OAKLAND EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Santa Boards the Presidential Yacht: One-Hour Children's Cruises Aboard the USS Potomac
A short, family-focused cruise on the historic USS Potomac with a special visitor from the North Pole, holiday decorations, warm drinks, and gifts for children.
Santa Boards the Presidential Yacht: One-Hour Children's Cruises Aboard the USS Potomac.
Join a one-hour holiday cruise aboard the Presidential Yacht USS Potomac where a special visitor from the North Pole welcomes children amid seasonal decor; the short outing includes warm beverages, cookies, and a small gift for kids, all aboard a historically preserved vessel.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Santa Onboard and Gifts for Kids
A special visitor from the North Pole will be aboard to greet children and present a small gift—this is the event’s central moment and the reason families come aboard.
Holiday-Finney on a Historic Presidential Yacht
The USS Potomac is fully decorated for the season; the ship’s history and restoration form the atmospheric backdrop for the short cruise.
Warm Drinks, Cookies, and a Cozy One-Hour Format
Cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and water are available at no extra charge during the one-hour cruise—an intentionally brief outing designed for young families.
What the day feels like
What the Cruise Feels Like
The brief cruise unfolds like a compact holiday ritual: arrive well before departure, optionally watch a short Visitor Center film about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the Potomac’s restoration, board when announced, then circle the bay for an hour while children meet Santa amid the ship’s seasonal decorations and partake of complimentary hot drinks and cookies.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should plan accordingly.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled departure; boarding begins 15 minutes prior. The program includes a 15-minute Visitor Center film available before boarding.
Dress warmly for this short cruise—layers and a windproof outer layer are recommended given the shipboard setting.
Cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and water are provided during the cruise at no extra charge.
A 6% online booking convenience fee and a 3% credit card transaction fee are added to your ticket purchase.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the cruise?
The cruise duration is one hour.
When are the Santa Cruises scheduled?
Santa Cruises are listed for Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026 with sailings at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Is there a capacity limit?
The USS Potomac has a maximum capacity of 110 people.
Are children allowed to attend?
Yes—all minors must be accompanied by an adult and supervised on board at all times.
Is the ship wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair access is limited to the main deck only; restrooms on board are not accessible, maximum wheelchair width is 25 inches, and crew/docents are not permitted to provide physical assistance such as lifting occupied wheelchairs.
Are refreshments provided?
Yes—cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and water are available during the cruise at no extra charge.
When should I arrive before my cruise?
Guests are asked to arrive 45 minutes before the cruise time; boarding will begin 15 minutes prior to departure.
Are there additional ticketing fees?
A 6% online booking convenience fee and a 3% credit card transaction fee are added to ticket purchases.