Bar Area
Dance Floor
Sunset
Birthday Turnup!!
Freedom Elite
Spirit of Norfolk
Carnival
The Spirit of Norfolk
Buffet dinner
Emily B.
Dec 10, 2024
Perfect spot for date night! The buffet-style dinner was surprisingly delicious, offering something for everyone: chicken, beef, salads, and etc! Of course we had to get the jumbo margarita...! After dinner, we headed up to the upstairs bar to enjoy the water views, so relaxing and romantic. The night wrapped up on the dance floor, even some staff joined in, making the overall vibe a 10/10. The service was top-notch, food was great, and the experience was unforgettable (we even got to take our glass home)! Whether you are planning a family gathering or a special night out, City Cruises is definitely worth checking out.
Read MoreKaylee V.
Oct 14, 2024
Made what I could of it too have a good time but they mixed up our romance package and we had to wait awhile to get that settled. Food at the buffet was barely warm by the time it was our turn (nothing to rave about either). The VIP experience was basically the normal one nothing vip at all. There was a sweet 16 birthday and the kids kinda took up the entire dance floor or were brushing their hair near my food. Great view of the sunset tho
Read MoreSylvia A.
Apr 19, 2024
I have to say I was a little disappointed in this cruise. First, let me start off by saying we booked a lunch cruise for my birthday. We booked window seating. Which started off when we arrived. I was told we didn't have window seating. That was a big turn-off. When I know we payed highly to receive that. I spoke to a manager. Showed them my phone, and they changed it. We also purchased the (top shelf drink package) which included four drinks for two people. Guess what that package has stipulations on what drinks you can order. Imagine that, yet it's called top premium. I didn't like that. I do have to say those Bahama Mama drinks were good. So I will give them credit for that. The food was just mediocre. The best thing on the menu was the jerk roasted pork. It was very tasty and tender. The salmon was pretty dry, as well as the chicken. Our server was very nice as well as the other employees. So I will give them 3 stars for that. Also, can someone please clean the outside windows for window seating so that someone can actually see out of it without a problem. Is that too much to ask for something that you have to pay extra to have. I think it definitely needs to be considered. The DJ needs to play music that suits all individuals on board. As well as crowds of all ages. I don't know if I would recommend this cruise. Maybe the Dinner Cruise might be different, but I can't guarantee it.
Read MoreMJ G.
Nov 28, 2024
Booked our family Thanksgiving on the Norfolk City Cruise this year. Food was very good (turkey, ham, roast beef, salmon & all the trimmings). The only complaint was the too loud disco music. It overwhelmed the entire experience. We couldn't talk or visit w/each other at all. Why not have dinner music in the background for this type of family gathering?
Read MoreZarielle A.
Aug 1, 2023
Went on the dinner cruise June 3rd to celebrate my friends birthday. I purchased the guaranteed window with view tickets along with the boarding photo / frame add on and 4 premium drink vouchers. We arrived early and were able to go ahead and board which was nice. The boat was limited to first and top deck for us since a high school prom reserved the second deck. The first deck we were on wasn't too crowded, quite a bit of empty tables were left which was nice. The music and ambiance was enjoyable and a good vibe. The drinks were alright. I was happy I did purchase the vouchers because the regular price of the cocktails and drinks were too high honestly. I just didn't like that with the drink voucher you couldn't just order whichever cocktails you wanted off the menu. The food buffet included many options which were good. I didn't like that right after everyone got their plates and were eating / finishing eating their first plate the workers were already breaking down the buffet, which made it awkward for those who went back for seconds and those who wanted seconds couldn't get them because all the food was taken away so fast. The dessert bar wasn't very good. By the time I got over to it everything was gone and the desserts that were left were all messy and flipped over so I only got like a small piece of cake and a dry bland cookie. We did go up to top deck for a little bit and it was nice but there were so many high schoolers up there being kind of loud, so we couldn't really enjoy it. I don't see myself doing the dinner cruise again honestly, but I'm thinking about trying the brunch cruise maybe.My overall rate of experience : 7/10
Read MoreJanice M.
May 12, 2024
On the mother's day 2 hour brunch cruise in Norfolk. Freedom Elite is our cruise ship today. Staff assisted every customer on the cruise ship. All patrons are well dressed and excited to enjoy the day cruise. Seven tables for the guests. Every group of guests were seated together. Mother and I were seated with another group of guests. Every guest is given a drink ticket to use for each drink they consume. Buffet style food lined the ship. There is bacon, sausage and eggs to chicken and prime rib. Mimosas for those who want to indulge. There are pastries as well. Well organized from the time we boarded til we arrived back to Waterside. *Sn this should be a 5 star rating however, they do not have bottled water, only tap which my mom doesn't drink tap. Amazing time.Thank you City Experiences
Read MoreAJ S.
Nov 10, 2022
I held my husbands birthday party on the Spirit of Norfolk. Let me just say this they outdone themselves! It was amazing and staff went above and beyond for the 20 guest and guest of honor. I brought the cake myself and carried it on. Talk about and adventure it was! Hahaha The views at night with fresh air and vibes can't be beat! If you haven't experienced the Spirit of Norfolk it's worth it. They have all sorts of cruises and times so go to the website and prepare for a fun afternoon or something evening! Cheers!
Read MoreJeannine C.
Aug 4, 2021
I loved the atmosphere and the scenery the cruise shows you of the Atlantic ocean but the food was just ok. I was expecting a more high end dinner since the cruise requires you to low key dress up but the crew was nice and very attentive. I enjoyed the dance floor , we went for a night cap dinner and with the lights and everything of the harbor it was so beautiful. The crew offers to take pictures of you which was nice. We also got to take home a huge souvenir margarita cup if you order the margarita drink. The tickets aren't too expensive so I think ill come back and try the bunch party. I heard the brunch and lunch cruises are a little better.
Read MoreLiving M.
May 8, 2023
Once I heard the Spirit of Norfolk was up and running again, I couldn't wait to finally experience one of the lunch or dinner cruises. After checking the site, I noticed a Candlelight Lunch Buffet was scheduled to sail on my birthday, so I immediately booked the date. Boarding day arrived, and that's when it started. Upon arriving to the berth, we were disappointed to find out that there was no handicapped parking closer than the one and a half block we had to walk from the parking deck. Then we were just a tad bit confused because the ship's name didn't read "Spirit of Norfolk" moving past that we finally got on the ship. The captain and crew were all very friendly and accommodating. They constantly asked if we were okay, and our server checked in frequently. My suggestions would be to lower the price for the lunch cruise. Very little was offered once you boarded. Perhaps you could add some visuals, like posters depicting the things the Captain spoke about that we couldn't see under the water, Karaoke, trivia games, Ice breakers to encourage mingling... just a few thoughts to make the voyage interesting for those who can't move to the upper or lower decks.
Read MoreT P.
Jun 10, 2024
Went with a friend for her birthday to the Harborfest with a group. Tried to be pleasant but was disappointed at the whole experience. More than an half an hour passed before our table was able to get in line for the buffet. By then others were on their seconds, not to mention food was lukewarm, under/ overly seasoned and not much variety for buffet style. Before our table finished eating, the servers were breaking down the buffet to which other people complained about. I purchased a drink and after going to the deck for the view, I was low key watched and then almost harassed as if I wasn't going to pay for my drink. I was easily offended and appalled. I will not return or recommend. For what it's worth , staff lacked professionalism and after the boat ride, we ended up going elsewhere to eat. This was my third time and had better experiences, but this will definitely be my last!
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