Odyssey cruises offering fall foliage tours in Washington, D.C.

ANALYSIS/OPINION

You wouldn’t know it by the 70-degree days of late, but autumn is in fact coming to an end in a month, and one of the best ways to enjoy its fading colors is to take a cruise on the Potomac to take in nature’s show.

The Washington Times recently had an opportunity to take an afternoon bottomless mimosa brunch cruise from the good folks at Odyssey cruises aboard the Odyssey III, docked in Southwest, for a fall foliage voyage along D.C.’s Potomac riverfont that included brunch buffet and bottomless mimosas.

Now this is how you celebrate the changing of the seasons!

Upon taking the obligatory boarding photo (available for purchase), we were ushered into the glassed-in dining area that has tables surrounding the buffet, dance floor and live D.C. soul band. Our friendly server, Tony, ever attentive, refilled our mimosas briskly (hint: try the cherry variety!). The buffet offered a plethora of options, including eggs benedict, salmon, chicken and waffles, sausages and even fresh fruit for dipping in a tray of freshly melted chocolate. A cash bar was on offer as well, but the only extra drink I ordered from Tony was an iced tea to go along with my champagne — er, I mean, brunch.

This being a vessel, it was crucial to step out on deck to watch as the Washington Monument, Kennedy Center and Georgetown cruised past, with the shoreline trees shedding the last of their seasonal vestments. Taking a seat invited one to reflect silently as the amazing views of the nation’s capital slid past.

Back inside, the rather impressive band ran through a song list of rock classics while also taking requests and shouting out to passengers celebrating anniversaries, birthdays or any other such cause for revelry. As the Odyssey returned back toward dock, the passengers broke out into some impromptu line dancing set to the strains of the band — doubtless to work off at least some of the many, many ingested calories.

Departing the Odyssey, we were thanked and wished well by yet another superfriendly staffer, whose graciousness was emblematic of the entire crew.

In a little over two hours, my girlfriend and I received a hearty meal, endless “champs” and an exciting urban adventure along the D.C. waterways. It’s a great way to both enjoy the final vestiges of fall outdoors as well as appreciate the splendor of the District’s trees signaling the finish of the current annum is nigh.

For more information on rates or to book, visit Odysseycruises.com/washington-dc.