Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise
4.5

Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise

By City Experiences By Hornblower
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Explore the Potomac River on this weekday or weekend lunch buffet cruise. Leave the hassles of driving, navigating public transportation, and waiting in line behind, and see Washington DC’s famous landmarks from the water. Enjoy your captain’s narration as you pass by the Washington Monument, Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and other major DC sights.
Lowest price guarantee

Ages 3-99, max of 19 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • See historic Washington D.C. sights from the Potomac River 
  • Indulge in a generous lunch/brunch buffet selection
  • Sightsee with live commentary from the ship’s captain
  • Travel in style aboard a modern dining ship

  • 2-hour lunch (or brunch) cruise
  • Buffet menu
  • Coffee and tea
  • Service charges
  • Tax and fees
  • Entry/Admission - City Experiences By Hornblower
What's not included
  • Other drinks (not listed in Inclusions)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities

Arrive up to one hour before your departure time at the pier. Once on board, spend a leisurely afternoon cruising the Potomac River, while enjoying your meal. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased from the on-board bar (own expense). Choose from interior dining rooms or venture up to the outdoor deck for fresh air and great views of the city’s monuments, museums, and other major sights. As you meander down the river and take in city views from the water, listen to your captain’s descriptions of historic landmarks, or take a turn on the dance floor. Your boat returns you to the departure point at the end of the cruise.

Start:
  • City Cruises Washington DC - Pier 4, 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
    Pier 4 • 580 Water Street SW • Washington, DC 20024
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Pushchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5042_W0001

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Please Note: Although we offer children 3 years old and under free admission, please enter how many children are attending in the field provided, so that we can accommodate them on the cruise.
    • The ships feature cabaret-style seating. The majority of the tables accommodate 4 to 8 people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties. Please understand that we cannot guarantee specific seating on the deck
    • Seating is only guaranteed together for the number of tickets confirmed on this voucher. Reservations may not be combined.
    • A valid photo ID for all participating guests is required at check-in
    • Dress code: we encourage casual attire that is informal and comfortable (khakis, nice jeans, dresses, casual button-up shirts/blouses)
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travellers

    • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

    The tour operator has provided the following answers to customers’ questions.
    Where is the departure point for the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?
    The Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise departs from 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024
    Answered Apr 2021
    Is there parking near the departure point for the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?
    Local Parking is available at The Wharf Parking Garage. There may be a fee for parking.
    Answered Apr 2021
    Is the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise handicap accessible?
    Yes. Please be sure to notate any special needs or requests in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.
    Answered Apr 2021
    Are there any age restrictions on the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?
    There are no age restrictions. Children ages 3-12 enjoy a discount rate and infants under 3 years old go free as lap children.
    Answered Apr 2021

