Philadelphia: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise

Two hours on the Delaware beats a sit-down day. This Delaware River cruise turns brunch, lunch, or dinner into a moving party, with a reserved table in a climate-controlled dining room and a rooftop lounge for big skyline moments. I like the bottomless mimosas option on the brunch sailing, and I really appreciate how the views stay strong while you’re eating, not just standing on deck.

One thing to think about: if you’re aiming for a specific vibe, the cruise time matters, and the buffet experience is more about the setting than fine-dining.

Quick hits before you go

• Private table + climate control: eat comfortably indoors with great sightlines, even if the weather shifts.
• Bottomless mimosas (brunch only): built in for the party mood, and you can go as easy or as energetic as you want.
• Rooftop open-air lounge: you get 360° views beyond the dining room, without giving up the comfort of indoors.
• Chef-prepared 3-course buffet: salads, hot mains, and desserts laid out in one smooth flow.
• DJ + games: music and onboard activities keep things lively beyond just the meal.

Why This Delaware River Cruise Makes Philly Feel Easy

Philadelphia can feel big and complicated if you only have a day or two. A water cruise is a simple trick: you get big-city views with less walking stress, and you still have your own spot to refuel. This one runs on the Spirit of Philadelphia, pulling away from Penn’s Landing so you start seeing the waterfront right away.

What I like most is that the experience is designed for staying put, at least for part of it. You’re not doing a “stand in line, stare out a window, repeat” style tour. Instead, you eat at a reserved table and can move out to the decks when you want photos or fresh air.

And the cruise route is practical. You’ll pass the Ben Franklin Bridge area and glide along the Delaware River waterfront, which means you’re getting the classic “I’m in Philly” scenery without needing to pick a bunch of separate viewpoints.

Price and What $68 Actually Buys You

At about $68 per person, this isn’t the cheapest brunch idea in town. But the price makes more sense when you break it into parts: you’re paying for a ride on the Delaware, a chef-prepared buffet meal, and onboard entertainment.

Here’s what’s included in the core package:

• A cruise on the Spirit of Philadelphia
• Buffet brunch, lunch, or dinner (3-course style)
• Bottomless mimosas only on the brunch option (21+)
• Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea
• Onboard DJ

What costs extra:

• Alcoholic drinks beyond what’s included (bar is fully stocked)
• Soda and juice
• Souvenir photos

So ask yourself this: if you were going to spend similar money on a restaurant meal plus some kind of paid activity, you’d usually lose the “you’re moving through the city” factor. Here, you’re paying for that motion. If you want a meal with scenery and a built-in social vibe, the value leans positive.

Boarding at Penn’s Landing: Getting to the Right Place (Before Rain Gets Involved)

The meeting point is Penn’s Landing, 401 South Columbus Blvd. This matters more than it sounds, because waterfront piers can be confusing in the real world—especially if you’re using a map and it drops you on the wrong side.

My practical advice: give yourself time to get oriented before you’re hungry and wet. If conditions are bad (wind or rain), you do not want to be sprinting around the dock trying to figure out where the Spirit of Philadelphia is tied up.

Also plan on bringing the basics:

• Passport or ID card
• Closed-toe shoes
• Warm clothing

That last one isn’t just “nice to have.” Even if the day starts mild, open deck time can get chilly fast once you’re out on the river.

One more “group sanity” tip: if you want to sit together, make one reservation for your whole party. If you split into separate bookings, the operator can’t guarantee you’ll be seated together.

The 2 to 2.5 Hour Flow: From Dining Room to Rooftop Views

This is a short cruise, usually running in morning, afternoon, and evening departures. That means you should choose the time based on your goal.

• Morning or early afternoon: more daylight for the waterfront and bridge views.
• Evening: more atmosphere, but you still need to be ready for wind and cooler deck air.

Once you board, you start in the dining room. The setup is built around comfort: a climate-controlled space with reserved seating and strong visibility. From there, you’ll have access to the decks and the open-air rooftop lounge, so you can switch between sheltered dining and the “look at that” moments.

Think of it like three settings in one ticket:

1. Dining room: eat your buffet, relax, keep the meal pace easy
2. Decks: stretch your legs, take photos, catch a breeze
3. Rooftop lounge: the 360° view zone, where the cruise really feels special

And yes, there’s entertainment where you can join in. A DJ keeps the music going and there’s a dance floor area, plus onboard games that work for families as well as groups.

What You’ll Eat: The Buffet Layout (Salads, Hot Entrees, Desserts)

This is a 3-course buffet that’s chef-prepared with seasonal ingredients prepared fresh daily. The food is served in stations, and the whole point is to keep things moving without you waiting forever for your next plate.

