Philadelphia’s waterfront comes alive through well-organized boat tours and cruises, offering both locals and visitors memorable views of the city’s skyline. Operating from Penn’s Landing, these water excursions range from basic sightseeing to full dining experiences.
We especially love the Spirit of Philadelphia’s dinner cruises – they’re refreshingly straightforward with good food and entertainment included in one price. Their holiday-themed outings, particularly during July 4th and Christmas Eve, rise above typical tourist fare by combining spectacular views with seasonal celebrations.
For families, the daytime brunch cruises hit the sweet spot: reasonable prices, plenty of food choices, and just the right length for keeping kids engaged. All boats are wheelchair accessible, making these tours a practical choice for everyone.
Let’s explore Philadelphia’s most worthwhile boat tours and what makes each special.
Key Points
The Signature Dinner and Lunch Cruises on the Delaware River offer a 3-hour excursion with an all-you-can-eat buffet, DJ entertainment, and live performances.
The Holiday and Special Event Cruises, including the Christmas Eve Cruise, accommodate up to 200 guests with a chef-prepared buffet and stunning skyline views.
The 4th of July Celebration Cruise provides a 3-hour buffet dinner experience with freshly prepared food, unlimited beverages, and views of Philadelphia’s architecture and landmarks.
The Father’s Day Brunch and Dinner Cruises feature a 3-hour excursion with a bountiful buffet, live DJ entertainment, and starting prices at €116.60 per person.
The cruises depart from the popular waterfront area of Penn’s Landing, offering inclusive options for families and individuals with disabilities, with casual attire recommended.
Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise With Buffet
The Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet offers a 3-hour excursion along the Delaware River, showcasing panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline.
With an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 from 322 reviews, this experience provides an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring a variety of salads, vegetables, pasta, entrees, and desserts.
Guests can enjoy DJ entertainment, dancing, and live performances, as well as take a moonlit stroll on the observation deck.
While the menu and atmosphere are generally praised, some guests have noted requests for improved dessert options, better drink quality, and quieter music.
Read our full review: Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise With Buffet Review
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Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise With Buffet
Offering a 2-hour excursion along the Delaware River, the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise with Buffet provides a delightful midday sightseeing experience.
Guests can enjoy a freshly prepared lunch buffet featuring entrees, salads, and desserts, along with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. The cruise also features background music and DJ entertainment, as well as private outdoor seating with views of the Philadelphia skyline.
While not wheelchair accessible, the cruise is stroller-friendly and offers infant seats.
Though the cruise has received generally positive reviews, some guests have reported issues with food quality and seating.
Read our full review: Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise With Buffet Review
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Philadelphia Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise
This 3-hour Philadelphia Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise departs from Penn’s Landing, offering travelers a festive dining experience along the Delaware River.
The cruise features a chef-prepared, buffet-style holiday meal, along with complimentary coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Guests can also purchase creative cocktails, wine, beer, and soda.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the cruise provides spectacular views of the city skyline and local landmarks, as well as DJ entertainment.
While the reviews are mixed, the cruise is wheelchair accessible and offers infant seats. Casual attire is recommended, and no refunds are available for cancellations.
Read our full review: Philadelphia Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise Review
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Philadelphia 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise
Travelers can enjoy a festive 4th of July celebration on the Philadelphia 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise. This 3-hour event departs at 7:30 PM from Penns Landing, accommodating up to 200 guests.
The cruise includes a buffet dinner with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, as well as live DJ entertainment, and unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea. Soda, cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase.
Guests will enjoy spectacular views of Philadelphia’s architecture and local landmarks. The cruise is wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, and the dress code is casual attire.
Read our full review: Philadelphia 4th of July Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
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Philadelphia Fathers Day Buffet Brunch Cruise
Philadelphia boasts a magnificent Fathers Day Buffet Brunch Cruise that departs from Penns Landing, treating guests to a delightful 3-hour excursion.
The cruise features a bountiful buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, accompanied by unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
Partygoers can indulge in creative cocktails, wine, and beer available for purchase while enjoying live DJ entertainment and spectacular views of the city’s architecture and landmarks.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, this cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an ideal celebration for the whole family.
Priced from €116.60 per person, this event is a must-do for Fathers Day in Philadelphia.
Read our full review: Philadelphia Fathers Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Review
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Philadelphia Fathers Day Buffet Dinner Cruise
For Philadelphia’s Fathers Day celebration, families can look forward to a delightful 3-hour buffet dinner cruise departing from Penns Landing.
With a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the cruise offers a lavish buffet of freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, complemented by unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
Guests can also purchase alcoholic beverages such as soda, creative cocktails, wine, and beer.
The cruise features live DJ entertainment and stunning views of the city’s architecture and landmarks.
The event is accessible to wheelchair users, stroller owners, and those with service animals, making it an inclusive Fathers Day outing.
Casual attire is recommended, and no refunds are available for cancellations.
Read our full review: Philadelphia Fathers Day Buffet Dinner Cruise Review
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Common Questions
Are Dogs Allowed on the Cruises?
Most cruises do not allow dogs on board for safety and sanitation reasons. However, some companies may make exceptions for service animals with proper documentation. Passengers should check the cruise line’s pet policy before booking their trip.
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol Onboard?
Most cruise operators don’t allow passengers to bring their own alcohol aboard. It’s generally against their policies, as they make a significant portion of their revenue from onboard bar and concession sales. Passengers should check with the specific cruise company before attempting to bring any outside drinks.
What Are the Dress Code Requirements?
The dress code for most boat tours and cruises is generally casual. Passengers should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Some tours may have specific requirements, so it’s best to check with the operator beforehand.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement?
Many boat tours and cruises have age requirements, often requiring children to be at least 5 or 6 years old. It’s best to check the specific age policies before booking to ensure the tour is suitable for the whole group.
How Accessible Are the Cruise Ships?
The cruise ships are generally accessible, with ramps and elevators to accommodate passengers with mobility issues. Most vessels have designated seating areas and facilities designed for accessibility. However, it’s best to check specific details with the tour operator.
The Sum Up
Philadelphia offers a variety of boat tours and cruises that cater to different occasions and preferences. From dinner cruises with buffets to holiday-themed excursions, there’s something for all to enjoy along the city’s scenic waterways. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a fun family outing, these cruises provide a unique and memorable way to experience the city from a different perspective.