FAQS
What is the dress attire?
There is no specific attire recomendation for Capital Elite Cruises. Your Capital Elite Charter cruise is unique to your group and the attire should be as well.
How long is a cruise ?
As a privately chartered vessel, you can choose the length of your cruise. Our charter fees are based on a two-hour minimum.
May I bring my own camera or photographer on board?
Guests are more than welcome to bring their own camera for personal pictures aboard the ship. In addition a photographer and photo packages are available for purchase through your sales consultant.
What is your cancellation policy?
All purchases are final and non-refundable. We cruise rain or shine throughout the year.
Is there a coat check available onboard the ship?
Coat Check Service is available for purchase for deck and ship charters.
Is the vessel Coast Guard certified?
The Capital Elite is Coast Guard certified and regularly maintained to adhere to strict safety regulations.
What is our cruise route?
One of the great benefits to chartering the Capital Elite is the flexibility in travel. The Capital Elite sails throughout Washington DC's Potomac River.
Can I decorate the ship for my special event?
Charter groups are permitted to bring decorations. Your Capital Elite sales consultant must approve all decorations. Confetti and rice are not permitted. All decorations must be removed by patron after cruising to prepare for our next event.
What type of Entertainment do you have?
We provide light background music during your cruise. Guests chartering the Capital Elite are welcome to bring their favorite CDs to play. Additional entertainment, such as DJ, dance band or jazz trio can be purchased through your sales consultant.
What size groups can the Capital Elite accommodate?
The Capital Elite can accommodate parties of 25 to 75 guests for seated dinners, cocktail receptions or classroom style meetings.
Is the vessel handicap accessible?
The Capital Elite is a private charter vessel and is unable to accommodate guests in wheelchairs. Our sister ship, the Spirit of Washington, is available to accmomodate guests in wheelchairs.
Can we bring wrapped gifts or packages onboard?
Yes, you can. Please be aware that Elite Cruises has the right to inspect all bags and packages prior to boarding.
Is there a phone on board that receives calls? Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
The Capital Elite does not have a phone for use by guests. However, most cellular services are available on the water. For the comfort of other guests, we recommend cell phone use on the outside decks only.
How can I make reservations?
For parties of 20 or more, please contact our group sales department at 866.404.8439 or complete our group questionnaire.
Are there restrooms on board the Capital Elite?
Yes, restrooms are located on the lake level dining room.
When does the season end?
The Capital Elite cruises all year round!
Can you tell me a little about the ship?
The Capital Elite is exceptionally designed with a spacious, chic climate-controlled lake level deck and a top deck featuring an open patio and enclosed cafe lounge with bar. It is a Coast Guard approved vessel for up to 75 passengers. Amenities include full service bar, flexible seating/staging arrangements and huge panoramic windows.
Is smoking allowed on the cruise?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking. Guests who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks only.
Do I need to pick up tickets ?
Groups chartering the Capital Elite may provide us with an alphabetized guest list of everyone in their party. We do not use tickets or boarding passes for the Capital Elite.
Are the charter times flexible?
The charter times are somewhat flexible depending on the other cruises scheduled for that particular date.
Do you sail in inclement weather? What if it rains or snows?
The Capital Elite will cruise in most weather conditions all-year round. Each enclosed deck is climate controlled for your comfort. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the US Coast Guard, the ship will remain dockside for the length of the event.
