Norfolk Cruises 2022/2023

Norfolk Travel Guide

Norfolk Cruises Things To Do

• 
  See animals at the Virginia Zoo

  The Virginia Zoo covers 53 acres of land and is located right near Norfolk's Lafayette Park. It opened back in 1900 and is home to over 350 animals. It's one of the best places to spend a day while visiting Norfolk! There is a multitude of different exhibits inside the zoo. Some of the most popular ones include Asia: Trail of the Tiger, Animal Wellness Campus, Africa: Okavango Delta, and Run Wild! Nature Discovery Zone. Many shows take place across the zoo to provide animal education to visitors.

  You Should Know

  Want to get more involved with the animals? Sign up to spend your day as a zoo volunteer!
• 
  Check out the Nauticus Museum

  The Nauticus Museum is based all on ships. It was first founded in 1988 and is referred to as the National Maritime Center by many people. It's filled with quite a few exhibits, all dating back to the early 20th century to today. In addition to ships, there are also a lot of exhibits dedicated to ocean animals. Some of these animals include sharks, crabs, and more. In these animal exhibits, visitors can even touch the animals with some of the workers' help!

  You Should Know

  The Nauticus is always closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which is something to consider when planning your trip. Be sure to visit the U.S.S. Wisconsin.
• 
  See art at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens

  The Hermitage Museum and Gardens is a beautiful art museum in Norfolk frequented by both tourists and locals alike. The building itself dates back to the early 20th century and was built by two New York natives named William and Florence Sloane. They loved art and became collectors, so in 1937, this officially became an art museum. Multiple exhibits cycle through the museum throughout the year, so if you were to visit twice within 12 months, you'd most likely see different types of art. Some famous past exhibits here include Conversations: Contemporary Asian Art, Stickwork, and The Art of Burning Man.

  You Should Know

  Often, Google Maps or the maps app on a cell phone brings visitors to a different location, even though it may say that the final destination is the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. Because of that, refer to the address located on their website for accuracy.
• 
  Stroll through the Norfolk Botanical Garden

  The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a gorgeous outdoor green space in Norfolk that was built back in 1938. There are more than 60 different gardens throughout, so you honestly could spend a long while here searching through all of the beautiful plants and flowers. In addition to the garden, there are also multiple events held here throughout the year. There's even a gift shop, and a cafe, plus, the Norfolk Botanical Garden has become a popular spot for locals to hold their weddings in the Norfolk area. For a fun experience, consider booking a tour of the gardens!

  You Should Know

  There is a small fee to go into the garden, but it's worth it. Toddlers under the age of 2 are free.
• 
  Relax at Ocean View Beach

  Ocean View Beach is a 7-mile long coastal area in Norfolk that's perfect for relaxing. The beach is free to visit and offers fantastic views of the water. This is also an excellent spot for boating, fishing, and swimming, no matter the time of year. There are also many beautiful places to eat right along the water, including Captain Groovy's, Ocean View Pier Restaurant, Bold Mariner, and Jessy's Tienda and Taqueria. Head over to the Ocean View Golf Course if you aren't into swimming or relaxing but love to be by the water!

  You Should Know

  Ocean View Beach is known to be one of the busiest areas of Norfolk. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning.
• 
  Learn at the Children’s Museum of Virginia

  The Children's Museum of Virginia is a vast museum dedicated to exhibits to educate younger children. It first opened in 1980 and is most well-known for holding a giant planetarium that you'll want to see! The museum is filled with exhibits that help children learn about history and adult life. For instance, there are exhibits focused on banking and shopping and exhibits about wellness, libraries, and firefighters.

  You Should Know

  The Children's Museum is always closed on Mondays, and there are shortened hours on Sundays. Outside food and drinks aren't allowed inside, but there is a restaurant cafe on ste.
• 
  Drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

  The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel goes on for 17.6 miles and connects Norfolk to Kiptopeke. Though there is a toll to go through, this is one of the most exciting bridge-tunnels in all of North America. It's considered a true marvel of engineering and cuts the time traveling between Delaware and Virginia by just under 100 miles. It first opened back in 1964 and has had over 140 million different travelers to date. What better way to travel than by going under part of the Atlantic Ocean?

