Party Yacht, Open Bar

Washington DC Party Yacht Open Bar Cruise on the Potomac runs through Boomerang Boat Tours. Rated 4.0 across 63 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $75.

Overview

Boomerang Boat Tours runs a two-hour party cruise on the Potomac aboard a double-decker yacht, departing from the Georgetown waterfront. The ticket is all-inclusive as far as drinks go: a premium open bar with cocktails, liquor, beer, wine, High Noon seltzers, sodas, juices and water, plus pre-packaged snacks. A live DJ plays throughout, and there is space to move around on both the indoor main cabin and the open-air top deck.

This is a party cruise, not a narrated tour. The listing states plainly that there is no commentary, since music plays the whole time. The boat passes a long stretch of DC landmarks along the river: Georgetown Waterfront Park, the Watergate Complex, the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Memorial, the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the Washington Monument, Arlington House, the US Capitol, the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial. Daytime, sunset and night departures are available, and reviewers who took the night cruise say the illuminated monuments are the highlight.

It suits groups of friends, birthday outings and travellers who want a lively evening on the water rather than a history walk. The boat carries up to 100 travellers, so expect a crowd, though one reviewer found it busy but not packed. It does not suit anyone wanting a quiet, guided sightseeing trip or a full meal.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Board at Georgetown dockCheck in at the Georgetown Waterfront, Washington Harbour. The closest street address is 3050 K St NW, and the vessel boards at the dock in front of Nick's Riverside Grill. Arrive early, as reviewers report traffic downtown and unclear boarding times.
2. Cruise past Georgetown and WatergateThe yacht passes Georgetown Waterfront Park and the Watergate Complex as it heads out onto the Potomac.
3. Kennedy Center and Lincoln MemorialThe boat passes the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Lincoln Memorial, with the Washington Monument and US Capitol visible along the route.
4. Key Bridge and Arlington HouseThe cruise passes the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge and Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, on the far side of the river.
5. Tidal Basin and Jefferson MemorialThe route continues past the Tidal Basin and the Jefferson Memorial before turning back.
6. Return to GeorgetownThe cruise ends back at the same Georgetown dock where it started, two hours after departure. All stops are pass-bys viewed from the water, with no landings.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the experience, drawn from the listing and from what travellers repeatedly report.

• Drinks and bar. The open bar covers cocktails, liquor, beer, wine, seltzers, sodas, juices and water. Several reviewers praised the bartenders and the rum punch in particular. A few noted the canned options can run out early on busy sailings, and one said last call was not announced, so it is worth ordering steadily rather than waiting until the end.
• Food is light. Only pre-packaged snacks are served, and reviewers who expected more were disappointed, with one describing the snacks as bagged potato chips. Eat before boarding if a full stomach matters, since no lunch or dinner is included.
• Heat and weather. Multiple reviewers warned that hot days with no breeze can be uncomfortable, especially near the bar. The cruise requires good weather, and cancellations for poor conditions come with a different date or a full refund.
• Music, not narration. A live DJ plays throughout and there is no sightseeing commentary. Reviewers generally liked the music, though a few found it too loud or the playlist uneven. Anyone hoping to learn about the monuments should pick a narrated cruise instead.
• Finding the boat. Several travellers had trouble locating the departure point. Look for the boat at the Georgetown dock in front of Nick's Riverside Grill, near 3050 K St NW, and allow extra time for downtown traffic. One reviewer advised arriving well before the stated time.
• Crowd and vibe. The boat holds up to 100 travellers and the atmosphere is social, with dancing and mingling on two levels. Reviewers describe birthday groups, friends and a friendly crowd. Staff engagement varies by sailing, but many reviewers singled out crew members as helpful and fun.

Common issues. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and the cruise needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if that minimum is not met, travellers are offered a different date or experience or a full refund. Weather can also force a cancellation, with the same remedy. There is no air conditioning, so summer sailings can be hot, and canned drinks have run out early on some trips when the boat was not restocked between departures. Snacks are minimal, and one reviewer said the music was too loud.

What To Work Out Before Booking