embark dc, in the press…



Washingtonian Magazine Logo

Washingtonian Magazine: 12 Great Ways to See DC’s Cherry Blossoms in 2024

“Offering tours to parties of up to six people, Embark DC takes riders on the Potomac. While you won’t go into the Tidal Basin itself, the route still passes by the Jefferson Memorial and Hains Point, with a guide on board to educate you about the history of the blossoms. While some complimentary beverages will be served, guests are also welcome to bring whatever food or drink they want on board.”


Secret DC: The Best Spots To Watch 4th of July Fireworks Around D.C.

#3. Potomac River: Speaking of boats… did you know you can catch the fireworks directly from a kayak on the Potomac River? There’s truly nothing like it but remember not to boat in the direction of the fireworks. Embark D.C. Boat Tours, City Cruises and Monumental Boat Tours offer special boating tours the night of the Fourth!”


WUSA9 Washington DC

CBS WUSA Channel 9: Where to Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks in DC

“Cruise: Avoid traffic and book a river cruise to watch the D.C. fireworks show from the water. Potomac Riverboat Company is offering a Fireworks Cruise from Alexandria, Virginia, and City Cruises Washington, DC is holding several dinner-cruise options on the 4th of July. Private boats are available for rent through Embark DC.”


Haute Living: A Comprehensive Luxury Travel Guide To Washington DC

There are beautiful boating experiences, with private rentals and sightseeing tours, our recommendation being the six-seat Embark DC, for a historical day on the water; a visit to the White House; golf galore (our pick: Creighton Farms, which features a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course); high-end shopping at CityCenter and upscale boutique labels in Georgetown; and, for a spooky yet interesting way to learn about the nation’s capital, a historical evening ghost tour (our pick: DC Ghost Tours).


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DC Area Moms: 12 Unique Locations to View the Cherry Blossoms Without the Crowds

“1. From a Boat: You may get a view of the cherry blossoms with less crowds along the Potomac and around the National Mall if you view them by boat… companies offering cherry blossom cruises include Capitol River Cruises and EmbarkDC, which offers private boat tours for up to 6 people.”


The Observer: Cherry Blossom Season Is Here: A Global Guide to Sakura Spotting

“For a splash of adventure, Embark DC in Alexandria offers private cherry blossom boat tours. Tailor your day trip from 1.5 to four hours, with your captain spilling the beans on the Potomac’s secrets. Plot a course to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate or chart your own path to cherry tree landmarks and historic sites.”


FOX5 TV: Toasting to the Cherry Blossoms

… nice segment along with our partner, The Jefferson hotel…

“If you haven’t been to downtown D.C. yet, it’s getting very busy. Cherry Blossom season is here and there are many ways to participate. FOX 5’s Nana-Sentuo Bonsu has cherry blossom drinks, boat tours and more fun ways to view the flowers.”


Arlington Magazine: Boat Outings to Book This Summer

“Grab five of your closest friends and charter one of Embark’s two 25-foot Chaparral sport boats—which can go up to 50 mph—for a private, customized tour on the Occoquan River, Potomac River or the Washington Channel. “I’ve got 1,000 facts and figures, 35 pages of notes on 50 monuments and sights in D.C. that all my captains have to memorize,” says Denny Clifford, the company’s founder and president. In addition to the sport boats, Embark offers rides on … a 41-foot bridge cruiser. Departures are available at 10 docks in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.”



Beyond Times Square: What Does a Deluxe Washington DC Bike & Boat Tour Look Like?

“Next up was our private speedboat experience—or as I like to call it—my amazing aqua adventure! Our particular experience started and ended at Cove Pier in the new District Wharf area due to time constraints… To maximize your boating experience, you might choose to ship out from the pier in Georgetown and then disembark at the pier in the District Wharf—or vice versa. This way there is no “backtracking.” But in my case, backtracking be darned—because I had one of the best tourist experiences of my life thanks to Captain Denny! That day there were six of us, which is the maximum allowed, and we fit perfectly—and comfortably.”


