Norfolk’s cruise options here all follow the Elizabeth River, but each one suits a different mealtime and mood. Choose lunch for a casual daytime outing, brunch for a weekend social cruise, or dinner for a longer evening setting.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Norfolk. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and USA tours and experiences.
Quick comparison of things to do in Norfolk
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Daytime lunch cruise | travelers who want a relaxed midday cruise with a full meal and daytime views | ★ 4.8/5 | 6 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Includes a lunch buffet with freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dessert dishes. | View on Viator |
 Weekend brunch cruise | travelers who want a late-morning or midday cruise with brunch and a celebratory feel | ★ 4.5/5 | 25 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Includes a brunch buffet with freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dessert dishes. | View on Viator |
 Evening dinner cruise | travelers planning a special occasion, date night, or group evening on the water | ★ 4.2/5 | 59 reviews | Approx. 2 hr 30 min | Offers the longest cruise time among the three options. | View on Viator |
What each Norfolk option includes
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare this if you want the simplest daytime meal cruise.
City Cruises Norfolk: Signature Lunch Cruise
Best for: travelers who want a relaxed midday cruise with a full meal and daytime views
This Signature Lunch Cruise is a short daytime option for travelers who want to combine a meal with waterfront sightseeing. The cruise lasts about two hours and follows the Elizabeth River, with views that include the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. The experience is built around a lunch buffet, live narration, DJ music, lounge spaces, and interactive games, so it works well for groups that want a social setting rather than a quiet meal. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included, and the listed dress code is casual attire. It is a straightforward choice for a family outing or a relaxed break with friends.
Lunch cruise with sightseeing and a casual onboard atmosphere
- Includes a lunch buffet with freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dessert dishes.
- Adds live narration while cruising along the Elizabeth River.
- Includes DJ entertainment plus lounge spaces and interactive games.
Compare this if you want brunch plus a more festive meal setting.
City Cruises Norfolk: Buffet Brunch Cruise
Best for: travelers who want a late-morning or midday cruise with brunch and a celebratory feel
This Buffet Brunch Cruise is designed for travelers who want a weekend-style outing centered on food and a lively onboard atmosphere. It lasts about two hours and cruises along the Elizabeth River while offering views of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. The confirmed inclusions focus on brunch buffet service, live narration, DJ music, lounge spaces, interactive games, unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Each guest also receives up to three mimosas or soda and juice tickets, which makes this version feel more celebratory than the lunch option. It is a good fit for visitors who want a social brunch rather than a standard sightseeing tour.
Brunch cruise for a weekend meal on the water
- Includes a brunch buffet with freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dessert dishes.
- Provides up to three mimosas or soda and juice tickets per guest.
- Keeps the same cruise-and-narration format with lounge spaces and interactive games.
Compare this if your priority is a longer evening cruise with dinner.
City Cruises Norfolk: Buffet Dinner Cruise
Best for: travelers planning a special occasion, date night, or group evening on the water
This Buffet Dinner Cruise is the best match for travelers who want a longer meal experience on the water and a more evening-oriented outing. At about two and a half hours, it is the longest of the three cruises and follows the Elizabeth River while showing views of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. The confirmed inclusions are a dinner buffet, DJ music, lounge spaces, interactive games, and unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. The product description specifically positions it for special occasions, group events, and date-night plans. If you want more time on board and a dinner setting instead of brunch or lunch, this is the clearest fit.
Dinner cruise for an evening meal and group-friendly setting
- Offers the longest cruise time among the three options.
- Includes a dinner buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts.
- Is presented as suitable for special occasions, date nights, and group events.
How to choose the right Norfolk cruise style
If you want a daytime outing, the lunch cruise is the simplest fit. If you prefer a weekend social meal, choose brunch; if you want more time on board and an evening setting, choose dinner.
Elizabeth River daytime cruise
Cruises along the Elizabeth River with views of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet and other waterfront sights mentioned in the itinerary notes.
Elizabeth River brunch cruise
Cruises along the Elizabeth River with skyline and fleet views while you stay on board for the meal and entertainment.
Elizabeth River dinner cruise
Cruises along the Elizabeth River in the evening with skyline views and a dinner-focused onboard format.
Before you book in Norfolk
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Norfolk booking checklist
- Check the cruise length and meal type carefully before booking, since the three options are similar in route but different in timing and dining.
- Review what is explicitly included for each cruise, especially drink allowances and any listed exclusions.
- If you are planning around a group event or a special occasion, the dinner cruise is the one described as most suited to that kind of outing.
Questions travelers ask about things to do in Norfolk
Do all three cruises follow the same route?
They all cruise along the Elizabeth River and highlight waterfront views, but the exact onboard experience changes by meal service and time of day.
Which option includes alcohol-related drink tickets?
The brunch cruise includes up to three mimosas or soda and juice tickets per guest. The lunch and dinner cruises list unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea instead.
Which cruise is the longest?
The dinner cruise is longer than the lunch and brunch cruises, which are both about two hours.