Water Taxi returning to Alexandria just in time for the Cherry Blossoms

The Water Taxi and other cruises are returning to the Alexandria waterfront on Friday (March 19), just in time for a trip down the Potomac to check out the Cherry Blossoms in full bloom.

Hornblower Cruises and Events just announced that it will resume its cruising operations along the Potomac River from Old Town to The Wharf in D.C., Georgetown and National Harbor. Sailing on the vessels was shut down during the pandemic.

On March 27, the company will bring back brunch ($80), lunch and dinner cruises ($135) with wine, beer and cocktails. It emphasized that operations have been adapted for “heightened cleanliness and to maintain social distance, which includes the wearing of face coverings on board.”

“Come aboard Hornblower’s luxurious yachts and enjoy specially curated cocktails and cuisines, all while taking in iconic D.C. landmarks from a whole new perspective on the Potomac River,” Hornblower said in a release. “And with expansive decks both inside and out, there is plentiful fresh air and more than enough room on board for everyone to stay safely apart.”

The cruise line will have these safety measures:

• Mandatory daily crew member health screening, and wearing of appropriate PPE
• Revised boarding and ticketing procedures to allow for social distancing
• Requiring guests to wear face masks while cruising, except while eating and drinking
• Reducing the number of guests on board, and adapting all seating and table spacing to allow for a minimum 6-foot distance between guests
• Implementing enhanced sanitation and disinfection procedures, with hand sanitizing stations available throughout
• Anyone who self-reports any of the noted COVID-19 symptoms or has completed international travel in the previous 14 days, will not be able to join the cruise.

Patiently waiting to sail again. #dcwatertaxi pic.twitter.com/LIi5weqY36

— Potomac Riverboat Company by Hornblower (@prcwashingtondc) October 26, 2020