Philadelphia: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Imagine celebrating Christmas Eve not with the usual dinner at a crowded restaurant, but aboard a sleek yacht gliding through Philadelphia’s historic waterfront. For $109 per person, you can spend two hours aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, enjoying a holiday-themed buffet, live DJ entertainment, and breathtaking views of the city skyline. Whether you opt for the brunch or dinner, this cruise offers a memorable way to mark the holiday with loved ones.

We love the reserved private table in a cozy, climate-controlled dining room—perfect for those chilly December evenings—and the access to the outdoor rooftop lounge, where you can soak in the lights and skyline in a more relaxed setting. The addition of seasonal décor and onboard games adds a playful, festive touch that makes this cruise more than just a meal on the water.

One thing to consider: the food quality has been noted as mixed—meats may be overcooked and ingredient signage lacking—so this experience leans more toward fun and scenery than gourmet cuisine. Still, if you’re after spectacular views, a lively atmosphere, and a unique holiday experience, this cruise could be just the ticket.

This tour suits travelers looking for a festive, social celebration with a relaxed vibe. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy waterfront views, music, and a cheerful holiday atmosphere—perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends.

Key Points

• Stunning Waterfront Views: Cruise past Philadelphia’s historic landmarks and under the Ben Franklin Bridge.
• Festive Atmosphere: Decor, seasonal music, and onboard games create holiday cheer.
• Flexible Dining Options: Choose between a 2-hour brunch or a 2.5-hour dinner buffet.
• All-Inclusive Elements: Private table, buffet, and unlimited mimosas (for brunch).
• Outdoor Rooftop Lounge: Enjoy panoramic views in an open-air setting.
• Mixed Food Quality: Some reviews mention overcooked meats and unclear food signage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Philadelphia Christmas Eve Cruise Experience

Setting the Scene: Boarding at Penns Landing

The journey begins at historic Penns Landing, a scenic hub that perfectly suits a holiday cruise. As you step aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, you’ll immediately sense the festive spirit with holiday décor and lights. The yacht’s large picture windows in the climate-controlled decks are designed for optimal viewing, promising panoramic glimpses of Philadelphia’s skyline and waterfront landmarks.

The Dining Experience: Food and Beverage

The cruise offers a 3-course buffet for both brunch and dinner options. For brunch, unlimited mimosas are included, which adds a lively, celebratory feel to the morning meal. The buffet is described as featuring all the seasonal favorites, likely including traditional holiday dishes and hearty fare. However, a review from Ahmadah from the U.S. notes that the meats were overcooked, and the food signage was poor, suggesting that the culinary experience might be hit or miss.

Despite this, the variety of salads and the opportunity to indulge in seasonal treats makes the buffet appealing, especially for those who prioritize the overall experience over gourmet precision. The fully stocked bar offers seasonal cocktails, wine pairings, and beer for purchase, letting you toast the holiday while enjoying the views.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

The onboard entertainment is lively, thanks to a live DJ playing upbeat tunes, which encourages dancing and socializing. The DJ also hosts games, adding an interactive element that keeps the atmosphere energetic and fun. This makes the cruise feel more like a party than a formal dinner, a feature many guests find appealing.

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Views and Outdoor Space

One of the highlights is the outdoor open-air rooftop lounge. This spot provides the best vantage point for soaking up the city’s illuminated skyline, particularly striking as you pass under the Ben Franklin Bridge. The ability to stroll around the decks while enjoying the breathtaking vistas is a significant draw, especially for those who appreciate the combination of fresh air and stunning scenery.

The Route and Landmarks

The cruise travels along Philadelphia’s historic waterfront, giving you views of iconic sites like the Independence Hall area, the Liberty Bell, and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The waterway becomes a moving backdrop for holiday photos and casual sightseeing, making for a relaxed, scenic experience that captures the city’s charm.

Practical Details and Considerations

• Duration: 2 hours for brunch, 2.5 hours for dinner.
• Price: $109 per person, a reasonable rate considering the inclusive buffet and entertainment.
• Seating: Reserved private tables for your party ensure comfort and convenience.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a range of travelers.
• What to Bring: Just your ID or passport — no need for fancy dress, but casual attire like nice pants or a blouse is suggested.
• Extras: Alcoholic drinks (for purchase), souvenirs, and photos are available but not included in the price.

A Note on the Experience

While some guests, like Ahmadah, found the food quality lacking, most seem to enjoy the overall festive atmosphere, views, and lively entertainment. The combination of indoor comfort and outdoor vistas makes this cruise flexible regardless of weather, which is a real plus in December.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is best suited for those who prioritize atmosphere, stunning vistas, and holiday cheer over gourmet dining. It’s ideal for families, friends, or couples wanting to celebrate Christmas Eve in a fun, social setting with panoramic views. It also offers a unique way to enjoy Philadelphia’s waterfront during the winter, with the lights and decorations adding to the holiday spirit.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, lively environment and don’t mind the possibility of uneven food quality, this cruise will likely meet your expectations. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a combination of scenic beauty, music, and a festive atmosphere.

The Sum Up

The Philadelphia Christmas Eve cruise aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia offers a fun, scenic, and lively holiday experience. While the food may not be gourmet, the spectacular views of the city skyline, the festive décor, and the DJ entertainment create a memorable atmosphere. This experience is particularly well-suited for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a social celebration, making it a different way to mark Christmas Eve.

For those valuing great scenery and a spirited environment, this cruise delivers plenty of holiday cheer in a relaxed setting. Be prepared for some variability in food quality, but overall, it provides a charming and distinctive way to celebrate the festive season on Philadelphia’s waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise can be enjoyed by families; onboard games and lively music make it a fun outing for kids and adults alike.

Are there vegetarian options?
While specific menu details aren’t provided, the buffet includes salads and seasonal favorites, so vegetarian options are likely available.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, outside alcohol isn’t allowed. However, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase onboard.

How long is the cruise?
The brunch cruise lasts around 2 hours, while the dinner cruise extends to about 2.5 hours.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience provider states that the cruise is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to make a reservation for my whole party?
Yes, to ensure everyone can sit together, reservations need to be made as a single booking for your entire group.

What should I wear?
Casual attire, such as nice pants or a blouse, is recommended.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities are not included and are appreciated for good service.

What is the weather like on the cruise?
The dining areas are climate-controlled, but for outdoor deck access, dress appropriately for winter conditions.

Can I purchase photos or souvenirs?
Yes, photos and souvenirs are available for purchase during or after the cruise.

Whether you’re after a fun holiday celebration or a unique way to see Philadelphia’s illuminated skyline, this Christmas Eve cruise offers a lively and picturesque experience. Just remember, if gourmet dining is your priority, you might want to temper expectations. But if festive views, music, and the holiday spirit are what you seek, you’ll find plenty to enjoy aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia.

You can check availability for your dates here: