riverboat cruise dc

Sightseeing and Dining Cruises

City cruises.

City Cruises (formerly known as Hornblower Cruises & Events) offers water experiences beyond compare. Choose from a variety of cruises including: dinner cruises, brunch cruises, lunch cruises, cocktail cruises, sightseeing cruises, and holiday cruises. All of the vessels are conveniently docked at The Wharf, giving you the perfect launch point to explore the nation’s capital from the water.

Odyssey Savor delicious entrees and desserts as this glass-enclosed vessel drifts by the sights—accompanied by a relaxing atmosphere and live music.

Spirit of Washington Cruises A unique mix of dining, entertainment, and views, Spirit of Washington offers offers lunch, dinner, and holiday cruises, plus a variety of themed cruises.

Elite Private Yachts Host your own event or plan an unforgettable jaunt on the Potomac by chartering one of our two private yachts. Our sleek vessels are the perfect backdrop for weddings and other special occasions.

Water Taxi   Come to The Wharf’s Transit Pier to catch a ride on the Water Taxi to Georgetown in DC, Old Town Alexandria in Virginia, or National Harbor in Maryland—and enjoy the scenic views of the nation’s capital from the Potomac. Sightseeing Cruises See the famous monuments of Washington, DC from an entirely new perspective on this narrated sightseeing cruise. You’ll travel along the Potomac River while taking in breathtaking views of the Washington monuments and famous landmarks.

Sightseeing cruises depart from Transit Pier (970 Wharf St SW). Dining cruises (all others) depart from Pier 4 ( 580 Water St SW ).

Learn about Getting to The Wharf , including metro and parking directions.

Get Your Fill at The Wharf

Fresh seafood is a given on the waterfront. But The Wharf offers more, including a wide selection of distinctive choices for food, drinks, and entertainment while you eat. Watch the chefs prepare your meal. Listen to music. Or just people-watch while you savor the flavors of The Wharf.

Do It All on the Waterfront

Whether you like to be on the Potomac or prefer the sparkling views from land, The Wharf offers ample things to do and ways to enjoy the water. Dine in one of our fabulous restaurants. Browse our shops. Or join us during one of our festivals. Take a look at our upcoming events to plan your next visit.

THE 10 BEST Washington DC Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in washington dc.

• Boat Rentals
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Speed Boats Tours
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Water Sports
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Gondola Cruises
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Swim with Dolphins
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Washington Monument
• Potomac River
• John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
• City Cruises Washington DC - Pier 4
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Potomac River Cruise, Entry Tickets

2. Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise

3. VIP Mount Vernon Day Trip & Potomac River Cruise

4. Washington: Potomac River Cruise & Guided Georgetown Walking Tour

5. Washington DC Signature Dinner Cruise

6. Sight DC with 10+ Stops including Jefferson Memorial, White House

7. Water Taxi from Wharf or Old Town Alexandria

8. Private Yacht Tour along Washington DC Waterfront

9. Washington DC Premier Brunch Cruise

10. Potomac River Cruise & City Bus Tour with Optional Entry Tickets

11. Potomac River Cruise & City Bus Tour with Optional Entry Tickets

12. Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise

13. Sunset Cruise (Private) in Washington DC - Reflections DC

14. Washington DC Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise

15. DC Combo: City Bus Tour, Seasonal Cruise, US Capitol Hill

16. Private Luxury Yacht Tour of Washington DC Historic Sites

17. Washington DC 4th of July Plated Dinner Cruise

18. Washington DC Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise

19. Washington DC Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise

20. Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise

21. Washington DC Father's Day Afternoon Buffet Brunch Cruise

22. Washington DC Christmas Eve Brunch Buffet Cruise

23. Washington DC New Year's Day Premier Brunch Cruise

24. Washington DC Christmas Eve Plated Dinner Cruise

25. Baltimore 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise

26. Washington DC 4th of July Dinner Buffet Cruise

What travelers are saying.

• Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise
• DC in a Day: City Bus Tour, River Cruise, Optional Entry Tickets
• Sight DC with 10+ Stops including Jefferson Memorial, White House
• Potomac River Cruise & City Bus Tour with Optional Entry Tickets
• Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise
• VIP YACHTS CHARTERS USA
• #1 Washington(USA)-Tanzania | Serengeti Safari & Kilimanjaro Hiking agency| BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS LTD
• RAJAPUTANA LEISURE TOURS
• DC Limo and Tours
• Embark - DC Boat Tours
• Boomerang Boat Tours
• Capitol River Cruises
• National River Tours
• Tidal Basin Paddle Boats
• City Experiences By Hornblower
• Boating In DC

Home of Nightingales on the Potomac River

THE CRAB BOAT - WASHINGTON D.C.

3 hour private charter.

Set sail for 3 hours down the Potomac River and enjoy the beautiful view of the monuments and memorials of your Nation's capitol. 

ALL YOU CAN EAT

(Steamed Shrimp available at extra cost)

& ALL YOU CAN DRINK

(Cocktails available at extra cost)

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Washington DC Sightseeing Cruises

Michael Lee / Getty Images

Washington, DC sightseeing cruises are a nice way to relax and capture great photographs of the nation’s capital along the Potomac River.  These boat tours are most fun during the warmer months of the year when you can get out on the deck to see panoramic views of some of the region’s most popular landmarks, such as the Kennedy Center , the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Navy Yard, and more. A variety of types of cruises are available and depart from Georgetown, the Southwest Waterfront , ​ Alexandria , Mount Vernon  and National Harbor .

Themed cruises and special promotions are available seasonally for Valentine’s Day, Cherry Blossom season, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, 4 th of July, New Year’s Eve and more. 

Riverboat Rides on the Potomac

Riverboat cruises are the most affordable excursions on the Potomac River and travel past some of the Washington DC area’s most famous landmarks. Cruises run several times a day, weather permitting.

Capitol River Cruises - Departing from Georgetown’s Washington Harbour, the cruise company offers 45-minute narrated boat rides as well as private charters and crab feast tours.

DC Cruises - Departing from Georgetown’s Washington Harbour, the cruises include Sunset/Happy Hour Tours, Monuments By Moonlight, DJ Nights, and special events like crab feasts, fall foliage cruises, and cherry blossom tours. Cruises run rain or shine. This company provides water taxi service between Georgetown and the National Mall and to Nationals Park throughout the baseball season.

Potomac Riverboat Company - Based in Alexandria, VA, the tour company has a fleet of unique boats including the authentic split sternwheeler The Cherry Blossom, the Admiral Tilp, The Matthew Hayes, the Miss Christin, and the Miss Mallory. Excursions include The Washington Monuments Cruise, Alexandria Seaport Cruise, Mount Vernon Cruise, Pirates Cruise, and Canine Cruise. This company also provides water taxi service between Alexandria, VA, the National Mall, and National Harbor, MD. Potomac Riverboat Company operates the Baseball Boat to provide transportation from Alexandria to Nationals Park during the baseball season.

Lunch and Dinner Cruises in Washington, DC

Lunch and dinner cruises include a gourmet meal and live entertainment aboard a luxury vessel. Passengers enjoy beautiful views of Washington, DC’s monuments and famous landmarks. Cruises depart from the Gangplank Marina at 6th and Water Streets or from National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Reservations are recommended. These two- or three-hour cruises provide popular venues for parties and corporate events. 

Odyssey Cruises - The glass-enclosed ship offers panoramic views and the most upscale experience of the region’s cruises. Dinners are a three-course seated meal (buffet for larger groups). A live band performs. Larger groups can reserve a private deck. The cruise departs from Southwest DC and can sail from National Harbor for an additional fee.  

Spirit Cruises - The cruise includes a buffet, DJ, dancing, and monumental views. Larger groups can reserve a private deck. The Spirit of Washington departs from Southwest DC and can sail from National Harbor for an additional fee. The Spirit of Mount Vernon provides round-trip transportation with a discounted admission to Mount Vernon. Boxed lunch is available for purchase. Private charter is also available (including buffet). 

DC Cruises - Crab Feasts - These excursions for groups of 25-75 people include bushels of crabs and shrimp picked up fresh at the seafood wharf just before the cruise. The ship departs from Georgetown’s Washington Harbour. Large groups may depart from SW Washington DC, Alexandria, and National Harbor for an extra charge. Public crab cruises are also available.

