Iconic Vessel Begins a New Era of Fine Dining on the Potomac
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2019 – Entertainment Cruises, the nation’s leading dining cruise and sightseeing company, welcomes the return of Odyssey III to its Washington, D.C operation after a multi-million dollar transformation sealing the vessel’s reputation as the region’s most luxurious on-the-water dining cruise experience. This latest development reflects the company’s ongoing investment in its North American portfolio, including the recently launched Odyssey Chicago River, a luxurious glass-enclosed dining cruise vessel with an entirely new 360-degree panoramic perspective. It also completes a winter program of innovative enhancements and upgrades across multiple vessels in a drive to become even more guest centric.
“Over the last five years, we have invested over $50 million in our fleet, our technology and our efforts to continuously elevate our guests experience. The spectacular transformation of Odyssey III is testament to that commitment,” said Kenneth Svendsen, CEO of Entertainment Cruises. “This is without a doubt one of our most significant developments this year, and ensures this exceptional vessel firmly remains the definitive luxury dining experience on the Potomac for generations to come.”
Operating in some of the most historic waterways of the United States, including the tributaries of Chesapeake Bay, Entertainment Cruises continues to protect the country’s valuable resources through the safe and responsible operation of its fleet. Last year, the company added four new high-speed, low-wake vessels to its Potomac Water Taxi service providing one of the most efficient and eco-friendly means of navigating and exploring the wider metropolitan area. And in this latest development, in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the company has installed state-of-the-art, tier 3 clean diesel technology to provide Odyssey III’s propulsion and power in a continuous effort to further reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency.
“EPA grant funding helped upgrade the Odyssey III, and other Entertainment Cruises’ vessels, with new clean diesel engines that will improve efficiency and reduce air pollution,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “By financially supporting projects that modernize diesel engines, EPA is helping provide cleaner, more efficient methods of transportation that will protect the environment and keep our economy growing. We are excited to see this progress in action with the renovation of the Odyssey III.”
“We are dedicated to managing our business responsibly and are relentless in our efforts to minimize our environmental impact, so are very appreciative of the funding received from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Diesel Program towards our engine repower,” added Svendsen.
With its contemporary, European-inspired glass design ─ built explicitly to travel beneath the historic bridges spanning the Potomac ─ Odyssey III is a longstanding favorite with Washingtonians and visitors alike. Alongside exterior enhancements, the reimagined interior space has been designed to complement the stunning, panoramic views of the nation’s capital. Evoking elements of the surrounding landscape and waterways, neutral tones and natural textures have been artfully applied to the three spacious dining areas and bar. Contemporary fixtures and finishes complete the interior makeover.
Amidst the distinctly glamorous décor, guests can expect a tantalizing culinary experience matched with the exceptional service and entertainment associated with the company’s fleet of Odyssey cruise vessels. Under the skillful direction of Chef Greg Knight, Odyssey III showcases a three-course menu of freshly prepared specialties such as Oven Baked Atlantic Salmon Filet served on a bed of lemon orzo with red onions and sun-dried tomatoes, accompanied by a citrus dill sauce alongside a sophisticated selection of award-winning wines, craft beers and specialty cocktails.
Hosting up to 600 guests, Odyssey III officially returned to service on March 30, 2019, and offers lunch, brunch, cocktail and dinner cruises with signature live entertainment. With its unique guest offering, the vessel is also a stylish venue for every occasion from corporate outings and weddings to other group events.
“From delicious cuisine to the finest views of our capital, Odyssey III offers both residents and visitors to Washington D.C. a one-of-a-kind and truly special experience,” said Mary Rinaldo, Regional Vice President of Entertainment Cruises. “The sleek low profile and glass topped design allows guests to experience the city from a whole new perspective. We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard Odyssey III, be it for a special occasion, wedding, corporate event or simply an evening out on the town.”
Cruising year-round from Pier 4 at The District Wharf, Odyssey III either takes a leisurely route north passing under the 14th Street Bridge up towards the Kennedy Center and Georgetown or sails south on the Potomac past historical Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor while offering unparalleled vistas of the nation’s greatest monuments from the temperature-controlled interior and exterior observation spaces.
Together with Odyssey III, Entertainment Cruises operates a fleet of 19 vessels across four different brands (Odyssey, Spirit Cruises, Elite Private Yachts, Potomac River Boat Company) from its berths across Washington, D.C., Alexandria and National Harbor, MD, offering dining cruises, sightseeing tours and private charters; as well as the popular Potomac Water Taxi which serves many of the capital’s key tourist, commercial and entertainment districts.
Odyssey III cruise prices start from $64.90* for lunch or $114.90* for dinner (prices per person, excl. fees & taxes) and includes dining, music, dancing, impeccable service and unforgettable views.
For more information or to book your cruise visit www.hornblower.com/washington-dc
About Entertainment Cruises
Entertainment Cruises is the premier provider of water-based dining, sightseeing and transportation experiences in North America. Over the last 40 years, the company has continually redefined the domestic marine hospitality industry, establishing a portfolio of eight distinctive, award-winning brands that are available in popular US city locations such as Alexandria VA, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Norfolk VA, Philadelphia, National Harbor, New York, Weehawken NJ, Washington D.C. area, as well as Toronto, Canada, following the acquisition of Mariposa Cruises in August 2018. Continuously innovating to elevate guest experience, the company recently debuted Odyssey Chicago River, a luxurious glass-enclosed vessel that pairs upscale dining and entertainment with an entirely unique 360-degree panoramic perspective that fully immerses guests in the spectacular architecture and vibrant energy of the Chicago River. Today, almost 2,800 full-time and part-time shipmates operate a fleet of 48 vessels, delivering over 27,000 cruises to upwards of 2.3 million guests each year. Entertainment Cruises is part of the PPC Partners group of companies. For more information, visit entertainmentcruises.com