Enjoy a Friday dinner cruise on the Potomac

Come aboard our celebrated 3-hour dinner cruise along the magnificent Washington DC Potomac River waterfront.

Enjoy a Grande Buffet, with an energetic floor show to entertain you. Dance, relax and stroll under a canopy of stars. And for the most magnificent view of Washington DC's magnificent skyline, simply look out any window.

This rate is for Fridays only.

Get ready for a wonderful Friday evening on the Potomac River. Step aboard this magnificant cruise ship and experience an adventure of pure fun. Our energetic excursions turn every outing into a festive celebration. You'll dine and dance, be dazzled by star-quality entertainers, and enjoy breathtaking Washington sights from every deck and window.

Enjoy generations of popular tunes delivered in a high-energy musical revue. Then get in the groove as the DJ picks up the beat for non-stop dancing. If you prefer simply to relax and see the sights, slip away to an outside deck and watch Washington DC drift by.

The Setting Feel right at home as you cruise in climate-controlled comfort. You'll be seated at your table where attentive servers will take your drink orders and invite you up to the buffet. Enjoy a bountiful meal as you gaze at an endless stream of riverfront sights. Listen to talented entertainers dazzle you with song. Then stroll our decks or dance away your cares as the DJ spins an upbeat medley of hits. Unlike a restaurant or banquet hall, the cruise ship brings an ever-changing view of the Washington DC skyline to you. You won't find such an array of attractions anywhere else.

Entertainment

The ship is alive with entertainment. Enjoy a live musical revue at lunch and dinner performed by the Spirit's incredibly talented entertainers. Then get in the good vibrations as the DJ picks up the beat for non-stop dancing. While you relax and have fun, every window displays an endless stream of city sights. There's even a live narration during our lunch cruises. Whether you want to dance in the moonlight or gaze in wonder at Washington DC's historic waterfront, you'll find a different experience every minute.

The Sights Your cruise departs from Pier 4 at 6th and Water Streets. Your excursion covers the Potomac River with spectacular views of the city's downtown. No trip to Washington DC is complete without a view from the deck of our festive ship. And while you're enjoying all the highlights, you can dine, dance and have a great time, too.

1. Fort Lesley J. McNair and General's Row
Fort McNair has had many different names over the years. In 1948, the post was renamed in honor of the commander of the Army Ground Forces in WWII. McNair who was killed in Normandy in 1944, was the highest-ranking officer to be killed by friendly fire. General's Row is prime waterfront property on Fort McNair; generals and those officers of "flag rank" live here with their families while they make their home in DC.

2. Washington Monument
The Washington Monument is over 555-feet tall, the tallest free-standing stone sculpture in the world. There are no reinforcements to hod the stones together - just the weight of the stones and the way they are fitted together holds the structure.

3. National Airport
National Airport is one of the busiest Airports in US with an average of 1 flight every 30 seconds at peak periods which equals about 900 flights on a busy day. Despite this, it is one of the safest airports in the US.

4. Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria was first established in 1600s by Scottish and English tobacco merchants. Early settlers envisioned a bustling port and at one time, Alexandria was the 3rd largest port in the country, especially during the Civil War. However, as ships grew larger, the deeper and more accessible ports of Baltimore and Norfolk overshadowed Alexandria.

5. Torpedo Factory
The Torpedo Factory is a red brick building with green copper roof and low white building with a "bulls-eye" target. It was used for the manufacture and maintenance of torpedoes on and off from 1918 until the end of WWII.

6. Admiral's Row
The townhomes up on the hill beyond the abandoned marina remain virtually unchanged since the colonial days except for modern plumbing and electricity. They were used by ship's captains and their families when they were in port of Alexandria.

7. Jones Point
The survey marker is south cornerstone of the District of Columbia which marks the beginning of the 1791 survey that carved out the federal jurisdiction from the states of Maryland and Virginia. In 1846, this portion of the district was retroceded back to VA. Jones Point Lighthouse was built adjacent to the cornerstone in 1855.

8. Woodrow Wilson Bridge
The Woodrow Wilson Bridge is the only active drawbridge on the Potomac at this time. It is the southernmost of 7 crossings of the Potomac in DC and the last bridge for approx. 50 miles down river. This bridge is part of I95 and connects Maryland on the and Virginia.

9. US Naval Research Lab
The US Naval Research Lab celebrated its 75th Anniversary in June, 1998. This Lab is significant for the discovery of radar in the 1920s. This happened by accident during radio signal experiments between the lab and Hains Point when ships got in the way.

The Food

As irresistible as the view is our menu, which offers you a satisfying array of choices and flavors. Whether helping yourself to our lunchtime buffet or enjoying your buffet dinner, attentive servers cater to your every request so you can relax and enjoy the entertainment and sights.