  You Should Know

  Because of this landmark's nature, the best (and safest) way to explore it is by car.
• 
  Walk through Town Point Park

  Town Point Park is a vast 7-acre park located right on the coast of Norfolk. It's known for being home to many of the town's best concerts, festivals, and city-wide gatherings. Some of the most popular events that it hosts include the 4th of July Celebration, Norfolk Harborfrest, and the Bayou Boogaloo. There are many spots throughout the park to sit and relax, including benches perfect for summer picnics. Also, there are a few walking trails that go right along the coast, allowing you to get some of the best views of the water.

  You Should Know

  Because this landmark is right on the water, you'll want to pack extra layers. It can get a bit cooler here, depending on the time of day!
• 
  Take a quick trip to Busch Gardens

  Busch Gardens is one of the best theme parks in North America, and it's only a short day trip away from Norfolk. Why not take advantage of the location and take a visit? If you do, plan on spending at least a half-day here to take in all of the sights and the fun rides.   Busch Gardens first opened in 1975 and covers 383 acres. It's owned by SeaWorld and is filled with tons of fun rides, attractions, and performances that are truly fun for all ages. If you're lucky enough to be visiting during the fall, be sure to stop by for Halloween Harvest, a fun, seasonal event held at Busch Gardens.

  You Should Know

  Because Busch Gardens is so famous, it gets hectic. However, it gets busier on the weekends, so try to visit during the week to avoid crowds if you can.

Norfolk Cruise Packages

• Spring and Fall - October to November and March to April - Shoulder Season

  During the spring and fall, there aren't a whole lot of crowds like you'd experience if you were to visit during the summer. This is good news! The weather is also divine. Norfolk has high temperatures of 64°F during the spring, while the fall has high temperatures of 75°F.

• Summer - May to September - High Season

  The summer months are the busiest time to visit Norfolk because the weather is a lot warmer. The average high temperature is approximately 86°F. Because so many people visit at this time, the prices are at their highest. You can also expect wait times for popular attractions (such as Busch Gardens) to be a lot longer.

• Winter - December to February - Low Season

  The least amount of people visit during the winter, so prices for accommodations tend to be at their lowest during this time of year in Norfolk. However, some tourist attractions will have shortened hours during this time. The average high temperature in the winter is 51°F.

Norfolk Cruises Frequently Asked Questions

• What are Norfolk cruises?

  If you're the kind of traveler who loves not having to worry about how to get from point A to point B, then you're sure to love going on a Norfolk cruise. These cruises are perfect for people who love to sit back, relax, and travel every once in a while. They're also super convenient because you'll be able to travel with all of your belongings right in your room, and you won't have to worry about lugging it from place to place!

• What’s included on a Norfolk cruise?

  Though every Norfolk cruise is different, you'll find that they mostly include accommodation and onboard dining. Of course, the room types and dining options vary from cruise to cruise. You'll also have access to lots of fun entertainment options, ranging from casinos to libraries and fitness centers. Also, you will have amenities in your room, including a television, phone, and hairdryer. A front desk receptionist will be available 24/7 in addition to babysitting care if you happen to need it during your Norfolk cruise.

• What’s the best Norfolk cruise?

  Because every cruise is so different, there isn't a cruise that is truly better than another. How long would you like to travel? Are there specific stops that you'd like to have along the way? What's your budget? These are all important things to ask yourself while narrowing down your search to find your personal best Norfolk cruise.   If you find that you're struggling with the search, no need to worry! Just reach out to one of our cruise ship experts. They'd love to help you find your dream cruise so that you can have the best vacation of your life.

• How much do Norfolk cruises cost?

  Norfolk cruises vary from cruise line to cruise line, so there isn't a flat fee across the board. You'll find that some cruises cost as little as $90 a day while others cost upwards of $250 per day. It truly depends, so that's why doing your research is so important. However, if you book through Affordable Tours, then you'll be saving up to 75% off the advertised price for these cruises elsewhere. We often have promotions running on some of our cruises as well!