Cruise Questions

Before you cruise, let us answer some important questions for you!

Attire. What is the dress code on the Spirit of Norfolk?

Dinner Cruises - For men, appropriate attire includes slacks and a polo or button down shirt. For women, nice slacks, Capri pants or a sundress is recommended. Although allowed, we strongly discourage collarless t-shirts, jeans, shorts or sneakers.

All Other Cruises - These cruises are more relaxed and casual attire is fine.

If you have any doubt with our dress code, please call our office at (757) 625-1463.

Boarding. What is "Boarding Time" and "Cruising Time?"
"Boarding Time" is the earliest our guests may board the ship. Typically we begin boarding 1/2 hour prior to the "Cruise Time." Tickets may be picked up at our dockside kiosk up-to one hour prior to the cruise.

Cancellations. What is your cancellation policy?
We regret there are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise year-round, rain or shine. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.

Children. Are there any age requirements?
Children of all ages are welcome on our lunch and dinner cruises. However, on Club Norfolk Midnight Moonlight cruises all passengers must be 21 years or older with valid photo ID. Discounts for children age 12 and under are offered on lunch cruises. Call 866.304.2469 for details.

Coast Guard Regulations. Is the vessel Coast Guard certified?
Yes. The Spirit of Norfolk is Coast Guard certified and maintained regularly to adhere to strict safety regulations.

Cruise Route. Where does the Spirit of Norfolk go?
The ship departs from Otter Berth at Town Point Park next to The Waterside Mall. While sailing routes may vary, the Spirit of Norfolk generally cruises the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor past the Norfolk skyline and the Norfolk Naval Base where you can see the mighty ships and aircraft carriers of the Atlantic Fleet when they are in port. See our cruise route >>>

Dancing. What kind of dance music do you play?
Our lunch and dinner cruises feature a full range of popular dance tunes spun by some of the city’s hottest DJs. Selections may include Rock, Blues, Line Dances, Motown, Oldies, Salsa, Hip Hop, Country, and current chart-toppers from every musical genre.

Directions. How do I get to the ship?

DIRECTIONS TO THE SPIRIT OF NORFOLK
From Williamsburg, Newport News, Richmond, Hampton, or Yorktown
Take Interstate 64 East to Norfolk. Once in Norfolk, take exit 284A (Norfolk, Portsmouth) to Interstate 264 West. Follow Interstate 264 West, staying to the left. Use exit 9 (Waterside Drive), this will drop you directly onto Waterside Drive. Once you have reached Waterside Drive, you will be able to see the ship, which will be docked two blocks past the Waterside Mall. Parking is available at the Waterside Parking Garage on Waterside Drive and Atlantic Street or the Town Point Garage on Waterside Drive and Main Street.

From the Midtown Tunnel, Portsmouth
From the Midtown Tunnel, exit Brambleton Avenue. Follow Brambleton Avenue and take a right on Duke Street. At the S-curve Duke Street will turn into Boush Street. Parking is available at the Town Point Parking Garage on Main Street (take a left at the 2nd stop light after the S-curve) or the Waterside Parking Garage on Waterside Drive and Atlantic Street.

From Suffolk, North Carolina
Route 13/58/460 East past the Hampton Roads Airport to Bowers Hill area. Split to Interstate 264 East to Norfolk. Follow Interstate 264 through the Downtown Tunnel into Norfolk. (Before emerging from the tunnel position yourself in the right lane and stay there) After passing through the tunnel you will drive over the Berkeley Bridge which will be immediately followed by the Waterside Drive exit. Take this exit and it will drop you directly onto Waterside Drive. Once you have reached Waterside Drive, you will be able to see the ship, which will be docked two blocks past the Waterside Mall. Parking is available at the Waterside Parking Garage on Waterside Drive and Atlantic Street or the Town Point Parking Garage on Waterside and Main Street.

For Coaches/buses:
Take 264 West to the City Hall Avenue exit. From City Hall Avenue, make a left turn onto Boush Street. Boush Street turns into Waterside Drive. The Spirit will be on the right just past Town Point Park.

Town Point Park and surrounding areas are closed due to construction and redevelopment and will re-open in July 2009. For your convenience, we have identified simple routes to reach the vessel. Visit our directions page for more information>>

Drinks. What do drinks cost?
Mixed drinks start at $5.75 for standard brand liquors, $6.75 for premium drinks. All beer is sold by the bottle, with domestic beers for $4.50 and imported for $4.75. Wine begins at $5.00 per glass. Soft drinks are $2.20 each and juice is available for $2.50 each. These prices do not include tax and gratuity. Prices may be subject to change.

Entertainment. What type of entertainment is offered?
Sit back and relax on one of our climate-controlled decks. Dine on the bountiful buffet. Watch your talented wait-staff as they delight you with their up-beat renditions of popular favorites. Then kick it into high gear as your Spirit DJ spins popular dance hits. Day or night, Spirit is alive with vibrant entertainment.

