City Cruises Philadelphia: Buffet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise

Picture this: you step aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, with the skyline shimmering behind you and the historic waterfront unfolding around. For around two to two-and-a-half hours, you glide along the Delaware River, enjoying a chef-crafted three-course meal, live music spinning your favorite hits, and unmatched views of the city’s most iconic sights.

What we really love about this cruise is the combination of relaxed dining and lively entertainment—it feels like a floating city party that’s perfect for a special occasion or just a memorable way to see Philadelphia from a different angle. The reserved, climate-controlled dining room promises comfort even if the weather isn’t cooperating, and the open-air rooftop lounge offers a panorama that’s hard to beat.

A possible consideration? The price of drinks can add up, especially if you’re thirsty for cocktails or beer without the added cost. Also, some reviews mention long wait times for drinks due to limited bartenders, so planning accordingly helps. But overall, this cruise suits those who appreciate good food, lively atmosphere, and scenic views—ideal for couples, families, or groups celebrating special moments.

If you’re looking for a way to experience Philadelphia that mixes sightseeing, dining, and entertainment, this cruise offers solid value. It’s especially appealing if you love live music, enjoy buffet-style meals, or want a romantic or festive setting on the water.

Key Points

• Scenic Delaware River views provide a fresh perspective on Philadelphia’s waterfront.
• A chef-prepared 3-course buffet ensures a quality meal with salads, entrees, and desserts.
• Live entertainment and onboard DJ create a lively, fun atmosphere.
• The outside rooftop lounge offers panoramic city sights for great photo opportunities.
• Reserved, climate-controlled seating guarantees comfort regardless of weather.
• Drinks are available for purchase, but prices can be high, especially for alcohol.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Philadelphia Cruise Experience

When you think about cruising through a city’s waterways, you might imagine a long, leisurely voyage. In reality, your City Cruises Philadelphia experience lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a perfect midday or early evening activity. You’ll board at Penn’s Landing, with clear markers and friendly staff guiding you to your reserved table in the climate-controlled dining area, which is a thoughtful touch—especially in unpredictable weather.

The itinerary and sights

The cruise begins with a beautiful view of Philadelphia’s historic waterfront, giving you a fresh appreciation for the city’s maritime character. As you sail under the Ben Franklin Bridge and past notable waterfront landmarks, you get a unique perspective that’s hard to match from land. The 360-degree views are exceptional whether you’re inside or outside on the decks.

The ship itself, the Spirit of Philadelphia, is designed to maximize your experience. The dining room offers a cozy yet spacious environment, with reserved tables ensuring you don’t have to fight for a good view. Once seated, you’ll enjoy the chef-prepared buffet with seasonal ingredients—some reviewers highlight the freshness of the salads and the quality of the baked ziti. The menu features a hearty selection, including seafood, meat options, and vegetarian choices, plus delicious desserts like raspberry mousse and lemon pound cake.

Food and beverage

The buffet menu offers a significant highlight—a good variety that suits most palates. The salads range from greens to bean and pasta salads, providing options for light eaters or those seeking a quick start. The entrees include oven-baked flounder, honey sesame chicken, and Italian beef meatballs, with braised beef short ribs available during dinner.

Many reviews rave about the quality of the food. One traveler noted, “The food was better than expected,” emphasizing that the buffet is more than just standard cruise fare. Desserts are a sweet finish, with several options to satisfy sweet tooth cravings.

Drinks are available for purchase at the fully stocked bar. The cruise serves seasonal cocktails, wine, and beer, with some guests mentioning the price of drinks can feel steep—especially since bottomless mimosas are included only on the brunch cruise. A few reviews pointed out long waits for drinks due to limited bartenders, so if you have your heart set on a cocktail, plan to order early to avoid delays.

Entertainment and ambiance

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, the onboard DJ and live music turn the cruise into a lively scene. We loved the way the music kept the energy high, and many reviews mention dancing and fun. The interactive games and ample space on the decks mean you can mingle, dance, or simply take in the views.

The outside rooftop lounge is a true highlight, offering panoramic sights of the Philadelphia skyline and the river. It’s a perfect spot for photos or just relaxing with a drink and some fresh air.

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Seating and comfort

Your reserved, climate-controlled table ensures you’re comfortable whether the weather turns or the sun heats up. The views from inside are quite good, but you’ll want to step outside on the deck for those spectacular cityscapes and river scenes. Some reviewers noted disappointment about not having a window seat, but the overall visibility is still quite good.

Considerations based on reviews

While most feedback is positive, some travelers mention difficulties finding the ship due to unclear directions. It’s a good idea to arrive early or confirm directions beforehand. Also, drinks and extras can significantly add to the cost, so budget accordingly.

A few reviews mention quality issues with food or poor organization, but these are infrequent. The majority of guests seem pleased with value for money, the friendly staff, and the overall experience.

Why We Think This Cruise Works Well

This cruise is a great way to see Philadelphia from a different angle without leaving the water. The scenic views and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for special occasions, family outings, or romantic dates. The chef-quality buffet and live entertainment elevate the experience beyond a simple sightseeing tour. Plus, the open-air rooftop delivers those breathtaking city vistas.

The cruise does strike a good balance of fun and relaxation, but it’s best suited for those who enjoy dining with a view and lively environments. If you’re expecting a quiet, contemplative cruise, this might be too energetic for you.

Who Is This Cruise For?

This experience is perfect for families looking for a fun water outing, groups celebrating special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, or couples wanting a romantic escape. It’s also suitable for first-time visitors eager to see Philadelphia from the river while enjoying decent food and entertainment.

However, if you’re a budget traveler, the cost of drinks and additional charges could be a concern. Those seeking a quiet, upscale cruise might prefer other options. But for a lively, inclusive experience with great views, this cruise is a solid pick.

Final Thoughts

The City Cruises Philadelphia experience offers a charming blend of scenery, good food, and lively entertainment that captures a different side of this historic city. The reserved seating and panoramic views make it a comfortable way to see the waterfront, while the live music and rooftop lounge keep the energy upbeat.

The buffet-style dining is a highlight, with many guests praising the quality and variety of the food. The friendly staff and well-organized service contribute to a generally positive vibe, though some mention long waits for drinks and costly beverages.

This cruise delivers good value for those wanting a fun, social outing on the water. It’s best suited for travelers who want a lively atmosphere, great city views, and a relaxed dining experience—perfect for a celebration or a memorable day with family or friends.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and infants are free, provided you select the appropriate ticket. Keep in mind that the atmosphere can be lively, especially during dinner or with the DJ.

How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the sights, meal, and entertainment without feeling rushed.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are available for purchase at the bar. The cruise offers seasonal cocktails, wine, and beer, but reviews note that drink prices can be high, and long wait times might occur.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Penn’s Landing at 401 South Columbus Blvd. The location is well-marked, but arriving early is advised due to some difficulty travelers have experienced in finding the ship.

What is the dress code?
There’s no strict dress code, but casual to smart casual attire is recommended. Closed-toe shoes are suggested, especially if you plan to walk outside on the decks.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility in your planning.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for guests with mobility needs.

What about the weather?
Since part of the cruise is outdoors, weather can impact the experience. The indoor dining room is climate-controlled, so you’ll still be comfortable if it rains or’s too hot outside.

If you’re looking for a fun, scenic, and lively way to explore Philadelphia’s waterfront, the City Cruises Buffet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner offers a solid mix of good food, great views, and entertainment. Just remember to budget for drinks and arrive early for the best experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby