Making a prestigious premier last fall when it was christened by Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander, the new Virginia Elite docked at Town Point Park is an impressive inclusion to the downtown waterfront. Alongside the Waterside District and Hilton Norfolk The Main, the luxury, private-charter yacht affirms a city undergoing a renaissance.
Available primarily for private excursions by reservation, Virginia Elite is a high watermark for Spirit Cruises and its parent company, Entertainment Cruises, which made its maiden voyage in 1978 with the Spirit of Norfolk. With a 10 percent business growth in the previous two years and Norfolk remaining as one of the only cities without more than one ship to its fleet, the company purchased the upscale vessel and made renovations over the course of four months to make a ship of the highest echelon. Call it a grandeur 40th anniversary gift.
She’s accessorized with Chiavari Chairs, brushed nickel finishes, granite countertops and leather barstools completing its modern, sleek look. “It’s definitely a more elegant venue,” commends Tina Swan, director of sales and marketing. Replacing the use of catering companies, her full service galley features exquisite brunches, lunches and dinners with plated and buffet menus typically found in a fine dining venue. The crème de la crème, though, is her two-deck panoramic view. “You can see the water anywhere you sit on the boat, from every possible direction. You can’t get that anywhere.”
As an intimate, 70-foot-yacht capable of holding up to 90 people, Virginia Elite and her amenities of live entertainment, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, fine dining and custom floral are designed for its exclusive clientele of business professionals on invigorating company outings, memorable engagement and wedding parties, and anniversary and milestone birthday celebrations. She can also cruise beyond the Elizabeth River as far as Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg. “It’s not tied just to Norfolk,” Swan proclaims. “We call it the Virginia Elite for a reason.”
To make your reservation and customize your experience for a private cruise on the Virginia Elite, visit here.
Ryan Miller
