Hampton Roads puts on one of the greatest maritime shows that you’ll find anywhere. From the deck of SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE, you’ll see big container ships and sleek warships large and small, brawny tugs, from the new tractor jobs to the old rusty ones with so much character that you can’t help but love them.  Pleasure boats, huge yachts to small sailboats and runabouts are all part of the show.  So bring your camera because you will get up close and personal to all of this coming and going.  What you will see is one of the largest Naval Bases in the world, one on the oldest Naval Shipyards in the U S.  A commercial port which is one of the biggest in the country.  You will be sailing on waters that have witnessed major sea battles such as the action between the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (Merrimac) during the Civil War. As the sun sets in the western sky, it is usually painted with the most beautiful sunsets imaginable.  As the sun disappears, it is like someone backstage turning up a wonderful display of harbor lights and city skyline.