Salads and starters

You can expect a mix like:

• Organic mixed field greens
• Organic spinach and kale salad
• Green bean salad
• Kidney bean, black bean, and chickpea salad
• Red beetroot salad
• Plus pasta-and-veg style options like bow tie pasta salad and roasted broccoli florets

Hot mains and filling sides

The hot part includes comfort-food style dishes such as:

• Creamed corn and cheddar cheese casserole
• Baked ziti pasta
• Mashed potatoes
• Oven-baked Atlantic flounder filet
• Honey and sesame chicken
• Italian beef meatballs
• Braised beef short ribs on dinner sailings

Desserts

Dessert is a mix of fruit and cake/pudding style options, including:

• Seasonal fruit
• Raspberry mousse
• Lemon pound cake with fresh strawberries
• Coconut vanilla cake
• Carrot cake
• Red velvet and chocolate chip brownie (dinner only)

Here’s the honest way I’d frame it: this menu is designed to satisfy lots of tastes, not to chase one highly specialized cuisine. If you love predictable, hearty brunch/lunch/dinner food that keeps your group happy, you’ll likely feel good about it. If you’re expecting restaurant-level precision in every bite, you may judge it more harshly—especially at the ticket price.

The Bottomless Mimosas Factor (Brunch Option Only)

If you book the brunch cruise, bottomless mimosas are included, and the drinking option is 21+. That changes the whole tone onboard.

Bottomless doesn’t mean nonstop chaos for everyone. It just means you don’t have to make the decision every time you refill your glass. For groups, that’s a big deal because it keeps conversations flowing and reduces the “who’s paying for what” awkwardness.

If you’re going with kids or a mixed-age crew, it’s worth remembering that the brunch includes the alcohol feature only for those who meet the age rule. Infants are free, but you still need to select the free infant ticket option so everyone has the right admission.

Entertainment: DJ Energy, Games, and a Dance Floor You Can Skip

This cruise isn’t just about eating and staring. There’s onboard DJ music and games on deck, with a dance floor area if you want that part of the vibe.

A key practical note: music taste is personal. Some people love a party soundtrack; others want older classics. So if you’re picky about music, don’t assume every set will match your playlist preferences. The upside is that you can always step away from the dance area and hang out on the decks for quieter conversation and photos.

The games and family-friendly activity mix also help make the ship feel more “active.” It’s not the kind of tour where you’re stuck watching other people have fun.

Views in Every Direction: Why the Reserved Table Matters

A lot of dinner cruises boil down to a room full of people and everyone fights for view angles. This one gives you something better: a reserved private table in the climate-controlled dining room with great views.

That means you don’t have to spend the entire meal scanning for open spots by the windows. You can eat first, then move around as you like. When you do step out—especially onto the open-air rooftop lounge—that’s when the 360 panoramic views really pay off.

You’ll get Philly waterfront scenery and the signature bridge area while you glide along the Delaware River. Even if you’ve visited Philly before, seeing it from the water turns the skyline from “I’ve seen it in pictures” into “I get it now.”

Weather and Comfort: Warm Layers Win on the Delaware

Even in a “short cruise,” weather is part of the experience. The ship includes both indoor comfort and outdoor space, so you can self-manage.

Bring warm clothing and closed-toe shoes. Why? Deck surfaces and open-air spaces can feel cooler than you expect, and you’ll likely spend at least some time moving between areas.

Also keep in mind:

• Smoking is not allowed indoors

So if you need a break, plan for outdoor time instead of expecting an indoor smoking option.

Who This Is Best For (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This cruise is a strong fit for:

• Couples who want a scenic meal without complicated planning
• Groups who prefer an organized activity with food included
• Families looking for entertainment that doesn’t require extra tickets
• Anyone who wants waterfront views without stacking multiple walking stops

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re ultra picky about food quality and presentation every course
• You’re booking based on nightlife expectations and you pick a time that doesn’t match your idea of night views
• You don’t like DJ music or you’re sensitive to lively onboard energy

For a first-time Philly trip, I’d call this a good “anchor activity.” For a repeat trip, it can still work because the water angle is different from most on-land attractions.

Should You Book This Philadelphia Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a laid-back, scenic meal with onboard fun—and you’ll actually enjoy the idea of dining while the city slides past you on the Delaware.

Pass or switch plans if:

• You’re hunting for top-tier fine dining and exacting flavors
• Your group is highly sensitive to timing, because departure time affects your lighting and vibe
• You’re worried you might arrive late or get lost on the pier side—give yourself extra buffer, because the waterfront layout can trip you up

If you do book, one move that improves everything: choose the cruise time that matches your mood, then dress for deck weather and keep your group reservation in one booking so seating stays together.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Penn’s Landing at 401 South Columbus Blvd.

How long is the Philadelphia cruise?

The cruise runs about 2 to 2.5 hours.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes the Spirit of Philadelphia cruise, the buffet brunch/lunch/dinner, unlimited coffee and hot tea (plus iced tea), and an onboard DJ.

Are bottomless mimosas included?

Bottomless mimosas are included if you select the brunch option (21+).

What food is served?

You’ll get a chef-prepared buffet with salads, entrees, and desserts.

Is there a bar on board?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages, soda, and juice are available for purchase.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, warm clothing, and closed-toe shoes.

Is the rooftop lounge accessible?

The activity includes access to an outside open-air rooftop lounge.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking indoors is not allowed.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.