Nina's Dandy - Alexandria

This lunch trip was a birthday present for my oncle. we were a party of eight. four of our friends weren't there in time and wanted to miss the trip. the captain took mine, please, to wait for them. her general rule is not waiting, so I was overjoyed when he followed, but nervous, as I did not want her to miss the trip, as the payment was not refunded. to the luck they didn't miss the boat. in the boot was nice. the table was nice. the narration began with security procedures. immediately after we got our salad with very tasty freshly prepared bread, we asked ourselves for seconds. then on the main course and appetizers, which was all very good. the service was good. the narrative with historical facts and anecdotes was clear and well explained. at the turnaround point at the top of the river we were free to walk on the deck to a panoramic view of everything along the river. light music was in the background. at the end of the trip we got souvenir pictures for a price of $20. the pictures were in a very beautiful karton frame. we have 4 pictures for this price in 3 sizes. it was a nice trip with very nice staff. my onkel enjoyed it and that's what's important to me. I would do it again.

Here for a Sunday brunch. the crew is polite and the buffet flow is well organized. many arc rooms and I thought eating was great. definitely recommend friends and family

"We enjoyed a Groupon experience on a boat, and it turned out to be delightful. The Alexandria Pier is just a 15-minute drive from National Harbor, offering stunning views of landmarks like National Harbor, Reagan Airport, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument. **1. Parking:** Parking is limited, so it’s advisable to find a spot at least an hour before departure, either on the road or in designated parking areas. The harbor area has been updated, and some roads have restricted parking. Street parking is often on an hourly basis and can be scarce. You can park at the Nina Dandy Cruise parking lot for only $7, but if there’s an event happening, finding parking might be even more challenging. **2. Boat Condition:** The boat is somewhat dated and doesn't have the luxurious feel of a modern cruise ship. Additionally, it is not accessible for those arriving by bike, and the restrooms are located on the lower level, which may pose difficulties for guests with mobility issues. **3. Seating:** The seating is open, so it's a first-come, first-served basis. Window seats are limited and tend to get snatched up quickly. **4. Drinks:** The boat has a bar serving alcoholic beverages, but there is no open bar. All non-water drinks come with an extra charge, while iced tea and coffee are the only beverages with free refills. **5. Food:** The garden salad was passable, but the stuffed shrimp with crab over rice and green beans was satisfying and filling. The cheesecake was also enjoyable, but it left a bit of an aftertaste. During dinner, a pianist played various tunes, creating a lovely atmosphere for dancing afterward. The cruise hosted a diverse crowd, including families, couples, singles, and seniors. Overall, we had a wonderful experience for the price we paid. The environment was pleasant, the staff was friendly, and the boat was stable. It was a nice outing, and I’d recommend it as a fun option, just keep an open mind about what to expect."

We were seated at a nice table with a big window view, accompanied by the soothing sound of a live pianist playing soft music, which added to the relaxing atmosphere without being overwhelming. When it was time to eat, we were called by tables to visit the buffet. The buffet offered a wide selection, including waffles, fresh fruit, speck, potatoes, beef stew, stuffed dishes, macaroni and cheese, turkey, and more—all of which were delicious. However, some of the food could have been served warmer, as one of my dishes was at room temperature. For dessert, we had chocolate pudding, but the dessert selection was quite limited. The cruise itself was enjoyable overall, particularly if you prefer a quieter and more tranquil setting. If you’ve already experienced other brunch or dinner cruises, this one might be the most peaceful option. I would have appreciated a more balanced approach to the music; the first half was relaxing, but the second half became a bit dull. I’d suggest mixing in some fun, entertaining music to liven things up during the latter part of the cruise. I would consider returning, but I might opt for a dinner cruise next time.

1. The dinner cruise lasts about 3 hours and covers roughly 14 miles round trip. 2. The ticket price includes only the salad, entrée, and dessert; coffee, soda, and alcoholic beverages are extra and billed at the end of the meal. 3. The rolls are endless and the butter is delicious. 4. A pianist performs for the first half of the cruise, followed by modern pop music. 5. Photos are taken upon arrival, with a package costing $20 for an 8x10, a 5x7, and two wallet-sized prints. 6. Wine prices range from $22 to $250 per bottle. From my perspective: 1. My date ordered the salmon, which was a bit overcooked, but the crab-stuffed shrimp was excellent, even though there were only four pieces—Red Lobster might have been a better choice. 2. We encountered mosquitoes in the dining area, which ended up in the butter and other dishes, so be careful. 3. The cheesecake can't compete with the Cheesecake Factory's, but it was decent. 4. While I appreciate the effort to maintain a formal atmosphere, I noticed some guests wearing jeans, shorts, and flip-flops. 5. There was a lack of air conditioning, which was uncomfortable. Addressing some other reviews: 1. I noticed complaints about the staff in previous reviews. In my experience, the staff was friendly overall. I requested a song from the pianist, and he played it shortly afterward. However, I did see one staff member watching videos on his phone while hidden away in a small closet with the door open. 2. I agree that the boat could use some upgrades, but it wasn't in terrible shape. Recommendation: The dinner cruise is quite expensive for what you receive. If a bottle of wine were included, I might consider going again, but it would still feel like a waste of money. I'd recommend going with someone you can spend three hours with in a confined space without access to other entertainment.