Pirates will be taking over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., this summer when Gaylord National celebrates its annual SummerFest with a partnership with Urban Pirates. The new pirate ship cruise in National Harbor, Maryland, will bring its festivities to the family-friendly resort from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Pirates on the Potomac events offered to guests of the resort include a First Mate’s Treasure Hunt, offered daily in the 1.5-acre atrium. Kids who find the missing parrots receive a reward at completion. Also taking place in the atrium are Atrium Antics from 4 to 7 p.m. on weekend nights with pirate-themed entertainment, face painters, jugglers, caricature artists and more. The adventures continue in the pool with pirate games from 5 to 6 p.m. on weekends and select holidays, and then later in the evening, Swashbuckler’s Story Time Adventures will be offered in the atrium on weekends and select dates beginning at 8:15 p.m. All events are included with accommodations.
Other free fun includes the Sounds of Summer Concert series on the resort’s rooftop lounge on select Saturday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. In July, guests will have a chance to see the Gaylord National’s new nightly laser show in the 19-story atrium. The synchronized music and laser show will include dancing water and graphics, kicking off after sunset. The atrium fountain will also come to life each night with a “dancing” water show every hour on the hour between 6 and 9 p.m.
For an additional fee, guests can also enjoy a Capt’n Bones Buccaneer Breakfast. With a pirate crew invading Pienza Marketplace on weekends and select holidays, guests can play pirate games, make pirate crafts and enjoy a bountiful breakfast. Two seatings will be offered at 7:30 and 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Guests will need to book in advance, with rates $30 for ages 12 and older, $20 for children 4 to 11, and free to children under 4.
Gaylord National is featuring a special Pirates on the Potomac package, as well. Choose the package and receive one night accommodations, VIP admission to the breakfast for up to four people, free resort parking and waived resort fee, early check-in at 1 p.m., and the possibility of receiving a room upgrade, if available. Package guests also receive 20 percent off advance tickets aboard the Urban Pirates National Harbor Cruise. The package starts at $199 per night and is available for Friday and Saturday nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Read more about Gaylord National Resort.
–Lissa Poirot
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