Schooner Sailing on the Potomac River

DC Sail -  Departing from the Gangplank Marina in SW Washington DC, DC Sail provides sailing opportunities on its 65-foot schooner, the American Spirit, including Cherry Blossom Cruises, sunset sails, Boating & Baseball Excursions, and July 4 th Fireworks Cruises. DC Sail also provides educational, recreational, and competitive sailing programs for all ages. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, DC Sail relies upon the proceeds from American Spirit programming to help support their youth scholarship program for at-risk children in the DC area.

Private Yacht Charters in Washington DC

A variety of private charter cruises are available in Washington, DC. You can customize your own excursion for a private party, wedding, or corporate event.

Elite Private Yachts - Charters for groups of 25 to 100 depart from Washington DC and National Harbor. The Capital Elite and the National Elite are luxury yachts that can accommodate large groups.

Potomac Riverboat Company - Based in Alexandria, VA, the tour company has a fleet of unique boats that are available for private charter: The Cherry Blossom, the Admiral Tilp, The Matthew Hayes, the Miss Christin, and the Miss Mallory.

American Spirit - The National Maritime Heritage Foundation offers sailboat charters along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Boats depart from the Gangplank Marina in SW Washington, DC.

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Maura is a freelance writer and consultant from Washington, DC.

More by this Author

Many Washingtonians forget that we have access to the mighty Potomac River that flows next to our district every day. Maybe it’s because we’re busy or because it’s not the prettiest river in the world but it can be easy to forget we have a perfect water destination. If you want to experience the Potomac in a brand new way, then you need to take a ride on a riverboat cruise from Potomac Riverboat Company.

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You can learn more about the Potomac Riverboat Company on their website.

If you prefer to enjoy the Potomac closer to the water, these are the10 best places to kayak in Washington DC!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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• Book A Cruise

WASHINGTOn DC Boat Cruises

Locations | Washington DC Area

DC Cruises on the Potomac

With a fleet of Paddle Boats , Tiki Boats , Retro Boats , and Whitlow’s on Water , we offer the highest rated cruises and boat rentals in Georgetown, The Wharf, and Navy Yard. Over the past decade, the DC Waterfront scene has been completely transformed into one of the most vibrant communities in the District with a wide range of hospitality options and newly developed marinas.

Enjoy a Cruise Down the Potomac River

There are endless reasons to get together with your friends, family, or colleagues for a private boat tour of DC, but here are a few ideas if you’re looking for an excuse:

DC Sightseeing Boat Tours

Soak in the sunshine and some of DC’s most monumental views on a private boat cruise. During our cruises, passengers will get stunning views of Georgetown, the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Pentagon, and the United States Capitol!

DC Cherry Blossom Boat Tours

Blossoms up! We offer cruises and boat rentals to see the Cherry Blossoms from the Potomac with a drink in hand, avoiding the crowds. Skip the crowds and traffic, enjoy a few of your favorite drinks, and party your way to the petals while your skipper gets you up close and personal with DC’s most iconic trees.

DC 4th of July Cruises & Boat Rentals

Celebrate America’s Birthday with a booze cruise! Enjoy a fireworks cruise on the 4th of July out of Georgetown & The Wharf. First come, first served!

DC Brunch & Happy Hour Cruises

Brunch – Take brunch to the next level with a boozy boaty brunch! Bring your favorite foods, pop some bottles, and sip on mimosas while you set the tone for your day.

Happy Hour – On Monday-Thursday each week, happy hour has no time limit on our boats. We offer happy hour pricing during the week so we can guarantee you that these are some of the best happy hour prices in DC. Even further, some of our boats offer the option to BYOB! Don’t get me wrong, we love a good rooftop or waterfront bar, but nothing compares to being on your own private floating bar where you can play your music surrounded only by your friends.

Potomac River Sunset & Night Cruises

Sunset Cruises – Trade in rush hour for golden hour as you watch the sun set upon the monuments. Being on the river as much as we are, we can assure you that watching the sun’s golden glow against the Lincoln Memorial as the sun gradually retires for the night is a view that will simply never get old.

