Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise
3
About
Date night in DC doesn't get better than this romantic dinner cruise, where you can indulge in a multi-course meal, complete with views of the city. Just hop aboard your ship for a scenic jaunt on the Potomac River. Sit back to enjoy views through the picture windows, take in fresh air from the observation deck, and enjoy dancing to the live, onboard music.
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from per adult
$93.53
Lowest price guarantee
Ages 3-99, max of 160 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English
Highlights
- Cruise the Potomac River, and enjoy a meal on a Washington DC dinner cruise
- Enjoy views of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Kennedy Center
- Get a great value with three-course meal, and live band performance included
- Leave from Gangplank Marina, just a short walk from the Waterfront Station
- Two and a half to three hour cruise on the Potomac River
- A three-course plated dinner with attentive tableside service
- Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water
- The most breathtaking views of the nation's greatest landmarks, including the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial
- Curated music selection by onboard DJ
- Guaranteed table for your party size
What's not included- Other beverages
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Departure details
- 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA Boarding: The Wharf DC. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at The Wharf Parking Garage.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- 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: 5042WASDIN- Dress code is smart casual such as nice slacks and collared shirts. No jeans, shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, gym shoes or flip flops are worn on the cruise
- All interior areas of the ship are non-smoking, guests who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks only
- Cruise duration is approx 2.5 to 3 hours
- Most travelers can participate
- Seating is only guaranteed together for the number of tickets confirmed on this voucher. Reservations may not be combined.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled 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 160 travelers
- All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
- How much is Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise?
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise price starts from $116.92. Discover and book Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise on Tripadvisor
- What is the Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise cancellation policy?
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise cancellation policy: All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties. Discover and book Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise?
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise is hosted by City Experiences By Hornblower. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact City Experiences By Hornblower on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 3h. Discover and book Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise on Tripadvisor
- 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: 5042WASDIN
Reserve your spot
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- You'll start at580 Water St SW580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USABoarding: The Wharf DC. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at The Wharf Parking Garage.See address & details
- 1Potomac RiverStop: 30 minutesThe boat's unique design allows you to travel beneath the historic bridges spanning the Potomac River, while the glass-atrium dining rooms offer spectacular views.Read more
- You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
City Experiences By Hornblower
616
United States
Joined in July 2011
#3 of 41 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Washington DC
- lissennya00Love the ride relaxing and pleasureMore personal a long time waiting for the services more dessert varieties, and better music more outside seating area
- Kathydaffy7000Not a "tour" but very enjoyable!We took the scenic lunch tour as a couple in August and although I this boat trip was definitely not a "tour" it was a lot of fun. There was no narration describing the sights but you did get to see a lot of DC from the water. The boat had two outdoor decks where you could enjoy the views, the DJ did his best to try to encourage people to have a good time (I do agree with another reviewer that the music leaned to heavily towards rap, though, and the dance area was crowded), and while the drinks were expensive they weren't ridiculously so. The lunch buffet felt a bit rushed due to the number of people but each dish was labelled and the food wasn't bad - it was buffet food and not meant to be fine dining. Think pasta, chicken, salmon, salad, mixed vegetables and a large selection of desserts. The best part of the trip by far was our server, who was a delightful young woman named Destiny (for the record all of the wait staff were very pleasant). She was super friendly, helpful, and just a joy to be around. We would return in a heartbeat to see her! I'd recommend this cruise as long as your expectations aren't sky-high; that is, don't think you're getting a five star dinner and a narrated guide to the city. It's a basic boat ride with dancing and a buffet but it was still a really good time. We'd definitely book another trip!
- Colon6000Old timerSightseeing and the food was incredible. The server was excellent. You help an old timer birthday celebration. Young again!! Did you see me dance? Haven't done that in ages. Truly enjoyable experience..
- Suelovesbooks00TOO HOT IN THE LOWEST DECKFOOD WAS DELICIOUS . WAIT STAFF WAS EXCELLENT. I WOULD HAVE GIVEN A FIVE STAR REVIEW EXCEPT THAT IT WAS UNBEARABLY HOT IN THE LOWEST DECK WHERE WE ATE. CHAMPAGNE THAT WAS SERVED COLD GOT WARM QUICKLY , ICE IN SOFT DRINKS MELTING IMMEDIATELY.
