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Norfolk Visitor > Norfolk Naval Base

Naval Station Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia, is the proud home of the largest naval base in the world. No matter what your reason is for visiting Norfolk, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to tour Naval Station Norfolk .

Naval Station Norfolk's mission is to support and improve the personnel and logistics readiness of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. The Norfolk naval base provides seaport, airport, and squadron facilities, quality of life, and personnel management services.

Don't miss the tours of the Naval Base . The 45-minute tour departs from the Naval Tour and Information Center located at 9079 Hampton Blvd, next to Gate 5. Bus tours conducted by Navy personnel ride past aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, amphibious assault ships and the busy airfield. The tour also drives by historic homes from the 1907 Jamestown Exposition. There is a charge for the tour. A picture ID is required for all adults.

Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest Naval Station, occupies about 4,300 acres on a peninsula known as Sewells Point. Port facilities extend more than four miles along the waterfront and include some seven miles of pier and wharf space.

75 ships and 134 aircraft are home-ported here, and when they are not at sea they're along side one of the 13 piers or inside one of the 11 aircraft hangars for repair, refit, training and to provide the ship's or squadron's crew an opportunity to be with their families. Naval Station Norfolk is homeport to aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, large amphibious ships, submarines, supply ships, airplanes and helicopters.

Air Operations conducts over 100,000 flight operations each year, an average of 275 flights per day or one every six minutes. Over 150,000 passengers and 264,000 tons of mail and cargo depart annually on Air Mobility Command aircraft and other chartered flights from the NSN airfield. It is the hub for Navy logistics going to the European and Central Command theaters of operations, and to the Caribbean.

The land on which Naval Station is located was originally the site of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition , a mammoth 300th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in America in 1607. 21 states constructed buildings that celebrated their history and industry. Pennsylvania House, a 2/3rds replica of Independence Hall, is one of several state houses that are still standing at the Naval Station.

During the Jamestown Exposition, high-ranking naval officers agreed that this site was ideal for naval activity. After the United States entered World War I in April 1917, the Secretary of the Navy was persuaded to buy the property.

Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise

The Victory Rover makes 2-hour narrated cruises past Naval Station Norfolk. It departs from Nauticus on the downtown waterfront. Enjoy a fascinating and entertaining commentary along the way aboard this Navy-themed vessel. See aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and all of the other ships that form the world's most powerful fleet. On board, guests will enjoy plenty of comfortable seating, clean restrooms, air-conditioned enclosed deck, open-air upper deck, snack bar and souvenir shop.

Reservations are available. Bring a camera and binoculars.

Hampton Roads Naval Museum at Nauticus & the Battleship Wisconsin

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum presents 225 years of naval history in the Hampton Roads region. The museum is also responsible for the historic interpretation and day-to-day operations of the Battleship Wisconsin.

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the entrance to the Battleship Wisconsin are located on the second floor of Nauticus : The National Maritime Center in downtown Norfolk (at One Waterside Drive). There is no on-site parking, but there are several city operated parking garages within walking distance.

Visit the Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64) in Norfolk, Virginia

As you look at a battleship, you immediately sense its power. Huge guns, a sleek profile and a superstructure bristling with equipment signal that this ship means business. Battleships dominated the seas from World War I to World War II and served with distinction in the US Navy all the way through Operation Desert Storm. USS Wisconsin (BB 64), the third of four Iowa-class battleships to be built, now rests in honorable deactivated status in Norfolk, Virginia , as part of the Nauticus ​museum complex.

History of the Battleship USS Wisconsin

The battleship USS Wisconsin was commissioned in 1944, three years after her keel was laid in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . USS Wisconsin supported operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II , earning five battle stars. The battleship was decommissioned in 1948. "Wisky" was brought back to life in 1951 to serve in the Korean War , earning another battle star during that conflict. Decommissioned in 1958, USS Wisconsin spent almost 30 years in mothballs before being refitted and recommissioned in 1988. USS Wisconsin served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, maintaining a significant presence in the Persian Gulf, providing critical support to the forces dedicated to liberating Kuwait and earning a Navy Unit Commendation. The mighty battleship proved too expensive to maintain in the face of post-Gulf War budget cuts, and USS Wisconsin was decommissioned once again in 1991.

After spending several years in the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, the battleship moved to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1996 and to Nauticus shortly thereafter, thanks in large part to the veterans who served on board and the people who developed the concept of a world-class maritime museum in Norfolk. "Wisky" is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned and operated by the city of Norfolk, Virginia. 

