- 2 hours Duration 2 hours
- Varies Tour time(s) Varies
See the sights on this daytime cruise, our most popular for children and families! You can lend a hand setting the sails, take a turn at the helm, or simply sit back and enjoy the cruise…
American Rover Sailing Cruises
Norfolk Boat Tours & Private Events setting Sail from Downtown Norfolk
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- Most Popular
- 2 hours Duration 2 hours
- Varies Tour time(s) Varies
Set sail on this fun and romantic evening cruise! The Sunset Cruise is the perfect way for adults, couples, groups of friends, and colleagues on a company outing to spend an evening.
- 2 hours Duration 2 hours
- 3 p.m. Tour time(s) 3 p.m.
- June 21 Date June 21
Join us for Father’s day on a two-hour cruise aboard the American Rover in Downtown Norfolk! Sail the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor while enjoying music from our ship’s musician with…
- 1.5 hours Duration 1.5 hours
- 11 a.m. Tour time(s) 11 a.m.
- Thursdays Date Thursdays
Get on board for a fun and educational experience for the whole family. You have the chance to set the sails, steer the ship, and see everything that goes into sailing a ship.
- 2.5 hours Duration 2.5 hours
- 7:30 p.m. Tour time(s) 7:30 p.m.
- June 6 Date June 6
Celebrate Norfolk Harborfest with amazing fireworks! Experience the Downtown Norfolk fireworks from the best vantage point in town!
- 3 hours Duration 3 hours
- 9:30 a.m. Tour time(s) 9:30 a.m.
- June 5 Date June 5
Join us aboard the American Rover for the annual Harborfest Parade of Sail. Tour the harbor, and then join in with the Parade of Sail as it returns to Town Point Park!
- 2.5 hours Duration 2.5 hours
- 7:30 p.m. Tour time(s) 7:30 p.m.
- July 4 Date July 4
Celebrate Fourth of July by experiencing the Downtown Norfolk fireworks from the best vantage point of all! Enjoy a tour of the Inner Harbor and see the incredible fireworks show!
- 2 hours Duration 2 hours
- 11:30 a.m. Tour time(s) 11:30 a.m.
- May 10 Date May 10
This Mother’s Day enjoy a cruise abroad the elegant Sailing Ship American Rover! Cruise the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and enjoy a delicious brunch!
Sail on the Elizabeth River and the Port of Virginia
Set sail with the friendly and experienced crew of this 125-passenger sailing schooner. We offer daytime and sunset Norfolk Harbor cruises under sail on the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and the Port of Virginia. Help hoist the sails, take a turn at the helm, or just relax as the captain points out the sights of the historic Norfolk Harbor. Sunset cruises feature live entertainment.
This elegant ship with her distinctive red sails is Coast Guard inspected for safety. Comfortable seating is available on the shaded upper deck and in our air-conditioned below-deck area with ship store, bar, and restrooms. Our sails have been popular for families, weddings, field trips, group outings, and company parties since 1986. Cruises depart from the Waterside Marina in Downtown Norfolk. Come aboard and sail with us!
Set Sail with Our Friendly and Experienced Crew in Norfolk, VA
Sunset Cruise
I imagine a lot depends on how the weather is, but we lucked out. It was calm (didn't help the sailing portion I suppose), and the skies were clear. Not too hot either. We got to experience a perfect sunset, and even got a bonus moonrise out of the deal! The ship's Captain was great and explained everything as we were sailing. As it got to sunset time, a musician entertained the ship by walking around and taking requests. It was fun all around and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
– Jerry H. | TripAdvisor
Awesome sunset cruise!!
I have been on this cruise four times now. It is great! The crew is friendly and knowledgeable. The boat is extremely clean and very comfortable. There are two very clean bathrooms onboard. They sell adult drinks, sodas, and snacks. Also, there is a musician that walks around singing and playing the guitar. He plays fun sing-along songs by a variety of artists. This cruise is my favorite thing to do in Norfolk!!! I will be back for a fifth time later this summer!!
– Footprints790053 | TripAdvisor
American Rover sunset Cruise
This was probably a highlight for me, I absolutely loved it and told my husband I couldn’t wait to go again. The captain gave a wonderful tour and for couples wanting to experience a romantic evening, this is very romantic, watching the sunset was just beautiful. I highly recommend it, you won't be sorry!
– Kathy J. | TripAdvisor
Great Experience
This was a great way to entertain the family. We enjoyed drinks, musician and the narrative from the captain. The night was warm with a slight breeze and the sunset even cooperated. It was a peaceful and relaxing time.
– Cindy S. | TripAdvisor
Perfect experience!
This was a perfect activity for a beautiful day! The crew was very friendly and the Captain gave a narrative of what we were seeing. It was really impressive to see them set the sails. A great way to see the harbor!
– Roving38084130475 | TripAdvisor
Beautiful
Perfect, affordable outing for my family! 2 of our teenagers was away for the weekend which left us with our 10 & 2-year-olds! So peaceful and relaxing for ALL!
– Passport66808411736 | TripAdvisor
Great sail on the river
Would highly recommend, great commentary, friendly staff, bar and snacks available and length is just right
– Aramoana | TripAdvisor