City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise
Washington DC, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy food, fun, and entertainment—plus unbeatable views of Washington DC—on this two-in-one lunch and sightseeing cruise along the Potomac River. Take advantage of a delicious buffet lunch and spacious dance floors to let loose. Save time as well by sightseeing as you go: Spot highlights including the Washington Monument, Old Town Alexandria, and much more.
- Enjoy a generous buffet lunch/brunch on this Potomac River cruise
- Discover a new perspective on Washington DC from the water's edge
- A DJ is on board to help get the party started
- Enjoy unlimited hot drinks, in addition to your meal
What's Included
- 2-hour lunch (or brunch) cruise
- Buffet menu
- Coffee and tea
- DJ Music
- Tax and fees
- Other drinks (not listed in Inclusions)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- City Cruises580 Water St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Pier 4 • 580 Water Street SW • Washington, DC 20024 Please arrive at the meeting point early – boarding begins 45 minutes prior to departure.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Up to 45 minutes before your sightseeing cruise begins, make your way to the waterfront departure point and board your vessel.
When the time comes, set sail along the Potomac River. Travel aboard a modern dining ship, equipped with plenty of comfortable seating, plus large picture windows and an open-air deck that provide great views of Washington DC. There are also spacious dance floors and full-service bars on board.
Before or after eating, grab a drink from one of the on-board bars (own expense) and dance the afternoon away as a professional DJ spins the latest hits.
Throughout the cruise, look out for attractions including 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.
This tour ends at your original departure point.
When the time comes, set sail along the Potomac River. Travel aboard a modern dining ship, equipped with plenty of comfortable seating, plus large picture windows and an open-air deck that provide great views of Washington DC. There are also spacious dance floors and full-service bars on board.
Before or after eating, grab a drink from one of the on-board bars (own expense) and dance the afternoon away as a professional DJ spins the latest hits.
Throughout the cruise, look out for attractions including 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.
This tour ends at your original departure point.
1
City Experiences By Hornblower
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Washington Monument
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Potomac River
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers 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)
- Boarding begins 45 minutes prior to departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (15)
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
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.0
based on 462 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Missy_S, Aug 2026
We had a great time!! The food was amazing!! So good and plenty to eat!! The boat was clean, the staff was on top of everything. They were efficient and friendly. Thank you!!
Robin_R, Aug 2026
The boarding time was timely and everyone was friendly. My seating was up stairs and they announced my birthday my server was professional and friendly. We danced and did the line dancing the music was a nice.
Patricia_W, Aug 2026
Organized, good food, great staff, excellent DJ. I have no complaints. We had an awesome time. Happy!
Traci_C, Aug 2026
Group had a great time inside and on deck. My only issue is with the instructions on your website. The site said to be there to board at 10:45. The ticket counter said 11:30 when we arrived. Left us waiting in 90 degree heat for 45 minutes. Update the website for tru boarding time.
Susan_L, Aug 2026
From start to finish it was a very enjoyable experience. The staff were all wonderful with smiles and helpfulness the whole time. The ship was clean, the food was very delicious and the DJ kept everyone dancing.
Daniel_R, Aug 2026
Fun cruise. Good food and service. You can't really see any Washington monuments from the river. They also told us to be at the dock at a certain time and they were running 30 min late. The posted time was conflicting so it was hard to tell what time they really start boarding. But, the staff and crew were great and we had a nice time.
Cecilia_L, Jul 2026
All the staffs work so hard!!!! Food selections were good, more than I expected. And they taste good also. The only complaint is the windows need to be clean
alicia_r, Jul 2026
Not recommended for teens . Nothing for them to do & music is mostly from older adults decades. Food is just ok.
gvega0313, Jul 2026
Great vibe love the energy the food also the dj was playing great music great staff also drinks were good
Cookie_D, Jul 2026
Family took me for my birthday on Friday July 18th and the trip started late, food was horrible if I could give 0 stars I would! The food was cold, dry tasting and looking and couldn’t tell what it was the presentation was not giving class it was giving trash for a boat lunch trip, the drinks were weak and watered down. My family nor I did not enjoy myself at all for it being me and my family first time. Other than that our server Javion was exceptionally amazing that was the only great thing about the trip. It was not worth my hard earned money…. If after a lunch boat trip you gotta stop and get something to eat that’s a red flag…
Marian_H, Jul 2026
It’s is very organized as far as ushering people in and seating them at tables. Wait staff did not come around to us for drink orders. We had to remind them. Music was loud. Wished the cruise would have gone by more DC scenery like down toward Key Bridge.
