The USS Potomac Association has announced its 2025 schedule of dockside tours, history-focused cruises and unique specialty events on San Francisco Bay. Photo by the USS Potomac Association.

News Release

OAKLAND, Calif. — Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential yacht USS Potomac will be part of full year of commemoration with the announcement of her 2025 Cruise, Charter and Events Schedule.

The year 2025 marks both the vessel’s 30th anniversary since her complete restoration and public launch at Jack London Square in Oakland, Calif. in 1995, but also the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan — events that marked the end of World War II.

The only presidential yacht still in operation, Potomac will host a wide lineup of dockside tours, history-focused cruises in San Francisco Bay and unique specialty events that highlight these milestones in American and global history. Guests of all ages can come aboard and experience a living piece of U.S. history.

Celebrating 30 Years At Jack London Square

Built in 1934, the USS Potomac was FDR’s floating White House from 1936 until his death in 1945 and was used by the 32nd president of the United States for respite time and for official duties. Following 14 years of restoration, the vessel opened to the general public in 1995 at Jack London Square where she remains today.

Now, three decades later, this National Historic Landmark reaches its 30th anniversary as a nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving and sharing FDR’s legacy.

80th Anniversary Of World War II Remembrances

The year 1945 introduced significant global change with the conclusion of World War II on two fronts:

• VE Day — May 8, 1945 marked the end of Nazi aggression and the close of the European theater.
• VJ Day — Aug. 15, 1945 Japanese forces surrendered, bringing an end to the war in the Pacific.

In memory of these historic moments, the USS Potomac will offer World War II-themed cruises around both anniversaries:

• VE Day World War II History Cruise — Thursday, May 10.
• VJ Day World War II History Cruise — Saturday, Aug. 16.

And, as a nod to the era’s culture, vintage costume enthusiasts will be invited to don their 1940s attire and come aboard. Passengers who participate will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets for a future two-hour Potomac cruise. These cruises will pay homage to the “Greatest Generation,” and the styles that defined mid-1940s fashion.

Season Highlights And Signature Cruises

In addition to the WWII-related events, the USS Potomac offers a full slate of cruises and tours throughout the year:

Opening Day On The Bay

• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 27: Hundreds of boats, organized by the Corinthian Yacht Club, signal the opening of the San Francisco Bay boating season with the Blessing of the Fleet and a Parade of Ships with Potomac near the front. Lunch is served aboard — Tickets $115 adults, $105 Groups age 10 and up, $75 ages 10 to 17, $55 ages 5 to 9.

Two- And Three-Hour And Special Event Cruises

Weekly following the Opening Day on the Bay cruise on Sunday, April 27 and ending in mid-December with the Fala-La Adult Holiday Cruise and Santa cruises.

Tickets: 3-hour cruises, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Tickets $98 adults, $65 ages 10 to 17, $35 ages 5 to 9. 2-hour cruises, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Tickets $65 adults, $35 ages 10 to 17, $25 ages 5 to 9.

1. Bay Bridges And Lighthouses Cruise
   • 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3: Explore key landmarks while enjoying lunch and a wine and beer bar.
2. Music On The Potomac Cruises
   • 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 1; Sunday, July 27; Saturday, August 23: Featuring popular Bay Area bands.
3. Summer Solstice Cruise With Wine Tasting By Rosenblum Cellars
   • 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, June 20: Sip curated wines while taking in the sunset on the longest day of the year.
4. Fourth Of July Fireworks Cruise
   • 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, July 4: A front-row seat to the San Francisco fireworks display with dinner, and wine and beer service — Tickets: $150 adults, $100 ages 10 to 17.
5. Fleet Week Festivities
   • Thursday, Oct. 9 to Sunday, Oct. 12
   • Parade Of Ships Public Cruise: An opportunity to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge as Potomac exclusively joins in the parade of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships beginning San Francisco’s Fleet Week — Tickets $140 per person.
   • Thursday, Oct. 9: UA Navy Blue Angels Rehearsal Flyover Cruise — Tickets $170 per person.
   • USS Potomac open ship dockside tours — Free.
   • Sunday, Oct. 12: US Navy Blue Angels Air Show — Tickets $280 per person.
6. Mystery on the Potomac
   • Thursday, Oct. 25: Passengers interact with Plethos Productions actors portraying FDR and famous guests from Bay Area folklore and history to solve a mystery while cruising in the bay — Tickets $98 adults, $85 groups age 10 and up, $55 ages 10 to 17, and $35 ages 5 to 9.
7. Elvis Live on Board
   • Saturday, Nov. 1: The annual visit by the King of Rock ‘N “Roll, a brief owner of Potomac after FDR in the 1960s for a live performance of his classic hits — Tickets $75 adults, $65 groups age 10 and up, $55 ages 10 to 17, $25 ages 5 to 9.
8. Veteran’s Day
   • Tuesday, Nov. 11: Three hour cruise with lunch that includes a tribute to veterans with a cruise visit alongside the USS Hornet aircraft carrier in Alameda and the playing of Taps.
9. Holiday Highlights
   • 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13: Two hour Fala-La Holiday Cruise named after the president’s beloved Scottish Terrier, Fala.
   • 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14: Santa Cruises, where the red-suited friend from the North Pole greets kids and families onboard for a one hour cruise.

Year ‘Round Dockside Tours

• 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Sundays — Tickets $20 adults, $15 ages 10 to 17, $10 children 5 to 9.

Private Charters And Special Events

The USS Potomac operates year ‘round for private charters, including corporate gatherings and personal celebrations.

For a full event calendar and online ticketing, visit the USS Potomic’s website.