Policies

We respect your lifestyle choices off the boat, but on the boat we adhere to a strict no liquor policy*. Thank you for your understanding.

*Note: The only exception to this policy is Whitlow’s on Water. This cruise serves liquor on board, but does not permit any liquor to be brought on board.

We respect your lifestyle choices off the boat, but on the boat we adhere to a strict no tobacco policy. Thank you for your understanding.

Despite THC products becoming legal in many of the surrounding areas on land, the waterway is federally regulated by the Coast Guard so we can not allow any THC products. Thank you for your understanding.

We have a canopy that covers the bar area, so we operate rain or shine*. We will only cancel if conditions become dangerous, e.g. high winds, severe thunderstorms, or any other effect from such weather that would jeopardize safety.

Reservations canceled due to weather will not be refunded, but a raincheck will be given for another date.

Unfortunately, we haven’t yet figured out how to control the weather (let us know if you have some solutions to this) so this is the one variable that is out of our control, and we have to simply react to what the radar tells us. The radar changes constantly (you may have noticed that weather reporters are often wrong), so we have to make the safest decision for all passengers even if it changes right before the cruise is set to take place.

*Note: The only exception to this policy is for Retro Boat Rentals, as there is no canopy. Reservations for this cruise type will be canceled and a raincheck will be given for another date. You will receive a refund for inclement weather only, and is determined by Retro Boat Rentals. We recognize it’s no fun to be on a boat in the rain. If it’s just cool or cloudy, we recommend sweatshirts or blankets, it’s still an enjoyable experience. There are no refunds for cancellations that are not due to rain, but we are willing to work with you to re-book an appointment or provide a gift certificate for your next outing. There are NO REFUNDS for no shows, or for cancelling for reasons other than weather.

As much as we wish we could welcome passengers of all ages, due to safety regulations, we have a strict minimum age requirement of 5 years of age.

You must be 21 years of age to enjoy libations.

Passengers 12 years of age and younger must wear a life jacket at all times. We have 2 USCG approved child life jackets (for children 50-90lbs) the total number of children’s life jackets on each boat is dependent upon the boat’s total capacity. If you are planning on bringing children please contact us to ensure we have enough life jackets for use. Legal guardians will be required to provide life jackets for each additional child in parties with more children than available life jackets.

In addition, we have one life jacket per boat equipped for children less than 50 lbs. If you have more than one child weighing less than 50 lbs, you will have to provide your own life jacket suited for someone of their size. If you have any questions, please Contact Us.

Whitlow’s on Water in DC differs from this policy — passengers for Shared Cruises and  Private Charters must be at least 21 years of age, but for Sightseeing Tours, the minimum of 5 years of age policy stands.

• Because we have gasoline on board, we cannot have ANYTHING with fire including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, other smoking products, birthday candles, sparklers, etc.
• Passengers are not permitted to stand on the furnished areas at the front of the boat nor sit atop the railings as this increases chances of falling overboard. We know everyone loves standing on elevated surfaces when having a few drinks, but unfortunately the Coast Guard doesn’t feel the same way.
• There will be zero tolerance (and $1000 fine) for jumping off the boat. In addition to the fine, you will also be promptly returned to the dock and no refund will be provided for your group.
• If you have any further questions, please Contact Us.

We will adhere to local mask policies at the time of your cruise. 

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