
City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.6/5
Based on 185 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise worth booking?
City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise is a 3-hour experience in Washington DC, United States, from $122 per person. It scores 44 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.6/5 rating across 185 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 44 / 100
- Rating
- 3.6/5 (185)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $122 per person
Celebrate a special occasion, host a group event or have a fun date night aboard a dinner cruise along the Potomac River. Great for parties of all sizes, this cruise gives you the chance to dine, dance, and experience Wa
What you get
About this experience
Celebrate a special occasion, host a group event or have a fun date night aboard a dinner cruise along the Potomac River. Great for parties of all sizes, this cruise gives you the chance to dine, dance, and experience Washington, D.C. from a new perspective - the water! Includes 2.5-hour cruise on the Potomac River Delicious dinner buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts The best views of the Washington Monument, National Harbor, Old Town Alexandria, and other iconic D.C. sights Onboard entertainment with DJ music Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea
What's included
Included
- Buffet Dinner
- DJ Entertainment
Not included
- Additional beverages (available for purchase)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
City Experiences By Hornblower
Board this sleek, five-deck, luxury cruise ship and cruise for a fun night of dinner, dancing and sightseeing in Washington DC. As you journey down the waters of the Potomac River, you’ll be treated to Washington DC's magnificent sunset views. Enjoy the all-you-can-eat, fine-dining buffet in an elegant dining room while being entertained by an amazing DJ, dance and comedy. After dinner, feel free to wander the ship’s decks and take a romantic stroll to enjoy more of the twinkling DC skyline. Or hit the dance floor as the DJ spins your favorite songs. Along the way, you’ll pass by Washington DC's popular attractions like the Washington Monument, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, the Admiral’s Row colonial town homes and more. Bring your camera – the views on this Washington DC sunset cruise are not to be missed. -------------------- ITINERARY -------------------- Sample Menu Salads • Organic Mixed Field Greens: Grape Tomatoes | English Cucumbers | Carrots | Corn | Kidney Beans | American | Cheddar Cheese | Herb Croutons | House-Made Ranch Dressing | Balsamic Vinaigrette | Low-Fat Italian Dressing • Organic Spinach & Kale Salad: Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese | Red Bell Peppers |Red Onions | Lemon & Oregano Dressing • Roasted Red Beet Salad: Pickled Shallots | Fresh Mint | Italian Parsley • Orzo & Bay Shrimp Salad: Scallions | English Cucumbers | Cherry TomatoesMain Dishes • Oven Baked North Atlantic Sole Filet: Tomatoes | Shallots | Caper Sauce • Honey & Sesame Chicken: Scallions | Fresno Chilies • Whole-Roasted Pork Loin: Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce • Roasted Broccoli Florets: Toasted Garlic | Chili Flakes • Creamed Corn & Cheddar Cheese Casserole: Green Chilies | Scallions | Fresh Cilantro • Baked Ziti Pasta: Aged Reggiano Parmesan Cheese |Mozzarella Cheese | Spinach & Garlic Sauce • Mashed Potatoes: Idaho Potatoes | Roasted GarlicDesserts • Seasonal Fruit | Cannolis | Chocolate Drizzle Rice Krispy | Cheesecake | Chocolate Cake | Strawberries & Vanilla Custard | Apple Cobbler*Menu subject to change. Please inform your server if anyone in your party has a food allergy.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Potomac River
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Washington DC skyline and waterfront
10 minutes here
Washington Monument
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Washington DC skyline and waterfront
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Washington DC
Boarding: Pier 4 The Wharf DC. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at The Wharf Parking Garage. Please arrive at the meeting point early – boarding begins one hour prior to departure.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Boarding: Pier 4 The Wharf DC. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at The Wharf Parking Garage. Please arrive at the meeting point early – boarding begins one hour 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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Cruises
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Boarding begins one hour prior to departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 185 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
185 verified traveler reviews for City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Overall experience
Bring a jacket, because if you are going with a woman who is wearing a dress she will be cold. Plan this according to weather.
via Viator
Good time smooth ride
The food was decent the dj and the other guest were a good time went on a date and we both had a blast
via Tripadvisor
Nice Potomac view of DC
This was a nice way to see the harbor side of DC, the historical fort and all the river. We had an evening thunderstorm which cut short the trip, but the breeze was nice on a hot day
via Viator
Fun on City Cruises ships
Nice staff and travelers. Good food, nice view of the water and music you enjoy listening to and dancing too.
via Viator
Scared Straight
When I made the reservation I used your service at that time I couldn’t download the tickets because my browser( Safari) wouldn’t let me so I contacted your customer service department, the gentleman I spoke with was polite and patient he explained to me on what to do. I will definitely use your service again.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $122 to $211
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 65
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 44
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Washington DC.
How much does City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $122 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 Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise take?
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Plan for about 3 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 Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 44 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.6/5 across 185 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 Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise?
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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 Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise?
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Around 65 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?
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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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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