Dinner Cruise Menu
(subject to change)

Featuring the Grande Buffet

Salad:

Gardener's Delight - Festive mix of Tender Young Greens and Freshly Chopped Vegetables tossed in exquisitely aged Balsamic Vinaigrette and served family-style

Carving station:

Hand-Carved Cob Smoked Ham - Lean Ham slow-cured over roasted corn cobs for a distinctively rich, smoky flavor, enhanced with Caramelized Apples and a tangy Honey-Mustard Sauce

Roasted Rosemary Beef - Slow Roasted Beef hand carved to order and served with a rich Demi-Glace and Chilled Horseradish Cream

Entrees:

Captain's Stuffed Chicken - Boneless Breast of Chicken stuffed with Dutch Pennsylvania Breading served with a exquisite morel sauce

Wild Alaskan Salmon - Fresh Salmon drizzled with a Lemon-Herb Butter Sauce (Alaskan Salmon is eco-friendly and sustainable)

Grilled Vegetable Lasagna - Layers of tender Pasta, Roasted Eggplant, Zucchini, Squash, Carrots & Peppers baked in a Béchamel Ricotta Sauce

Traditional Jambalaya with New Orleans Style Rice - Sautéed Shrimp, Smoked Andouille Sausage, Chicken and Mussels, blended in a rich Creole Rice Pilaf

Accompaniments:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Fresh Local Harvest Seasonal Vegetables

Desserts:

Sweet Dessert Trio:
Moist Lemon Mousse Shortbread
Oreo Dream Bar
Brulée Raspberry Cheesecake
(all served with a variety of sauces and whipped cream)

Rates do not apply to specialty cruises such as Valentines Day, July 4 or New Year's Eve.

Boarding time 30 minutes prior to departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the ship go?
Your excursion covers the Potomac River with spectacular views of the city's downtown. Among the sights usually seen on this cruise are: Fort Lesley J. McNair and General's Row, Washington Monument, National Airport, Alexandria, Torpedo Factory, Admiral's Row, Jones Point, Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the US Naval Research Lab.

Are there any age requirements?
Anyone may sail on our lunch and dinner cruises, but there is no child price discount on dinner cruises.

What type of entertainment is offered?
The emcee plays a variety of lively dance music from the '40s through today. In addition, our lunch and dinner cruises feature a professional cast of performers who provide lively entertainment throughout the trip. Our lunch cruise also includes a narration.

What is your smoking policy?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who enjoy smoking may do so on the outdoor observation decks.

Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the cruise. For the comfort of other guests, we ask that cell phone conversations be held on the outside decks.

Do I need a reservation?
Yes.

What number should I call to make reservations?
Please call 888-848-3822 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every day of the year.

How far in advance should I make reservations?
If you're planning for a large group, call us as soon as possible. A few months will make it easier to accommodate all of your preferences. Individuals should try to book within 30 days of their planned cruise. Of course, reservations can be made right up to the day of the cruise, provided there is space available. We recommend calling as early as you can, especially for special event cruises such as July 4th weekend and New Year's Eve.

Which credit cards are accepted?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

Can I make reservations by phone and pay at the ship?
No. For individual parties, payment is required in full at the time of the reservation.

What should I wear?
For evening cruises, appropriate attire is casual to dressy. Men traditionally wear slacks and sport coats, with or without ties. Women wear dresses or nice pants. We do not recommend T-shirts, jeans, shorts or sneakers in the evening. Afternoon cruises are generally more relaxed, and casual attire is fine.

Is parking available at the ship?
Yes

Do you sail in inclement weather?
The ship is fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort and cruises rain or shine. If for any reason the ship does not sail, the event will be held dockside.

How early should I arrive for my cruise?
You may pick up your tickets one hour before the cruise time. We generally board the vessel one hour prior to the cruise.

Will I get seasick?
It's unlikely. The ship is one of the largest and most stable cruise ships on the waterfornt. On rare occasions when the water is very rough, our Captain will sail the vessel within the breakwater area.

What kind of food is served?
Our cruises feature all-you-can-eat buffets with delicious choices prepared on board by our executive chefs and their galley staffs. Selections include beef, poultry and seafood with fresh vegetables, salad, rolls with butter, and dessert. With advance notice, we can accommodate requests for kosher meals, and we can arrange special meals for guests with allergies. Other specialty menus are available for deck or full-ship charters.

What do drinks cost?
Mixed drinks start at $6.75 for standard brand liquors, $7.75 for premium drinks. All beer is sold by the bottle, with domestic beers for $5.50 and imported for $5.75. Wine begins at $8.00 per glass. Soft drinks are $3.00 each and juice is available for $3.00 each. These prices do not include tax and gratuity.

How is seating arranged on board?
Our ships feature cabaret-style seating. The majority of our tables accommodate four to eight people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties. Please speak to a sales representative about details and pricing. Please understand that we cannot guarantee specific seating on the deck.

This tour does not include a hotel pick-up. Prices include tax and gratuity on food service. Bar service (beverages, tax and gratuity) not included. There is no child discount for this cruise, but children ages 2 and under are free. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-848-3822.