washington dc dinner cruise

3 of the Best Washington DC Dinner Cruises

One of Washington DC’s most overlooked features is its waterways. At the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers, the ribbon of water widens considerably as it heads towards the Atlantic, with the former river easily visible from behind the Lincoln Memorial. And all that walking along the National Mall can be hungry, thirsty work. Luckily there’s a type of tour in Washington that can solve that problem while allowing you to continue sightseeing. If you head roughly a mile south of the National Mall, you’ll reach the Wharf Marina from which beautiful ships set out onto the river to offer a fresh perspective on DC.

Special dinner cruises are one of the most popular forms of river tours to take in Washington DC. There are a few to choose from, all of which offer competitive prices and delicious buffets. Vegetarians and vegans may not have the best choice however on these tours due to the buffet style of the spread, although for the sweet tooth out there, that matters little as the dessert buffet is where the action is at. Here are our favorite three dinner cruises to take in Washington DC, after looking into a number of different considerations like the food quality, safety on board, duration and value for money.

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Sightseeing and Dining Cruises

City cruises.

City Cruises (formerly known as Hornblower Cruises & Events) offers water experiences beyond compare. Choose from a variety of cruises including: dinner cruises, brunch cruises, lunch cruises, cocktail cruises, sightseeing cruises, and holiday cruises. All of the vessels are conveniently docked at The Wharf, giving you the perfect launch point to explore the nation’s capital from the water.

Odyssey Savor delicious entrees and desserts as this glass-enclosed vessel drifts by the sights—accompanied by a relaxing atmosphere and live music.

Spirit of Washington Cruises A unique mix of dining, entertainment, and views, Spirit of Washington offers offers lunch, dinner, and holiday cruises, plus a variety of themed cruises.

Elite Private Yachts Host your own event or plan an unforgettable jaunt on the Potomac by chartering one of our two private yachts. Our sleek vessels are the perfect backdrop for weddings and other special occasions.

Water Taxi Come to The Wharf’s Transit Pier to catch a ride on the Water Taxi to Georgetown in DC, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, or National Harbor in Maryland—and enjoy the scenic views of the nation’s capital from the Potomac. Sightseeing Cruises See the famous monuments of Washington, DC from an entirely new perspective on this narrated sightseeing cruise. You’ll travel along the Potomac River while taking in breathtaking views of the Washington monuments and famous landmarks.

Sightseeing cruises depart from Transit Pier (970 Wharf St SW). Dining cruises (all others) depart from Pier 4 ( 580 Water St SW ).

Learn about Getting to The Wharf , including metro and parking directions.

Get Your Fill at The Wharf

Fresh seafood is a given on the waterfront. But The Wharf offers more, including a wide selection of distinctive choices for food, drinks, and entertainment while you eat. Watch the chefs prepare your meal. Listen to music. Or just people-watch while you savor the flavors of The Wharf.

Do It All on the Waterfront

Whether you like to be on the Potomac or prefer the sparkling views from land, The Wharf offers ample things to do and ways to enjoy the water. Dine in one of our fabulous restaurants. Browse our shops. Or join us during one of our festivals. Take a look at our upcoming events to plan your next visit.

United States
Washington, D.C. Area
District of Columbia
Southwest Waterfront

Odyssey Cruises Washington D.C.

Good for special occasions
Great for scenic views

Not available on OpenTable

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Additional information

Dining style Casual Elegant
Price $50 and over
Cuisines Dinner Cruise, American
Hours of operation Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10:45am - 1:30pm Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:15am - 2:00pm Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 6:00pm - 10:00pm Friday & Saturday: 7:00pm - 11:00pm Sunday: 5:00pm - 8:30pm
Phone number (866) 306-2469
Website http://www.odysseycruises.com/washington-dc
Payment options AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code Smart Casual
Private party facilities Nothing compares to the dynamic, unique experience of a group event on the water. Delicious food and drinks, top entertainment and stunning views combine for an experience your guests won’t forget. From business meetings to special occasion celebrations, give your event a whole new energy.
Private party contact Professional Event Planner: (855) 398-7088
Location 600 Water Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20024
Neighborhood Southwest Waterfront
Cross street 6th Street SW
Parking details For Odyssey parking, turn into the Gangplank Marina Lot off of Water Street. Please allow extra time to park as there is limited parking space available at Gangplank Marina. A number of nearby lots and meters offer additional convenient parking within walking distance. Additional parking charges at these areas may apply.
Public transit From the Metro: Exit the Waterfront SEU Station. Turn Right on M ST. which turns into Maine Ave. Turn Left onto 6th. Odyssey is located at Gangplank Marina, 6th and Water Street.
Entertainment Cruises feature our band, Chane Link, playing softer standards on our Brunch and Lunch cruises and throughout the earlier part of our Dinner cruises. During the later part of our Dinner cruises, expect a shift to more high-energy dance music. No matter when you cruise, there is something for everyone to enjoy, from Motown to disco, from 80"s ballads to swing, and from Latin to jazz standards.
Additional Banquet, Beer, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Shrimp Cocktail