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5042_W0001

    From
    ₹5,689.11
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
      Pier 4 • 580 Water Street SW • Washington, DC 20024
    • 1
    • 2
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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • City Experiences By Hornblower
      4.0 of 5 bubbles678
      United States
      Joined in February 2011
    • kaylabU9676ZR
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun little evening out
      It was a fun little dinner cruise. Food was good, wait staff was sweet. They had quite a few different options as far as food and drinks. They do offer appetizers and drinks that aren’t included. It was really cold, would have loved to enjoy being outside a bit. Music was fun, interactive. Would do this again!
      Written 2 March 2025
    • antoniamY6364TU
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great time
      We had a great time. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The waitess was very attentive. The food and music was good. We will return.
      Written 22 February 2025
    • fathert2025
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      A disaster on the Potomac
      I booked this for my husband and myself to celebrate Valentines Day. Ask yourself... what would you like in a dinner cruise in Washington DC? Views... the windows were fogged up. Cocktails ... we waited 40 minutes for our first cocktail then I waited an hour for a glass of wine with dinner. Dinner ... there was not enough food. The carving board was an embarrassment. It took over an hour for replenishment. Price tag - $360. STAY AWAY.
      Written 17 February 2025
    • thomasfL4211QX
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Valentines Dinner Cruise DISASTER NEVER AGAIN
      Paid for a Platinum package($600.00) to include champagne and guaranteed window table. We got sparkling wine and we could not see out of the windows because they were steamed up. Lights were flickering at our window table, so they turned off ALL the window table lights. The buffet food was average at best. So.ething made for a back yard picnic. The "prime rib" was roast beast and wasn't brought out timely. Only one bartender on staff. Even though we ordered through our server and directly at the bar, we managed just four total drinks in three hours for my wife and I. Drinks were poorly made. My rish coffee came without whipped cream and was luke warm. Semi-formal attire was required but jeans and even sweats were permitted. Expectations were high based on price and presentation. A money grab! Very disapointed
      Written 16 February 2025
    • C4791VOroberth
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      A total ripoff!
      We went on the Signature Dinner Cruise on a beautiful Saturday night. Parking ($20) and Boarding was a snap. The view of Philadelphia from the Delaware River was breathtaking. The music was good. The wait service was awful. We saw our drink server twice. We had to wait until almost one hour into the 2 1/2 hour cruise to be allowed to eat at the buffet. The food selection was terrible. The quality even worse. When we finally got to the serving station with only lettuce on my plate as they did not offer tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, mushrooms and just Caesar salad dressing we were allowed just 2 slices of well done meat 2 inches long and a 1/2 inch thick. It was beyond awful. We were not allowed seconds. Your other choices were fish, chicken and pulled pork if you want to call it that. At $200 per person for a window table for four it's outrageous. My advice is to eat before you come and buy the cheapest seats and sit outside on the deck. If you're looking for narration there isn't any.
      Written 13 October 2024
    • brendaeZ5031BA
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Most enjoyable 👍👍👍
      Had a very enjoyable 2 1/2 hr cruise NOT 3 hrs as advertised BUT IT WAS FUN, food & drinks DELICIOUS! Service was great. Thanks for a fun time with out of state friends. Would definitely do it again!!!! THANKS
      Written 12 October 2024
    • cj10001
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Waste of time and money
      For a nearly $400 price tag, this was awful and there was not one thing that made us want to come back and do it again. On the contrary, shortly after we got our food we said we would never come back. It was severely overpriced, the food was awful you could get better quality at your local fast food joint, the music sucked as confirmed since there was maybe 4-5 people on the dance floor the majority of the night except for maybe 2-3 songs. The parking situation was atrocious. I know it may sound cool to say you're going on a dinner cruise but trust me SAVE YOUR MONEY don't make the same mistake we did...
      Written 1 October 2024
    • 981dillonw
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Wonderful experience Great staff
      Went for an anniversary and it was made an incredible experience by our waiter Maurice and his trainee! They went above and beyond to make our day even more special. The food views and the rest of the staff were amazing
      Written 29 September 2024
    • lizzy1983
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Don’t waste your money!