Touring the Battleship USS Wisconsin at Nauticus

To see the battleship, you'll need to head to Nauticus on Waterside Drive in Norfolk, Virginia. This maritime museum includes hands-on exhibits covering the period from the late 1800's to the present day. You can design a ship, help uncover the remains of the Civil War-era USS Monitor with a robot arm and get acquainted with the sea creatures of the Hampton Roads area. Special exhibits focusing on maritime themes and battleships add to the Nauticus experience.

You can take a self-guided tour of two levels of the ship, including the main deck, officers' wardroom, galley, mess deck, chapel and sailors' berthing. Docents are available to answer any questions you might have about the battleship.

If you want to see the ship's bridges, the Captain's stateroom, Admiral's stateroom and Combat Engagement Center, you will need to buy a Gold ticket, which includes a guided tour of these spaces. Your tour will take you up and down ladders (narrow metal stairways) and into cramped areas of the ship; there is no elevator. If you are physically able to take this tour, you will find it quite interesting, as you will be seeing the places where combat decisions were made during the heat of battle.

Special guided tours, which cost extra, are offered three times daily. One of these tours takes you to the spaces included in the Gold ticket. The other takes you to the engine room.

USS Wisconsin's massive superstructure and 16-inch guns, which fired shells weighing 2,700 pounds each, dominate the main deck. The gun turrets could rotate so that all nine guns could fire a full broadside, with a range of up to 23 nautical miles.

As you stand on this meticulously-maintained teak deck, you'll begin to realize that this 887-foot ship was home to nearly two thousand sailors, all trained to work together to achieve a common goal. Sometimes away from home for months at a time, the sailors had "steel beach picnics" on the main deck's helicopter landing area, competed in athletic contests against other ships' crews and drilled, prepared and practiced for engagement with hostile forces. Today, officers and sailors who served aboard Wisky hold reunions in Norfolk every two years so they can share memories, swap sea stories and see their beloved battleship once again.

Tips for Visiting Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin

• Limited handicapped parking is available; call ahead for information. All other visitors will need to park in one of the public (pay) garages near the Nauticus complex. Tip: If a cruise ship is in port, no handicapped parking will be available.
• The museum is wheelchair-accessible, as is the main deck of USS Wisconsin. There are two elevators with second and third floor access.
• The Ship Experience Access Room (SEAR) was developed for visitors that want to experience the Battleship, but are unable to physically take the tour.
• The museum has a few wheelchairs available for visitor use on a first-come, first-served basis. Assisted listening devices are also available.
• Nauticus' Dockside Café serves burgers, sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads and Caribbean bowls. It is temporarily closed for renovations.
• The museum's Banana Pier Gift Shop sells souvenirs, books, apparel, toys and more.

Nauticus Address and Contact Information

One Waterside Drive

Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 664-1000

Nauticus' Battleship Wisconsin Website

Nauticus is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours may be limited on other holidays. Call the museum for more information.

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NEXT PUBLIC SAILS ARE SATURDAY, MAY 18 AT 3PM AND 6:30PM- SEE YOU ON BOARD!!

American Rover Sailing Cruises

Sunset cruises, norfolk harbor tours, & private boat charters in norfolk, virginia, setting sail from downtown norfolk since 1986.

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• Hour Glass 2 hours

Two-Hour Norfolk Harbor Cruise

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 as the captain points out the highlights of the harbor!

Two-Hour Sunset 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.

Sail the Elizabeth River & the Port of Virginia

Set sail with the friendly and experienced crew of this 120-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 on this historic Norfolk Harbor tour. 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 and charter boats in Virginia 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!

Read Reviews of Our Incredible Crew & Boat Tours in Norfolk, VA

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.

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!!

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!

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.

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!

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!

Would highly recommend, great commentary, friendly staff, bar and snacks available and length is just right

Check out our other cruise options in Norfolk and Virginia Beach!

Atlantic explorer whale & dolphin watching, victory rover naval base cruises, atlantic scout dolphin watching, naval station bus tours.

Sail Yorktown

Yorktown's sailing tours: yorktown, va, explore yorktown's sailing charters.

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• Sailboat Schooner Alliance II
• Hour Glass 1 hour and 30 minutes
• User All ages

Schooner Alliance II: Yorktown Sightseeing Day Sail

Enjoy a daytime cruise aboard the Tall Ship Alliance II on the York River from the Riverwalk Landing Pier. Immerse yourself in 300 years of history and enjoy the village streets and paths overlooking the York River before you board the ship. Book online!

• Hour Glass 2 hours

Schooner Alliance II: Yorktown Scenic Sunset Sail

Take a scenic sunset cruise aboard the Tall Ship Alliance II on the York River from the Riverwalk Landing Pier. Come aboard and enjoy the evening views of the York River while enjoying a beverage from our ships’ galley.

Yorktown Pirate Ship Adventure Sail

Bring the kids to Captain Mayhem’s School of Piracy and watch them set the sails, steer the schooner, and learn sailor skills! This sail is our kid-friendly cruise, recommended for kids 10 and under. Older kids may prefer Sightseeing Day sail.

July 4th Fireworks Cruise

What could be more patriotic than watching the July 4th Fireworks from a tall ship at Yorktown’s waterfront? This trip departs after the sunset sail and returns after the fireworks.

Explore Our Yorktown Sailing Charters

Yorktown Sailing Charters | Williamsburg Sailing

Set Sail for a By-Gone Era with Yorktown Sailing Charters

Step back into history when you join the crew of the Yorktown Schooner Alliance or Schooner Serenity. Lend a hand at setting sail, take the helm and steer the ship, or look for dolphins and osprey as you glide along the shores of the York River. You will relive sailing’s Golden Age as you cruise past the Victory Monument and Battlefield where our country won its independence. Book your Yorktown cruises online today!

For those who love history, yearn for romance, or have dreamed of a true sailing adventure,

Your Yorktown Ship has just come in!

Setting sail on the historic waters of Yorktown, VA is a magical experience. Let yourself fall into the rich surrounding history and the majestic ship you’re aboard while amongst family and friends – a fresh breeze pulling it all together. It’s our passion at Yorktown Sailing Charters to introduce you to the beauty of the waters we’ve been sailing for over 30 years, give you lifelong memories and keep you coming back for more.

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Williamsburg, VA or searching among the best sailing charters on the Chesapeake Bay, your journey stops with us.

Yorktown Cruises & Sailing Specials

Special events are welcome as we are pleased to offer private sailing charters for weddings, corporate cruises, our own exciting pirate cruises and more. Among the popular pirate cruises you will watch as the kids raise the sails, learn sailors skills and truly experience what it was like years ago aboard a schooner! Catering services and beverages for purchase are available options for your convenience.

For the ultimate enjoyment of a day of sailing come join Yorktown Sailing Charters. After boarding the Schooner Alliance II (48 passengers max) or Schooner Serenity (6 passengers max) you will understand why so many satisfied customers have raved about our sailing cruises for years! We look forward to introducing you to the history, romance and beauty found in and around our boats.

Yorktown Cruise Ships & Sailing Charters Events

Thank you for checking out our website. Continue browsing around for more information on our Chesapeake Bay and Yorktown, VA sailing and boat tours. If you have questions about any of our tours or how you can book a tour, give us a call today at 888-316-6422 or send an email . We look forward to hearing from you and taking you on your next sailing tour!

What Our Customers Have To Say! ★★★★★

Delightful Sail!

A wonderful afternoon with friends sailing out of Yorktown. It was a delightful 90 minutes on the water aboard a two-masted schooner.

Great Experience!

It was our first time visiting Williamsburg Yorktown and Jamestown and the sightseeing sail was definitely something we wanted to do and we were not disappointed. The Captain and crew were very friendly and we learned a lot of history of the area. Overall it was a wonderful time and very relaxing afternoon. Would definitely recommend!

Yorktown Sailing Charter!

We had a great time. Wish there would have been a little more wind. The commentator was very well versed in his local history.

We had a blast!

We thoroughly enjoyed our sunset cruise. The crew was excellent and we especially enjoyed the history lesson. We highly recommend Yorktown Sailing Charters.

It was very informative and fun. Would do it again.it was not crowded like other tours. The crew was very friendly. You definitely get what you pay for.

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Norfolk, VA

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If you live in the Mid-Atlantic area, might we suggest one of our cruises from Norfolk? Set sail, as thousands of seafaring Americans have, when you book a Carnival cruise from the 400-year-old seaport of Norfolk. The city is today the proud home of a sparkling waterfront filled with green parks, lively shopping malls, delicious restaurants… and even fascinating maritime museums and monuments. Before you cruise from Norfolk, you’ll find yourself near two colonial villages — Colonial Williamsburg and Olde Towne Portsmouth — plus miles of beaches, and a blooming botanical garden. So definitely make time to explore before your cruise from Virginia, and round out your vacation with some history and picturesque sightseeing. Cruises from Norfolk also come with serious seafaring credentials — the city is home to one of the best maritime academies in the country.

• Watch artisans blow glass at the Chrysler Museum of Art.
• Take a ferry to colonial Olde Towne Portsmouth village.
• Tour the Norfolk waterfront by boat from the NAUTICUS museum.
• Search for antique jewelry and furniture in the Ghent neighborhood.

See it all from Norfolk.

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

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HOME > Things To Do > The Battleship Wisconsin

The Battleship Wisconsin

1 Waterside Dr Norfolk, VA 23510

(757) 664-1000

Description

Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. Explore its deck through a self-guided tour or, with an additional charge, our guided Topside Tour that will take you back in time to experience this majestic ship that earned five battle stars during WW II.

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Ship & Shore Group Tours 

407- 408- 5200

AMERICAN  SPIRIT!

Visit all 3 of VIRGINIA’S Historic Cities

Williamsburg!

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS * NOVEMBER 8-12, 2021 $849.00! (ppdboc) single $1,099.00

* Plan to experience a full day at patriotic Williamsburg !

* Visit and explore the early settlement of Jamestown !

* Discover our historic roots at revolutionary Yorktown !

* Free time for shopping, sightseeing and more !

* 2 nights Comfort Suites (VA) / 2 nights Holiday Inn (NC) !

* 4 Breakfasts, plus 2 lunches and 1 dinner…7 meals !

* All taxes & gratuities are included* !

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* Personalized V.I.P. service with onboard host/hostess !

407-408-5200

CRUISING TODAY AT 2PM - SEE YOU ON BOARD!

First widely used in World War I for their stealth capabilities, submarines today play a major role in nearly every Navy. Their uses range from simple surveillance to seek and destroy missions, all the way up to nuclear deterrence.

Los Angeles Class aka 688 class-The Los Angeles Class submarines are fast attack subs equipped with Mk 48 torpedoes, Tomahawk land attack missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, Mk60, and Mk67 Captor mines. Using a nuclear reactor, two turbines, one auxiliary motor, and one shaft, the Los Angeles class submarine can reach speeds of 20 knots while surfaced and 33 knots while submerged. 41 of these submarines are currently still in commission, and they are stationed in Pearl Harbor Hawaii, Groton Connecticut, San Diego California, Guam, and Portsmouth New Hampshire.

Virginia Class are the newest subs in the fleet, and they will eventually replace the older Los Angeles Class submarines. These newer submarines are expected to remain in service until 2060, and are outfitted with Mk 48 torpedoes, Harpoon missiles, new advanced mobile mines, and acoustic device countermeasures.

• Chevron down Submarines Stationed in Norfolk:
• USS Newport News (SSN 750), Commissioned June 3, 1989
• USS Albany (SSN-753), Commissioned April 7, 1990
• USS Boise (SSN-764), Commissioned November 7, 1992
• USS Helena (SSN-725), Commissioned July 11, 1987
• USS Pasadena (SSN-752), Commissioned February 11, 1989
• USS New Hampshire (SSN-778), Commissioned October 25, 2008
• USS John Warner (SSN-785), Commissioned Augst 1, 2015
• USS Washington (SSN-787), Commissioned October 7, 2017
• USS New Mexico (SSN-779), Commissioned March 27, 2010

Los Angeles Class Submarine outbound off Norfolk Naval Station

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Cruises from/to Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk, virginia cruise port.

Cruising from Norfolk, Virginia is so appealing to vacationers because of its splendid itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean, as well as the awesome attractions you can find before and after your cruise vacation in Norfolk itself. Those who have experienced Norfolk will insist upon a pre- or post-cruise stay in Virginia’s second largest city. The area is packed with things to do and sites to see, for all different types of pre-cruise vacationers. If your cruise embarks during Harborfest, enjoy a celebration of the historical nautical heritage of Norfolk, which is a great way to see ships of all types and sizes from all over the world participate in parades, and even catch some fireworks! The city’s surrounding areas have been developed as well, making the entirety of downtown Norfolk a tremendous place to spend a few days, and eventually embark for a cruise.

