Frequently Asked Questions (and DC Cruises' policies):

Attire. We suggest you check the weather forecast and dress suitably. For temperatures below 75-degrees, a sweatshirt or windbreaker is a good idea (although all of our vessels have enclosed areas).

Boarding. What is "Boarding Time" and "Cruising Time?"
"Boarding Time" is the earliest passengers may board -- it is typically 15 minutes prior to "Cruise Time."

Cancellations.
We cruise rain or shine. For our 45 minute sightseeing loop: tickets are not refundable but they may be used at a later date. For Special Events (Fireworks, Monuments-by-Moonlight, Wine Tasting cruises, etc.) -space was reserved for YOU on these cruises, so tickets are non-refundable unless your ticket/voucher says otherwise. [for Groups/Charters -- please check your contract for details]

Children. Are there any age requirements?
We've accomodated people from 2 to 92, and they all seem to have a great time! [The exception would be on Special Event cruises such as Wine Tasting, Fireworks and Moonlight Cruises, which may have a minimum age. Check their specific pages for details].

Coast Guard Regulations. Is the vessel Coast Guard certified?
Yes. All our vessels are Coast Guard certified and maintained regularly to adhere to strict safety regulations.

Contacting Us.
For questions or issues regarding a future cruise date, please email us.
We will usually respond the same day.
For urgent questions regarding a cruise today, please call 301-765-0750.

Cruise Route.
There are maps within each section of the site - whether for 45 minute tours, group & school tours, special events, etc. - that show our routes.

Directions.
See the directions link at the left for details.

Drinks. Food. Etc.
Our cruises feature a snack bar with non-alcoholic beverages. Sorry, but no outside food or drinks are permitted! We have a range of restaurants and the seafood wharf nearby. [GROUPS of 20+ ONLY: You may arrange box lunches, hors d'oeuvres and a wide assortment of catered options at least 7 days in advance with our office]

Emergencies.
For questions or issues regarding a future cruise date, please email us.
We usually respond the same day.
For urgent questions regarding a cruise today, please call 301-765-0750.

Gratuity. Is gratuity included in the ticket price?
Gratuity is subject to the discretion of the passengers. No gratuities are required or otherwise included in your ticket. For groups a gratuity will frequently be included if there will be food and beverage service.

Groups. What size group can your boats accommodate?
Our fleet can host parties and groups from 15 to 105 guests, or more if your group is willing to be divided between two vessels.

Groupon (Promotion).
If you'd like to redeem a Groupon purchase, follow these steps:
1. Open the email from Groupon that has your vouchers attached.
2. Locate the unique code in the upper right corner of each voucher
3. Find the page within our website that offers the type of cruise you purchased and enter your code(s) there. If you need to change your reservation later on, and the rules permit you to, you'll need to email info@dc-cruises.com

Handicap Accessibility. Are the boats handicapped accessible?
On the regularly scheduled 45 minute sightseeing cruises departing from Georgetown there is no wheelchair access. For cruises departing from our Southwest location we can accommodate wheelchairs for boarding and restrooms, although the passenger MUST be able to climb up a few steps. Please notify us of any special-assistance members in your party prior to the cruise so we can provide the appropriate assistance upon arrival.

Living Social (Promotion).
If you'd like to redeem a Living Social purchase, follow these steps:
1. Open the email from L.S. that has your vouchers attached.
2. Locate the unique code in the upper right corner of each voucher
3. Find the page within our website that offers the type of cruise you purchased and enter your code(s) there. If you need to change your reservation later on, and the rules permit you to, you'll need to email info@dc-cruises.com

Minimum No. of Passengers Requirement
On public cruises, whether during day or at night, there is usually a 20 person minimum. This is necessary due to the high cost of running our vessels. Should your cruise need to be cancelled due to lack of participation, we'll offer you a comparable replacement, or, in most cases a full refund. (For private cruises - there is no minimum. The boat is all yours since you paid a flat rate by the hour.)

Parking. Is there parking close to the boats?
Yes, paid parking is usually available. Free or metered parking is also available nearby but you will have to build in some time to your schedule.

Payment. What type of payment do you accept?
For individuals and families, we accept credit card transactions through this web site. Groups should review their reservation form or call our office to make arrangements.

Phones. Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the cruise. We ask, however, that you be considerate of other passengers.

Reservations.

• Individuals - MUST purchase tickets through the web site. No orders are taken by phone. Sometimes tickets are available at the dock at cruise time.
  
• Groups - Please click the Send Me More information button in the left column (you might need to scroll up to see it).

Seasickness. Will I get seasick?
It is highly unlikely. The Potomac River is a ‘protected water way’, meaning that it is a fairly narrow waterway (and NOT a broad, open expanse of water such as a bay or ocean). Therefore, the winds and waves tend to be modest. Seasickness is extremely rare.

Seating Arrangements. How is seating arranged on board?
Seating is unassigned and on a ‘first come’ basis.

Smoking. What is your smoking policy?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks, subject to the discretion of the Captain and crew.

Weather.
All of our boats and yachts have both outdoor areas and enclosed seating areas - including air conditioning and heating (except the 45 min. tour boat, which does not have HVAC) - to make your cruise conditions ideal. We sail rain or shine.

