OAKLAND SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Holiday Lights and Presidential History: An Evening Aboard FDR’s USS Potomac
A two‑hour, adults‑only holiday cruise on FDR’s presidential yacht with San Francisco skyline views, festive desserts and drinks, a short documentary, and optional docent tours.
Holiday Lights and Presidential History: An Evening Aboard FDR’s USS Potomac.
Board the USS Potomac for an adults‑only, two‑hour holiday evening aboard FDR’s Floating White House — a vessel fully decorated in lights and finery where visitors take in the San Francisco skyline, enjoy seasonal desserts and beverages, watch a short documentary about the yacht’s history, and may join docent‑led tours while underway.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Night‑time Skyline from a Historic Deck
Cruise past illuminated city vistas from the Potomac’s decks as the ship carries guests around the bay; evenings are set up for guests to step outside and take in the views between visits to the ship’s covered interior spaces.
FDR’s Presidential Yacht — Story and Film
The evening begins with a 15‑minute Visitor Center film that outlines Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s use of the Potomac, the yacht’s post‑presidential history and its restoration; onboard, docent‑led tours are available while underway for a closer look at the vessel.
Desserts, Carols and Seasonal Cheer
This casual, informal holiday cruise serves seasonal desserts and complimentary hot beverages while wine, beer and champagne are available for purchase — a festive adults‑only setting where carolers may appear and Potomac merchandise is offered aboard.
What the day feels like
What the Evening Feels Like
The flow is simple and deliberate: arrive early for a short Visitor Center film, board when invited, then spend two hours moving between the Potomac’s warmed interior and its exterior decks to watch the lights of the bay; during the cruise guests can opt for docent‑led tours, linger with desserts and drinks, and browse ship merchandise.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this cruise suits — and who should plan carefully.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress warmly in layers and bring a warm hat and gloves — you will likely want to spend time outside on the decks during the two‑hour cruise.
The cruise is casual and informal; prepare for bay breezes and cool evening temperatures by layering.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is this cruise adults‑only?
Yes — the event is an adults‑only holiday cruise.
How long is the cruise and what are the departure and return times?
The cruise is two hours long; the ship departs promptly at 6 p.m. and returns to the dock at 8 p.m.
When should I arrive?
Guests should arrive 45 minutes before departure to view the 15‑minute Visitor Center film before boarding.
Are there accessibility accommodations aboard?
The Potomac is a historically preserved vessel and does not fully comply with modern ADA standards: wheelchairs are limited to the main deck (maximum outside width 25 inches), there is no elevator, some doorways and restrooms are not accessible, and crew cannot provide physical assistance over obstacles.
Are food and drink provided?
Seasonal desserts and complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water are provided; wine, beer and champagne are available for purchase onboard.
Who can I call with questions?
For more information contact the USS Potomac Association office at 510‑627‑1215.