Night Cruises – Seeing the monuments lit up at night while you and your crew light up the night is a truly one-of-a-kind DC nightlife experience. All of our boats are equipped with party lighting so when the sun goes down, the fun heats up! Enjoy the cool summer air and the glow of the city on the water to make any night a midsummer night’s dream.

DC Bachelor(ette) & Birthday Parties

Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties – Get nauti before you tie the knot! Our boats are the perfect size for any wedding party, have a wide range of options to either BYOB or purchase drink packages on board, and the backdrop of the monuments from the water creates the perfect picture-worthy moments. With convenient locations at Georgetown, The Wharf, and Navy Yard, there are no shortage of options to keep the party rolling after your cruise. You’ll always remember your final sail before the veil!

Birthday Parties – Party buses are cool and all but take your birthday party to the next level this year on a private PARTY BOAT. Blast your own playlist, enjoy drinks with your favorite people, and get the perfect picture in front of the monuments for a shameless HBD-to-me post.

DC Corporate Team Outings

Nothing boosts team morale like a little vitamin D and vitamin Sea. Celebrate a milestone, bring a virtual team together, break off from a big conference or convention for a little while, or just get to know the people you spend so much time with a little bit better while you sip and sail through the District.

Navy Yard Sports Sailgates

Get ahead of the gameday traffic rush and take your tailgate to the water for Nationals games, DC United games, and DC Defenders games with cruises out of Navy Yard! Get rowdy and get dropped off right by the stadium for the ultimate fan experience.

DC Boat Rentals & Party Cruises

These social, active adventures are the perfect way for friends, families, and colleagues to sip, sail, and celebrate out on the water!

Paddle Boat Cruises

Tiki Boat Cruises

Retro Boat Rentals

Whitlow's on Water

Boat rentals near washington dc.

Browse every Sea Suite cruise in the DC Area. We offer boat rentals out of Georgetown, Navy Yard, and The Wharf. Select your desired location and book your adventure!

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Potomac Water Taxi is closed for the season, resuming in March 2024

Plan ahead and purchase your season pass now Book Now

Potomac Water Taxi

Our newest water taxi service offers routes connecting The Wharf to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor.

View the schedule to see departure times at your nearest location. Enjoy the ride along the Potomac River. Download our City Experiences app today to enjoy these audio tours the next time you’re on a narrated sightseeing tour – download in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Our boats are ADA compliant but please note that the Georgetown Dock is not. Sorry, no pets – only service dogs are allowed on the Potomac Water Taxi

Where to Meet

• The Wharf    View on Map Dock: Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St SW* Drop-Off: 950 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC *Pedestrian access only. Located between Blair Alley SW & 9th St SW.
• Georgetown  View on Map 3100 K St NW, Washington, DC Approximate trip time: 30 minutes – Georgetown Dock is not Wheelchair accessible * Please note, our water taxi route traveling from Georgetown directly  to Old Town Alexandria is our Monuments Cruise
• Alexandria City Marina     View on Map 0 Cameron St, Alexandria, VA Located behind the Torpedo Factory Art Center Approximate trip time: 30 minutes
• National Harbor     View on Map 145 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD Approximate trip time: 45 minutes

Explore More Water Taxi Offerings

Frequently asked questions, reservations, how do i make a reservation.

Reservations may be made online or at the ticket booth based on availability. Advance purchases are recommended. Click here to book your ticket.

How do I modify a reservation?

You may change your return time at the ticket booth or over the phone as long as space is available. Click here to manage your booking. Pricing is subject to change.

For more information, please call 877-511-2628 . We reserve the right to change boats/schedules at any time.

Payments and Discounts

How do i pay for my tickets.

We accept most major credit cards for reservations. You can pay directly on our website , or call our reservation department at 888-302-2469 for more information.

Are there any discounts for children?

Children under three years old cruise free. Unfortunately, we do not offer additional child discounts at this time.

Are season passes available?

Yes. There are one-way, round-trip, one-day, two-day and season passes available online . Please note, tickets can only be redeemed by the pass holder.

When does the season pass expire?

You will have unlimited water taxi service through December.

Can I commute to work?

Due to the current seasonality hours, the water taxi is ideal for a leisurely commute, but we look forward to expanding hours in the future.

Print or Show Tickets

Do i need to print tickets or show my boarding pass.