Sriracha Cocktail Sauce. Available for an additional price

Seafood Tower

First Course

Wedge salad.

Applewood Smoked Bacon | Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Chives & Italian Parsley | Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Lobster Soup

Brioche Croutons | Chives

Smoked Moulard Duck Breast

Cranberry, Cherry & Caramelized Shallot Compote | Pickled Cornichons & Pearl Onions

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes

Sweet Corn, Red Bell Pepper & Thyme Succotash | Cajun Cream Sauce

Oven Baked Atlantic Salmon Filet

Lemon Orzo with Red Onions & Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Citrus Dill Sauce

Maple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast

Fingerling Potatoes & Chives | Haricot Verts | Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce

Braised Beef Short Rib

Idaho Potato & Horseradish Mash | Baby Carrots | Pearl Onions & English Peas | Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce

Greek Zucchini Fritters

Lemon Orzo with Red Onions & Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Spring Onion & Cucumber Tzatziki

Filet Mignon & Lobster Tail

Truffle Potatoes | Glazed Baby Carrots | Herb Butter. Available for an additional price

Duo of Sorbet

Seasonal Sorbet | Fresh Fruit

Granny Smith Apple Parfait

Cinnamon Spiced Apples | Almond & Oat Crumble | Candied Chili Bacon

Salted Caramel Cake

Dark Chocolate Ganache | Raspberry Sauce

Odyssey Signature Warm Butter Cake

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | Blackberry Sauce

What 10 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews.

3.8 Service
3.9 Ambience

Noise • Moderate

Dined on September 14, 2018

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How is Odyssey Cruises Washington D.C. restaurant rated?

Odyssey Cruises Washington D.C. is rated 4 stars by 10 OpenTable diners.

600 Water Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20024

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Washington DC Dinner Cruise

Experience breathtaking vistas of the capital while relishing a delectable buffet dinner..

Our Price $130 .00
Quantity: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

DESCRIPTION
AVAILABILITY
Restrictions
How It Works

Washington DC Dinner Cruise:

The experience.

Step aboard the Spirit of Washington for a Washington DC dinner cruise.

This cruise will indulge you with incredible views of the Capital while you enjoy a delicious buffet style dinner. As you cruise along the Potomac River you will get incredible views of National Harbor, the Capitol Dome and the Washington Monument.

Your buffet dinner offers a selection of creative and contemporary dishes and you may wish to try one of the signature cocktails.

After dinner you can head to the open air observation lounge and dance into the evening to the music provided by the onboard DJ.

Vital Information

Reservation confirmation is required. On the day of your cruise, please check in at the ticket booth at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Guest should present their voucher (s) and photo identification to receive their boarding documents.

The Spirit has a deck and restrooms that can accommodate most standard-sized wheelchairs. Our crew is happy to aide passengers that need assistance. Please advise of this at the time of booking. Boarding begins 30 minutes before the cruise begins. All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks.

All cruise tickets are non-refundable. However, for parties of 19 guests or fewer you may reschedule your cruise free of charge with at least seven days advance notice. If you must reschedule your cruise less than one week prior to the cruise date, you will incur a rebooking fee.For Dinner Cruises, the fee is $25 per person. The balance of your payment will be held on your account and can be applied toward a future cruise within the next year.

The Weather

Ships are fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail rain or shine year round.

Session Length

Your dinner cruise will last for 2.5 - 3 hours depending on the day you choose. Time of the cruises vary according to the day.

This voucher is for one person. You will share the cruise with other passengers. Smaller parties may be seated together.

Spectators are not allowed. Anyone wishing to join you on the cruise should hold a valid voucher.

What To Wear

For men, appropriate attire includes slacks and a polo or button down shirt. For women, nice slacks, Capri pants or a sundress is recommended. Although allowed, we strongly discourage collarless t-shirts, jeans, shorts or athletic shoes.

