For the health and safety of our passengers and crew we are requiring face coverings in our enclosed cabin areas unless eating or drinking. Face coverings are not required outside. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Services
The evening cruise is our most popular for adults, couples, groups of friends, and company outings (families and children are always welcome). Both fun and romantic, the sunset cruise is the perfect way to spend an evening. Explore the working harbor and stunning waterfront of Norfolk, then enjoy nature's spectacle as the sun goes down.
This daytime cruise is our most popular for children and families. Lend a hand setting the sails, take a turn at the helm, or simply sit back and enjoy the cruise as the captain points out the highlights of the Harbor: the Downtown Norfolk and Portsmouth skylines, Battleship Wisconsin, private shipyards, and more.
This daytime cruise is our most popular for children, families and tour groups. Lend a hand setting the sails, take a turn at the helm, or simply sit back and enjoy the sights as the Captain points out the highlights of the Norfolk Harbor and the Port of Virginia. The evening cruise is our most popular for adults, couples, groups of friends and company outings.
The American Rover is proud to partner with two of Hampton Roads Premiere Caterers - Cuisine Catering and Events and Gourmet Gang. Both companies offer a wide range of services from simple picnics to gourmet dinners. Chicken raised without antibiotics, diced celery, seedless grapes, almonds and special dressing with lettuce and vine-ripened tomatoes on sesame semolina bread.
Congratulations on your engagement. If you are looking for a memorable location for your upcoming event your ship has come in - The American Rover can accommodate up to 100 for your ceremony and reception. If you choose to have only reception on board we can accommodate up to 120 guests. In addition to providing a unique and elegant venue for your event, we offer a full line of bar options and professional DJ services.
Reviews (27)
Josue Casanova
Oct 24, 2021
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L. A.
Sep 28, 2021
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If you haven't already put this on your things to do list when visiting the area, book a trip now. This is an amazing sail boat cruise around the harbor at Norfolk. I did the sunset cruise, it's amazing and so relaxing. The boat is fantastic, the crew and captain are top notch. Cannot wait to do it again sometime.
D. Hunt
Sep 26, 2021
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Very comfortable boat under ideal conditions. Decent narration. The trip does not go very far. The sailing is mostly simulated, with the engine on and sails badly deployed. You will be sitting on loose chairs on a wide open deck with no shade. Sunsetting over huge cargo cranes on the dock is not that romantic. Odd how badly the captain did at docking. Took a 15 minute go around. Mediocre music.
Thomas Gardner
Sep 26, 2021
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Shane C.
Aug 15, 2021
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Very relaxing cruise aboard the American Rover. Some good music but the singer was better at some genres. He kept the group entertained. A dj would be fine also. It was a bit cloudy but we had beautiful views. The navigator provided a history lesson and information on the Elizabeth River area. I highly recommend this cruise. Take your spouse or partner for a romantic evening. Drinks and bar is available onboard.
K. Reynolds
Jul 15, 2021
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Nathan Rice
Jun 14, 2021
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I’ve done the afternoon cruise several times, and each ride has been great. The cruise is a calm ride down the Elizabeth River as the guide points our points of interest along the way. The guide is informative, but it does not overtake the cruise which leaves time for speaking with your friends on board. The crew is extremely friendly and helpful. They continually monitor the area taking up any trash and are always ready to answer any questions. (They even ask if you have any questions.) The deck has some shade and there is often a breeze, so even hot days are enjoyable. There is a lounge area
Kristina Broun Phillips
May 05, 2021
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Matthew Leon
Apr 29, 2021
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Ivey L.
Oct 30, 2020
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Really fun way to spend the evening. I enjoyed the tour of the harbor at the beginning, even as a local. The sunset views are beautiful, and the live music made for a great vibe as the evening was winding down. They have a bar (I enjoyed the Rover Rum Runner), a ship's with merch, and clean bathrooms. It was chilly on the night that we went, but we were able to go below decks and sit on a comfy couch to warm up. We went while they COVID restrictions were still in place and they did a good job of reducing the number of guests in order to keep it safe and not over crowded.
Cee B.
