Norfolk: Buffet Dinner Cruise

The Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a unique dining experience on the waters of the Elizabeth River. Aboard the Spirit of Norfolk, guests can indulge in a plentiful buffet featuring an array of freshly prepared dishes, from salads and seafood to hearty main courses. With stunning views of the city skyline and the nearby Navy fleet, this 2.5-hour cruise provides an unforgettable evening on the water. But the real question is, what makes this dinner cruise stand out from the rest?

This experience made our article of 11 Top-Rated Norfolk Cruises And Boat Tours.

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Key Points

The Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise is a 2.5-hour cruise that offers views of the city skyline and the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet.
The cruise is priced at $94.22 per person and includes an attended buffet dinner with a variety of salads, entrees, and desserts.
The Spirit of Norfolk vessel features a relaxing atmosphere with soothing background music and a large outdoor patio deck for guest exploration.
The buffet menu caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
The cruise has positive customer reviews, with a 4.3/5 rating, although some criticism has been raised about bar prices and dessert options.

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Overview of the Buffet Dinner Cruise

The Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise offers an immersive dining experience on the water, priced at $94.22 per person.

The 2.5-hour cruise departs from the Otter Berth, next to Waterside Mall in downtown Norfolk. Guests can enjoy a buffet dinner while taking in views of the city’s skyline and the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet.

The newly renovated Spirit of Norfolk vessel features a relaxing background music and the largest outdoor patio deck in the city, allowing passengers to explore the ship.

The cruise give you a memorable evening of dining and sightseeing on the Norfolk waterfront.

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Pricing and Packages

The Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise is priced at $94.22 per person, providing a comprehensive dining experience on the water.

The 2.5-hour cruise departs from Otter Berth, next to Waterside Mall in downtown Norfolk. Guests can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere and take in views of the city’s skyline and the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet.

The cruise features an attended buffet dinner with a variety of freshly prepared options, including salads, entrees, and desserts. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

A delectable buffet dinner with a selection of fresh salads, entrees, and desserts, complemented by the option to purchase alcoholic beverages.

Infants can join the cruise for free with a selected ticket option, and group seating is available with a single reservation.

Cruise Highlights and Amenities

Guests aboard the Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise can savor a delightful dining experience while taking in the captivating views of the city’s skyline and the impressive Navy fleet. The newly renovated Spirit of Norfolk vessel sets the stage for a relaxing cruise, with soothing background music and the opportunity to explore the ship, including its expansive outdoor patio deck. During the 2.5-hour journey, guests can indulge in a varied buffet featuring freshly prepared selections, from salads and entrees to desserts, complemented by coffee, tea, and iced tea.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Dining | Attended buffet with a diverse menu |

| Entertainment | Relaxing background music, outdoor patio deck |

| Vessel | Newly renovated Spirit of Norfolk |

| Duration | 2.5-hour cruise |

Dining Experience and Menu

Aboard the Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise, guests can indulge in a diverse selection of freshly prepared culinary offerings.

The attended buffet features an array of tempting options, including classic Caesar salad, refreshing summer berry and farro salad, and a vibrant Greek salad.

For the main course, diners can savor oven-roasted salmon, baked orecchiette pasta, birria-style chicken, Caribbean jerk braised pork, and hand-carved tri-tip steak.

Concluding the meal, guests can delight in a baked peach berry crisp and visit the signature dessert station.

Complimentary coffee, tea, and iced tea are provided, while alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

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Dress Code and Policies

A recommended attire for the Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise includes slacks and polo or button-down shirts for men, and nice slacks, Capri pants, or sundresses for women.

Collarless t-shirts, jeans, shorts, or sneakers are discouraged. The cruise has a non-smoking policy, but smoking is allowed on the outdoor decks.

Infants can attend for free with a selected ticket option. Groups must make a single reservation for the entire party. Cancellations are non-refundable.

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Accessibility and Special Accommodations

The Spirit of Norfolk vessel is equipped to accommodate guests with various accessibility needs.

Passengers in wheelchairs or with mobility issues can easily board the ship and move around thanks to ramps and wide aisles. The indoor and outdoor seating areas are wheelchair-friendly, and staff is trained to provide assistance as needed.

For guests with dietary restrictions, the buffet offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The crew is also prepared to cater to other special requirements, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the dinner cruise experience.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Norfolk buffet dinner cruise often receives positive remarks on the food quality and the overall atmosphere.

Guests highlight the freshness of the buffet selections and the relaxing ambiance created by the background music. However, some criticize the high prices of alcoholic drinks.

The buffet selections are praised for their freshness, complemented by a relaxing ambiance, though the bar prices draw some criticism.

A few customers suggest the dessert options could be improved, and that the music volume could be better adjusted.

The crew’s helpfulness, especially with guests requiring assistance, is praised.

With a 4.3/5 rating based on 182 reviews, the Norfolk buffet dinner cruise offers an enjoyable dining experience on the water.

Booking and Reservation Information

How can guests book a spot on the Norfolk buffet dinner cruise?

Booking is quick and easy through the cruise’s website or by calling their reservation center. Tickets are $94.22 per person, with infants free when included in a selected ticket option.

Groups can reserve a table, though each reservation must include the full party. Cancellations are non-refundable, so guests should plan accordingly.

The recommended attire is business casual, with slacks, polos, and sundresses preferred over jeans, shorts, and sneakers.

Smoking is allowed only on the outdoor decks, while non-smoking areas are available inside the newly renovated Spirit of Norfolk vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cruise Available on Weekdays or Only on Weekends?

The cruise is available on both weekdays and weekends. The 2.5-hour dinner cruise offers a buffet dinner, entertainment, and scenic views of Norfolk’s skyline and the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet.

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on Board?

No, passengers cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages on board. The cruise has a full-service bar where guests can purchase alcoholic drinks during the event. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

Is There a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Menu Option Available?

Yes, the buffet offers a vegetarian entree option like the Baked Orecchiette Pasta. They also cater to gluten-free diners, though the specific menu items may vary. It’s best to inquire about the available options when making the reservation.

Do I Need to Make Reservations in Advance or Can I Purchase Tickets On-Site?

Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but availability may be limited, especially during peak times. It’s best to book your cruise in advance to ensure a smooth experience.

Is There a Dress Code for Children Attending the Cruise?

There is no specific dress code for children attending the cruise. The recommended attire is more focused on adults, as the cruise suggests slacks and button-down shirts for men and nice pants or sundresses for women. Children can wear comfortable, casual clothing.

The Sum Up

The Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience on the water. At $94.22 per person, guests can indulge in a 2.5-hour cruise showcasing the city’s stunning skyline and the Atlantic Fleet. The buffet menu features a variety of freshly prepared dishes, complemented by complimentary beverages, in a relaxing atmosphere. With positive reviews, it’s an unforgettable way to spend an evening on the water.