Philadelphia offers a fantastic variety of dinner experiences that blend delicious food with memorable views and lively entertainment. Unlike many cities, Philadelphia’s waterfront, historic landmarks, and vibrant dining scene make it a perfect place to enjoy a special meal. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic evening or just looking for a fun night out, these options stand out. We’re particularly fond of the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise because it combines panoramic skyline views with a lively dance floor, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The combination of a buffet, DJ entertainment, and dancing makes it a top pick for those wanting a bit of everything. Plus, the relaxed cruise on the Delaware River offers a different way to experience the city’s sights.
For a more budget-friendly but equally enjoyable outing, the Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise offers good value, with a chef-prepared three-course meal and live entertainment, all while enjoying the city’s scenery from the water. If holiday celebrations are more your style, the Thanksgiving Early Dinner Cruise or Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise deliver festive atmospheres, complete with seasonal buffets and scenic views. For those seeking to combine the holiday spirit with sightseeing, these cruises are a cozy way to spend the evening.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these options to help you decide which experience best suits your interests and schedule.
1. Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet
This dinner cruise on the Delaware River is a favorite for combining scenic views with lively entertainment. The cruise features a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet, a DJ playing upbeat music, and plenty of space for dancing. Departing from Penn’s Landing, this 2.5-hour voyage offers breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline through panoramic windows, making it perfect for both romantic evenings and group celebrations.
What makes this cruise unique is its combination of scenic waterway cruising with a lively party atmosphere. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded buffet that includes a variety of dishes, plus the option to stroll outside under the stars, or stay inside to dance. The DJ keeps the mood upbeat, and there’s ample space for both dancing and relaxing with friends or loved ones. The cruise has a solid reputation, with many reviewers praising the food, music, and view, though some note that parking directions can be confusing.
Bottom Line: This cruise is ideal for those seeking a fun night with great views, good food, and music. It’s a lively experience that suits couples, groups, or anyone wanting to enjoy Philadelphia’s skyline from the water.
2. Philadelphia: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise
At number 2 on our list, this spirited water cruise offers a relaxed yet lively dining experience on the Delaware River. For around $68 per person, you can choose between brunch, lunch, or dinner, all featuring a chef-prepared 3-course buffet. The cruise includes salads, entrees, and desserts, served at reserved tables in a climate-controlled room with stunning views.
This cruise stands out because of its flexibility—you can pick the meal that best fits your schedule and mood. The live DJ and onboard games add to the festive atmosphere, while the outside rooftop lounge allows for fresh air and panoramic city views. The overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 shows that most travelers find it a good value, especially considering the quality of the food and entertainment.
Reviewers appreciate the reserved seating and great views, making it a comfortable, convenient way to see Philadelphia from water while enjoying a well-cooked meal. It’s perfect for families, couples, or friends looking for a casual yet memorable night afloat.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a balanced experience of sightseeing, good food, and entertainment without the formality or higher cost of a dedicated dinner cruise.
3. Philadelphia: Thanksgiving Early Dinner Cruise
This Thanksgiving cruise, rated 5 stars from a single review, offers a cozy holiday experience on the Spirit of Philadelphia. For $137 per person, you get a festive 3-course buffet with all the trimmings, plus the chance to enjoy Philadelphia’s historic skyline. The cruise lasts about 2 hours and features live DJ entertainment and onboard games, perfect for family or friends celebrating the holiday.
What makes this cruise special is its holiday-specific atmosphere. The buffet is designed to evoke traditional flavors, and the climate-controlled dining room ensures comfort regardless of the weather. The rooftop lounge offers outside views where you can admire landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, making it a festive way to experience the city’s history during the holiday season.
Guests note that the food is plentiful and flavorful, and the live music adds to the celebratory mood. Since this is a holiday-only experience, it’s best to book early before it sells out.
Bottom Line: If you’re visiting Philadelphia during Thanksgiving and want a festive, scenic dinner, this cruise offers a warm, enjoyable way to celebrate with loved ones.
$137 per person
4. Philadelphia: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Rated 3.7 stars from 3 reviews, this Christmas Eve cruise offers a festive 3-course buffet with seasonal dishes. At $109 per person, it’s a popular option for families or couples celebrating the holiday, offering climate-controlled comfort and views of Philadelphia’s waterfront.
The deck is decorated to match the holiday spirit, and the live DJ provides festive tunes. The outdoor rooftop lounge allows guests to soak in the seasonal scenery. Like the other cruises, this experience combines scenic views with good food, but the reviews suggest the crowd can be small, and the overall experience is more intimate than lively.
This cruise is best suited for travelers seeking a holiday-themed experience on Christmas Eve, with a cozy, warm atmosphere but still plenty of scenic beauty.
Bottom Line: Ideal for holiday travelers who want a festive, relaxing dinner with views and seasonal decor, especially if you’re celebrating with family or a small group.
$109 per person
5. Philadelphia: Christmas Day Dinner Cruise
Rated without reviews, this Christmas Day cruise offers a 2.5-hour festive dinner on the Delaware River. For $109 per person, you’ll enjoy a buffet dinner with a variety of options, along with live music and games. The climate-controlled decks ensure comfort, and the views of the Philadelphia skyline make it a fitting way to end the holiday.
This cruise stands out because it allows you to celebrate Christmas from the water, combining good food with scenic sights. It’s perfect if you want to escape the busy restaurants and enjoy a more intimate, relaxed holiday meal with your loved ones.
While specific reviews are lacking, the consistent theme is that it offers a cozy, scenic, holiday experience that many find memorable.
Bottom Line: This cruise is a good pick for Christmas Day, especially if you prefer a private, scenic dinner over crowded restaurant options.
$109 per person
How to Choose the Right Dinner Experience in Philadelphia
When selecting the ideal dinner cruise or experience, consider your budget, how much scenery and entertainment you want, and whether you’re visiting during a holiday. For a lively, party-oriented night, the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise offers a fun, scenic night with dancing. If you prefer a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, the buffet cruise provides good value and comfort.
Holiday cruises like the Thanksgiving or Christmas options are perfect if you’re in town for the festivities, but check availability early. Budget travelers might opt for the buffet brunch/lunch/dinner cruise, which balances quality and cost. Consider also your interest in outdoor decks or rooftop lounges—some cruises include these features, adding to the experience.
Booking early, especially during peak holiday seasons, is wise. Also, check parking directions and cruise departure times to plan your evening smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia’s dinner cruises and waterfront experiences offer a variety of options to suit different tastes and occasions. For a lively night with dancing and skyline views, the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise is hard to beat. If you want a more laid-back meal with scenic water views, the buffet cruise provides excellent value.
Holiday-specific cruises add a festive touch, making them ideal for celebrating Christmas or Thanksgiving with children or family. No matter what you choose, Philadelphia’s waterside dining scene is sure to add a memorable touch to your visit. Be sure to book early to secure your spot, and enjoy your perfect dinner in Philly.