Sep 27, 2020
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Last night I was treated to the evening sunset cruise aboard the Rover. AND it was a TREAT! Right out of the gate, we got to see a pod of dolphins. I was super stoked on this- I work in Dominion Tower and have been bummed that I haven't seen any in the river this year. Needless to say, the trip started on a high point... and there it remained. Another surprise treat- being able to see my home from the cruise!!! Although the sky was a bit cloudy, the sunset views were still stunning. The Captain was very informative in pointing out the diverse sights and shared some cool historical facts
Michaela S.
Jul 23, 2019
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We had an excellent experience on the Rover this past weekend! We attended the Moonlight Party Cruise -- for $15 each, we were able to climb on board and enjoy the beautiful full moon and scenic views as we sailed around the bay. They had a bar available that served decent wine, the staff was super friendly and attentive throughout, and they had a DJ on board to provide some upbeat party music. The entire experience was a ton a fun and I'd definitely repeat it in the future!
Ryan K.
Jul 02, 2019
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Not what I expected, but a good date night option!
I had never been on a sailing ship before and after visiting the American Rover during the recent annual Norfolk Harbor Fest. the wife and I thought we would have a date night with sailing.
Upon arriving to the boat it was a very relaxing atmosphere and the crew were attentive to our needs. They had soft music playing as we were preparing to get underway. The captain explained the different types of sails and staysails. Pulling away from the dock to the Captain explained a couple of ship features and key points that were pointed out around
I had never been on a sailing ship before and after visiting the American Rover during the recent annual Norfolk Harbor Fest. the wife and I thought we would have a date night with sailing.
Upon arriving to the boat it was a very relaxing atmosphere and the crew were attentive to our needs. They had soft music playing as we were preparing to get underway. The captain explained the different types of sails and staysails. Pulling away from the dock to the Captain explained a couple of ship features and key points that were pointed out around
Bonnie P.
May 31, 2019
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The Window Man
Jan 07, 2019
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Pravash M.
Nov 30, 2018
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"A 3 hour tour, a 3 hour tour!" But seriously, it's the perfect pass-time on the Elizabeth River with scenic views of Norfolk and Portsmouth amid chill tunes, attentive staff and good food/drink. It's great for locals and visitors alike; I go as part of an annually recurring corporate team building event but it's equally suited for singles, couples, families, friends and anyone that wants to earn sea legs for 2-3 hours.
Smaller group attendees should check out Groupon or the Rover website for specials/deals. From the event standpoint, they're fairly easy to deal
Smaller group attendees should check out Groupon or the Rover website for specials/deals. From the event standpoint, they're fairly easy to deal
Shanna B.
Aug 26, 2018
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So it was nice to cruise Portsmouth and the Elizabeth river, see the vessels in port and get some info about the port. I won't recommend this to anyone mainly because on the second half of the trip on the way back we were forced to listen to some guy playing a guitar and singing John Denver and jimmy buffet songs the whole way back. With no indication anywhere that I'd be forced to listen to bad cover tunes.
Considering this was a reproduction of a schooner and the history of the area, I was a bit irritated to have to listen to that music loudly for literally half the trip when all I
Considering this was a reproduction of a schooner and the history of the area, I was a bit irritated to have to listen to that music loudly for literally half the trip when all I
Chris M.
Jun 22, 2018
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We came here for a company event. Luckily, we had sunny, warm weather that day, although if you weren't in the shade, the heat was brutal. About 50 of us were in our group, and because we didn't reserve the entire ship, we shared it with other paying guests as well. The ship is a pretty nice size, and can accommodate up to 129 guests.
Our 2-hour cruise departed at Waterside and we sailed through the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. The captain of the ship did a great job narrating the cruise and going over the history of different landmarks as we passed by. The staff of the
Our 2-hour cruise departed at Waterside and we sailed through the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor. The captain of the ship did a great job narrating the cruise and going over the history of different landmarks as we passed by. The staff of the
Star M.
Jun 18, 2018
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Me and my fiancé bought a Groupon for two for the sunset cruise for $30 total. It was a lovely cruise with the captain giving local tourist information about the area. The music was nice by a guy singing and playing a guitar. They don't sell food, just chips and candy bars. They do have a great bar and bartender! This is a must do for a nice sail boat experience.
Rachael P.
Feb 02, 2018
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Went aboard this boat for a company party and it was great! They gave us an open bar option and small finger foods! The staff is very friendly although it was a bit windy we did not get to sail considering it's a small sailboat not a big boat like the Spirit Of Norfolk if you're looking to throw a small event or a company event this is your place
Jordan L.