      At the outset of this review, for context it is important to share that we paid $310 for 2 people for the Sunset Dinner Cruise. Arriving at the dock was very pleasant – we were met at the entrance and directed to the correct boat for us. Upon boarding the boat we were shown to a table in the middle of the boat, not by a window and sat behind us was a group of 40 high school children. They had apparently been booked on to the wrong boat so our dinner cruise suddenly turned into being in the middle of a school party event full of very excited and energetic children. We were dressed in smart/cocktail wear and were amongst a group of children in matching polo shirts and shorts. Given that other tables by the window were available, we asked the manager (who seated us) whether we could move to a different table, but were told that this was not possible as it was not in our package. When making the booking there was no option to choose a window table. We also asked what drinks were included in our package, to which we were told only water. We ordered a bottle of pinot noir that was on the menu for $52. Once boarding was completed, there were still window tables empty and the school group were extremely loud and encroaching into us as they were moving around their tables. In fairness one of the teachers did come and apologies to us for them being on the boat. We advised our hostess that we would be moving to one of the window tables, on the other side of the boat given the negative situation we were experiencing. She said she would go and check with her manager, but we moved before this conversation was had. In terms of the food, we both had a cheese and charcuterie for a starter. When this arrived one of the plates was missing one of the cheeses, which was surprising as they were all set plates yet somehow the one delivered to our table was not complete. When we raised this we were then given another additional plate without explanation or comment – just forcibly put down on our table. The main course of chicken was fine, but the food is all pre-cooked and then just heated up on the boat and brought to your table. Between courses we were able to go outside off the boat and walk around and look at some of the bridges and flights coming into Ronald Reagan airport. There was a DJ on the boat, but this could not be described as a guide. They pointed out maybe 4 or 5 sights during the 3 hour cruise but didn’t give any details or explanations about them or information regarding the City. The DJ was mainly providing entertainment to school group with pop and dance songs and co-ordinating group dances for them. We had advised that we made the booking to celebrate a 40th birthday however this was covered through an announcement of wishing ‘everyone celebrating a birthday or anniversary a great time.’ As we arrived back at the dock we were asked to pay for our wine, which was now $54 (an increase of $2 from ordering) and when we questioned this we were told all the menus had been packed away and this was the price. Overall, it was a deeply disappointing experience, made even more so by the initial price that we had paid and then to have to pay even more once onboard. Presumably the company is happy only having one time visitors as the experience for the price was hugely sub optimal and we would be amazed if anyone recommended this or returned to do it again.
      Written 25 September 2024
    • Chris K
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      My son's engagement celebration
      Had a wonderful experience. They are not kidding when they say bottomless mimosas, they were flowing. Food was great & staff was incredible. Highly recommend this trip!
      Written 2 September 2024
    • Sayless D
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      So much fun
      Loved it really enjoyed myself definitely will be returning for sure I loved everything about the amazing experience 10/10
      Written 2 September 2024
    • 298lorie
      0 contributions
      2.0 of 5 bubbles
      A Party Bus on the Potomac
      Nightclub atmosphere as soon as we stepped aboard. We expected lovely dinner music during the meal but this is better suited for loud club/dance floor vibe; the 40 or so middle schoolers seated near us had a blast. My husband and I retreated to the top level outdoor space as soon as we could. This was the only part of the cruise that we enjoyed. Was not worth the value we paid for 2 people.
      Written 20 August 2024
    • Z3350KOjamesr
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      There’s ignorance everywhere
      Everything was good until we got back to the car and she wanted something out of her bag and Descover someone tried to break into it.
      Written 5 August 2024
    • Trek30462644962
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good but not great
      The scenery was good, and the narration was interesting. The ship was relatively clean, and the food was good, for a buffet. The weight staff was not particularly attentive. The DJ and dancing were very much enjoyed by everyone.
      Written 3 August 2024
    • Vacationer211077
      0 contributions
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience- no parking
      It was a nice buffet, nice boat ride with a scenic view, along with music and dancing. The biggest negative was that there was no place to park. I was there almost 2 hours before the boat was to leave and I had my elderly handicapped mother-in-law with me and we had absolutely no place to park. I had to spin around drop them as close as they could to the ship. I found a parking spot 8 1/2 blocks away. Imagine rushing back to the ship hoping it wasn’t gonna leave without me
      Written 28 July 2024
    See all 678 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles111 reviews
    Excellent
    75
    Very good
    14
    Average
    9
    Poor
    7
    Terrible
    6

