Spend the Thanksgiving holiday in style with a lunch cruise along the waterfront of Washington, DC. This 2-hour experience offers guests a delightful buffet, live music, and stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a local or visiting the nation’s capital, this unique event provides a convenient and relaxing way to enjoy the holiday. With easy access via public transportation or nearby parking, the centrally located pier sets the stage for an unforgettable afternoon on the water. But that’s just the beginning – the real highlight awaits those who take the time to explore further.
This experience made our list of the 5 Best Lunch Experiences In Washington Dc.
Key Points

- A 2-hour lunch cruise event hosted in Washington, DC, featuring a delicious buffet, live DJ entertainment, and scenic views of the city’s landmarks.
- The event includes a variety of entrees, salads, desserts, and unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, providing a diverse and inclusive dining experience.
- Pricing is $106.27 per person, with a ‘reserve now, pay later’ basis and free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, offering excellent value.
- The event takes place at Pier 4 on 580 Water St SW, with ample parking nearby and easy access to public transportation for both local and visiting attendees.
- The event encourages casual attire and flat, closed-toed shoes, and guests are advised to inform staff of any food allergies for a safe and comfortable experience.
Event Details

The Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise is a 2-hour event hosted in Washington, DC.
Guests will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring a variety of entrees, salads, and desserts. Drinks are available for purchase, and there’ll be live DJ entertainment to set the mood.
During the cruise, passengers will take in scenic views of the city’s iconic landmarks along the waterfront.
The cruise includes unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Local taxes and fees are also covered in the ticket price.
Whether you’re a local or visiting the nation’s capital, this Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise offers a unique and memorable way to celebrate the holiday.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Washington Dc
Inclusion

Aboard the Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise, guests will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring a variety of entrees, salads, and desserts. Drinks are available for purchase, and passengers can savor scenic views of Washington DC’s iconic landmarks while being entertained by a live DJ.
Plus, the cruise includes unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
The inclusion on this Thanksgiving Day cruise offers a well-rounded experience:
- Delicious buffet lunch with a variety of options
- Drinks available for purchase
- Scenic views of Washington DC’s landmarks
- Live DJ entertainment
With these amenities, guests can look forward to a memorable Thanksgiving celebration on the waters of the nation’s capital.
Pricing and Booking

For the Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise, guests can reserve their spot for $106.27 per person.
Bookings are available on a ‘reserve now, pay later’ basis, and free cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance. This makes it easy for attendees to secure their spot without the need to pay upfront.
The cruise offers a great value, with a delicious buffet lunch, live entertainment, and stunning views of Washington DC’s iconic landmarks.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate the holiday with family and friends or just want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the water, the Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise is an excellent choice.
Meeting Point
To attend the Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise, guests should make their way to Pier 4 on 580 Water St SW in Washington. The cruise departs from this convenient location, allowing attendees to easily access the boat and embark on the 2-hour scenic journey along the waterfront.
The meeting point offers several advantages:
- Ample parking available nearby for those driving to the event
- Close proximity to public transportation options like the Metro and buses
- Easily accessible for guests staying in downtown Washington, DC hotels
- Clear signage and staff on-site to guide attendees to the cruise boarding area
With its central location and well-appointed facilities, Pier 4 provides an ideal starting point for the Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise.
More Great Tours NearbyAttire and Safety

The cruise organizers recommend guests wear casual attire and flat, closed-toed shoes for safety while aboard the vessel. This is to ensure everyone can move around the boat comfortably and avoid any potential accidents.
The outdoor decks are available for guests who wish to smoke, but all interior areas are non-smoking.
It’s also important to inform the staff of any food allergies, as the menu is subject to change.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Washington Dc
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey
- Washington DC: Thanksgiving Buffet Lunch River Cruise
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit
- From Washington Dc: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour With Lunch
- From Greater DC Area/ Bowie: Maryland Wine Tour With Lunch
- Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise
Menu Considerations
In an article titled ‘Washington, DC: Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise’, it’s now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Menu Considerations’.
While the cruise organizers recommend guests wear appropriate attire, they also pay close attention to the menu, ensuring it caters to a variety of tastes and dietary needs.
The buffet-style lunch features:
- A selection of entrees, including roasted turkey, baked ham, and vegetarian options
- Fresh salads and sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and seasonal vegetables
- Delectable desserts, ranging from pumpkin pie to chocolate cake
- Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea to accompany the meal
The menu is subject to change, and guests are encouraged to inform the staff of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Smoking Policy
All interior areas of the Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise are designated as non-smoking, though outdoor decks are available for those who wish to smoke.
This policy ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all passengers, as the enclosed spaces allow for better air circulation and prevent secondhand smoke from permeating the dining and entertainment areas.
Guests are kindly requested to be mindful of others and to only smoke in the designated outdoor zones. The cruise line takes pride in maintaining a clean and pleasant environment, and enforces this no-smoking rule throughout the interior of the vessel.
Passengers are encouraged to step outside if they need to smoke, in order to fully savor the Thanksgiving festivities and scenic views.
Getting to the Pier
To reach the Thanksgiving Day Lunch Cruise’s departure point, passengers can make their way to Pier 4 on 580 Water St SW in Washington, D.C.
The pier is conveniently located and easily accessible by various modes of transportation:
-
Public transportation: The pier is a short walk from the Waterfront-SEU Metro station, serviced by the Green Line.
-
Driving: Ample parking is available in the nearby lots and garages, though visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot.
-
Ride-sharing: Drop-off and pick-up zones are designated near the pier’s entrance for added convenience.
For those staying nearby, the pier is an easy and scenic 10-15 minute walk from the National Mall and other central landmarks.
Recap
Enjoy a Thanksgiving Day lunch cruise in Washington, DC with a delectable buffet, drinks, and live entertainment.
Take in the city’s iconic landmarks from the waterfront as you dine.
The cruise’s central pier is easily accessible by public transport or nearby parking, making it a convenient option for your holiday festivities.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Lunch Experiences in Washington Dc
- DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise
- DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise
- Washington Premier Lunch Cruise
- Washington DC Signature Scenic Lunch Cruise
- From Greater DC Area/ Bowie: Maryland Wine Tour With Lunch
- From Washington Dc: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour With Lunch
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Washington Dc
- Washington DC: Mt. Vernon Day Trip with River Cruise
- visit US Capitol ,full day tour with Potomac boat and night tour
- Old Town Alexandria in a Day with Round Trip Ferry Cruise
- Washington DC: Sightseeing Tour with Potomac River Cruise
- Full Day US Capitol Visit with Cherry Blossom & Potomac Cruise
- Washington DC: River Cruise & DC City Tour + Entry Ticket
More Tour Reviews in Washington Dc
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Washington Dc we have reviewed
- US Capitol & Supreme Court: Exclusive Small-Group Tour
- DC Sightseeing Tour
- US Capitol and Monuments Walking Tour
- Private Airport Transportation in the DMV
- National Archives Skip the Line and OPO Tower Guided Tour
- National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum Tour 8ppl
- Self-Guided Private Tour of Washington DC
- Small-Group D.C. Day Trip to Shenandoah Park & Luray Cavern
- DC: Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour with Ford’s Theatre
- Downtown DC Holiday Tour: Lights, Decorations & Festive Cheer
- Private Family Walking Tour in Washington
- Washington DC: Mt. Vernon Day Trip with River Cruise
