Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Looking to make the most of Christmas Eve in Washington DC? The gourmet brunch or dinner cruise along the Potomac River might be just the ticket. Guests can savor a delightful buffet or three-course meal while taking in breathtaking views of the city’s iconic landmarks. With live entertainment and an elegant atmosphere, this festive experience promises to be truly unforgettable. However, with limited seating, reservations are a must for those hoping to secure their spot.

This experience made our article of The Top 2 Washington DC Christmas Experiences & Tours.

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Key Points

A festive Christmas Eve cruise along the Potomac River in Washington, DC, offering a choice of gourmet brunch or 3-course dinner options.
Unobstructed views of iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial throughout the 2-3 hour cruise.
Elegant settings with private tables, fine wine, and live DJ entertainment to enhance the dining experience.
Brunch buffet featuring seasonal dishes and unlimited mimosas, or a 3-course dinner menu with entree options like roasted turkey and braised beef.
Semi-formal dress code for dinner, dressy-casual attire for brunch, with limited on-site parking and rideshare recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cruise Overview and Pricing

The Odyssey offers a festive Christmas Eve cruise along the Potomac River in Washington, DC.

Set out on a festive Christmas Eve cruise along the Potomac River in Washington, DC with the Odyssey.

Priced from $146.37 per person, the 2-3 hour cruise features an English-speaking host and is wheelchair accessible. The non-refundable cancellation policy applies.

Guests can choose between a buffet brunch or gourmet 3-course dinner, both featuring elegant settings with private tables, fine wine, and live DJ entertainment.

With unobstructed views of landmarks like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, the cruise promises an exceptional holiday experience.

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Dining Experience

Guests can choose between a buffet brunch or gourmet 3-course dinner aboard the Odyssey.

The elegant settings feature private tables, fine wine, and live DJ entertainment.

The brunch buffet includes a kale quinoa salad, hand-carved strip loin, oven-roasted turkey, breakfast pastries, and a signature dessert station.

Unlimited mimosas are included.

The dinner menu offers a beet & baby arugula salad, turkey dinner, pan-roasted cod, braised beef short ribs, and a seasonal dessert station.

Both options provide an exceptional dining experience while admiring the scenic views along the Potomac River.

Brunch Menu

The brunch buffet aboard the Odyssey Christmas Eve cruise offers a delightful array of culinary delights. Theres some good a kale quinoa salad, hand-carved strip loin, and oven-roasted turkey.

The brunch buffet aboard the Odyssey Christmas Eve cruise offers a delightful array of culinary delights, including kale quinoa salad, hand-carved strip loin, and oven-roasted turkey.

Breakfast pastries and a signature dessert station round out the menu, while unlimited mimosas add to the festive atmosphere.

The elegant setting, with private tables and live DJ entertainment, enhances the dining experience as guests take in the scenic views of landmarks like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.

The brunch is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season on the Potomac River.

Dinner Menu

For those guests seeking a more refined dining experience, the Odyssey’s Christmas Eve dinner cruise offers a gourmet 3-course menu.

The meal begins with a beet and baby arugula salad, followed by a choice of entrees including roasted turkey dinner, pan-seared cod, or braised beef short ribs.

Dessert features a seasonal selection from the cruise’s dessert station.

Diners will enjoy these culinary delights while taking in the festive décor and live DJ entertainment against the backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks along the Potomac River.

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Scenic Views and Entertainment

As guests dine, they can admire landmarks like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial while taking in exceptional views and festive décor.

The cruise offers a unique perspective of the nation’s capital, with the city skyline and iconic monuments providing a stunning backdrop.

To enhance the holiday atmosphere, a live DJ entertains passengers throughout the event.

The combination of breathtaking scenery and festive entertainment creates an immersive and memorable experience for all who embark on this Christmas Eve cruise along the Potomac River.

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Logistics and Meeting Point

Guests depart the Christmas Eve cruise from Pier 4 at 6th and Water Streets in southwest Washington DC.

Parking is limited, so rideshare is recommended. Nearby parking garages are available for those driving.

Detailed directions for drop-off and walking distances to the boarding area are provided. Once at the pier, guests can easily access the boarding area.

The cruise departs promptly, so it’s important to arrive on time. With clear instructions and convenient transportation options, getting to the cruise is a breeze.

Dress Code and Attire

The cruise has a semi-formal dress code for the dinner experience and a dressy-casual attire for the brunch. Guests are expected to dress up, but not to the level of black-tie.

For dinner, collared shirts, slacks, and dress shoes are recommended. For brunch, nice casual outfits like button-downs, blouses, or sundresses paired with dress shoes or nice sandals are appropriate.

Guests should avoid jeans, t-shirts, and athletic wear. The dress code ensures an elegant atmosphere for celebrating the holiday season on the Potomac River.

Additional Information

Although group reservations are required for guests to be seated together, cruises can accommodate a variety of party sizes.

Cruises can accommodate a variety of party sizes, though group reservations are required for guests to be seated together.

The menu is subject to change, so travelers should inform their server of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

While the interior of the vessel is non-smoking, outdoor decks are available for those who wish to smoke.

Children under 6 aren’t permitted on the dinner cruise, but infants can join the brunch cruise with a ticket.

Guests are advised to dress semi-formally for dinner and in dressy-casual attire for brunch.

Group reservations required for seating together
Menu subject to change; inform server of allergies
Non-smoking interior, outdoor decks for smoking
Children under 6 not permitted on dinner cruise
Dress code: semi-formal for dinner, dressy-casual for brunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Cruise Accommodate Special Dietary Needs?

Yes, the cruise accommodates special dietary needs. Guests should inform their server of any allergies or restrictions, and the menus are subject to change to meet guests’ dietary requirements.

Is Gratuity Included in the Cruise Price?

Gratuity isn’t included in the cruise price. Guests are expected to tip the server, host, and crew based on standard industry practices for the level of service provided during the cruise experience.

What Is the Policy for Children on the Dinner Cruise?

The dinner cruise doesn’t allow children under 6, but infants are free when booked on the brunch cruise. Guests should check the menu for any age restrictions.

Are There Any Photo Opportunities on the Cruise?

The cruise offers ample photo opportunities, with passengers able to capture scenic views of landmarks like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. The festive holiday decor also provides a picturesque backdrop for photos during the cruise.

Can I Disembark and Board Again During the Cruise?

No, passengers can’t disembark and board again during the cruise. The cruise is a one-way trip, and passengers must remain on board for the duration of the experience, which lasts 2-3 hours.

The Sum Up

The Washington DC Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise offers a festive and unforgettable experience. With breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, a delightful buffet brunch or 3-course dinner, and live DJ entertainment, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Reservations are required, so guests should plan ahead to secure their spot on this enchanting cruise.