    Jackie G
    Troy, OH4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2023 • Couples
    Great food and staff!! Also had a really good DJ who worked very hard to make sure people danced. Music selection was okay, just a little to much rap for my taste. The only reason I didn’t give them a 5 star is because “scenic”, wasn’t what I expected. Really nothing to note of any scenic views.
    Written 23 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Meredith
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2019 • Family
    I was a little hesitant at first because I have been on a dinner cruise before in another city and was not impressed. This cruise, however did not disappoint. The crew was very friendly and accommodating. The lunch buffet was outstanding and the entertainment did not disappoint. We were on the lunch cruise on New Years Eve and enjoyed it thoroughly. I would highly recommend.
    Written 2 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jason T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely amazing time!!! I booked this for a day date with my wife and it completely exceeded my expectations. Staff was amazing and the DJ was world class. The food was excellent as well. Safe to say we will definitely be doing this again!!!
    Written 8 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jessica A
    2 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2024 • Family
    Music was so loud, conversing with our family was nearly impossible. The amount of raunchy songs and dancing was very uncomfortable for such an expensive experience. Was looking for a fun, classy time and sadly, we didn’t get that. Drinks and appetizers took 45 mins to receive. Also, the temperature inside the boat was excessively hot. Couldn’t see out of the windows due to the condensation. Won’t be attending with my parents, spouse, and children ever again.
    Written 28 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Patti B
    2 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2023 • Friends
    I booked this scenic lunch cruise tour because I thought it would be such a unique experience in DC. Unfortunately, about 30 minutes after the posted boarding time, the company announced that the boat was not working. Our options were to get a full refund or to enjoy the lunch and activities on the boat while it remained stationary. They did also offer 50% off of a future booking (although they didn’t tell us how to get vouchers for the 50% off). We decided to go ahead and enjoy the meal and scenery around the wharf. Our server, Dwayne, was amazing! Food was good and the view from the top deck was great, especially if the boat were moving. The DJ had great energy in the main dining room, but we were really looking for a more laid back Sunday morning cruise on the Potomac. Because of the mechanical difficulties many of the cruisers choose to get a refund so we had plenty of space to move around and no problems getting a premium seat on the observation deck. I’m sure that would be totally different if the cruise were full. I’m definitely interested in trying this again on a moving boat. Get to the pier early because there was a very long line and no one was there to clarify where we were supposed to go. So overall, neat experience, good food, great service. Company needs to work on communication with customers.
    Written 29 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Michelle W
    1 contribution
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Family
    The buffet was plentiful and delicious. There’s something for everyone. Drinks from the bar were overpriced, overall the ship was clean. Tables are too close together and wait staff bump diners as they walk by. After dinner the DJ encouraged people to get up and dance. In the beginning it was fun but then the music changed to old line style dances geared to 14 year olds. Would have been nice to hear more diverse music that everyone could enjoy. While we were glad for the experience we wouldn’t go again.
    Written 30 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Amber A
    Durham9 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our group consisted of 4 adults and a 15 year old. This was a 2 hour lunch cruise on a Saturday. The lunch seating area was very crowded. People could barely get out of their seats because tables were so close together and people bumped into each other at the buffet. They didn’t have enough glasses to serve drinks (soda, tea, lemonade) so we had to drink ours out of wine glasses. They regularly ran out of food at the buffet and did not replenish it quickly enough. The food was fine but not great. After sitting in the cramped lower level for about an hour, we escaped to the upper outside level for some average views. This tour does not see any monuments other than a far view of the capital building on the return. There is not any narration. It’s basically a below average lunch booze and party cruise, where the booze is not included in the very high price. Overall we would not go again and do not recommended. I am shocked that this cruise has such high ratings.
    Written 9 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. Please know it is never our intention to provide a less than exceptional experience, and it’s reviews like yours that help us continually improve. Again, we truly appreciate your feedback and thank you for your time.
    Written 13 June 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Diana M
    30 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went with the expectation of a narrated lunch cruise. No narration. When our table finally got to go to the buffet the food was picked over and it seemed the staff was either not replenishing at all or not fast enough for the huge crowd. The kids got charged for a sprite and lemonade which for the high prices should have been included. Our waiter came by to get our glasses because they were running out but we all asked for refills and he never came back until he brought the check. We actually saw him taking trays of drinks to other tables just not ours. The music was so loud we couldn’t even talk at the tables. We went with 6 adults and 4 kids under 14. We would not go again and would not recommend.
    Written 8 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We’re so sorry to hear your experience did not meet expectations. Please know we greatly appreciate the feedback you have provided us, and we will pass this along to the respective team. Thank you for your time.
    Written 15 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    LuJain
    San Francisco, CA1 contribution
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    We booked well in advanced for a lunch cruise and were one of the first people to arrive on the boat. When we were seated by the manager Albert, we told him that we did not want to sit next to the bar. He chose a very odd table for us, possibly the worst table in the boat even though there were other unassigned tables available in the main area where we preferred to sit. He told us that we have to stand and wait until all other guests are seated so we can sit at another table not next to the bar. We said we would wait but did not want to stand in the middle where people were staring and questioning why we were not sitting. We said we would rather leave, and instead of helping us, Albert and another service woman showed us the exit, which I found to be incredibly rude. Clearly, he did not care about us as his guests and may not have even wanted us to be there. We have cruised with CityHarbor at least 5 times before in many cities, and we have never experienced such a horrific experience. I do have to note that two staff men, Kevin and Bryan were willing to help us and provided better customer service which made us change our minds and stay on the boat. We just waited outside until all other guests were seated and we were relocated to a better table in the main area-one of many empty tables that day. Most likely, I will never attend one of these lunch cruises again CityCruises, especially if Albert is the restaurant manager.
    Written 21 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    A.M.Rim
    2 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2019
    I had been strategically planning my family reunion for over a year in advance and had expressed my interest in Spirit Cruises via email . The site clearly stated that groups with 1-19 guests would get 30% off using a promo code. It makes sense to any consumer booking a reservation for a party of 20 or more to receive more of a discount-with or without a promo code. It’s comparable to the “buying in bulk” concept. A Spirit Cruises associate, Taylor Van Buskirk, Social and University Account Manager, was not willing to honor a discount for a group of 20+, but willing to offer the bare minimum, which was 10% off-not even tax?!? I wasn’t expecting to cruise for free or even half off, but I definitely wasn’t expecting such a low discount for a high headcount. Spirit Cruises needs to be mindful and stay mindful of what customer service really entails. It simply means meeting and even exceeding one’s expectations OR simply honoring your advertisement/promotion. Spirit Cruises did neither. If my memory serves me correctly, and I’m sure that it does… While the food and entertainment on the cruise was nice, there was no audio, so tourist and visitors alike are cruising past all the landmarks and highlights, and don’t even know what they’re really looking at. Due to the aforementioned regarding group rates, I intentionally advised my group not to tip the staff, since we had already been grossly overcharged for the reservation alone. Taylor made it extremely hard to negotiate a better price, and as an end result, the staff who was onboard doing all the legwork suffered because of it. Taylor likely had a quota of some sort to make himself. Note to potential customers who are considering group reservations…look elsewhere or book private. It will save you a headache and a half. And to add insult to injury…it was problematic to later find out that this establishment has been in business for over 4 decades and is still not BBB accredited.
    Written 2 March 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise provided by City Experiences By Hornblower

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