Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruises – Hampton, Virginia

I know we’ve said it before, but the Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia is really a great place for some outdoor fun. This makes walking tours, especially in historic locales like Hampton, Virginia a great idea, and it makes harbor tours an even better one. Learn the history of one of the east coast’s most beautiful destinations, and enjoy a laidback cruise while you’re at it, with a Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruise.

Kicking off its 2009 season this past week, the Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruises Company has been the exclusive tour provider for the Hampton Roads Harbor for over 20 years, time they’ve used to craft and hone a tour that’s as fun-filled as it is informative and as rewarding as it is relaxing.

For most, the standard Harbor Tour is just right. This 3-hour-ish cruise offers a fact-heavy overview of the most fascinating Bay area landmarks, while leaving plenty of time in the day to explore historic Hampton or hit one of the many parks. Beginning at the downtown waterfront, you’ll see Hampton University, Blackbeard’s Point, Fort Monroe, Old Point Comfort Lighthouse (the oldest operational lighthouse in America), the ships at the Norfolk Naval Base, and the site of the Civil War Battle of the Ironclads (or Battle of Hampton Roads).

If weather permits (and oddly enough, if the Terror Alert Level permits), the Miss Hampton II will also dock at Rip Raps Island and you’ll enjoy a guided-walking tour of Fort Wool, another important Civil War landmark.

During the slower parts of the season, especially May, September and October, the Miss Hampton II will host the occasional All-Day Cruise. Naturally, this experience is much more in-depth and features an expanded tour of the region, including cruises around Norfolk and Portsmouth, a close-up of the USS Wisconsin, a trip through the Great Bridge and so much more. Breakfast and lunch are provided for the All-Day Cruise.

Adult admission for the standard Harbor Tour is $22.50, though you can print a $5.00/ticket discount coupon on their Web site, so be sure to do that. Tours depart at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday – Sunday, until May 22 when a second tour is added at 2:00 p.m. Weekends are afternoons-only. Reservations are not required, but they are recommended. Learn more about everything at the Web site.

For hotels in Hampton, we continue to enjoy the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel. For one thing, you can walk to the embarkation point of the cruise, and for another, the hotel is currently offering a package with two free admissions to the standard Harbor Tour. Just something to keep in mind.

Have a great time!

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