Gospel Lunch Cruises in Washington DC

Enjoy a tasty lunch, Gospel music entertainment and amazing views of Washington DC on this cruise.

Come along on the Spirit of Washington for a positively inspiring experience and spend two leisurely hours of fun while you see the city's spectacular skyline and enjoy a bountiful buffet of wonderful taste treats.

Melodious, inspiring and totally entertaining! This lunch cruise features a live gospel performance by a contemporary choir.

And to complement the ever-changing sights, a narrator describes the highlights of the riverfront's passing parade.

This rate applies only to Gospel Lunch Cruise dates March through November.

PLEASE NOTE: 72 HOUR MINIMUM ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED.

Gospel Lunch Cruise Schedule

March 19, 2011
April 16 & 23, 2011
May 7 & 28, 2011
June 4, 11 & 25, 2011
July 16 & 30, 2011
August 13 & 27, 2011
September 17, 2011
October 1 & 15, 2011
November 5 & 19, 2011

The Setting

Feel right at home as you cruise in climate-controlled comfort. You'll be seated at your table where attentive servers will take your drink orders and invite you up to the buffet. Enjoy a bountiful meal as you gaze at an endless stream of riverfront sights. Listen to talented entertainers dazzle you with song. Unlike a restaurant or banquet hall, the cruise ship brings an ever-changing view of the Washington DC skyline to you. You won't find such an array of attractions anywhere else.

Entertainment

Enjoy great Gospel music, performed live by some incredibly talented entertainers. While you relax and enjoy the entertainment, every window displays an endless stream of city sights. There's even a live narration during our lunch cruises.

The Sights Your cruise departs from Pier 4 at 6th and Water Streets. 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, too.

1. Fort Lesley J. McNair and General's 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. General's 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 hod the stones together - just the weight of the stones and the way they are fitted together holds the structure.

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 which equals about 900 flights on a busy day. Despite this, it is one of the safest airports in the US.

4. Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria was first established in 1600s by Scottish and English tobacco merchants. Early settlers envisioned a bustling port and at one time, Alexandria was the 3rd 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 green copper roof and 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. Admiral's 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 of Alexandria.

7. Jones Point
The survey marker is 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 retroceded back to VA. 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 I95 and connects Maryland on the and Virginia.

9. US Naval Research Lab
The US Naval Research Lab celebrated its 75th Anniversary in June, 1998. This 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.

The Food

As irresistible as the view is our menu, which offers you a satisfying array of choices and flavors. Whether helping yourself to our lunchtime buffet or enjoying your buffet dinner, attentive servers cater to your every request so you can relax and enjoy the entertainment and sights.

Lunch Cruise Menu
Featuring the Grande Buffet
(subject to change)

SALADS

• Garden-Fresh Salad - Station Mixed Greens, ripe Tomatoes and crisp Cucumbers, dried Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans, Sunflower Seeds, shredded Cheese, Croutons, Bacon, served with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Ranch dressings
• Dijon Potato Salad - Potatoes, Celery, and sweet Pimentos in a Dijon Mayonnaise
• Pasta Salad - Italiano Pasta tossed with Green and Red Peppers, Celery, Sweet Onion and Italian Dressing
• Chef’s Daily Selection - Fresh and creative salad from our chef

ENTREES

• Salmon Mediterranean Fresh Wild Alaskan Salmon* - fillet sautéed and drizzled with Citrus, White Wine and Dill, served with a savory Chutney
• Herb-Marinated Rotisserie Chicken - Lightly seasoned Chicken, baked with Paprika and Garlic Butter
• Apricot-Glazed Pork Tenderloin - Jerk-seasoned Pork Tenderloin, simmered in an Apricot Glaze
• Three-Cheese Pasta - Al Forno Pasta baked with a trio of mild and sharp Cheeses, topped with Toasted Bread Crumbs

ACCOMPANIMENTS

• Garlic Smashed Potatoes - Red Potatoes mashed with roasted Garlic and light Cream
• Local Harvest Vegetable Medley - Seasonal medley of locally sourced steamed Vegetables

DESSERTS
Sweet Dessert Duo

• Chocolate Mousse Truffle - Silky Chocolate Mousse, covered in a decadent Chocolate Ganache, topped with a drizzle of White Chocolate
• Lemoncello Cheesecake - New York-style Cheesecake, layers of Lemon Cake and tart Citrus Ganache

A variety of Fresh Breads and Butter will be offered.

*Wild Alaskan Salmon is certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.

PLEASE NOTE: 72 HOUR MINIMUM ADVANCED BOOKING REQUIRED. This tour does not include a hotel pick-up. Prices include gratuity on food service. Bar service (beverages, tax and gratuity) not included. Child price applies to ages 3 through 11; children ages 2 and under cruise free. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-878-9870.