WASHINGTON — Entertainment Cruises Inc., which operates five yachts on the Potomac River, has a new addition to its sightseeing and dinner cruising fleet.
A larger replacement for its Spirit of Washington was christened by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser Tuesday afternoon at The Wharf development in Southwest, where it will be based at Pier 4.
The larger Spirit of Washington replaces its previous yacht of the same name.
Entertainment Cruises owns the new vessel. It leased the previous Spirit of Washington.
It can carry more passengers on its four decks, including its first two levels, the Capital Deck and Waterfront Deck, with space for up to 300 guests each. A third level, the District Lounge, also includes an outside patio and its own bar.
The open-air top level’s rooftop deck includes patio furniture and cocktail service.
It can carry up to 800 passengers.
“Entertainment Cruises’ long-standing relationship with D.C. plays an integral role in the revitalization of The Wharf,” said Monty Hoffman, founder and CEO of The Wharf’s co-developer PN Hoffman.
“We welcome the new Spirit of Washington in becoming part of this world-class destination.”
Entertainment Cruises’ other Potomac vessels include Odyssey III, Spirit of Mount Vernon and the private yachts National Elite and Capital Elite.
The company has been cruising the Potomac for 30 years and employs up to 350 people annually.
The Chicago-based company also operates cruise vessels in New York, Chicago, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Norfolk.
