Potomac River Cruise: Iconic DC Landmarks

Experience a scenic 2-hour lunch cruise on the Potomac River with a delicious buffet, iconic views, and onboard entertainment.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • City Experiences By Hornblower - Step aboard the sleek cruise ship and get ready to be pampered and entertained on a 2-hour cruise along Washington DC’s Potomac River. Take in spectacular views of the city’s downtown and enjoy a grand buffet with drinks served by the attentive wait staff. It’s a great way enjoy all the highlights of Washington DC…
What's Included
  • Buffet menu
  • 2-hour lunch (or brunch) cruise
  • Tax and fees
  • Service charges
  • Coffee and tea
What's Not Included
  • Other drinks (not listed in Inclusions)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

With the sunshine reflecting off the Potomac River, there’s no better place to enjoy an afternoon in Washington, D.C. than aboard a City Cruises lunch cruise. Treat yourself to an onboard historical tour of some of the most iconic landmarks in the country like Old Town Alexandria, the National Harbor, and the Washington Monument, as you sample creative…

Location
City Cruises Washington DC - Pier 4
Water Street Southwest
Pier 4 • 580 Water Street SW • Washington, DC 20024 Please arrive at the meeting point early – boarding begins 45 minutes prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.0
(402 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Brian_m
Jul 31, 2025
Our server Candace was... - Our server Candace was amazing and really made the experience something special. Loved the dj and dancing as well
Review provided by Viator
Ahmad_l
Jul 12, 2025
A cherished experience - It was a great experience! My wife and I came to DC to celebrate her bday and we had a blast! We started with having a nice brunch meal but then the DJ kicked that music into gear and it was a dance party! Plenty of line dancing if you like that. I originally booked this for the sites but my wife and I had such a great time dancing I don’t really know what sites we passed. Anyhow the whole staff was so amazing and accommodating, we just loved them! DJ was really cool as well and did a great job at getting people involved, keeping the energy positive, & shouting out peoples occasions. A very unique experience that my wife and I will cherish!
Review provided by Viator
Tamica_w
Jul 11, 2025
This cruise was a lot of... - This cruise was a lot of fun.. The DJ played good music options. The staff was entertaining with Delicious buffet food options .
Review provided by Viator
Bbjdouglas
Jul 9, 2025
5 Stars - The whole experience was wonderful. Our server,Aldi(not sure this is how you spell her name) was fantastic. She made sure you had everything you needed. The restaurant manager was wonderful. She interacted with all the customers. The food was delicious. The DJ was great! Can’t wait to go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wilberta_s
Jul 6, 2025
Washington Spirit Cruise - Be sure to check your reservation to confirm your correct cruise and boarding schedule to avoid longer wait time and missed departure.
Review provided by Viator
Judy_h
Jun 28, 2025
Exactly as advertised! - Great lunch, really nice cruise on the river. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Customer Service was top notch in answering questions Highly recommend if you have a few hours to spend in the area.
Review provided by Viator
Muriel_j
Jul 19, 2025
Disappointed - This was my 2nd time on the boat. I came with daughter and my 6 yr old grandson. Disappointed as soon as I got on boat because I thought we had window seats so grandson would not have to keep jumping up to look out window. I thought thats what my $250.00 I paid would get me , I asked. after telling me iwe had inside seats. I was told I should have selected window when I bought tickets. Needless to say my grandson hurt himself when he scraped his ankle going outside to see from the door and was BLEEDING. However, one of servers gave him a bandaide. The other thong was the 4 people seated next to us were loud, roudy and were speaking very filthy and even said why can't they make this trip kid option and my grandson heard this. Apparently they didn't like him getting up to go look out the window. Overall trip was good the food was excellent.
Review provided by Viator
Saima_q
Jul 15, 2025
We have been attending... - We have been attending the Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise annually; however, our experiences have become increasingly disappointing. The vessel appears to be aging and in need of upgrades, as cleanliness standards seem to have declined. Additionally, customer service has noticeably deteriorated; our waitress was hurried and inattentive, and I had limited interaction with her. Overall, we left the experience unsatisfied.
Review provided by Viator
Kb187
Aug 1, 2025
Not a tour - only lunch on a boat while on the Potomac - It’s ok if you’re looking for a lunch cruise only. This is not a tour and there are no comments when you pass any monuments or any guided sightseeing - you board the boat, eat lunch, and offboard. There’s music, but if you’re looking for a sight-seeing tour, this is not it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
738deborahe
Jul 26, 2025
Not the experience I envisioned! A two hour part on the Potomac. - Warning! This is boat a quiet “scenic” cruise! If you want a party cruise experience, this is your cruise. The vessel: Good: is the tables were nicely set. Bad: it could use a good deep cleaning. Upon entering there was this stench of sour mop water. Could use a good deep cleaning. The overall dining area needs to be deep cleaned and updated. The staff: Good: the staff were attentive Bad: they tried to deliver a good experience they’re equipped to give. I don’t think there’s a uniform code. Shirt were not tucked into pants, some looked dirty. Atmosphere: Good: DJ was great. For a party Bad: It is a party boat. Not what I was expecting. The DJ was so loud you couldn’t hold a conversation. The biggest turn off there was a birthday party of about >100 people. The company should have mentioned that. Food: Good: Hot and well seasoned food Bad: mostly carbs, low cut pieces of meat like chicken thighs and shredded pork. Summary. DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR IF YOU AREN’T GOING TO PARTY! Even so, was not a good value for the money paid. Definitely not the experience very disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $64
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).