Michael_L, Jul 2026
We were told boarding begins at 10:45 and to arrive early…they don’t start boarding until 11:30. mass chaos, no organization for boarding, not many places to sit and wait, standing outside in the sun. Food was mediocre at best, especially for the price. DJ microphone and ship speakers very crackly and hard to understand. Expected more of a sightseeing informative tour of historic sights, not much was said.
Eileen_B, Jul 2026
Our team of 10 people had a great time on our lunch cruise. The service was excellent and the DJ played fun music! We really enjoyed the experience.
James_L, Jul 2026
It was amazing every one should do it. Wether solo or not you will have fun. The crew was amazing. The DJ was awesome
Melody_s, Jul 2026
This buffet is slow with very few options. There is also slow service due to not enough employees. The cruise left thirty minutes late, as well.
Luke_A, Jul 2026
Really Good Experience
We were able to book the cruise an hour before departure
Good food, Good wine selections, Great Music
Staff was Courteous
Stephene_B, Jul 2026
Way too slow getting in had to stand out in the heat. They said they were available 45 minutes before and it was really 30 minutes before.
they took forever to check people, and it was like herding. Cattle.
Only monuments you saw were two that you can see anywhere in DC. And the music was way too loud. We could not even hear each other talk .
Food was good, but that was about it.
Mandy_K, Jun 2026
It was not clear that there were differences in the ticket pricing and seats. Upon arrival we were refused window seats because we had not paid for it. I have done the same tour two years ago and I was more upscale. Seating was upstairs. Drinks were included but now event soft drinks were for a charge, seating was downstairs with no access to upper deck, the food was cold and under palatable and drinks were paid. Not worth it.
Carmelita_J, Jun 2026
My experience was amazing. Me and my daughter really enjoy yourselves and it was my birthday so I had a wonderful time . I would recommend this cruises to anyone thanks you guys!!
Angela_B, Jun 2026
If you need something to do for a few hours and have a good tasting lunch, go on this cruise
We really enjoyed it
Kelly_J, Jun 2026
The loading onto the boat was very unorganized. Music was to loud and not my kind of music. Some of the food was okay but half had no flavor at all. The chicken and desserts were good. The scenery was nice. Definitely not worth the price. I would not recommend it to anyone.
Crystal_H, Jun 2026
This was absolutely beautiful.
My family loved sightseeing,
the food, the atmosphere!
It was amazing!!!
Colleen_B, May 2026
Book ahead of time. If you have mobility issues be sure to request main deck. Very well organized. Nice ship.
Svetlana_S, May 2026
If you want to see some scenic places -it's wrong tour, the boat was going on the circles, about 10 miles in one direction and came back. The same views about 10 times.
If you want to eat pretty good food and to have some fun on the dance floor-then you are in right place. The service was not too great but it was a buffet, so it was not big deal.
I recommend to go as a big group.
Marissa_C, May 2026
Unique was attentive to our needs and provided exemplary service. Food was fantastic and the crowd was lively and had good vibes. Watching thee river from up top was fantastic. Thanks for the memories!
Heidi_C, May 2026
Who would’ve thought that having a DJ and dancing on a lunch cruise would’ve been so much fun? Let me tell you, it was amazing!
The food was delicious and the staff were all very polite and attentive!
Deborah_L, May 2026
We were celebrating our 49th wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful enjoyable time. We will definitely do this again.
Corine_C, May 2026
The boarding process was a mess. People everywhere and boarded at almost 1130 not 1045.
We did not see anything scenic other than the river. Tour made it sound like we would see scenic DC views.
The food was mediocre and all tasted the same.
Highly disappointed for cost.
Wandasoares_N, Apr 2026
It was my husband birthday we had an amazing time. The staff were awesome, customer service was great! Food was good too!
Alicia_F, Apr 2026
Wonderful time and food was great. It’s was a very nice experience for my husband and I. The music was fantastic
From $71.82
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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