Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets and Reservations

Q: Where are my tickets?

A: No hard copy tickets are issued or mailed in order to reduce costs and make "Sips & Bites on the Bay" available to the widest possible audience. Once you purchase a ticket: 1) your name is entered on the passenger list for your selected date; and 2) an email confirmation is sent. This email is your proof of purchase.

Simply arrive at the San Francisco Ferry Building Gate E at least 30 minutes before departure and our staff will issue you a boarding pass. You will use this boarding pass to board the ship. Look for the USS Potomac sidewalk sign and staff holding clipboards and assisting with the check-in process.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: If the cancellation occurs with a minimum of 7 days notice (for example, by the previous Sunday at 10am for a Sunday cruise or by the previous Saturday at 4pm for a Saturday cruise) a full refund may be granted.

If the cancellation occurs within the 7-day window leading up to the cruise, no refunds are granted. However, the ticket holder may select another available date within the same season, pending space availability.

Q: What about inclement weather?

A: "Sips & Bites on the Bay" sails rain or shine. Warming areas are available inside the ship.

Q: What is the full price? Am I required to tip the staff?

A: Adult tickets are $120 each, plus California state sales tax. There is no charge for children between the ages of 5-13 years. Guests between 14-20 years of age are charged half price. Please email cruiseinfo@foggybridge.com for more information or to reserve tickets for guests under the age of 21. Tipping is not necessary.

Q: What days do you offer "Sips & Bites on the Bay"?

A: We sail on select Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings from April through October. Private charters may also be available Wednesday - Friday, based upon availability. Please call (877) 329-7377 to inquire about private charters and group sales.

Q: What if the date I'm looking for is not shown on website?

A: If a date is not shown on the website, it is not available to the public but may be available for a private booking. Please call (877) 329-7377 if you have 25 or more people in your party.

Q: How can I give "Sips & Bites on the Bay" as a gift?

A: You may purchase a gift certificate online and email the confirmation to the recipient. Upon receipt of the email and confirmation code, the recipient will be able to book any available date he or she selects.

Q: Do you sail year round?

A: "Sips & Bites on the Bay" is offered from April through October. Tickets for the 2008 season are available for purchase through the online store.

Q: Is the USS Potomac available for private bookings?

A: Yes, for groups of 50-100 passengers, please call (877) 329-7377 for more information.

Q: Must all "Sips & Bites on the Bay" guests be 21 years of age?

A: No. The minimum age is 5 years. There is no charge for children between the ages of 5-13 years. Guests between 14-20 years of age are charged half price. Please email cruiseinfo@foggybridge.com for more information or to reserve tickets for guests under the age of 21. Please note that each parent or guardian is responsible for ensuring that his/her dependents under 21 years of age do not drink wine. Water is available on board.

What can I expect on "Sips & Bites on the Bay"?

Q: Is this a sit down dinner/brunch? What will we be eating and drinking?

A: "Sips & Bites on the Bay" is designed to be an informal walk-around wine and food tasting. It is not a formal sit down dinner or brunch. A tasting menu of approximately seven passed hors d'oeuvres are presented by Left Bank Brasserie. Servers roam the ship and offer tapas-style bites designed to enhance California’s local, seasonal produce. See our sample menu >>

The wines are selected by Foggy Bridge winemaker Daryl Groom and are available at various stations aboard the ship. Tasting and pairing notes are provided at wine stations to help educate guests on each wine.

Q: Do you have vegetarian courses?

A: About 25 percent of the food presented is vegetarian food.

Q: Where do we sail?

"Sips & Bites on the Bay" departs the Ferry Building and sails toward the Golden Gate Bridge, turns around, continues past the Presidio, the Marina district, Angel Island, Alcatraz, the Ferry Building and turns around at AT&T Park. The ship then returns to the Ferry Building Gate E for disembarkment.

Q: How long is the event?

A: "Sips & Bites on the Bay" sails for approximately two hours.

What can you tell me about the ship?

Q: What is the capacity of the USS Potomac?

A: A maximum passenger load of 120 people is recommended. The main deck's dining room can hold 25 people standing. The top deck can safely accommodate 60 people standing.

Q: How can I learn more about the history of the USS Potomac?

A: This National Historic Landmark serves as an active memorial to Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the momentous times through which he led our nation. President Roosevelt authored the New Deal and led the United States during the Great Depression and the World War II years.

The USS Potomac is a Coast Guard certified, fully seaworthy vessel. Her crew is comprised of five certified professionals. Docents trained by the Potomac Association are present on each cruise and are delighted to provide informal tours and answer questions.

Q: Where do I go to get on the ship?

A: "Sips & Bites on the Bay" sails from the San Francisco Ferry Building Gate E. With special arrangements it may also be available from the foot of Clay Street in Jack London Square in Oakland, if arranged in advance.

Q: Where can I learn more about the ship?

A: Visit usspotomac.org to learn more about the USS Potomac.