Enjoy food, fun, and entertainment with a view of Washington DC on this narrated lunch cruise along the Potomac River. Onboard the elegant Spirit of Washington, choose to cruise from three air-conditioned interior decks or the rooftop lounge. Either way, the view is spectacular, there’s a delicious buffet lunch to enjoy and a DJ is spinning the latest Top 40 hits on spacious dance floors. Look and listen as the captain points out DC’s fascinating history while drifting past the Washington Monument, Reagan National Airport and much more.

Buffet lunch and dance cruise in Washington DC
See Washington DC's highlights, including the Washington Monument and Admiral's Row
Cruise under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, the only active drawbridge on the Potomac River
Pass by Alexandria, first settled in the 1600s by Scottish and English tobacco merchants

What's Included

2-hour lunch (or brunch) cruise
Buffet menu
Coffee and tea
Service charges
Tax and fees

Other drinks (not listed in Inclusions)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

Washington DC
Washington DC, Washington DC, District of Columbia
Pier 4 • 580 Water Street SW • Washington, DC 20024

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Enjoy a leisurely lunchtime sightseeing cruise along the Potomac River and Washington DC’s beautiful waterfront. This excursion covers the Potomac River with fascinating views of DC’s great landmarks and the city's historic waterfront. No trip to the nation’s capital is complete without a view from the deck of this festive ship.

The Spirit of Washington is a modern dining ship with both inner and outer seating areas. The three inner dining areas offer plenty of comfortable seating with large picture windows to see the sites, while the topside outer deck provides fresh air and an open view of the landscape. There are also spacious dance floors and full-service bars on board.

Before or after eating, grab a drink from one of the onboard bars and dance the afternoon away as a professional DJ spins the latest Top 40 hits.

Throughout the cruise, listen as the captain provides anecdotes and stories about the history and happenings of the nation’s capital while passing the Washington Monument, Reagan National Airport, the United States Naval Research Laboratory, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge and much more.

City Experiences By Hornblower

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Washington Monument

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Potomac River

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
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
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Seating is only guaranteed together for the number of tickets confirmed on this voucher. Reservations may not be combined.
Most travellers can participate
A valid photo ID for all participating guests is required at check-in as of 1/15 All guests 12+ must show proof of vaccination. Additional information @ City Cruises Safecruise. Guests required to wear facemask as they are interacting with others Cloth face coverings are not required under on young children under age 2, and anyone who has trouble breathing.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travellers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Where is the departure point for the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?

A:The Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise departs from 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024

Apr. 2021

Q:Is there parking near the departure point for the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?

A:Local Parking is available at The Wharf Parking Garage. There may be a fee for parking.

Apr. 2021

Q:Is the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise handicap accessible?

A:Yes. Please be sure to notate any special needs or requests in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Apr. 2021

Q:Are there any age restrictions on the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?

A:There are no age restrictions. Children ages 3-12 enjoy a discount rate and infants under 3 years old go free as lap children.

Apr. 2021

Q:Are there high chairs available for my child during the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?

A:Yes, high chairs are available for use during the dinner cruise.

Apr. 2021

Q:How should I dress for the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?

A:Business casual attire is appropriate; such as khaki pants and collared shirts. Please no shorts, tank tops, flip flops, or gym shoes.

Apr. 2021

Q:How early should I check in for the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?

A:Boarding time is 30 minutes prior to departure.

Apr. 2021

Q:Can I smoke on board the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?

A:Smoking is allowed on the outside decks only. Please dispose of all refuse in proper receptacles. Do not throw anything into the water. Please help us keep our harbors clean.

Apr. 2021

Q:Where do we sit on the boat during the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?

A:As you board, our Captain and Marine Crew will direct you to your deck. From there the Host/Hostess will show your party to your assigned table(s). Seats are assigned based on needs and capacity for each cruise.

Apr. 2021

Q:Are there vegetarian selections available during the Washington DC Scenic Lunch Cruise?

A:Yes, vegetarian options are available with notice. If you require any dietary restrictions or have food allergies, please notate them in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Apr. 2021

Traveller Photos

Featured review

Jennifer_J

Scenic cruise was wonderful. The staff was amazing and provided great customer service. I definitely recommend the scenic cruise for families and friends events.

Reviews

4.0

260 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 260 reviews

It was a disappointing experience.

Enock_A, May 2023

The Tour didn't happen for what the captain called technical reasons. They offer to serve guests lunch while the ship was stationary at the wharf. We paid for a tour not a restaurant on the wharf. Consequently, we opted for a refund

No trip drove 400 miles

Audrey_B, May 2023

Drove from North Carolina and cruise was canceled at boarding time wasted parking and hotel fees. Was a terrible experience

I booked the Spirit of...

