City Cruises Philadelphia: Buffet Brunch/Lunch/Dinner Cruise

Imagine gliding along the Delaware River with a cityscape of Philadelphia unfolding around you, enjoying a tasty meal and lively entertainment. That’s exactly what the City Cruises’ Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner cruise promises — a relaxed way to see the city from the water, with plenty of good food and a lively atmosphere. It’s a popular choice for locals and visitors alike, averaging a solid 4.1 out of 5 from over 130 reviews.

What we like about this cruise is the combination of scenic views and hearty food. The chef-prepared buffet offers a generous spread of salads, entrees, and desserts, with seasonal ingredients that keep the menu fresh and appealing. Plus, the bottomless mimosa brunch (for guests 21+) adds a fun, celebratory touch. We also appreciate the accessible, climate-controlled dining environment and the outdoor rooftop lounge, perfect spots to soak in the sights.

One thing to consider is the price point. While some reviews mention drink prices and food quality fluctuations, the overall value seems fair when you factor in the views, entertainment, and the experience of being on a boat. This cruise is likely best suited for those looking for a relaxed, scenic outing that combines good food, music, and a bit of sightseeing — perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a different perspective on Philadelphia.

Key Points

• Scenic water views of Philadelphia and the Delaware River are the highlight.
• Chef-prepared buffet features salads, entrees, and desserts, with seasonal ingredients.
• Live entertainment, including a DJ and onboard games, keeps the atmosphere lively.
• Open-air rooftop lounge provides 360-degree panoramic views.
• Reserved private tables mean you can enjoy your meal comfortably in a climate-controlled space.
• Bottomless mimosas on brunch cruises add a festive touch (21+).

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Cruise Experience: A Detailed Look

Starting Point and Logistics

The cruise departs from Penn’s Landing at 401 South Columbus Blvd. The location is quite straightforward, though a few reviews mention that finding the ship can be tricky without specific directions. It’s wise to arrive a bit early to locate the vessel comfortably and avoid last-minute stress. Once on board, you’ll notice how the boarding process is smooth, and the crew is friendly and helpful, as confirmed by multiple reviews.

The Ship and Setting

The Spirit of Philadelphia offers a spacious and well-maintained environment. Its climate-controlled dining room ensures comfort regardless of the weather, which is useful since Philadelphia weather can be unpredictable. For those who love outdoor views, the rooftop lounge is a treat — offering incredible 360-degree views of the city skyline, Ben Franklin Bridge, and the surrounding water.

The Itinerary and Sights

The cruise typically lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a perfect outing without taking up your entire day. The main sightseeing highlights include views of Philadelphia’s historic waterfront and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Some reviews mention that the boat can repeat parts of the river route, which might mean limited scenery if you’re expecting a scenic tour of the river’s full length. However, for many, the constant water level and the passing cityscape create a pleasant ambiance.

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The Food and Beverage

The chef-prepared buffet is the star of the meal service. It includes a variety of salads, such as organic greens, spinach, and kale, and seasonal options like bow tie pasta salad and vegetables like roasted broccoli. The entree selection offers dishes like oven-baked Atlantic flounder, honey and sesame chicken, and Italian beef meatballs, with dinner options including braised beef short ribs.

Desserts are a sweet finale, with options like raspberry mousse, lemon pound cake with strawberries, and red velvet. Several reviews praise the quality and variety of the food, with some describing it as “delicious” and “more than expected” for a cruise setting.

Guests can enjoy bottomless mimosas on the brunch cruise — a favorite feature, especially for celebratory groups. Other drinks, including wine and beer, are available for purchase, with some reviews noting that beverage prices are a bit high and drinks can be slow to serve due to limited staff. Still, the bar offers a fully stocked selection to complement your meal.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Music is a key part of the experience. The onboard DJ spins popular hits, creating an upbeat vibe that encourages dancing and socializing. Several reviews mention how staff and entertainment contributed to a fun, lively atmosphere. There are also games onboard suitable for families and groups, making this a flexible experience for all ages.

