OAKLAND, Calif., — Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famed presidential yacht USS Potomac announces a full year of commemoration with the announcement of her 2025 Cruise, Charter and Events Schedule.
The year 2025 marks both the historic 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 (VE Day-April 8) and Victory in Japan (VJ Day-August 15) — momentous events that marked the end of World War II.
The only presidential yacht still in operation, Potomac will host a robust lineup of dockside tours, history-focused cruises in San Francisco Bay and unique specialty events that highlight these significant milestones in American and global history. Guests of all ages are invited to come aboard and experience a living piece of our nation’s history.
Celebrating 30 years at Jack London Square
Built in 1934, the USS Potomac was FDR’s beloved 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 meticulous 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 is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving and sharing FDR’s maritime and political legacy.
80th anniversary of WWII remembrances
The year 1945 ushered in significant global change with the conclusion of World War II on two fronts:
- Victory in Europe (VE Day) — May 8, 1945 marked the end of Nazi aggression and the close of the European theater.
- Victory in Japan (VJ Day) — Aug. 15, 1945 – Japanese forces surrendered, bringing an end to the war in the Pacific.
To honor these historic moments, the USS Potomac will offer World War II–themed cruises around both anniversaries:
- VE Day WWII History Cruise (May 10)
- VJ Day WWII History Cruise (Aug. 16)
And, as a nod to the era’s vibrant culture, Potomac welcomes vintage costume enthusiasts 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 commemorative cruises will pay homage to the “Greatest Generation,” and the sleek, romantic styles that defined mid-1940s attire.
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
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- Sunday, April 27, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Hundreds of boats, organized by the Corinthian Yacht Club in Sausalito, herald 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 (10+) / $75 Youth (10–17) / $55 Children (5–9).
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.-2:30 p.m., $98 Adults / $65 Youth (10-17) / $35 Children (5–9); 2-hour cruises 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $65 Adults / $35 Youth (10-17) / $25 Children (5–9)
- Bay Bridges and Lighthouses Cruise
- Saturday, May 3, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Explore key landmarks while enjoying lunch and a wine and beer bar
- Music on the Potomac Cruises
- Featuring popular Bay Area bands – June 1, July 27, August 23, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Summer Solstice Cruise with Wine Tasting by Rosenblum Cellars
- Friday, June 20, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
- Sip curated wines while taking in the sunset on the longest day of the year.
- Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise
- Friday, July 4, 7:30–10:30 p.m.
- A front-row seat to the San Francisco fireworks display with dinner, and wine and beer service.
- Tickets: $150 adults/$100 youth (10–17).
- Fleet Week Festivities (Oct. 9–12)
- Parade of Ships public cruise – a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sail under the Golden Gate Bridge as Potomac exclusively joins in the parade of US Navy and Coast Guard ships heralding San Francisco’s Fleet Week. (Tickets $140pp)
- UA Navy Blue Angels Rehearsal Flyover Cruise – Thursday, Oct. 9 (Tickets $170pp)
- USS Potomac open ship dockside tours – Free
- US Navy Blue Angels Air Show – Sunday, Oct. 12 (Tickets $280pp)
- Mystery on the Potomac – October 25
Passengers interact with Plethos Productions actors portraying FDR and illustrious guests from Bay Area folklore and history to solve a mystery while cruising in the bay. Tickets $98 adults, $85 groups 10+, $55 (youth), and $35 (children 5-9) - Elvis Live on Board – Nov. 1 Our 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. $75 adults, $65 (groups 10+), $55 (youths 10-17), $25 (children 5-9).
- Veteran’s Day – November 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. - Holiday Highlights
- Two-hour Fala-La Holiday Cruise (Dec. 13, 7–9 p.m.), named after the president’s beloved Scottish Terrier, Fala.
- Santa Cruises – Our red-suited friend from the North Pole greets kids and families onboard for a one-hour cruise. (Dec. 14, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.)
Year ‘Round Dockside Tours
Wednesdays and Sundays at 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.
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- $20 (adult), $15 (youth ages 10–17), $10 (children 5–9).
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 www.usspotomac.org.
About the USS Potomac
Built in 1934 as the US Coast Guard cutter Electra, the ship was recommissioned a US Naval vessel and redesigned for Franklin D. Roosevelt’s use, becoming the official presidential yacht in 1936. She served as FDR’s “Floating White House” until his death in 1945.
Ownership of Potomac changed many times over the next 40 years, including briefly in 1964 by Elvis Presley. She ended up in San Francisco Bay in 1980 seized by the Drug Enforcement Agency as part of a fleet of drug-running vessels. While in custody at Treasure Island, she sank in 30 feet of water. She was raised two weeks later and purchased at auction by the Port of Oakland for $15,000. With the funding help of local labor unions, corporations, private donors, President Ronald Reagan, the US Congress and others, she underwent full restoration.
The non-profit USS Potomac Association was formed to become her owner and operator with a mission to offer educational and history tours and cruises. Moored today at Oakland’s Jack London Square and designated as a National Historic Landmark, Potomac is maintained primarily by volunteers and has operated as a nonprofit museum since 1995.
Celebrating her 30th year of public service, the USS Potomac docents continue to tell the story of FDR’s life and times aboard Potomac as one of the most consequential presidents in American history. Proceeds from tours and cruises support ongoing maintenance and educational programming.