Nadine_H, May 2023

I booked the Spirit of Washington Cruse through Viator. Unfortunately, we missed our cruise due to accident on the road. Viator would not allow us to transfer the money to a new cruise reservation. I would never use this service ever again.

Terrific fun adventure!

Michelle_C, May 2023

The atmosphere was terrific!! Staff were fun and really know how to keep the event lively. Lastly, the food was delicious.

Average Experience

Lisa_S, May 2023

The lunch was so-so and disappointed by the high alcohol prices considering we also paid $100 which we thought was all-inclusive. Not worth it for out-of-towners.

Tahvia and Dewayne were perfection!

LaToya_B, May 2023

7 of us boarded for my grandmother’s 85th trip around the sun. The vessel was clean. I do wish the lunch menu had better options like dinner but our servers were amazing. They are the reason for 4 stars along with Dj Bdub who played her requests. Thanks for a special memory we could cherish! Please have better onboarding processes. Being sat in the back behind a wall took away one star.

Daughter and me

Jeanine_B, May 2023

Actually didn’t care for the food but appreciated the birthday shoutout and cake for my daughter who just turned 21

Scenic Cruise

Jennifer_J, May 2023

Scenic cruise was wonderful. The staff was amazing and provided great customer service. I definitely recommend the scenic cruise for families and friends events.

Very fun!

Catherine_E, May 2023

Sitting up on the deck looking at everything on the shoreline.was wonderful. We would do it again. Our server was excellent and we enjoyed the lunch very much.

Will do it again!

Ricayanna_C, May 2023

The scenic was a very nice experience for my sister’s birthday. It seems more dedicated to a 40 and up crowd however, the experience was still awesome. Christina and Dwayne were very helpful making sure that we were taken care of properly. Dwayne bought good vibes to our table. Terrence was also helpful with guiding us around the boat and taking photos for us. All in all, the experience was very nice would do it again!

Very Disapointed!

Francine_B, May 2023

Very Disappointed! Traveled with our 89 yr old Mom, we were forced to take her down many deep stairs, Rest room unable to use, repairs being done during cruise. Menu did not match$ of cruise.

Lunch criuise

Sheryl_C, May 2023

Nice boat ride. Food was tasty. Service was ok. We weren't drinking alcohol . I think with lack of purchasing high priced drinks ( so assuming lno tip🤷‍♀️) the servers weren't as attentive. Good views but minimal explanation of what you are seeing. Perfect for a laid back afternoon .

Great Service

Amanda_F, May 2023

Dwayne our server was amazing he really brought happy and fun energy to the experience! I also loved the views and food!

Great outing!

Maureen_B, May 2023

What a fun excursion! While the wait in line to board was long and unorganized, the boat ride was well executed. Plenty of food varieties on the brunch and good desserts! Great music too! Cocktail drink prices were ridiculously expensive though. $22 for a small margarita on the rocks.

Bad experience on this cruise, will never come again, and will not refer friends and family

Cathy_D, May 2023

Our experience was not a good one. We use Fator a lot, and mostly have good experiences. We didn’t get a drink for at least an hour. The food was cold. The bartender was rude you needed more seats on the top of the boat we had to stand, and I will be calling to explain our bad experience.

Horrible Experience

Zanetta_B, May 2023

First we had to wait about 45 minutes to be seated. Standing outside on the ships platform and the boat started to move, which made us sick to our stomach. The food was disgusting, and they also ran out. We ordered additional food which wasn't that good either. People were complaining about having to wait for food and they ran out of desserts. I asked them to bring additional salads when they brought out the food but they took so long. This was scheduled for my daughters 21st birthday and it just wasn't enjoyable.

We had a wonderful time!

Jonathan_A, Apr 2023

The food and the cruise was great. The service has some room for improvement. The waiter served coffee without a spoon and forgot to bring a drink that was ordered!

Incompetent

Elizabeth_C, Apr 2023

They put us on the wrong boat!!! We received no tour! It was completely embarrassing and uncomfortable!

Horrible

Cazondra_J, Apr 2023

I do not recommend this trip through this company. Take the water taxi instead. But your tickets when you get there

Let's sail way & dance the day away

Cherri_F, Apr 2023

The entire experience was amazing. The staff were super engaging, accommodating & fun. Let's get into the food! Everything I ate was flavorful & not bland at all. Whomever was cooking on 4/21/23 please keep them because somebody momma taught them well haha. We had the pleasure of being served by Maurice & he was an absolute delight to say the least. The DJ did his thang! He had us dancing the afternoon away. Go Dj, that's my DJ! So in closing the last minute cruise exceeded my expectations & I will book again soon. This cruise is #BarbieApproved

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