See the Cherry Blossoms from the Potomac

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Looking to get out and see the cherry blossoms but don’t want to get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic? You can take walk, take the metro, grab your bicycle or take to the waterways.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival continues through Sunday, April 12. Peak bloom is expected to be Saturday through Tuesday.

Entertainment Cruises recently announced its line-up of Cherry Blossom Festival-themed cruises on its Odyssey Cruises, Spirit Cruises, and Elite Private Yachts, where guests enjoy one-of-a-kind sightseeing and dining cruise options.

Entertainment Cruises features five versatile vessels including:

• Glass-enclosed Odyssey
• Festive Spirit of Washington
• Fun and educational Spirit of Mount Vernon
• Distinctive yachts National Elite and Capital Elite

Water lovers will be able to enjoy some of Washington DC’s most spectacular views of the cherry blossoms up-close, in a climate-controlled setting – rain or shine.

“Spring is an extremely exciting time of year for us at Odyssey, Spirit Cruises, and Elite Private Yachts, as a proud ongoing sponsor of the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said Dan Leaman, vice president and general manager for Entertainment Cruises in Washington D.C., in a news release.

“We are thrilled to offer the ultimate Cherry Blossom Festival experience on the water providing our guests with a wide variety of cruise options including sightseeing, dining, live entertainment, versatile views of both blossoms and monuments, and even a climate-controlled ambiance to ensure a comfortable cruise experience for all,” he said. “Our cruises capture the ability to create special long lasting memories of Washington D.C. – our beautiful nation’s capital – for each and every single guest we have the pleasure of hosting.”

Here’s more in-depth information about each option during the Cherry Blossom Festival

• Odyssey Cruises: Brunch, lunch, dinner cruises

The Odyssey offers patrons a glass-enclosed experience with 360-degree views of Washington DC’s monuments and blooming cherry blossom trees. Odyssey accommodates up to 400 seated passengers and is celebrating the arrival of the cherry blossoms with a buffet-style brunch, and seasonal three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner cruise options.

Guests will enjoy an informative narration highlighting the history of the cherry blossom trees, as well as have the opportunity to view landmarks located throughout Washington D.C. Ending cruisers experiences on a sweet note, guests are invited to enjoy a cherry blossom festival-themed dessert; Odyssey’s Cherry Blossom Cheesecake.

Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays – boarding at 10:45 a.m. and cruising between 11:30 am-1:30 pm (prices beginning at $68.90), and lunch is offered daily – early, regular, and afternoon options – (prices beginning at $56.90). Dinner cruises aboard the Odyssey are available nightly through April 12 and include live music from a four-piece band and views of the cherry blossom petal-lined Potomac without having to battle the crowds (prices beginning at $101.90). For additional information on Odyssey Cruises’ lunch, brunch, and dinner cruise options or for reservations, please call (866) 404-8439 or visit online.

• Spirit of Washington: Lunch, brunch, dinner cruises

Entertainment Cruises’ Spirit of Washington welcomes cherry blossom connoisseur cruisers with lively lunch and dinner cruises daily – including a special narration showcasing the cherry blossom trees and historic landmarks in Washington D.C., tunes from a DJ on deck and spectacular views of the cherry blossom trees. For a signature taste of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, dishes will be enhanced with the quintessential cherry flavor and beauty. Lunch and dinner cruises aboard the Spirit of Washington are available through April 12 (lunch prices start at $45.90 and dinner prices start at $94.90). For additional information on Spirit of Washington’s lunch, dinner, and fireworks cruise options or for reservations, please call (866) 404-8439 or visit online.

* Pricing Does Not Include Taxes or Fees *

• Views from the Potomac: Sightseeing cruises aboard elite private yachts, National Elite and Capital Elite

For those looking to experience the nation’s capital in bloom, blossom seekers are invited to beat the crowds and come aboard Elite Private Yachts’ exclusive charter yachts - the National Elite and Capital Elite - and enjoy 45-minute ‘Sightseeing Cruises’ taking them around Haines Point and East Potomac Park. A cash bar is available for guests looking to enjoy refreshments as they relax and take in the spectacular surrounding sights. An informative narration highlighting the history of the cherry blossom trees is also included for all to enjoy while cruising past the popular petals and historic monuments. Sightseeing cruises aboard both the National Elite and Capital Elite are available through April 12, Friday through Sunday: 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm – From $26.78 for Adults, $22.32 for Children (Ages 3-12). For additional information on Elite Private Yachts’ National Elite sightseeing cruiseoptions or for reservations, please call (866) 404-8439 or visit online.

• Spirit of Mount Vernon: Cruise, land tours of Mount Vernon’s Estate and Gardens

Journey past the blossoms on an educational excursion back in time to George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. Guests can enjoy the open air as they relax aboard the Spirit of Mount Vernon’s open-air rooftop boasting views of DC, Maryland, and Virginia, for miles. Guests also have the option of relaxing indoors with an option to enjoy snacks and refreshments from the cash bar. Entertainment Cruises’ Mount Vernon Excursions, priced at $45.95 per adult and $40.95 per child age 3-12, kicked off for the year last month. The cruise includes a narrated tour of the Potomac River’s famous landmarks, and three-and-a-half-hour adventure at Mount Vernon while taking in the cherry blossom sights on the way to and from the estate. Cruises board at 8 am, dock at Mount Vernon at 10 am and leave from the Southwest Waterfront Pier 4 at 1:30 pm, arriving by 3 pm. For reservations or more information, call (866) 404-8439 or visit online.