experience begins at 173 Waterside Drive, with the cruise returning to the same spot—making logistics straightforward.

Priced at $106.88 per person, this cruise emphasizes value, especially when you consider that it includes a buffet with freshly prepared dishes, unlimited drinks (hot coffee, tea, and iced tea), and onboard entertainment. Rates tend to be booked about 18 days in advance, indicating that it’s popular enough to plan ahead.

Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Waterside Drive: The meeting point is convenient, near Norfolk’s vibrant waterfront area, close to public transportation options. You check in with a mobile ticket, making entry swift and contactless.

Skyline Deck: As the boat departs, you’ll immediately notice the panoramic views of the Elizabeth River. The highlight here is the chance to see some of Norfolk’s impressive naval ships. From the deck, you get a sweeping perspective of the Atlantic Fleet’s vessels, which is perfect for photo ops and maritime enthusiasts.

Cruise Experience: Over approximately two and a half hours, you’ll enjoy a buffet featuring a variety of entrees, salads, and desserts—some reviews note the food is delicious with plenty of options. The onboard atmosphere is lively, with DJ music setting the tone, and interactive games providing additional fun. Lounge spaces allow for more relaxed conversations if you prefer a slower pace.

Entertainment and Atmosphere: The DJ’s music spans different genres, maintaining a festive vibe throughout. Many reviews mention the staff as friendly and helpful, though a few point out that service can be slow, particularly when the crew is short-handed. Still, the ambiance remains upbeat and welcoming.

Return: The cruise concludes back at the starting point, allowing for easy planning afterward. If you’re lucky, you might catch a sunset in the later hours, adding a romantic glow to your experience.

What We Like – And What We Don’t

Stunning Views: The biggest draw is unquestionably the vistas of Norfolk’s naval ships, submarines, and the city skyline. If you’re a lover of maritime scenery or just want a unique perspective of Norfolk, this cruise delivers.

Enjoyable Food and Drinks: The buffet is well-reviewed for its freshness and variety. Unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea keep guests refreshed, and some reviews mention the food was excellent enough to satisfy a range of tastes. One traveler noted the food was “fabulous” and enjoyed the plentiful choices, making the cruise feel like good value.

Lively Atmosphere: With DJ music and interactive games, the cruise caters well to groups celebrating special occasions or just wanting a fun night out. It’s family-friendly but also suitable for adults looking to dance and relax.

Flexibility and Convenience: The meeting point is accessible, and the mobile ticket system makes entry easy. The cruise’s duration is just right—long enough to enjoy the sights and food without feeling drawn out.

Service Inconsistencies: Several reviews point out slow or ineffective service, which can be frustrating, especially if you’re eager to start your evening or have limited time. The crew’s effort is appreciated, but the lack of staffing can impact the overall experience.

Possible Traffic Hassles: One review mentioned traffic as a significant challenge, especially if you’re traveling from afar. Arriving late or missing the cruise due to traffic congestion is a real concern, so plan accordingly and consider leaving early.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary and Experience

Meeting and Boarding

Starting at Waterside Drive, the check-in process is straightforward with a mobile ticket, and the location is near public transit. Once onboard, there’s a friendly atmosphere as staff welcomes guests with smiles. Given the capacity of up to 200 travelers, the group size keeps the environment lively without feeling crowded.

The Skyline Deck and Naval Views

Once the boat departs, the top deck offers the best chance for photos and sightseeing. Here, you’ll see the mighty ships of the Atlantic Fleet, a sight that can be quite inspiring, especially for those interested in naval operations or maritime technology. Several reviews mention how beautiful the sunset views are, with some describing the scene as “colorful” and “spectacular,” especially in the evening hours.

Food and Beverages

The buffet is a significant part of the appeal. While specific menu items aren’t listed, reviews consistently praise the food as “delicious,” with some describing it as “fabulous” and offering “plenty of choices.” The buffet likely includes a mix of hot entrees, salads, and desserts, catering to diverse tastes. The unlimited hot and cold drinks add to the relaxed and social vibe.

Entertainment and Lounge Spaces

Music from the DJ keeps the energy high, and interactive games add a fun touch. Guests appreciated the multi-cultural music genres, which kept the atmosphere lively. Lounge areas provide a quieter space for conversation, with some reviews highlighting how friendly and attentive the staff are, ensuring guests feel well cared for.

Returning and Final Impressions

As the cruise concludes, you’ll head back to the starting point. Many reviews say they enjoyed the overall experience, with some describing it as “worth doing again” or “a good way to see ships.” However, a few mention that service delays could dampen the mood somewhat, so patience may be required if the crew is busy.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just under $107 per person, the cruise offers a package that combines scenic views, entertainment, and a buffet, all in one relaxing outing. Considering the inclusion of unlimited drinks and the potential for memorable photos of Norfolk’s naval fleet, many travelers find it to be a decent value. It’s especially suited for those celebrating milestones or wanting a special night with friends or family.

However, if you’re primarily seeking gourmet dining or a quiet, intimate date night, you might find the experience a bit lively and loud. The cruise is designed to be festive and social, which is part of its charm but not for everyone.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This experience is ideal for groups, families, or couples wanting a fun, casual outing with scenic views. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in naval ships or want to combine sightseeing with dining and dancing. Those with flexible schedules should also consider the potential traffic issues and plan to arrive early.

While the buffet, entertainment, and views are well-loved, if you’re very particular about service or seeking a high-end dining experience, you might want to manage expectations. The cruise is about having fun, enjoying the water, and soaking in Norfolk’s maritime pride.

FAQs

Is the Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the cruise is family-friendly, with a lively atmosphere that can be enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

How long is the cruise?
It lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering enough time for sightseeing, dining, and entertainment without feeling overly long.

What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers a buffet dinner with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, onboard entertainment with DJ music, access to lounge spaces, and interactive games.

What should I know about the buffet?
The buffet is praised for its deliciousness and variety. Some reviews note the food is plentiful and well-prepared, making it a good value.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included. Mixed drinks and alcohol are not specified, with some reviews mentioning they had no alcohol in their mixed drinks.

What if I arrive late or get stuck in traffic?
Traffic was mentioned as a challenge in some reviews, so arriving early is advised. The cruise starts at Waterside Drive, a location near public transportation.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Most travelers can participate, but specific accessibility details aren’t provided. It’s best to confirm with the provider if you have mobility concerns.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

How do I book in advance?
Most bookings are made around 18 days ahead, either via the provider or through platforms like Viator.

Final Thoughts

The Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a lively, scenic, and reasonably priced way to experience Norfolk’s navy fleet from the water. The combination of spectacular views, tasty buffet, and upbeat entertainment makes it an enjoyable outing for many. While service hiccups and traffic concerns are worth considering, the overall vibe remains celebratory and memorable.

If you’re looking for a fun, social evening that combines sightseeing with good food and entertainment, this cruise delivers. It’s best suited for groups, families, or couples who enjoy a spirited atmosphere and are flexible with logistical details. For a unique way to see Norfolk’s waterscape and celebrate a special occasion, this cruise could be a highlight of your trip.