Buffet Dinner Cruise

DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise runs through City Cruises. Rated 4.2 across 936 reviews. Runs 2 to 2.5 hours. From $74.48.

Overview

The Spirit of Washington pushes off from the Potomac and spends roughly two hours carrying diners past the city's riverside landmarks while they work through an attended buffet. You board early, get a greeting and a photo from the ship's photographer, then settle at your assigned table for a meal that runs from salads and honey sesame chicken to a dessert station with cakes and brownies. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea come with the meal; alcohol costs extra.

Once plates are cleared, the boat becomes more of a party. A DJ plays through the sailing, and there are games such as giant Jenga and shuffleboard. The three decks are climate-controlled, and the observation decks give open views of the Washington Monument, National Harbor, Old Town Alexandria, the Jefferson Memorial, and the Capitol as the boat glides by.

This suits travellers who want a lively, social evening rather than a quiet sightseeing run. Reviewers repeatedly describe loud music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere, and several have used it for birthdays and other celebrations. The cruise is built around the buffet and the party that follows it.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting pointThere are two possible meeting points depending on the option selected, so confirm the correct pier on the booking page before departure.
2. BoardingBoarding begins one hour before departure. Late arrivals will likely miss the boat, so arrive early.
3. Potomac River cruiseThe Spirit of Washington sails the Potomac for the duration of the cruise while the buffet is served and the DJ plays.
4. Sightseeing from the decksFrom the observation decks, the route passes views toward Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Old Town Alexandria, National Harbor, the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
5. ReturnThe cruise ends at one of two drop-off locations, depending on the option selected.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this cruise goes, from the dress code to how drinks are billed.

• What to wear. The listing suggests comfortable, casually stylish attire. Flat, closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety on deck, and closed-toe shoes are listed among what to bring.
• Bring ID. Bring a passport or ID card, as listed among what to bring for boarding.
• Drinks cost extra. Coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are unlimited and included, but alcoholic beverages must be purchased separately. One reviewer was caught out by this and suggested checking which drinks are included before ordering.
• Loud, social vibe. Reviewers consistently describe the cruise as loud, vibrant, and festive, with dancing and a DJ. Travellers wanting a quiet dinner should expect a party atmosphere instead.
• Seating with your group. Guests who want to sit together must be on the same booking. If separate bookings were already made, contact City Cruises in advance to arrange shared seating.
• Photos and decks. A ship's photographer takes a photo at boarding. After the meal, all three climate-controlled decks are open, and smoking is permitted only on the outdoor observation decks.

Common issues. Boarding is the most frequent complaint: several reviewers found the pre-cruise instructions confusing, with unclear signage about which boat to board and long lines at check-in. The DJ drew mixed feedback, with one reviewer saying he was reluctant to take song requests until near the end of the sailing. One reviewer also felt the buffet could use more variety, and another found the price a little high for what was offered. Alcoholic drinks are not included, which caught at least one group by surprise on the bill.

What To Work Out Before Booking