The Relaxation and Scenic Experience

While the primary draw is the combination of sightseeing and dining, many guests emphasize how the outside decks are worth exploring. The spacious outdoor areas give the best views, especially as the boat glides past the city’s waterfront and bridges. Several reviews point out that the scenery isn’t particularly scenic beyond the city views, which might disappoint those seeking a nature-focused cruise but is ideal for those wanting a cityscape backdrop.

Accessibility and Comfort

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and the climate-controlled indoor dining makes it comfortable for all guests. The reserved tables help with social distancing and comfort, especially during busy times. However, some reviews mention that finding the ship can be confusing, so arriving early or asking for directions can improve your experience.

What Do Reviews Say?

Most guests rave about the quality of food and attentive staff. Multiple reviewers highlight the delicious buffet, upbeat music, and friendly service. For instance, one said, “The food and entertainment were awesome,” while another appreciated the “excellent service and great food.”

A common praise is for the views of Philadelphia’s waterfront. Several mention the panoramic vistas from the outdoor deck as a highlight, especially at sunset or during the daytime.

That said, some reviewers advise that the drink prices are high, and the service can be slow, especially at the bar if only one bartender is working. Others note that the scenery can be repetitive, as the boat sometimes returns along the same stretch of river, which isn’t ideal if you’re after a full river tour.

Negative points? Some mention difficulty locating the ship and inconsistent food quality. A few guests felt the entertainment and service could have been more enthusiastic, but overall, the majority leave satisfied.

Is It Worth the Price?

Considering the food quality, entertainment, scenic views, and overall experience, many guests find the cruise to be good value. The inclusion of bottomless mimosas on brunch cruises adds a festive element, especially for celebrating birthdays or special occasions. Drinks purchased separately do add up, but the overall experience justifies the cost for many.

Of course, if you’re a traveler looking for a serene, scenic cruise with a focus on nature or history, this might not be the perfect fit. But if you want to combine sightseeing with a lively social atmosphere and enjoy a well-prepared buffet, this cruise hits those notes well.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This cruise caters well to families, groups celebrating special occasions, couples, or friends looking for a fun outing. It’s particularly popular during brunch hours, but the dinner option offers a lovely way to unwind after a day of exploring. Those wanting a more relaxed, festive environment will appreciate the music, open decks, and scenic water views.

If you enjoy good food, lively music, and are curious to see Philadelphia from a different vantage point, you’ll probably find this cruise to be a memorable part of your trip.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a combination of scenic water views, hearty food, and lively entertainment, the City Cruises Philadelphia experience delivers. It’s a relaxed way to see part of the city’s waterfront, enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, and soak in the atmosphere from the open-air decks and climate-controlled dining room. The presence of bottomless mimosas on the brunch cruise makes it particularly appealing for celebratory outings.

While some note cost and service can be issues, the majority of reviews attest to the great atmosphere, attentive staff, and stunning views. This cruise offers a great value for those wanting a fun, social water-based experience in Philadelphia.

It’s best suited for groups, families, or couples wanting a lively outing with good food and scenic views, especially if you appreciate a casual, cheerful vibe. But if you’re after a quiet, scenic river journey or more scenic nature vistas, you might prefer another option.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, food, and entertainment without it feeling rushed.

Is there a dress code?
There’s no formal dress code, but most guests tend to dress casually — think comfortable yet presentable for a daytime or evening outing.

Are drinks included?
Only bottomless mimosas are included during the brunch cruise for guests 21 and over. Other beverages like wine, beer, and cocktails are available for purchase.

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

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, warm clothing (especially if you plan to be outside), and closed-toe shoes for comfort and safety.

What if it rains?
The climate-controlled indoor dining room ensures that your meal and entertainment are unaffected by weather. The outdoor decks may be less pleasant if it’s raining.

Can I make a reservation for a large group?
Yes, but be sure to reserve all seats under one booking to ensure your group is seated together.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s a flexible booking option, perfect for uncertain plans.

In summary, if you’re after a fun, scenic, and hearty water experience in Philadelphia, this cruise offers a lively, relaxed setting with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city’s waterfront. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting a new perspective on the city, it’s a choice worth considering.

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