Norfolk has many claims to fame, but maybe none more special than the ability for anyone to hop on an air conditioned cruiser and experience a guided tour of the world’s largest naval base – from the water. On the Victory Rover, visitors get an up-close-and-personal glimpse into the busy life at Naval Station Norfolk, a place where military power and maritime tradition blend in full view.
Lasting roughly two hours, a Rover cruise departs near Nauticus in Downtown Norfolk, swings over to scenic Portsmouth, then makes a beeline up the Elizabeth River, passing the Norfolk Waterside, Ghent, ODU and the naval base. Along the way, passengers get a front-row seat to America’s sea power, including destroyers, cruisers, subs, amphibious assault ships and, if you’re lucky, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that’s among the largest ever built for warfare.
Popular with naval veterans, military/history buffs, families and anyone looking to see the inner workings of the U.S. Navy, the Victory Rover is an informative and fascinating mid-morning cruise that sheds light on Norfolk’s importance to the nation’s readiness.
Marvel at the Arsenal
When the Victory Rover rounds the north end of the base, visitors are treated to an incredible lineup of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. These sleek and deadly ships are built to move – and move quickly without being noticed. Further up, you’ll spot the wide decks of amphibious Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships like the USS Tortuga and USS Arlington. Used to haul Marines, helicopters and hovercraft into fighting positions, these workhorses may resemble pickup trucks on the water, but that’s for a reason – their landing decks can support multiple Ospreys and helicopters.
At Pier 3, keep your eyes open for submarines — some Los Angeles-class, some Virginia-class. They’re easy to miss, but fortunately the captain calls attention to them. Sporting no hull numbers or names, these long, black vessels are nuclear-powered and armed with some heavy duty artillery. In fact, many don’t need to be refueled for over a decade, but when they do, they park right here in Norfolk.
Seabound Giants of the Navy
Just past the sub piers is the USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class supercarrier. More than 1,000 feet long and home to more than 6,000 personnel, it’s more of a city on water than a ship. The Truman features theaters, gyms, chow halls and multiple chapels.
As the Rover cruises past the final piers, the captain calls out local landmarks: Fort Monroe to the north, where Jamestown’s settlers first dropped anchor in 1607. The mouth of the Chesapeake looms beyond the breakwater. Across the way, look for Newport News Shipbuilding, where every Navy supercarrier is built by hand, including the next-generation Gerald R. Ford class.
The sights are unforgettable (and please don’t forget your camera), but a trip on the Rover brings perspective more than anything. Perspective on how many people it takes to build a world-class navy and to keep its ships running day in and day out.
Plan Your Visit
The Victory Rover departs daily from Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, leaving at 11 a.m. sharp and returning just before 1 p.m. Onboard, there’s a snack shop selling souvenirs, beer, wine and treats – and there’s plenty of blissful air conditioning for those hot Virginia afternoons. When the weather is perfect, sitting above deck or walking to the open-air bow and stern is a must for the perfect group photo or selfie.
Before or after your cruise, check out the nearby Hampton Roads Naval Museum inside Nauticus and walk the USS Wisconsin. Tickets for the Victory Rover cost $19 for children and $29 for adults. Purchase tickets here.