• Visit the butterfly garden at the Norfolk Botanical Garden and take in all of the beautiful flowers and butterflies.  
• Explore the Nauticus National Maritime Center, which is located on the Norfolk downtown waterfront and includes a shark petting lagoon.  
• Enjoy glass being blown into art at the Chrysler Museum of Art and view other beautiful pieces of American art.  
• Stroll through the historic Ghent area of Norfolk where there the Naro Expanded Cinema movie theater is located, along with many restaurants and shops.

Norfolk Virginia Cruise Port:

Top 10 Cruises to Norfolk, Virginia

• Island Princess 10 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From New York, New York (Jun 2024 - Sep 2025)
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• Emerald Princess 14 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jun 2024)
• Island Princess 14 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Boston, Massachusetts (Jun 2024)
• Emerald Princess 19 NIGHT CANADA / NEW ENGLAND TOUR E415 Departing From Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida (Jun 2024)
• Emerald Princess 19 NIGHT CANADA / NEW ENGLAND TOUR E427 Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Oct 2024)
• Emerald Princess 14 NIGHT Canada / New England CRUISE Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Oct 2024)
• Crystal Serenity 14 Night Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale Departing From Quebec City, Quebec (Oct 2024)
• Carnival Sunshine 8-day Eastern Caribbean Departing From Norfolk, Virginia (Feb 2025 - Apr 2026)

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The Steamer Virginia V is a National Historic Landmark and a treasure of Seattle's maritime history. From our home port in the city's vibrant South Lake Union neighborhood, we travel the waters of Puget Sound and explore the region's rich history. Come aboard! Experience a piece of the past in the middle of one of America's most modern cities.

The Steamer Virginia V Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of The Internal Revenue Code. EIN: 91-0989160.

Nine months out of the year, our calendar is filled with public cruises, educational tours, and special events.

Come on board as a volunteer to share Seattle's maritime history with guests.

Become a member and keep one of Seattle's most iconic historical ships steaming on.

Discover Your Virginia V

VIRGINIA V is a nearly 100-year-old steam-powered wooden ship offering our community many ways to engage with history.

Seattle's Maritime History

History of the mosquito fleet.

Nearly a century ago, the best mass transit system in the Pacific Northwest was the Mosquito Fleet. Steamships like Virginia V ferried people, farm produce, and more than the occasional cargo of livestock between the cities and towns that lined Puget Sound.  Read more...

Keep Steaming Along

The craftsmanship and engineering behind Virginia V is a blueprint for success. The focal point is a magnificent steam engine settled in the all-wood hull. Thanks to  donor support  and meticulous maintenance, this is the same engine that has been powering the ship for as long as the Virginia V has been around.  Read more...

Thinking about membership in the Steamer Virginia V Foundation?

Our members get discounts on boat rentals, special events and much more..

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Rent Virginia V to make your next event magical. The setting on board is charming and intimate. Perfect for weddings, holiday parties, fundraisers, corporate events... you name it! We offer both dockside rentals and leisurely cruises.

Start planning today!

Virginia V's Century at Sea

We are only a few years away from celebrating 100 years of service for Virginia V. It's never too early start planning for such a historic moment. The Foundation will be looking for stories from locals, and support from volunteers and  members like you. Contact our office to get involved at  [email protected]

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Whenever we are not at sea, you can find us docked on the south shore of Lake Union, just behind MOHAI and the historic Carroll's Jewelers clock.

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Fleet Week NYC 2024: Participating ships, exclusive tours, locations

M ay 13—Fleet Week returns this month to New York City to celebrate Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen for its 36th year, with the theme this year being, "Fleet Week New York: Celebrating Those Who Serve."

From May 22 to 28, two U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast Guard vessels, and four U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats (YPs) will be at this year's celebration. NATO allies from Germany will also be joining the week-long celebration.

The Parade of Ships will take place on Wednesday, May 22 with ships from the U.S. military.

