City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise in Washington DC
Washington DC, United States

City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise

Outty Ranking 57 4.0 · 464 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $59

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$59
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.0/5

Based on 464 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise worth booking?

City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise is a 2-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $59 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4/5 rating across 464 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4/5 (464)
Duration
2 hours
From
$59 per person

With the sunshine reflecting off the Potomac River, there’s no better place to enjoy an afternoon in Washington, D.C. than aboard a City Cruises lunch cruise. Treat yourself to an onboard historical tour of some of the m

What you get

    About this experience

    With the sunshine reflecting off the Potomac River, there’s no better place to enjoy an afternoon in Washington, D.C. than aboard a City Cruises lunch cruise. Treat yourself to an onboard historical tour of some of the most iconic landmarks in the country like Old Town Alexandria, the National Harbor, and the Washington Monument, as you sample creative dishes from our lunch buffet menu. 2-hour cruise on the Potomac River Delicious lunch buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts The best views of the Washington Monument and other iconic Washington, D.C. sights Onboard entertainment with DJ music Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea

    What's included

    Included

    • Buffet menu
    • DJ Music
    • 2-hour lunch (or brunch) cruise
    • Tax and fees
    • Coffee and tea

    Not included

    • Other drinks (not listed in Inclusions)
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. City Experiences By Hornblower

      Step aboard the sleek cruise ship and get ready to be pampered and entertained on a 2-hour cruise along Washington DC’s Potomac River. Take in spectacular views of the city's downtown and enjoy a grand buffet with drinks served by the attentive wait staff. It's a great way enjoy all the highlights of Washington DC as you dine and dance the afternoon away!

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Washington Monument

      Some highlights you will see along the way include the 555-foot (169-meter) Washington Monument, the world’s tallest free-standing stone sculpture. Pass by the Reagan National Airport, one of the busiest airports in the US with an average of one flight every 30 seconds during peak periods!

      10 minutes here

    3. Potomac River

      You'll also cruise by Alexandria, Virginia. Alexandria was first established in the 1600s by tobacco merchants from Scotland and England. Additionally, you’ll see the Torpedo Factory, pass by Admiral's Row, cruise under the famous Woodrow Wilson Bridge, view the US Naval Research Lab and more!

      10 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Washington DC

    Pier 4 • 580 Water Street SW • Washington, DC 20024 Please arrive at the meeting point early – boarding begins 45 minutes prior to departure.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Pier 4 • 580 Water Street SW • Washington, DC 20024 Please arrive at the meeting point early – boarding begins 45 minutes prior to departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    City Cruises

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please Note: Although we offer children 3 years old and under free admission, please enter how many children are attending in the field provided, so that we can accommodate them on the cruise.
    • The ships feature cabaret-style seating. The majority of the tables accommodate 4 to 8 people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties. Please understand that we cannot guarantee specific seating on the deck
    • Seating is only guaranteed together for the number of tickets confirmed on this voucher. Reservations may not be combined.
    • A valid photo ID for all participating guests is required at check-in
    • Dress code: we encourage casual attire that is informal and comfortable (khakis, nice jeans, dresses, casual button-up shirts/blouses)
    • Boarding begins 45 minutes prior to departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat.

    Photos

    City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise in Washington DC, photo 2City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise in Washington DC, photo 3City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise in Washington DC, photo 4City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise in Washington DC, photo 5City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise in Washington DC, photo 6City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise in Washington DC, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 462 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    462 verified traveler reviews for City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    252
    4 star
    72
    3 star
    58
    2 star
    34
    1 star
    46
    Sort
    Missy_S · August 2026

    Such a fun experience!!

    We had a great time!! The food was amazing!! So good and plenty to eat!! The boat was clean, the staff was on top of everything. They were efficient and friendly. Thank you!!

    via Viator

    Voyage553507 · August 2026

    Good vibes

    We had so much fun! Food was good, DJ was great, good vibes all around.

    via Tripadvisor

    Robin_R · August 2026

    Birthday fun

    The boarding time was timely and everyone was friendly. My seating was up stairs and they announced my birthday my server was professional and friendly. We danced and did the line dancing the music was a nice.

    via Viator

    Patricia_W · August 2026

    Girls Just Want To Have Fun!

    Organized, good food, great staff, excellent DJ. I have no complaints. We had an awesome time. Happy!

    via Viator

    Traci_C · August 2026

    Relaxed and fun with great view!

    Group had a great time inside and on deck. My only issue is with the instructions on your website. The site said to be there to board at 10:45. The ticket counter said 11:30 when we arrived. Left us waiting in 90 degree heat for 45 minutes. Update the website for tru boarding time.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Price range
    $59 to $144
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    162
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)30
    Review evidence (18% weight)77
    Booking momentum (14% weight)74
    Value for money (12% weight)66
    Listing quality (10% weight)81
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.

    How much does City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $59 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Washington DC usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Washington DC is not rushed.

    Is City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 464 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Washington DC, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise?

    +

    Around 162 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Washington DC can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Washington DC and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Washington DC within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Washington DC?

    +

    Washington is the rare city where the headline attractions cost nothing and the scarce resource is access. Timed entry to the Smithsonian museums, Capitol and White House tours, and the night monument runs by bike or bus are what fill up. Our ranking rewards operators who secure the passes themselves rather than telling you to sort it out at the door. On Outty we rank every Washington DC experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience, Washington DC "See the City" Guided Sightseeing Segway Tour, Arlington Cemetery Small-Group Tour & Changing of the Guards. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Washington DC?

    +

    Late March to April for cherry blossom, or September to November for cool museum weather. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Washington DC?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for City Cruises DC: Scenic Buffet Lunch Cruise.

    Pick your date