Availability

This dinner cruise is available 7 days a week. Cruises run daily but the following dates are not available; 2/12-14/2016, 3/27/2016, 5/8/2016, 6/19/2016, 7/4/2016, 11/24/2016, 12/24/2016, 12/25/2016, 12/31/2016, 2/12-14/2017.

Washington DC Dinner Cruise:

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Find unique gift ideas for Father's Day and other special occasions at Golden Moments, choose a flexible open-dated gift experience voucher where the recipient makes their own choice. Golden Moments are collectively known as the Experience Hunters and we've been searching Europe, the USA and beyond for amazing gift experiences since 1999. With thousands of happy customers, we could just sit back, but oh no, once you start seeking experiences you just can’t stop and we’d recommend you try it too!

Since 1999, the team of Golden Moments Experience Hunters have been searching US, Europe and beyond for amazing gift experiences and activities. With thousands of happy customers, we could just sit back, but oh no, once you start seeking experiences you just can’t stop and we’d recommend you try it too! Start a Live Chat now, we're always happy to help.

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Washington DC
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Dinner Cruises

Washington DC Odyssey Dinner Cruise

2.5 to 3 hour Washington DC dinner cruise
Freshly prepared 3-course dinner
Dine and dance to live music

Inclusions & Exclusions

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 Odyssey's live band
Guaranteed table for your party size
Other beverages
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities (Optional)

Departure & Return

Gangplank Marina, Washington DC

Please note: All cruises begin boarding 1 hour prior to the departure time. Tickets may be picked up at the dockside kiosk up to one hour prior to the cruise. In the rare event of a schedule change, you will be contacted with updated information.

What To Expect

Enjoy a sightseeing dinner cruise along the Potomac River and Washington, DC's beautiful waterfront, departing from Gangplank Marina at 600 Water Street SW. This excursion covers the Potomac River with fascinating views of DC's famous monuments and the city's historic waterfront.The Odyssey is a modern dining ship with three exquisitely decorated glass atrium dining rooms, offering amazing river views of the nation's greatest monuments from every table. These inner dining areas offers plenty of comfortable seating with large picture windows to see the sites. There is also an open-air observation deck (reminiscent of the European canal ships) and dance floors. The Captain and crew greet the guests as they arrive and the ship's photographer will record the moment for each party, if desired.For the 3-course dinner, there is a tasting trio, entrees and desserts. To begin, choose from roasted summer vegetable salad, rock shrimp spheres or whipped goat cheese. The entrees include crab and mussel gratin, Romesco crust salmon, maple mustard glazed chicken, braised short rib, cauliflower steak or steak and lobster tail (additional charge). For dessert, there's duo of sorbet, Odyssey signature bread pudding, mountain berry shortcake or chocolate decadent cake.After eating, dance the night away to live music. The evening begins with softer standards before shifting to more high-energy dance music after dinner.Throughout the cruise, enjoy stunning views of the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Reagan National Airport, the United States Naval Research Laboratory, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge and much more.ItinerarySample Menu (subject to change)Tasting TrioShrimp & Watermelon: English Cucumbers | Pickled Shallots | Extra Virgin Olive OilRoasted Summer Vegetable Salad: Yellow Corn | Zucchini | Caramelized Onions | Heirloom TomatoArugula | Herb VinaigretteWhipped Goat Cheese: Candied Pecan Herb Crust | Balsamic Strawberries | CrostiniEntreesJumbo Lump Crab Cakes - Sweet Corn, Red Pepper & Thyme Succotash | Cajun Cream SauceOven Baked Atlantic Salmon Filet: Lemon Orzo with Red Onions & Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Citrus Dill SauceMaple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast - Fingerling Potatoes & Chives | Haricot Verts | Dijon Mustard Cream SauceBraised Beef Short Rib - Idaho Potato & Horseradish Mash | Baby Carrots | Pearl Onions | English Peas Cabernet Sauvignon SauceGreek Zucchini Fritters - Lemon Orzo with Red Onions & Sun Dried Tomatoes | Spring Onion & Cucumber TzatzikiDessertsDuo of Sorbet: Seasonal Sorbet | Fresh FruitGranny Smith Apple Parfait: Cinnamon Spiced Apples | Almond & Oat Crumble | Candied Chili BaconSalted Caramel Cake: Dark Chocolate Ganache | Raspberry SauceOdyssey Signature Warm Butter Cake: Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | Blackberry Sauce*Menu subject to change. Please inform your server if anyone in your party has a food allergy.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 5 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
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

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Your Contact Details

Questions or requests.

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