Ships from Germany and the USS Bataan (LHD 5) will be available to the public on Saturday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Staten Island will be hosting public ship tours, free to the public, from May 23 to May 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SHIP AND PIER LOCATIONS FOR SHIP TOURS

Manhattan, Pier 88 South:(Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

—Amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5) from Norfolk, Virginia

Manhattan, Pier 90 North: (Public tours only on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

—Baden-Württemberg-class frigate FGS Baden-Württemberg (F-222) from Germany

—Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt am Main (A-1412) from Germany

Manhattan, Intrepid Museum, Pier 86:

—Four U.S. Naval Academy YPs, Annapolis, Maryland

—Bay-class cutter USCGC Sturgeon Bay (WTGB-109) from Bayonne, New Jersey

Homeport Pier, Staten Island: (Public tours will be May 23 — 27, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

—Freedom -class littoral combat ship USS MARINETTE (LCS 25) from Mayport, Florida

—Legend-class cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) from Charleston, South Carolina

—Keeper-class coastal buoy tender USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM-552) from Bayonne, New Jersey

Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag, #FleetWeekNYC, and follow Fleet Week New York on Facebook, X and Instagram.

more fleet week news

—Fleet Week NYC 2024 events: Celebrating those who serve

—Ahoy there! Fleet Week 2023 ships sail into New York Harbor

—NYPD: Military planes to fly over Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge for Fleet Week

—Fleet Week returns to NYC: Here's what you need to know

(c)2024 Staten Island Advance, N.Y. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Cruise ships set to sail in and out of Baltimore again

John Domen | [email protected]

May 16, 2024, 4:49 AM

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Follow WTOP’s latest coverage of the Baltimore  Key Bridge collapse and ongoing recovery efforts

After weeks of suspended vessel traffic within the Port of Baltimore, cruise lines are announcing their return and planning new trips out of the area . It’s another sign of progress after the Key Bridge was destroyed by a cargo ship that lost power and crashed into it in March.

In a blog post, Royal Caribbean International said that its “Vision of the Seas” ship will sail out of the Port of Baltimore on Saturday, May 25. That’s nearly two months from when the Key Bridge was hit, sparking a closure at one of the country’s biggest ports .

Vision of the Seas is embarking on a 5-night trip to Bermuda and back. But while it’ll be the first cruise ship to leave out of Baltimore, it might not be the first cruise ship to bring passengers back from the paradise.

This weekend, the Carnival Cruise Line ship “Pride” is due to leave Norfolk for a 7-night trip to the Bahamas. But at the moment, the Pride is scheduled to return to the Chesapeake Bay and keep going past Norfolk, docking back in Baltimore.

While sailing out of Norfolk, passengers could be transported by bus from Baltimore to Norfolk, which is about a 4-hour trip.

Carnival has maintained a presence in Baltimore for years, but at the time the bridge was damaged it was only sailing one ship out of Maryland, minimizing the impact the bridge collapse had on cruises.

CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg told WTOP that cruise lines normally operating out of the busy Baltimore port could see hundreds of thousands of passengers annually. The collapse pushed cruise passengers into ports in Philadelphia, Brooklyn or Bayonne, New Jersey .

Plans to allow recreational vehicles to enter and travel through the Port of Baltimore’s safety zone were confirmed by Maryland officials last week.

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John started working at WTOP in 2016 after having grown up in Maryland listening to the station as a child. While he got his on-air start at small stations in Pennsylvania and Delaware, he's spent most of his career in the D.C. area, having been heard on several local stations before coming to WTOP.

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Local news | 2024 maryland primary: live returns from baltimore, congressional races, school boards, local news | royal caribbean says cruise to depart baltimore on may 25 ‘as planned’.

In a statement Wednesday, the cruise line said a cruise scheduled for May 25 will leave Baltimore “as planned.”

“Royal Caribbean International looks forward to returning to the Port of Baltimore once again. Vision of the Seas will set sail on a 5-night itinerary as planned on Saturday, May 25,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said.

A Carnival ship is scheduled to leave Baltimore on May 26 while another Royal Caribbean cruise is scheduled to leave Baltimore on May 30. Carnival has not responded to requests for comment.

Since a cargo ship lost power and struck one of the Francis Scott Key Bridge’s support piers March 26, collapsing the span into the water and killing six construction workers, Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruises scheduled to embark and debark in Baltimore have been rerouted through Norfolk, Virginia.

Baltimore cruise industry hopes Key Bridge channel reopens in time for busy June

A Coast Guard official said Wednesday that response officials in Baltimore believe the cargo ship, the Dali, will be refloated and removed from the middle of the waterway “early next week.” The Army Corps of Engineers hopes to reopen the federal channel by the end of May.

In 2023, Maryland Port Administration spokesperson Richard Scher said, 444,000 passengers boarded cruises in the terminal, the highest total since 2012. Eight cruise ships are scheduled to depart in June. The cruise terminal primarily services ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean cruise lines, and the Norwegian Cruise Line also occasionally uses the terminal. Typically cruises are round trips, though there are some one-way transatlantic offerings.

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