Length: 2 Hours

Time: 11:30 am
-Monday through Friday
Boarding 45 minutes before departure

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Summary: This tour does NOT include a hotel pick-up. Rates are per person in US dollars and include basic food service gratuity. Child price applies to ages 3 to 11; children 2 and under are free. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-753-5019.

There are no refunds. All sales are final.

If changes are allowed on a tour or activity, a $20.00 per reservation change fee will be applied for any change to a reservation. Please note that some tours and activities do not allow any changes. Date changes can only be made only if we can confirm availability on the new date. While we cannot guarantee any changes can be made, all change requests must be submitted a minimum of 24 hours prior to the tour departure and must be handled on an individual basis through our Reservations Center.

Schedule Notes

This cruise is not available on New Year's Day, Valentines Day, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year's Eve. Special event cruises are often scheduled on many of those dates and are available at a different price.

Cruise Summary

The experience begins as you board our luxury yacht at the Marina. After a quick stop for a commemorative boarding photo (available for purchase at the end of your cruise), one of our hosts will seat you at your private table. Relax with a beverage or tour the ship's three indoor dining rooms.

A great way to start your afternoon is by watching the boat cast off from one of our outside observation decks. When you are ready to begin lunch, order your meal from the extensive menu of creative appetizers, entrees and desserts. Our cash bar provides an excellent wine list to perfectly complement your meal. Bring an appetite, as the food is delicious, plentiful and always prepared freshly to your specifications!

Throughout the cruise our live entertainment sets the mood. Enjoy a wide range of music from classic jazz to contemporary favorites.

Be sure to bring along your camera to capture the spectacular monument views!

On your return to the Marina, the crew will wish you farewell. When you disembark, be sure to stop and view your boarding photo, processed and ready for purchase.

The Sights

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.

1. Fort Lesley J. McNair and Generals 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. Generals 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 hold the stones together - just the weight of the stones and the way they are fitted together.

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 - about 900 total flights on a busy day. Despite that, it is one of the safest airports in the US.

4. Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria was first established in the 1600s by Scottish and English tobacco merchants. Early settlers envisioned a bustling port - and at one time, Alexandria was the third 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 a green copper roof and a 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. Admirals 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 in Alexandria.

7. Jones Point
The survey marker is the 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 retro-ceded back to Virginia. 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 I-95 and connects Maryland and Virginia.

9. US Naval Research Lab
The US Naval Research 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.

Lunch Cruise Menu
(subject to change)

FIRST COURSE
~Roasted Duck Confit - Braised Duck with Cherry Balsamic Demi-Glace served atop a Double Ripe Plantain Cake and garnished with Sun Dried Cherries and Candied Pecans
~Exotic Mixed Greens - Tossed with Julienne Sweet Fennel, Cinnamon-Caramelized Pecans, Imported Goat Cheese and Clementine Orange Vinaigrette
~Lobster Bisque - Rich Pacific Rim Lobster simmered in Butter and blended with Crème Fraiche and a touch of Sherry

MAIN COURSE
~Tuscan Chicken - Pan seared Chicken Breast rubbed with Fresh Herbs and served with Escarole and a Tuscan White Bean Ragu with Pancetta and Red Pepper, and finished with Asiago Cheese
~Asian Grilled Salmon - Sesame Grilled Salmon roasted with Soy and Ginger served atop Crisp Romaine Hearts with Cilantro Rice Wine Vinaigrette and a Sesame Ginger Rice Salad
~Beef Short Ribs - Syrah Braised Short Ribs served with White Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Broccolini and a Petite Crock of Bleu Cheese Fondue
~Seafood Ravioli Grantinee - Ravioli Pasta stuffed with Shrimp, Scallops and Crab finished Au Gratin with Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese and Pomodoro Ragu
~Mediterranean Vegetable Purse - Israeli Couscous, Roasted Vegetables and Imported Cheese in a Whole Wheat Pastry Bundle served on a bed of Eggplant Confit, Grilled Baby Carrots and Asparagus and finished with Fire Roasted Red Pepper Puree

DESSERTS
~A selection of Seasonal Desserts prepared fresh onboard daily

Frequently Asked Questions

May I bring my own camera on board? - Guests are more than welcome to bring their own camera for personal pictures aboard the ship. In addition, as you are boarding, the ship's photographer records the moment for your entire party. As you depart, you'll find your boarding photo ready for purchase.

