Norfolk’s waterfront dining scene shines brightest with its selection of buffet cruises. The standout Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise combines generous portions of hot entrees and fresh salads with harbor views and onboard entertainment. We love the Elizabeth River Sunday Brunch Cruise for its creative menu featuring summer berry and farro salad – perfect for a leisurely weekend meal. For a quieter experience, the Elizabeth River Candlelit Lunch Cruise offers quality food with informative narration. All these options deliver good value, combining scenic routes with satisfying meals. Check out our recommended cruise buffets below.
Key Points
- The Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a delectable buffet, live entertainment, and an accessible, wheelchair-friendly design for up to 200 guests.
- The Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise provides a scenic 2-hour cruise with a diverse buffet menu and complimentary mimosas.
- The Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise features a relaxed, candlelit setting with freshly prepared options and live entertainment.
- Guests should book tickets in advance due to high demand and be aware of the non-refundable cancellation policy.
- Some guests have reported issues with parking, so it’s recommended to plan accordingly when attending any of the buffet cruises.
Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise
Traversing the serene waters of Norfolk, the Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a delightful dining experience amidst stunning views. Priced from $88.59 per person, this cruise accommodates up to 200 travelers and boasts a wheelchair-accessible, stroller-friendly design.
Upon booking, guests can expect confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability.
The highlight of the cruise is the delicious dinner buffet, featuring freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included, and gratuities are part of the package.
Onboard entertainment includes DJ music, lounge access, and interactive games, creating an enjoyable ambiance with friendly staff.
While the majority of reviews praise the good food quality and excellent service, some guests have reported issues with parking, drink service, and communication with staff.
Read our full review: Norfolk: Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
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Norfolk: Buffet Dinner Cruise
The Norfolk Buffet Dinner Cruise invites guests to indulge in a delectable dining experience while taking in the scenic waterways of Norfolk.
This 2.5-hour cruise offers an attended buffet dinner with a diverse selection, including freshly prepared salads, complementary dishes, and entrees ranging from oven-roasted salmon to Caribbean jerk braised pork.
Passengers can enjoy the largest outdoor patio deck in the city, soak in the views of Navy vessels along the Elizabeth River, and groove to relaxing background music.
At $88.59 per person, the cruise provides good value, with customer reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars.
While some guests have expressed concerns about food temperature and dessert options, the overall dining experience, transportation, and guide service have been positively received.
Guests are encouraged to dress in slacks and polo or button-down shirts for men, and nice slacks, Capri pants, or sundresses for women.
With a non-refundable cancellation policy and the likelihood of selling out, interested parties are advised to book their tickets in advance.
Read our full review: Norfolk: Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
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Norfolk: Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise
A leisurely Sunday afternoon unfolds aboard the Elizabeth River Buffet Brunch Cruise, where passengers embark on a 2-hour journey along Norfolk’s scenic waterways. Priced at $78.53 per person, the cruise offers a delectable buffet featuring a wide array of freshly prepared dishes, from salads and sides to entrees like oven-roasted salmon and braised pork.
As the ship glides past the Atlantic Fleet, passengers can savor their meal while taking in the skyline views and enjoying DJ entertainment and live narration.
The buffet’s standout offerings include the summer berry and farro salad, Mexican elote-style corn, and baked peach berry crisp. Beverages include coffee, tea, and up to three complimentary mimosas, with cocktails, beer, and wine available for purchase.
With a 4.3/5 overall rating based on 34 reviews, the cruise delivers a well-rounded experience, with highlights being the crew’s friendliness and the value for money. Passengers are encouraged to explore the ship’s outdoor patio deck and relax while admiring Norfolk’s picturesque waterfront.
Read our full review: Norfolk: Elizabeth River Sunday Buffet Brunch Cruise Review
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Norfolk: Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise
Norfolk’s Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise offers a delightful midday excursion, immersing passengers in the city’s picturesque waterfront scenery.
This 2-hour cruise along the Elizabeth River showcases stunning views of the Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk’s historic skyline, and Navy vessels. The buffet lunch features a variety of freshly prepared options, including salads, sides, entrees, and desserts, all served in a relaxed, candlelit atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy live narration, DJ entertainment, and crew performances as they dine. The dress code is dressy-casual, and the cruise is wheelchair accessible.
While smoking is prohibited indoors, outdoor decks provide designated smoking areas. Groups of 15 or more are recommended to make a single reservation to ensure seamless seating arrangements.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 108 reviews, the Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise promises a memorable dining experience amidst Norfolk’s picturesque waterfront.
Read our full review: Norfolk: Elizabeth River Candlelit Buffet Lunch Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Buffet Cruises?
The dress code for buffet cruises is typically casual and comfortable. Passengers don’t need to dress up, but they should avoid extremely casual attire like swimwear or very short shorts. The focus is on enjoying the food and scenery.
Are the Buffet Cruises Family-Friendly?
Yes, the buffet cruises are generally family-friendly, with a casual atmosphere and a variety of food options to appeal to all ages. Many offer kid-friendly menu items and activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?
Most buffet cruises don’t allow passengers to bring their own alcoholic beverages. Doing so would violate the vessel’s policies and could result in penalties. It’s best to enjoy the cruise’s bar and beverage options during the event.
Do the Buffets Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Many buffets accommodate common dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut allergies. It’s best to check with the specific restaurant beforehand to ensure they can meet your needs.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Buffet Cruises?
The cancellation policy for buffet cruises typically allows for full refunds if guests cancel within a certain timeframe, usually 24-48 hours prior to the scheduled departure. Late cancellations may incur fees or forfeiture of the booking.
The Sum Up
Norfolk offers a variety of buffet experiences on the Elizabeth River. Cruises provide scenic views while diners enjoy a wide selection of dishes. Whether it’s a Sunday brunch, a candlelit lunch, or an evening dinner, these buffet cruises provide a unique and delightful way to dine in Norfolk.