Frequently Asked Questions (and DC Cruises' policies):

Attire. We suggest you check the weather forecast and dress suitably. For temperatures below 75-degrees, a sweatshirt or windbreaker is a good idea (although all of our vessels have enclosed areas).

Boarding. What is "Boarding Time" and "Cruising Time?"
"Boarding Time" is the earliest passengers may board -- it is typically 15 minutes prior to "Cruise Time."

Cancellations.
We cruise rain or shine. For our 45 minute sightseeing loop: tickets are not refundable but they may be used at a later date. For Special Events (Fireworks, Monuments-by-Moonlight, Wine Tasting cruises, etc.) -space was reserved for YOU on these cruises, so tickets are non-refundable unless your ticket/voucher says otherwise. [for Groups/Charters -- please check your contract for details]

Children. Are there any age requirements?
We've accomodated people from 2 to 92, and they all seem to have a great time! [The exception would be on Special Event cruises such as Wine Tasting, Fireworks and Moonlight Cruises, which may have a minimum age. Check their specific pages for details].

Coast Guard Regulations. Is the vessel Coast Guard certified?
Yes. All our vessels are Coast Guard certified and maintained regularly to adhere to strict safety regulations.

Contacting Us.
For questions or issues regarding a future cruise date, please email us.
We will usually respond the same day.
For urgent questions regarding a cruise today, please call 301-765-0750.

Cruise Route.
There are maps within each section of the site - whether for 45 minute tours, group & school tours, special events, etc. - that show our routes.

Directions.
See the directions link at the left for details.

Drinks. Food. Etc.
Our cruises feature a snack bar with non-alcoholic beverages. Sorry, but no outside food or drinks are permitted! We have a range of restaurants and the seafood wharf nearby. [GROUPS of 20+ ONLY: You may arrange box lunches, hors d'oeuvres and a wide assortment of catered options at least 7 days in advance with our office]

Emergencies.
For questions or issues regarding a future cruise date, please email us.
We usually respond the same day.
For urgent questions regarding a cruise today, please call 301-765-0750.

Gratuity. Is gratuity included in the ticket price?
Gratuity is subject to the discretion of the passengers. No gratuities are required or otherwise included in your ticket. For groups a gratuity will frequently be included if there will be food and beverage service.

Groups. What size group can your boats accommodate?
Our fleet can host parties and groups from 15 to 105 guests, or more if your group is willing to be divided between two vessels.

Groupon (Promotion).
If you'd like to redeem a Groupon purchase, follow these steps:
1. Open the email from Groupon that has your vouchers attached.
2. Locate the unique code in the upper right corner of each voucher
3. Find the page within our website that offers the type of cruise you purchased and enter your code(s) there. If you need to change your reservation later on, and the rules permit you to, you'll need to email info@dc-cruises.com

Handicap Accessibility. Are the boats handicapped accessible?
On the regularly scheduled 45 minute sightseeing cruises departing from Georgetown there is no wheelchair access. For cruises departing from our Southwest location we can accommodate wheelchairs for boarding and restrooms, although the passenger MUST be able to climb up a few steps. Please notify us of any special-assistance members in your party prior to the cruise so we can provide the appropriate assistance upon arrival.

Living Social (Promotion).
If you'd like to redeem a Living Social purchase, follow these steps:
1. Open the email from L.S. that has your vouchers attached.
2. Locate the unique code in the upper right corner of each voucher
3. Find the page within our website that offers the type of cruise you purchased and enter your code(s) there. If you need to change your reservation later on, and the rules permit you to, you'll need to email info@dc-cruises.com

Minimum No. of Passengers Requirement
On public cruises, whether during day or at night, there is usually a 20 person minimum. This is necessary due to the high cost of running our vessels. Should your cruise need to be cancelled due to lack of participation, we'll offer you a comparable replacement, or, in most cases a full refund. (For private cruises - there is no minimum. The boat is all yours since you paid a flat rate by the hour.)

Parking. Is there parking close to the boats?
Yes, paid parking is usually available. Free or metered parking is also available nearby but you will have to build in some time to your schedule.

Payment. What type of payment do you accept?
For individuals and families, we accept credit card transactions through this web site. Groups should review their reservation form or call our office to make arrangements.

Phones. Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the cruise. We ask, however, that you be considerate of other passengers.

Reservations.

• Individuals - MUST purchase tickets through the web site. No orders are taken by phone. Sometimes tickets are available at the dock at cruise time.
  
• Groups - Please click the Send Me More information button in the left column (you might need to scroll up to see it).

Seasickness. Will I get seasick?
It is highly unlikely. The Potomac River is a ‘protected water way’, meaning that it is a fairly narrow waterway (and NOT a broad, open expanse of water such as a bay or ocean). Therefore, the winds and waves tend to be modest. Seasickness is extremely rare.

Seating Arrangements. How is seating arranged on board?
Seating is unassigned and on a ‘first come’ basis.

Smoking. What is your smoking policy?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks, subject to the discretion of the Captain and crew.

Weather.
All of our boats and yachts have both outdoor areas and enclosed seating areas - including air conditioning and heating (except the 45 min. tour boat, which does not have HVAC) - to make your cruise conditions ideal. We sail rain or shine.