Are children allowed on the dinner cruise? - Children are welcome on the cruise; however, a child rate is not available for our dinner cruises. Children ages 2 and under are complimentary and a discount is offered for children between the ages of 3 and 11 on our Brunch and Lunch Cruises.

Is there a coat check where my jacket and briefcase may be kept during the cruise? - Coat checks are available when needed. Your server would be more than happy to check any items for you at the beginning of your cruise.

What is our cruise route? - The only vessel designed specifically to travel beneath the historic bridges spanning the Potomac, it offers exclusive river views of the nation's greatest monuments from every table. At times when wind and tide conditions prevent navigation to the Kennedy Center and Georgetown, an alternate route south on the Potomac and past historical Old Town Alexandria will be taken.

How far off shore does the ship travel? - The ship is licensed to travel as far as 3 miles off shore, however, our cruise route typically remains only one mile off shore.

Can I bring a birthday cake on-board? - Small cakes that do not require refrigeration are allowed to be brought on board. Your server will place the cake in our pantry until it is ready to be cut and served.

How should we dress? - The atmosphere is special and we hope our guests experience it to its fullest. For our Lunch Cruises, we recommend dressy-casual attire, such as nice slacks and collared shirts. No jeans, shorts, tank tops, halter-tops, gym shoes or flip-flops.

What type of entertainment do you have? - We offer an inviting dance floor and a variety of live music from classic jazz on our brunch cruise to contemporary favorites from a five-piece band on our dinner cruise.

What size groups can you accommodate? - We accomodate groups from 2 to 600.

Is the vessel handicapped accessible? - Yes, the vessel is handicapped-accessible. Once your party arrives, our marine crew can assist you as you embark our boarding ramp. You must indicate when making your reservation that you have handicapped guests in your party.

What beverages are served on your cruise? - Coffee, hot tea and iced tea are included in the ticket price. Any additional beverages may be purchased onboard at our cash bar. You will be responsible for the cost of the additional beverages, plus tax and gratuity for your beverage service.

Do you offer Kosher meals? - Yes we do offer a Kosher Meal option on our lunch and dinner cruises. We order from an outside establishment who delivers the meal to us fresh that day/evening. The meal typically consists of a plated chicken dish with vegetables. We can do fresh fruit for your dessert option. You will be served your Kosher Meal in place of our standard 4-course meal at your private table. Please notify us of any Kosher requirements at least 48 hours in advance of your event.

Do you offer vegetarian meals? - Yes, please check our menu for our vegetarian options. If you have any special dietary concerns please notify us at least 48 hours in advance of your event and we will do our best to make special arrangements.

Can I bring wrapped gifts or packages onboard? - Yes, you can. Please be aware that we have the right to inspect all bags and packages prior to boarding.

Is there a phone on the boat that receives calls? - We do not have a phone for use by guests. However, most cellular services are available on the water as we do typically do not cruise beyond one mile off shore.

Are there restrooms on board? - Yes, restrooms are located in every enclosed dining room on the ship.

When does the season end? - We cruise all year round! In fact, December is one of our most popular months due to the many Holiday Parties we have aboard.

Is there pre-assigned seating? - Yes. As you board, our captain and marine crew will direct you to your deck. From there, our hostess will show you to your assigned table(s).

How many people may be seated at one table? - Anywhere from 2-10 people may be seated at one table, depending on the total number of individuals on the ship during a given cruise. If your party requires more than one table, we will ensure that they are located next to each other.

Is smoking allowed on the cruise? - Smoking is allowed on the outside decks only.

How soon will my party begin eating on our cruise? - Once on your deck, our hostess will greet you and escort you to your private table where your wait staff will introduce themselves and give you the opportunity to decide for yourself how to pace your service. Serving may begin immediately.

What if it rains or snows? - We will cruise in most weather conditions all year round. Each enclosed deck is climate controlled and the weather will not affect your cruise. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, the ship will remain dockside for the length of the event. If we remain dockside, there will be no refunds.

This tour does NOT include a hotel pick-up. Rates are per person in US dollars and include basic food service gratuity. Child price applies to ages 3 to 11; children 2 and under are free. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 800-753-5019.

Lunch Cruise on the Potomac River	One of the Dining Areas Aboard the Odyssey
Meals Prepared Fresh Onboard	See the Sights from the Promenade Deck
Here's to a Great Afternoon!