Washington Premier Lunch Cruise

Taking a lunchtime cruise along the Potomac River sounds like a lovely way to combine sightseeing with a bit of indulgence. This is exactly what the Washington Premier Lunch Cruise offers—an opportunity to enjoy a chef-prepared plated meal, creative cocktails, and the sweeping vistas of the DC skyline while sailing past some of the city’s most famous landmarks. But does this experience live up to expectations? We’ve looked into the details, reviews, and what travelers can realistically anticipate, so you can decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What we like about this cruise are its upscale dining, beautiful panoramic views, and the live DJ creating a vibrant atmosphere. The cruise’s indoor lounges and open-air decks provide comfort and flexibility, whether you prefer to enjoy the scenery in the fresh air or relax indoors. However, a notable drawback from past travelers is the disappointment in landmark sightings, particularly the elusive cherry blossoms, which many expected to see during the season.

This cruise is ideal for those who enjoy luxury experiences with scenic surroundings and are looking for a relaxing, stylish afternoon. However, if your main goal is a comprehensive sightseeing tour or cherry blossom viewing, you might find this tour falls a little short. Overall, it’s best suited for casual lunch outings, special celebrations, or travelers seeking a taste of elegance on the river rather than a fully immersive sightseeing adventure.

Good To Know

• Upscale dining with chef-prepared, plated meals enhances the experience.
• Iconic Washington DC landmarks are visible from the water, though views can be distant.
• The live DJ and open-air decks create a lively, social atmosphere.
• Pricing at $106.27 offers a good balance of food, views, and ambiance for a two-hour cruise.
• The disappointment in cherry blossom sightings highlights the importance of seasonal expectations.
• The dress code of cocktail attire encourages a dressy, elegant vibe.

This cruise aims to combine luxury dining with beautiful views of Washington DC from the Potomac River. It’s a two-hour journey that offers a plated lunch, live entertainment, and the chance to snap photos of landmarks such as the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and more. The experience begins at 580 Water St SW, in the heart of Southwest DC, and promises a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, with indoor lounges and open-air decks to enjoy the scenery.

While the overall goal is to provide an elegant lunch cruise, reviews reveal a mixed experience—especially when it comes to landmark visibility and the seasonal cherry blossom viewing. Still, the opportunity to enjoy delicious food and a 360° view of the DC skyline from the water remains a major draw.

Start Point and Departure:
The cruise departs from 580 Water St SW, a convenient location in Southwest DC. Travelers are encouraged to arrive dressed in cocktail attire, emphasizing the upscale nature of the experience. The two-hour cruise is designed to maximize sightseeing while allowing enough time to savor a plated meal and beverages.

Route and Landmark Sightings:
The boat sails north along the Potomac, offering views of many of DC’s most recognizable landmarks. The route includes passing the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, providing ample opportunities for photos. You’ll also cruise past the Watergate Hotel, Georgetown, Roosevelt Island, Arlington Cemetery, and the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

What to Expect:
Travelers can expect to see these sites from the water, with the boat often positioned such that the landmarks are visible from both indoor and outdoor decks. However, based on reviews, it appears that these views are often distant or obscured, with some travelers expressing disappointment about seeing little to no cherry blossoms during their cruise, even during the season. The focus is more on the skyline and river scenes than close-up landmark views.

One of the highlight features of this cruise is the chef-prepared plated meal. It’s designed to be upscale, with elegant presentation and a variety of options, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices—though it’s wise to confirm dietary needs prior to booking.

What’s Included:

• A 2-hour plated lunch — typically served with sides and a range of flavors.
• Coffee, tea, and iced tea are included, perfect for sipping while enjoying the view.
• The service charges and taxes are also covered, simplifying the billing process.
• Live DJ entertainment sets a lively tone, making the cruise feel more like a social event than a quiet sightseeing trip.

What’s Not Included:
Additional beverages are available for purchase, which could add to the cost if you’re looking for specialty cocktails or extra drinks.