- R9145GLnancys00DisappointingWe took the tour from Washington DC to Mt. Vernon over the 4th of July weekend. The voyage started out fine. The weather was good, and we cruised for about 1 1/2 hours before reaching Mt. Vernon. Once there, however, the ship was unable to dock because of mechanical difficulties. While I appreciate that this type of thing can happen, it was unclear how we were still able to return to the pier in DC and dock without any problem. We all would have appreciated an explanation. A few passengers asked, but the staff simply said it was impossible to continue our trip. I'm not sure if these mechanical difficulties had anything to do with it, but the toilets in the women's bathrooms wouldn't flush. The staff was made aware but never did anything about it.
- Dream2021694404100Potomac CruiseWe took the lunch cruise during the week. Parking nearby. Easy to find the Pier. Booked a table for two near the window. You do not have to pay the extra money for this. It was a rainy day so we stayed inside. Staff very attentive. On the menu if you purchase a specialty cocktail you keep the glass. Well the server took the glass and never brought another one. Also, did not appear to be a souvenir glass. Specialty drinks were $22.00. The food was mediocre. No labels to tell you what the food is. If you have food allergies I would think that would be a problem. Dressing was not on or with one of the salads so we had to ask them to bring it out. There was bread but no butter. When asked they brought out frozen butter packets and just laid them out on the table and then just left them out in the box. The pasta with sauce was clumpy and sauce dried up. Cooked way to long. If you did not get your dessert when you went to the buffet for your main meal there was nothing left when you went back. Eventually they brought out some brownies. Regarding the sights-saw Reagan airport and a large park but nothing of the monuments etc. No one telling you what anything was. Mostly saw the Virginia side. A quick peak of the Washington monument. Great music and lots of people up and dancing. In fact, they need a bigger dance floor. All in all, not worth the money.
- Steven T00good foodamazing food selection and staff. drinks were a bit pricey for the signature drinks, but it comes with a take home glass so
- Jackie G00Potomac City CruiseGreat 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.
- paulbV6940QU00NOT WORTH THE MONEYI'm sorry to report that my wife and I didn't have a great experience on The Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet. The experience didn't quite live up to our expectations, especially given the high cost of the trip. While the buffet food was okay, the DJ was disappointing. The drinks were expensive. The boat decor was out of date may have contributed to an overall underwhelming experience.
- X3167QIpattib00Interested to try again…but moving!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.
- 218shantaeb00Dinner buffet cruiseMy 1st time...ended up being a very nice night. Everyone was polite, the bathrooms were clean. The DJ should have played up to date music!
- Climber64635100Bucket list outingWe really enjoyed the scenery and the food. We had a table by the window which was really nice. Our server was cheerful and attentive. Thank you for a lovely outing.
- Jccarlin00Great buffet, nice experienceMy friend and I spent a fun day together on the water enjoying the views of DC and Alexandria from the water.
- Anthony H00Great night on the waterWe had a great experience on our cruise, it was the first time on a cruise ship for my lady, food was great and plentiful and we partied until we docked ...we will be planning another trip in the near future
- D5284BNmandyh00Nice CruiseBest service and nice vessel. The views were amazing, it was a beautiful cruise. I would highly recommend it!
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.0
34 reviews
Excellent
5
Very good
5
Average
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Poor
12
Terrible
5
Joseph B
La Canada Flintridge, California97 contributions
Jul 2021
We spent $300 per person on a 4th of July Fireworks Cruise to be put on the inferior "spirit" ship while we watched others get on the odyssey. We were given a buffet vs a plated diner and sat at a seat where the table was wobbling everywhere and was basically locked inside the buffet so when people lined up they were standing right next to your table. Not quiet or romantic at all. We booked a cruise with City experience not a particular ship so we felt like 2nd class citizens watching all the people who got the good ship having a nice plated dinner with floor to ceiling windows and us sitting in a buffet line on the inferior spirit ship. The onboard manager did move our table after I made a fuss about it so that adds a star but the whole ship experience (minus the fireworks) was lackluster at best.