Aug 10, 2017
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Honestly.... It was one of the most boring experiences I have ever had. It was very relaxing, breezy, and the water/scenery was beautiful... BUT they talked for the first thirty minutes and then stopped doing the "tour" for the rest of the hour and a half we had left. The music was good.. Something anyone of any age would enjoy. I just honestly think that for the price, it wasn't a great tour. Yes I do live in Norfolk, but my mother was with me and she is from out of town and she as well felt that it was extremely boring.
Ages of people in this review (25 and 50).
Ages of people in this review (25 and 50).
Pete W.
Jul 23, 2017
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Went on their Sunset cruise tonight. Was an excellent experience. Initially, I had booked a Thursday afternoon trip, but it was canceled. I was a bit disappointed, but they offered to set us up for the evening cruise for Saturday at no extra charge. From the outset, it was great customer service.
In regards to the trip, the crew was friendly and kept the place clean while performing their other duties. The captain gave great info about the local area and it was just a wonderful experience for my family. After the first hour, a musician started playing a variety of songs and he sounded really good
In regards to the trip, the crew was friendly and kept the place clean while performing their other duties. The captain gave great info about the local area and it was just a wonderful experience for my family. After the first hour, a musician started playing a variety of songs and he sounded really good
Elizabeth Aaron W.
May 28, 2017
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"Sailing unties the knots in my mind" Al Noble
This is actually a very sentimental post for me... My very dear friend and precious neighbor celebrated her 70th birthday on the A.R. last year. Her sweet son and daughter surprised her with family and friends for what I am considering a beautiful/priceless event. Sadly she passed away and few months ago now and this was one of the greatest memories she could have experienced. I highly recommend booking a tour with a group or holding an event here for a unique experience. Remember life is short and to make the most out of every experience
This is actually a very sentimental post for me... My very dear friend and precious neighbor celebrated her 70th birthday on the A.R. last year. Her sweet son and daughter surprised her with family and friends for what I am considering a beautiful/priceless event. Sadly she passed away and few months ago now and this was one of the greatest memories she could have experienced. I highly recommend booking a tour with a group or holding an event here for a unique experience. Remember life is short and to make the most out of every experience
Andrew S.
May 25, 2017
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Shauna P.
Jul 16, 2016
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Xerxes N.
Sep 18, 2015
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Totally awesome time tonight. We took a group of 22-24 and everyone had a beautiful time.
The best views of Norfolk and Portsmouth come from smack dab in the middle of the Elizabeth River, on a boat, on the American Rover. The ride was smooth, the staff worked endlessly to ensure trash was out of the way, and they were moving around efficiently to get the boat moved around with all the sails.
We paid around $40 per person and it included the boat ride that went as far as Lambert's Point golf course, sample beers for the first hour, and dinner provided by Beach Bully (pretty good BTW). They
The best views of Norfolk and Portsmouth come from smack dab in the middle of the Elizabeth River, on a boat, on the American Rover. The ride was smooth, the staff worked endlessly to ensure trash was out of the way, and they were moving around efficiently to get the boat moved around with all the sails.
We paid around $40 per person and it included the boat ride that went as far as Lambert's Point golf course, sample beers for the first hour, and dinner provided by Beach Bully (pretty good BTW). They
Paul M.
Aug 06, 2015
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American Rover - Norfolk, CT - 8/5/2015
This is my third time back. My company charters a 3 hour boat roar around the harbor. The boat is absolutely beautifully appointed with varnished wood and polished brass... There is a small bar in the front of the boat and comfortable seating/serving area in the rear.
They do catering for events with a varied menu... The food was warm, well presented and delicious... The Philipino Lumpias were to die for! A slender version of the Indonesian ones I grew up with but probably one of the best commercially available ones I have had... Some of the other offerings
This is my third time back. My company charters a 3 hour boat roar around the harbor. The boat is absolutely beautifully appointed with varnished wood and polished brass... There is a small bar in the front of the boat and comfortable seating/serving area in the rear.
They do catering for events with a varied menu... The food was warm, well presented and delicious... The Philipino Lumpias were to die for! A slender version of the Indonesian ones I grew up with but probably one of the best commercially available ones I have had... Some of the other offerings