Tickets are not required for boarding. When boarding, you can check in with your confirmation number and the last name that is on your reservation.

What happens in there is inclement weather?

Potomac Water Taxi sails rain or shine. In the event of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, we will remain dockside.

What is the dress code?

Casual attire: jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweaters, and sneakers are appropriate. Depending on the season, we recommend bringing extra layers as it may get breezy out on the water.

What are the routes of the Potomac Water Taxi?

Our water taxi service offers routes connecting The Wharf to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria, and National Harbor.

What are the departure times?

Departures begin at the Wharf at 11:45 am and will depart every 30 minutes to one hour depending on the day of the week.  View the water taxi schedule , and select your desired date, departure, and destination location. Departures out of National Harbor and Alexandria may vary.

What is the travel time for the water taxi rides?

Approximate travel time: 30-45 minutes.

What is the location for departure?

Please look for the dock address you are departing from below:

The Wharf   View on Map

Dock: Transit Pier, 950 Wharf St SW* Drop-Off: 950 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC *Pedestrian access only. Located between Blair Alley SW & 9 th St SW.

Georgetown   View on Map

3100 K St NW, Washington, DC Approximate trip time: 30 minutes – Georgetown Dock is not Wheelchair accessible. Please note, our water taxi route traveling from Georgetown directly to Old Town Alexandria is our Monuments cruise.

Alexandria City Marina   View on Map

0 Cameron St. Alexandria, VA Located behind the Torpedo Factory Art Centr Approximate trip time: 30 minutes

National Harbor   View on Map

145 National Harbor Plaza, National Harbor, MD Approximate travel time: 45 minutes

What will I see along the routes?

You will see a plethora of famous monuments and landmarks of Washington, DC with stunning reflective views.

Are audio tours available?

Experience the full Potomac River Experience with one of our narrated sightseeing tours. Choose from:

• Alexandria-Georgetown Monuments Route
• Wharf-Georgetown Sightseeing Route

Download our app today to enjoy these audio tours the next time you’re on a narrated sightseeing tour.

Download the City Experiences App – Apple Store and Google Play Store

Food & Beverage

Can i purchase food or beverages on board.

Yes. Light concessions are available to purchase on board.

Are pets allowed on board?

Sorry, no pets -only service dogs are allowed on the Potomac Water Taxi.

Are there age restrictions to cruise?

There are no age restrictions for most of our cruises. All minors require adult supervision.

Smoking Policy

Is smoking allowed onboard.

Smoking is not permitted onboard.

Weapon Policy

What is your weapons policy.

You may not bring explosives, firearms, illegal substances, or any articles of a dangerous or damaging nature, as determined in our sole discretion, that could be harmful to yourself or others.

Safety & Accessibility

Are you regulated b the u.s. coast guard.

Our vessels are all subject to inspections by the U.S. Coast Guard and our crew members are all properly licensed.  We also follow MARSEC security guidelines. Should the MARSEC security level be elevated, we may opt to increase security measures onboard our vessels to ensure safety. The U.S. Coast Guard requires all passengers over 18 years of age to have valid photo identification.  Please make sure to have your photo ID available at boarding.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Are the water taxis handicapped accessible.

Our boats are ADA compliant but please note that the Georgetown Dock is not ADA comliant.

Onboard Comfort

Are there life preservers onboard.

Each vessel is 100% U.S. Coast Guard certified with life preservers and all required lifesaving equipment, including child life vests.

Will I get seasick?

Most of our guests experience no discomfort, if you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, you may experience seasickness. Please take advantage of the preventative measures that are available to you.

Is there a phone on the boat where guests can receive or make calls?

Phones are not available for guests to use. Most cellular services are available on the water as we do not cruise beyond one mile offshore.

Is there parking by the boarding location?

Parking varies by location. The Potomac Water Taxi does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Please check your specific departure site for surrounding parking locations.

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PRIVATE CHARTERS

Tour details.

Private Charter

​ Our Private Charters are great for Fundraisers, Weddings, Celebrations, Children's Birthdays, Club Meetings, Anniversaries, or any other Social Event with friends and family. Everyone is welcome!

Private Charters Details

Private Charter Season is March through November. Charter availability depends upon prior charter commitments. Great for fundraisers, weddings, children's birthdays, club meetings, anniversaries, or any other social event with friends and family. Customize your Private Charter to fit your needs! Tables and chairs can and will be moved around depending on party size. If you have a preferred way you'd like the tables and chairs set up, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you if possible.  The boat can accommodate up to 60 people depending on what type of function you would like to have.  Choose your pickup location, open bar or cash bar based on consumption, cater or bring your own food for your event and don't forget your best playlists! 

Chart er Rates (2 Hour min. for all Charters)

MONDAY to THURSDAY 

$550.00 per hour ​

FRIDAY to SUNDAY

$650.00 per hour

Open Bar Prices (2 Hours)

Sodas, Fruit Juice & Water

$10.00 per person

Beer & Wine ( Sodas, Fruit Juice & Water included )

$28.00 per person 

Liquor, Beer & Wine ( Sodas, Fruit Juice & Water included )

$32.00 per person

Plus DC Sales Tax (10%) and Gratuity (18%)

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic Beverages

Beer & Wine

$6.00 

Pick-Up Locations / Docking Fees

GEORGETOWN, WASHINGTON HARBOUR

NW, Washington DC  (No docking fee)

THE WHARF MARKET PIER

SW, Washington DC  ($100 docking fee)

YARDS MARINA

Navy Yard, DC  ($100 docking fee)

ALEXANDRIA CITY MARINA

Old Town Alexandria, VA ($300 docking fee)

The customer may provide their own catering or Capitol River Cruises can supply a list of preferred caterers.

A 50% deposit is required to reserve a date and time.

Balance is due on the day of the charter.

We accept cash, checks, money orders and credit cards (4% processing fee applies)

Meet the only line that cruises from Washington, DC. Here’s where it’ll take you

Picture cruises from Washington, D.C., and you'll likely envision a behemoth like Royal Caribbean 's Icon of the Seas clogging up the Potomac River. Fortunately, that's not the case with the only ship to sail voyages from the U.S. capital.

American Cruise Lines — the largest river cruise line in the U.S., which operates small-ship voyages exclusively on U.S. rivers and coasts — has positioned two of its vessels, fittingly named American Constitution and American Glory, at The Wharf along D.C.'s southeast waterfront.

As the first ships in more than 60 years to sail round trip from that location, they take passengers along the Potomac and York rivers and into the Chesapeake Bay. Here's a rundown of when the cruises depart, how much they cost and where you'll stop along the way.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

When you can cruise from Washington, DC

These voyages, dubbed American Revolution itineraries, operate in the spring and fall, with the first voyage of 2024 setting sail on March 26, just in time for passengers to enjoy the area's famed cherry blossoms .

Sailings on both 100-passenger American Glory and 170-passenger ship American Constitution run on a regular 10-night rotation through early June and pick up again from early October to early November.

Where you can cruise from Washington, DC

If you're a history buff, you'll salivate over the places this itinerary will visit.

Your trip will begin with a pre-cruise package that includes a stay at the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C., where you can tour the Capitol Building and spend time at the Smithsonian museums.

After departing the capital, you'll stop in Annapolis, Maryland, home of the Naval Academy and a charming downtown area. Follow that up with highlights in Norfolk, Williamsburg and Yorktown, Virginia, where the Revolutionary War came to an end.

Finish off the trip with a call on Alexandria, Virginia, where you can spend a day exploring the historic old town, and a visit to Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington.

How much are cruises from Washington, DC?

Prices start from $5,275 per person for a cabin with a window as part of a promotion the line is running, which includes fare discounts and free round-trip airfare if you're not someone who lives within driving distance of The Wharf. You can check more prices on the American Cruise Lines website .

Other cruise ports to consider

If you'd prefer a sailing on a larger oceangoing ship, the closest big-ship embarkation ports within a reasonable driving distance are Baltimore and Bayonne, New Jersey.

A variety of ships depart from those locations, including Carnival Cruise Line 's Carnival Legend and Carnival Pride and Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas from Baltimore. Liberty of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, as well as Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Eclipse, depart from Bayonne.

Norfolk, Virginia, is also a drive-to port for the D.C. area, but no large ships are scheduled to depart from there in 2024. Look for cruises on Carnival Sunshine in 2025.

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