Written July 5, 2021
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.
Candice W
The Woodlands, TX28 contributions
Oct 2021
My boyfriend and I went on the Premier Dinner Cruise in Washington DC booked through City Experiences by Hornblower. We were on board the Odyssey on October 8, 2021. I should have read the reviews before my boyfriend paid $400 for an evening worth about $40. They tout the cruise as being an “upscale dinner cruise”. It is far from an upscale evening out. The food was edible; I had the salmon which was fine, a small portion of orzo swimming in tomato sauce, and a spring of something green. I was looking forward to a dessert they described as the Hornblower Signature Chocolate Cake, but it turned out to be what looked like a chocolate cupcake without the frosting with sprinkles and a tiny amount of unidentifiable sauce on the plate. Our server said there would be 30 minutes between the three courses, but as quickly as they could, they served us to get their work out of the way. The DJ was so loud we had to go outside to speak to each other. One group seemed to be drunk on arrival and continued their drinking on the cruise, and then got up to dance as best they could. The staff was clearly there to dance and have their own party. I contemplated approaching them to ask if I could serve them something from the bar, as they appeared to be customers, not employees. On a serious note, I felt bad for the couples there celebrating anniversaries and birthdays; I didn’t see them get up to dance at all. The music and the DJ were much too loud and at times, raunchy. If we had been able to get up and leave, we would have, but we were a captive audience. We did admire the work of one employee, the woman in the parking lot, who ran a tight ship. She directed traffic like a pro and we watched her while we were awaiting our Uber. I think there were two other employees but they stood off to the side, out of the way. Anyway, a negative experience which we will not repeat, ever.
Written October 11, 2021
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.
rfj7
Corona, CA12 contributions
Jul 2022
I was expecting a romantic dinner cruise. The service was slow and the wait staff did not seem to know what they were doing. The food was mediocre at best. It was loud, and the DJ did not play one slow song. There was no narrative about what sights we were seeing on the Potomac. The sunset was beautiful.
Written July 25, 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.
Escape714208
3 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
I booked tickets for our anniversary as I thought it would be an amazing unique dining experience. We had never been on a dinner cruise, so I didn't know what to expect. But after reading so many mixed reviews, I had alot of anxiety going into this experience. Some people said the food was mehh and I was told by someone to lower my expectations, which is something you definitely don't want to hear after paying so much for a dinner, lol.
All-in-all, we had a beautiful night. The experience was exactly and everything I envisioned it would be. The staff was very welcoming and accommodating. The food was really good. I LOVED the seafood chowder and the short ribs. I even liked the carrot and I hate cooked carrots, lol. I didn't pay for any of the special occasion packages, but we did let our server know we were celebrating our anniversary. She was super sweet and gave us our dessert cake on a plate that said "Happy Anniversary".
I get cold easily, and was concerned about being cold on the water, but the weather was perfect and the interior of the ship stayed cool since it was so warm outside. The ambiance was as romantic as I hoped it would be, and the tour guide information was really cool.
I get motion sick really easily, which was something I was concerned about, but I was able to get through our time on the ship fine without needing any dramamine.
I'm not sure how many times we'd do this again because of the price, but I was very pleased with everything and my husband and I had a great evening.
All-in-all, we had a beautiful night. The experience was exactly and everything I envisioned it would be. The staff was very welcoming and accommodating. The food was really good. I LOVED the seafood chowder and the short ribs. I even liked the carrot and I hate cooked carrots, lol. I didn't pay for any of the special occasion packages, but we did let our server know we were celebrating our anniversary. She was super sweet and gave us our dessert cake on a plate that said "Happy Anniversary".
I get cold easily, and was concerned about being cold on the water, but the weather was perfect and the interior of the ship stayed cool since it was so warm outside. The ambiance was as romantic as I hoped it would be, and the tour guide information was really cool.
I get motion sick really easily, which was something I was concerned about, but I was able to get through our time on the ship fine without needing any dramamine.
I'm not sure how many times we'd do this again because of the price, but I was very pleased with everything and my husband and I had a great evening.