Forbes: Washington, D.C. Readies For The National Cherry Blossom Festival

The Jefferson DC is offering guests the opportunity to enjoy the fresh spring breeze and prime views of the blossoms set apart from the masses, via private luxury boat tour. With its newly launched ‘Blossoms by Boat’ package, guests will enjoy a two-night stay at the boutique, luxury haven in the heart of Washington DC, a cherry blossom-inspired picnic created by Executive Chef Fabio Salvatore and an hour-and-a-half private tour courtesy of EmbarkDC.”


Alexandria Living: Cool Off on the Water: Boating in Alexandria

“It’s hot and humid—and this is the perfect time to get out on the water. Embark DC is launching private boat cruises along the Potomac River for private parties this summer from Robinson Landing. The company offers both open bow boats and yacht-certified, multi-level cruisers for up to six guests. Boat guests can decide their destinations in advance to create a custom, private, sightseeing or recreational cruise for 90 minutes or more. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink on board. The open boats are dog-friendly (and include life vests for four-legged boaters). Learn more and make a reservation at embarkdc.com.”


Modern Luxury: 5 Great Places to Watch the Fireworks in DC

“Embark DC: Take a private boat tour and cruise along the Potomac River the evening of the 4th. With the holiday being DC’s most popular day on the water, be sure to book your trip soon. You won’t want to miss the monument views from the water.”


The Hill: Here’s the best place to watch July 4 fireworks in DC

“Take a cruise: Several cruise companies are offering their services for Monday’s festivities, though if you’re just feeling inspired to book a spot you may be too late. Embark DC Boat Tours and City Cruises are sold out of their firework cruises, while Monumental Boat Tours still has spots for day cruises but its last boat returns at 8 p.m.”


Mommy Poppins: 4th of July Fireworks on the National Mall: Best Spots to Watch the DC Fireworks

“9. A 4th of July Fireworks Cruise: Though we have listed many places to watch the DC fireworks for free, a family-friendly river cruise will get you a spectacular view of the fireworks without the crowds—for a price, of course… You can shell out for a private boat through Embark DC that will leave from the Wharf, Georgetown, The Yards, Alexandria, National Harbor, and several other locations.”


Destination DC: Amazing Boating Experiences You Need to Try in Washington, DC

“One of the more unique ways to get out on the water, Embark DC Boat Tours presents fascinating experiences. Captains are able to provide a narrated tour of the monuments and history, and they’ll happily accommodate any sightseeing, picnicking, fishing or other custom-created adventure you dream up, anywhere from Georgetown to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.”


Northern Virginia Magazine: Cruising Entertainment this Summer

Embark DC: Where You Go: Launches from Georgetown waterfront and features iconic sites down the Potomac River along Old Town or Mount Vernon. What You Get: Private, customized cruises for up to six passengers. Who It’s For: Private parties


VIP Alexandria: Top 10 River Cruises of the DMV

“Depending where you start, where you want to go, and how fast you want to go, cruises can be as short as you like (note: min. charge is 1.5 hours), or can last all day; “Living the Boat Life” is an 8-hour tour, and allows you to feel like you’ve got your own boat, and can include swimming, sightseeing, sunbathing, dining, watching the sunset, and more.”


Hemispheres Magazine: Find The Best Washington, D.C. Neighborhood Base for Your Cherry Blossom Visit

Charming and Historic: The Georgetown District: The Georgetown District magically brings history to life, as real as the cobblestone under your feet. … Find live performances on your doorstep at Blues Alley Jazz, or follow the path along the river to the stunning Kennedy Center. Return to sumptuous modern accommodations at the Four Seasons Hotel, where spa and suites recently experienced a sizzling makeover. … From Georgetown’s Waterfront, take a cherry blossom boat tour … with Embark DC for a private tour.


Luxury Escapes:

A luxury travel TV show visiting from Australia takes a boat cruise with us…