Spirit of Norfolk cruising once again after 2022 fire

The Spirit of Norfolk was cruising again on the Elizabeth River on Thursday after a fire decimated the original ship more than two years ago.

City Cruises Norfolk took a military appreciation cruise with the USO of Hampton Roads and other community partners. The vessel left the Waterside District of downtown Norfolk at 11:45 a.m. and sailed until about 2 p.m.

Earlier this week, the name was officially adhered to the new Sprit of Norfolk vessel, which has two indoor dining decks and three exterior observation decks. According to a spokesperson, this provides an unrestricted view of the Norfolk shoreline, including opportunities to see the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet.

Since starting operations in Norfolk, the cruise line has seen close to 4 million guests , including more than 400,000 students, and has hosted over 3,000 reunions, toasted over 2,500 weddings and celebrated more than 1,500 proms.

The Spirit of Norfolk caught fire during a cruise down the Elizabeth River on June 7, 2022, while 108 people were on board, including elementary school students. No one was injured in the fire thanks to a rapid response, but the ship — valued at $4 million, according to a report — was a total loss. The remnants of the old vessel have since become an artificial reef in Florida.

Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com