Authentic feedback from travelers suggests that the food is generally well-received, with some describing the meal as delicious and beautifully presented. Still, some reviews hint at the menus being subject to change, so don’t expect exact dishes.

The live DJ plays a key role in creating an upbeat, energetic environment. The music selection complements the cocktail dress code and encourages socializing, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise. The open-air decks are perfect for panoramic views and photos, while the indoor lounges provide comfort if it’s chilly or rainy.

Since the cruise is designed for up to 200 guests, it remains lively without feeling overcrowded. The dress code of cocktail attire adds a level of sophistication, making this a suitable outing for special occasions or business gatherings.

The cruise’s main selling point is the views of iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial. But as highlighted by a review from a disappointed traveler, the “Cherry Blossom” theme was misleading—they saw no cherry blossoms and viewed the distant monuments.

This points to a key consideration: seasonality and expectations matter. If your goal is close-up or detailed landmark viewing, this cruise might fall short, especially if weather conditions or timing limit visibility. Still, the views of the city skyline and river are impressive, and many find the experience relaxing and scenic—even if not as close-up as hoped.

At $106.27 per person, this cruise offers a combination of elegant dining, scenic views, and entertainment. For those seeking a luxurious lunch experience with the added bonus of sightseeing, it’s a fair price. However, the value depends heavily on your expectations—if you’re looking for a comprehensive sightseeing tour, you might find the experience somewhat limited, especially given some feedback about distant landmark views.

The cost includes all taxes, service charges, and a meal, simplifying budgeting. The extra drinks for purchase are a minor additional expense but worth considering if you want a variety of beverages beyond tea or soda.

This cruise appeals most to those celebrating special occasions, such as birthdays or anniversaries, thanks to the elegant atmosphere and upscale dining. It’s also suitable for travelers wanting a relaxed, stylish way to see some landmarks while enjoying a gourmet meal. If you prefer vivid close-up views or cherry blossom season viewing, you may want to consider other options or temper your expectations.

It’s less ideal for travelers seeking detailed or up-close sightseeing, as some reviews note that views can be distant and limited. The experience is also best suited for those comfortable with dressing up and socializing in a lively environment.

The Washington Premier Lunch Cruise offers a charming mix of luxury dining, scenic river views, and lively entertainment. Its emphasis on upscale food and an elegant atmosphere makes it a pleasant way to enjoy the DC skyline during a special occasion or a relaxed afternoon.

However, expectations should be managed—particularly regarding landmark visibility and seasonal sights like cherry blossoms. It’s a good choice for those who prioritize a gourmet meal and a stylish setting over intensive sightseeing.

If you’re after delicious food, a lively vibe, and a graceful way to see the city from the river, this cruise is worth considering. But if your priority is close-up, detailed landmark views or cherry blossom viewing, you might want to explore other options or plan your visit during peak bloom.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a 2-hour plated lunch, live DJ entertainment, coffee, tea, iced tea, and all taxes and service charges.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from 580 Water St SW, Washington, DC.

Is seating guaranteed together?
Seating is only guaranteed for the number of tickets purchased; reservations cannot be combined across groups.

Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
Yes, the experience offers Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free options. Be sure to inform your server about any food allergies beforehand.

What should I wear?
The recommended dress code is cocktail attire, such as nice slacks and collared shirts. No jeans, shorts, or athletic shoes are allowed.

Can I smoke on the boat?
All interior areas are non-smoking, but guests may smoke on outdoor observation decks.

What if the weather is bad?
The cruise requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a full refund or rescheduling.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the dress code and atmosphere may be more suited for adults or older children.

Can I buy extra drinks?
Yes, additional beverages are available for purchase during the cruise.

To sum it up, the Washington Premier Lunch Cruise is a refined way to enjoy a meal with a view, perfect for those seeking a stylish, relaxed experience along the Potomac. While it may not satisfy those craving close-up landmark tours or seasonal cherry blossom sights, its combination of fine dining and scenic waterway offers a memorable outing for many.