'Spirit of Norfolk' lives on as 'The Spirit' relaunches: Take a trip

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• City Cruises – Norfolk
• months since Richneck shooting, safety upgrades …
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• Newsfeed Now: Facebook whistleblower testifies before …
• Best She-Crab Soup in Hampton Roads
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More than 100 people were on board when it broke out in June. NORFOLK, Va. – City Cruises Norfolk is making a comeback. The company is kicking off its 45th season with a relaunch of sorts for a tourist boat that’s now being called The Spirit.

City Cruises – Norfolk

Each table is taken to the buffet individually so there was no mad rush to get to the food. City Cruises Norfolk had paused operations since the Spirit of Norfolk caught fire back in June. The iconic vessel was considered a total loss after the fire.

Norfolk Cruise Boat Carrying 89 Schoolchildren Catches Fire - Chesapeake Bay Magazine

Norfolk Cruise Boat Carrying 89 Schoolchildren Catches Fire.

Posted: Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

months since Richneck shooting, safety upgrades …

The Victory Rover makes 2-hour narrated cruises past Naval Station Norfolk. See aircraft carriers and all of the other ships that form the world's most powerful fleet. Air-conditioned enclosed deck, open-air upper deck, and snack bar. Officials with Naval Station Norfolk also provided a statement after Tuesday's fire. No matter what you are looking for, the Spirit of Norfolk is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Go on the river cruise line’s website to learn more about the different types of cruises they offer or simply come aboard today to see for yourself just how much fun Virginia and Norfolk can be.

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City Cruises said events on the Mount Vernon are booked through the end of the year. Some of those booked events had been postponed after the fire aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. The Norfolk fire battalion chief told News 3 firefighters put foam on the fire because it extinguishes flames more efficiently in situations like this. She said accessibility was the main challenge because the fire was in the interior of the ship. The Chesapeake Fire Department provided assistance with their foam trailer. Naval Station Norfolk Port Operations tug boats and the Naval Station Norfolk Fire and Emergency Service, along with several nearby ships, aided with firefighting efforts.

The American Rover's design was inspired by 19th century schooners, but it has all the modern amenities. Russell says his team brought supplies and repair work over from a vessel on the west coast to expedite the repairs on the Mount Vernon. He says the cruise ship has new carpets, ceiling tiles, bars, and glassware for people to come aboard and enjoy. “I noticed that there was a weird distinct smell - like an electrical fire-type smell. [I] thought it was a little odd but didn’t think much of it... We’re out on the water; there’s Navy ships around, and then [we] started seeing a little bit of smoke.

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There are other themed cruises such as the Silver Series, which hosts bingo, trivia, and even a jitterbug contest. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The Spirit of Mount Vernon has been operating since its inaugural sailing in Norfolk on August 12, 2022. City Cruises Norfolk said they’re all about making new memories for new and old passengers like Bill Calvert.

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The Spirit of Mount Vernon, which used to be in the Washington, D.C. Area, has a similar size and configuration to the Spirit of Norfolk, with three decks and a capacity of 500 people. City Cruises Norfolk’s other vessel, the Freedom Elite, holds 80 guests. MV Spirit of Norfolk was an American passenger ship which operated as a tour boat out of Norfolk, Virginia, until destroyed by fire in June 2022. Leaders with City Cruises say they quickly refurbished the boat to get it down to us for special events.

News 3 has learned that two elementary school classes - a kindergarten class and a fifth grade class - were on the ship. We spoke with a class chaperone about the scary situation. Then in 2020, the Spirit of Norfolk was forced to anchor for months when the entire tourism industry was rocked by stay-at-home orders during the pandemic. Financial trouble forced the Spirit to shut it down temporarily in 1981, before resurfacing with a new name. "The New Spirit," as it was called at the time, has been operating out of Otter Berth in downtown Norfolk ever since.

According to Scott Smith with the Hornblower Group, it's "more than likely" that the Spirit of Norfolk will be a total loss. Officials said during a Thursday press conference that once the ship is dewatered, the contaminated water will be properly discharged at a recycling facility. Two crew members remained on the vessel while it was towed to the pier, where they were then evacuated. The Victory Rover rescued approximately 110 personnel/passengers and headed to Town Point Park.

From historical wonders to lunch cruises, you will find something that will delight you and your loved ones. The Spirit of Norfolk cruise ship is as romantic a vacation as you can find in the area. Imagine enjoying a cocktail cruise or a moonlight cruise, all the while having dinner for two! Nothing says romance like watching the twinkling city lights while aboard a romantic river cruise. The Spirit of Norfolk offers dinner cruises year round from downtown. Step aboard the Spirit of Norfolk and come alive for an afternoon or evening of all out fun on the Elizabeth River.

Whether you're looking for a brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise, the Spirit of Norfolk has it all. Each cruise offers delicious food, wonderful sightseeing views, and a lively atmosphere. The Norfolk cruises are an astounding selection for a romantic night out, a celebratory outing, or a weekend getaway. Choose the cruise that best fits what you're looking for, perfectly suited for a Williamsburg, VA vacation! There are so many wonderful and breath taking things to see and do in the Williamsburg area.

Don't have the time or money for a full-blown Norfolk harbor cruise? Hop on the Elizabeth River Ferry for a quick trip to Portsmouth! The paddlewheel ferry is fast, cheap and offers a panoramic harbor view.

The staff was cut in half, and no cruises were going out, but 2021 signaled the beginning of a rebound. When you think about a city with a cool waterfront, you can’t help but think about Norfolk, Virginia. It’s got just about everything you need on the water and more. Even though the boat has changed, the safety protocols will not. That’s because City Cruises officials say what they’re doing is working, adding that they’ll continue to follow up with inspections and mandated regulations. Jolene Price-Thompson, the GM of City Cruises Norfolk, said all safety protocols were followed that day and everything on the ship was up to code.

Are you searching for a romantic night in Virginia Beach? Or are you just looking for something fun to do while vacationing here? Then you may want to consider taking a trip on the Spirit of Norfolk. This is a fun and romantic cruise that will give you a night to remember for years to come. In August, two months after the fire, the Spirit of Mount Vernon came to waterside complete with a makeover. From new decks; carpeting; bars; tables and dance floors, the ship was completely redone.

Spirit of Mount Vernon takes over Spirit of Norfolk's duties - 13newsnow.com WVEC

Spirit of Mount Vernon takes over Spirit of Norfolk's duties.

Posted: Thu, 11 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

They are day cruises out of the city right next to Norfolk. The Spirit of Mount Vernon officially sets sail on Friday with the first round of guests. Russell says all of the workers and crew members originally on the Spirit of Norfolk will be on this vessel as well, and will be thoroughly trained in safety measures as they have been in the past. While he says the loss of the Spirit of Norfolk felt devastating, he's hoping this vessel can create the same experience.