Gift Certificates. How can I purchase gift certificates?
Spirit Gift Certificates are available in $25 increments and may be purchased online or by calling 866.304.2469. Printed gift certificates come with an elegant presentation holder. If you choose to send your gift electronically, our attractive, full-color e-mailable gift certificates can be completely customized for you and your recipient. All gift certificates are valid for one year. Purchase gift certificates online>>> .

Groups. What size group can Spirit of Norfolk accommodate?
The Spirit of Norfolk can host parties of two to 450 guests. Groups of 20 or more should visit our group website or contact our group sales department at 866.451.3866 for reservations. Parties of 1 to 19 can book online or call 866.304.2469.

Handicap accessibility. Is the ship handicap accessible?
Yes. Our ship can accommodate wheelchairs for boarding and provides a handicap-accessible restroom. Please notify us of any special-assistance members in your party prior to the cruise so we can provide the appropriate assistance upon arrival. Disabled parkers with valid handicapped license plates and/or hanging tags may park free at any on-street metered space for the posted time. Visit www.norfolk.gov for more information.

Menu. What type of food is served?
Our cruises feature all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffets with delicious choices prepared on board by our executive chefs and their galley staffs. With advance notice, we can accommodate requests for kosher meals, and we can arrange special meals for guests with allergies. Other specialty menus are available for deck or full-ship charters.

Club Norfolk Moonlight Cruise. What does it include?
Spirit offers Club Norfolk Moonlight Cruises on select dates throughout the year featuring open seating, lively DJs, rockin’ dance tunes, late-night snacks and cash bars. Passengers must be age 21 or older with a valid photo ID.

Packages. Do you offer packages to make my cruise extra-special? Yes. We offer several enhancements and packages that can be added on to your lunch or dinner cruise package. You can choose from a private table for two, balloons, roses, bar packages and more. Find out more about our enhancement packages.

Parking. Is there parking close to the ship? Town Point Park and surrounding areas are closed due to construction and redevelopment and will re-open in July 2009. For your convenience, we have identified simple routes to reach the vessel. Visit our directions page for more information>>

Payment. What type of payment do you accept?
Payment is required in full at the time of the reservation. We accept major credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club. We also accept traveler's checks, money orders, and certified checks. Please send checks or money orders to the address below:

Spirit of Norfolk
Suite 500
109 East Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23510

Phones. Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the cruise. For the comfort of other guests, we ask that cell phone conversations be held on the outside decks.

Photographs. I would like to purchase a boarding photograph from a recent cruise?
We use Sharpshooters Imaging for all of the photos taken when boarding the Spirit of Norfolk. If you have cruised with us in the last 30 days and would like a photo or have a question regarding your photo, please call or email them at 757-622-1707 or SpiritofNorfolk@sharpshooterimaging.com.

Pricing & Schedules.
Prices are for ticket only and do not include tax, fees, service charge, beverages or enhancements. Prices and schedules are subject to change. Some more popular cruises and dates may be priced higher.
See price and schedules for the Spirit of Norfolk >>>

Refund Policy. Do you offer refunds?
We regret there are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise year-round, rain or shine. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.

Reservations. How can I make reservations for a cruise?
While parties of 19 or fewer are often able to walk up and purchase tickets on the day of a cruise, reservations are highly recommended. You can purchase tickets online via our reservations calendar or by phone.

Purchase tickets online >>>

Individuals call:
• Toll Free: 866.304.2469
• Reservation center hours >>>

For groups of 20 or more call:
• 866.451.3866
• Monday - Friday between 8:30am - 5:30pm

Seasickness. Will I get seasick?
It's unlikely. The Spirit of Norfolk is one of the largest and most stable cruise ships in Norfolk.

Seating. How is seating arranged on board?
Our ships feature cabaret-style seating. The majority of our tables accommodate four to eight people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties. Review our enhancement packages for private seating upgrades.

Ship Information. Can you tell me a little bit about the Spirit of Norfolk? The Spirit of Norfolk offers a sleek and fresh approach to dining and dancing on the water. It is handicap accessible and Coast Guard approved for up to 450 passengers. Amenities include full service bars, two dance floors (or staging areas), flexible seating arrangements and large outdoor patio deck.

Smoking. What is your smoking policy?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks.

Tickets. Where can I pick up the cruise tickets?
Tickets can be conveniently picked up at the dock, up to one hour prior to boarding, on the day of the cruise. The credit card used for purchase and photo ID will be required.

Weather. Do you sail in inclement weather?
Absolutely. Our ships are fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail rain or shine year round.

Weddings Events. How much does a wedding event on the Spirit cost? It depends on the event (engagement party, shower, bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner, wedding & reception, post-wedding luncheon, etc.), the number of guests, the time of year and the package you choose. Our expert wedding planners will be happy to give you a cost proposal. Find out more or call 866.451.3866.