Written May 23, 2021
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.
mehrnoush f
Washington DC, DC2 contributions
Our cruise trip with Washington DC Odyssey was horrible. The food quality and quantity was unbelievably poor. The servers' service was really bad. They were low energy and no welcoming at all. After 1 hour sitting, no one came to ask for any drink or the other service. The appetizer was a few leaves of rotten spinach with 2 pieces of canned peach. I wanted to surprise my family with that tour and paid $600 for 5 people and I was shameful at the end for the horrible food and services. Never, ever waste your money on that tour.
Written May 31, 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.
Liz K
Bournemouth, UK11 contributions
Overall the people were brilliant and worked hard to give us a good time. However, the overall experience was not good value for money. Very small food portions for a $150 ticket price and very disappointed with the overall experience.
Written June 29, 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.
Cheryl K
Kansas City, MO21 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The night started off amazing and soon came to the worst anniversary I have ever had. My husband and I booked this weeks ago and spent 500.00 for the night ambience. Our ship was full of loud kids forcing all of the adults to sit outside in the cold for a better night.
The only thing I would have requested was a convenient option asking if we would be ok with a night full of loud children.
Our server was amazing and apologized as much as she could but it was not her fault by no means. Her name was DJ she definitely tried to make the situation far better than what it was. I will never do this again nor recommend to anyone I know.
The only thing I would have requested was a convenient option asking if we would be ok with a night full of loud children.
Our server was amazing and apologized as much as she could but it was not her fault by no means. Her name was DJ she definitely tried to make the situation far better than what it was. I will never do this again nor recommend to anyone I know.
Written April 18, 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.
Remy
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Family
Cruise was good. DJ was good. Food and drink service was the absolutely horrible. Takes 15-20 minutes to get a drink(if you actually get it). We ordered several drinks that never came. Takes 50 - 70 minutes to get main course. We were one of the first tables to order dessert and it never came. Server, Tyrone, took orders and then disappeared for practically the entire evening....came back to drop off food and check and that is it. Oh yeah, he did take our dessert order too, but then we never got the dessert. Believe they ran out and just never told us...or thought we would forget about it.
Written April 23, 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.
Brooke W
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
It was quite expensive for very poor quality food. The salad was wilted spinach, soggy tomatoes, and canned peaches. Main course was okay, chicken entree was not very good, salmon was okay. Dessert was just thawed out frozen cheesecake from the store. Not worth the money. Spent $70 on 3 drinks. Wouldn’t recommend for anyone I know to spend the money, wish I would’ve known and saved the money.
Written May 30, 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.
Roma T
1 contribution
The boat itself was ok. Service was lacking in all areas. Menu was very limited not what was advertised on site. No steak was offered. Price was to high. Staff forgot to deliver our meal. Dessert was buffet style and they ran out. Pictures were an additional $43.00. And you really couldn't see the monuments as advertised. I would not do this one again
Written May 30, 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.
Sunnye
Hot Springs, AR
I want to purchase tickets for a 4th of July dinner cruiseWill of have ove available?
Sunnye
Hot Springs, AR
Will there be a cruise on the 4th of July? I’m interested in three reservation for one
Amanda
1 contribution
What are the Vegan choices for the starter, main and dessert? Thanks! :)
Can you tell me what the price is for a six-year-old that we would like to bring with us
Miriam F
Southington, CT3 contributions
The price indicates $108 per person. I go to reserve and the price is $415????
renelda d
Philadelphia, PA1 contribution
What will be on the menu for this Sunday 6pm 8/23rd for dinner and how much are your drinks
What drinks come with your meal????
Candace N
Delray Beach15 contributions
How strict is the dress code? We are vacation and did not plan for not jeans or flip-flops?
Not sure if my reservation got confirmed. How can I find out?
*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.
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Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise provided by City Experiences By Hornblower
Product Overview: Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise
| Prices From | $0 |
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| Number of Reviews | 34 |
| Number of Photos | 57 |
| Duration | 180 minutes |

































































