Philadelphia: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise

Imagine cruising along the Delaware River, with a plate of chef-prepared food in front of you, while the city’s skyline slowly drifts past. For about $68 per person, you can spend between 2 to 2.5 hours aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, enjoying a buffet meal, live music, and spectacular views. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely brunch, a satisfying lunch, or an elegant dinner, this cruise offers a chance to see Philadelphia from a fresh perspective, all while indulging in good food and entertainment.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines the charm of a water-based city tour with the comfort of a private dining setting. The reserved, climate-controlled dining room ensures you won’t be bothered by weather, and the outside rooftop lounge offers a stunning 360-degree view of the cityscape and river. Plus, with bottomless mimosas on the brunch cruise and a lively onboard DJ, there’s a festive vibe that makes this an ideal outing.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the experience may not be ideal for those seeking an early evening activity if your goal is to explore the city’s nightlife afterward. Some reviews also mention issues with scheduling and accessibility, which could be a concern if you’re traveling with small children or have mobility considerations. This cruise appeals most to those interested in a relaxed, scenic meal with a touch of entertainment — perfect for couples, families, or groups wanting a different way to enjoy Philadelphia.

Key Points

• Comfortable setting: Climate-controlled dining room with reserved tables ensures comfort regardless of weather.
• Panoramic views: Outside rooftop lounge offers stunning 360-degree perspectives of Philadelphia and the Delaware River.
• Variety of menus: Chef-prepared 3-course buffet features salads, entrees, and desserts made with seasonal ingredients.
• Live entertainment: Onboard DJ and games create a lively, fun atmosphere.
• Bottomless mimosas: Included on the brunch cruise for those 21+ who want a little extra bubbly.
• Family friendly: Open decks and onboard games make it suitable for all ages, with some considerations for timing and accessibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Philadelphia Food and Sights

Setting Sail from Penns Landing

Starting at Penns Landing, the cruise provides an easy, scenic launch point conveniently located in the heart of downtown Philly. As you board the Spirit of Philadelphia, you’re greeted with views of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the historic waterfront. The staff ensures a smooth boarding process, and the ship’s spacious decks promise plenty of room for wandering and sightseeing.

The climate-controlled dining room is a highlight, offering a comfortable space to enjoy your meal without sacrificing the view. We loved the way the large windows framed the passing sights, giving us the feeling of dining right on the water with a front-row seat to the city’s skyline and river activities.

The Food: Chef-Prepared and Seasonal

The buffet menu reflects quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. For salads, you might find a fresh mixed greens, spinach, kale, and seasonal vegetable salads, which provide light starters. The baked ziti, roasted broccoli, and creamed corn are hearty options, perfect for satisfying your appetite after a morning of sightseeing or shopping.

Main entrees such as oven-baked Atlantic flounder, honey and sesame chicken, and Italian beef meatballs offer a good variety of flavors, appealing to different tastes. For dinner cruises, the menu expands to include braised short ribs, which many reviews highlight as a dinner highlight. The desserts are equally tempting, with seasonal fruit, raspberry mousse, lemon pound cake with strawberries, and even red velvet cake — a sweet way to end your meal.

Entertainment and Ambience

The onboard DJ plays a playlist that keeps the mood lively, encouraging dancing and mingling. For families and groups, the games and spacious decks provide a fun, relaxed environment. The outside rooftop lounge is perfect for taking in the views with a drink in hand, especially if the weather is clear.

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Sights Along the Way

As your boat glides along the river, you’ll enjoy views of Philadelphia’s skyline, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, and the bustling waterfront. Some reviews praise the 360-degree vistas, noting how the open-air roof deck allows for unobstructed photo opportunities and a more immersive experience.

Review Highlights

• One traveler appreciated the “great experience” and found the cruise fun and relaxing.
• Others commented on the “excellent wine selection” and the delicious tapas-style food, making it a gourmet experience afloat.
• A few reviews pointed out minor inconveniences, like issues with boarding logistics or the timing of the cruise, especially if you’re hoping to enjoy the city at night afterward.

Practical Details

You should plan to arrive at Penn’s Landing with enough time to board comfortably. The cruise operates in the morning, afternoon, and evening, giving flexibility depending on your schedule. Remember to bring passport or ID, dress in warm clothing, and wear closed-toe shoes for safety on open decks.

Alcoholic beverages and sodas are available for purchase, so if you’re craving a specific drink, you might want to budget extra. The bottomless mimosas are a standout feature for the brunch option, making it a lively, celebratory start to your day.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you enjoy scenic water views combined with good food and entertainment, this cruise fits the bill. It’s especially appealing to those who appreciate a relaxed, social atmosphere—perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, families looking for a fun activity, or friends wanting to enjoy Philadelphia from a different angle.

Food lovers will appreciate the chef-prepared buffet with seasonal ingredients, and music fans will enjoy dancing to the onboard DJ. The panoramic decks and rooftop lounge make this a memorable way to see the city’s sights without the hustle of walking around.

However, if you’re seeking a more in-depth historical or cultural tour, you’ll want to supplement this experience with other Philadelphia excursions. Also, for travelers with mobility issues, it’s advisable to confirm accessibility details ahead of time due to some reviews mentioning logistical issues.

Final Thoughts

This Philadelphia cruise offers a delightful blend of scenic water views, delicious food, and lively entertainment. It’s a flexible experience, with options for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and the reservations and flexible cancellation policy make it easy to fit into your travel plans. The reserved tables, open-air decks, and live music are all big pluses, creating a relaxed yet festive atmosphere.

Ideal for those who enjoy casual social outings with a view, this cruise provides a memorable way to see Philadelphia from a new perspective. While it may not be the best choice if you’re after a deep dive into the city’s history, it’s a fantastic option for a fun, scenic meal with a touch of entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the cruise?
The cruise includes the boat ride aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, a buffet meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner), bottomless mimosas on the brunch cruise, and live entertainment with an onboard DJ.

Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic beverages, soda, and juice are available for purchase at the bar. The bottomless mimosas are included only if you book the brunch option.

What is the duration of the cruise?
Most cruises last 2 to 2.5 hours, providing enough time to enjoy your meal, the sights, and some entertainment without feeling rushed.

Can I bring children?
Yes, infants are free, but you should select the free infant ticket to ensure proper admittance. The decks are open, so children can enjoy the scenery and onboard games.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm specific accessibility details when booking if you have special requirements.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers and wear closed-toe shoes. Since part of the experience is outdoors, comfortable clothing suited for the weather is recommended.

Where does the cruise depart from?
The departure point is Penn’s Landing, 401 South Columbus Blvd. in downtown Philadelphia.

What if I need to cancel or change my reservation?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserving now and paying later offers flexibility in case your plans change.

Is this experience suitable for a romantic date?
Absolutely. The combination of scenic views, good food, and a lively atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for couples celebrating a special occasion or just wanting a romantic outing afloat.

This cruise provides a memorable way to enjoy Philadelphia’s sights, flavors, and lively spirit all in one relaxing water-bound package. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking for something different, it’s a fun, flavorful experience that’s worth considering during your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: