She dots the Norfolk, VA, waterfront like the perfect bowtie on a tux. She is fitting, formal, fascinating, and fun. She is the gorgeous American Rover, a 135-foot three-masted schooner, crowning the city view and offering seasonal sunset tours for locals and tourists.
American Rover offers two-hour daytime and sunset cruises offered, as well as private catered events.
Her green steel hull was built in Panama City, FL, in 1985. She was outfitted in the Willoughby area of Norfolk and commissioned for service in 1986. Designed by Merritt Walter, of Rover Marine Lines, Inc., she is one of a fleet of over a dozen similar vessels.
Known for her red “tanbark” sails, the ship can accommodate 120 passengers per voyage. She operates from April through October each year, leaving her dock at Waterside Marina and heading northwest up the Elizabeth River towards the Hampton Roads Harbor. There are two-hour daytime and sunset cruises offered, as well as private catered events. Covered areas on deck and two air-conditioned lounges and a ship’s store below provide shelter and refreshments. Guests can help with raising and lowering sails if they like or just sit back and enjoy the ride and the incredible views along the way…