One night, two hours, and great views. I like the mix of reserved table comfort and live DJ energy while the boat slides past Philadelphia’s waterfront. The one thing to watch: the buffet can be uneven, with at least one guest calling out overcooked meats and confusing food labels.

You’ll have choices for getting your photos too. Inside, the dining room is climate-controlled with big picture windows, and you can also step out to the open-air rooftop lounge when the weather allows.

This is also a value-friendly holiday plan if you want food, sights, and an organized party all in one ticket. Brunch is the shorter option and includes unlimited mimosas, while dinner runs longer (about 2.5 hours depending on the pick you choose), and alcoholic drinks beyond that are extra.

Quick hits before you go

• Board at Penn’s Landing and watch the waterfront scenery roll by right from the start
• Climate-controlled dining room with large windows for skyline viewing
• Open-air rooftop lounge access when you want a breath of winter air
• 3-course buffet feel, with a seasonal spread and a live DJ keeping things moving
• Brunch includes unlimited mimosas, while the bar otherwise is purchase-only

Penn’s Landing to the Ben Franklin Bridge: the view plan

Starting at Penn’s Landing means you’re not scrambling for vantage points. The cruise route takes you along the historic waterfront and under the Ben Franklin Bridge, which is a very Philly way to spend Christmas Eve: a moving seat with a view, not a parked one.

This matters because holiday crowds can turn sightseeing into a line game. On the water, you get constant scenery changes with less stress. From the fully enclosed dining decks, you’re set up for winter comfort without giving up the skyline. From the rooftop lounge, you’re closer to the outdoors and you get that classic “boat + skyline” feeling—just be ready for colder air if you stay out long.

The ride is also timed for a social meal. You’ll be able to stroll around the decks during the onboard entertainment, so it’s not just sit, eat, and disappear. I especially like that you’re building the view into the experience rather than paying for a separate bus tour later.

Christmas Eve brunch or dinner: what the 3-course buffet experience really means

You’re signing up for a festive 3-course brunch or dinner buffet with seasonal favorites, plus coffee, tea, iced tea, and water included. On a normal land buffet, that can feel chaotic. On a boat, it’s usually smoother because the dining room setup is contained and your table is reserved for your party.

Here’s the practical takeaway: think of it as a holiday sampling menu rather than a single plated meal. You’ll likely want to pace yourself and hit the cooler items first (salads, sides) before the hot stations start feeling rushed. One note from the experience feedback that’s worth taking seriously: one diner flagged that meats were overcooked and that ingredient signage was poor.

So if you have preferences—rare vs well-done, or you’re sensitive to certain ingredients—don’t assume every dish will match your ideal. Use the staff. They’re described as very nice, and that’s exactly when you want help. Ask what’s in the dishes, or at least which station is which, especially if the labels aren’t super clear.

The good side? The same feedback also mentioned a strong salad selection. That suggests the “cold and fresh” part of the buffet is where you can feel safest. If you’re traveling with picky eaters, you can also build a solid plate without forcing yourself to gamble on every hot entrée.

Reserved private table: why seating matters more than you think

You’re not sharing random bench seating. Your party gets a reserved private table in a climate-controlled dining room. That sounds like a small detail, but on holiday trips it can be the difference between relaxing and constantly re-negotiating where everyone is sitting.

There’s also a key rule: to make sure your whole group sits together, you need just one reservation for the entire party. Separate reservations can fail to land you at the same table. If you’re traveling with friends, cousins, or a multigenerational crew, coordinate who books so you don’t end up splitting up on the most inconvenient part of the evening.

Dress is described as casual—think nice pants, button-up shirts, blouses, khakis. You don’t need to dress up like a gala, but you should avoid super wrinkled or flimsy outfits if you’re planning to sit near windows for photos.

DJ music, onboard games, and the vibe of a floating holiday party

This cruise isn’t a quiet background-sound kind of dinner. There’s a live DJ, and the onboard program includes games alongside the music. The purpose is simple: keep energy up so the meal feels like part of the event, not just fuel.

If your group wants something active—laughing games, people chatting, and music that keeps the mood bright—this kind of entertainment fits well. It’s also a smart choice for mixed groups: one person can enjoy the skyline, another can hit the dance-floor moments, and nobody feels like they’re bored in their seat.

A small practical note: when the DJ and games kick in, the loudness can change by location. If you prefer conversation, hang near the windows but be ready to step back from the densest activity areas during the biggest moments.

Rooftop lounge access: cold air, big photos, and smart timing

The experience includes access to an outside open-air rooftop lounge. That’s a big deal on a winter cruise because it gives you two angles of the same memory: the warm indoor views and the colder, more dramatic outdoor shots.

The trick is to use it strategically. Step out for short bursts—long enough for the bridge-and-skyline photos, then head back inside when your hands start to complain. This is especially useful if you’re traveling with kids, older adults, or anyone who doesn’t love standing still in winter air.

Inside, the large picture windows let you watch landmarks as the boat moves. Outside, you’ll feel the wind more, which can make the experience more intense and fun—just plan your time outside like you would on a cold walking tour.

Drinks and the bar math: what’s included vs what costs extra

If you pick the brunch option, you get unlimited mimosas, plus coffee, tea, iced tea, and water. That’s a real value lever because brunch alcohol costs can add up quickly on your own.

For both brunch and dinner, other alcohol—like seasonal cocktails, wine pairings, or beer—is available for purchase at the fully stocked bar. So you’ll want to think of your ticket as covering food and the basics, while turning the bar into your flexible add-on.

Practical approach: decide your “budget lane” before you board. If you’re doing brunch with unlimited mimosas, you can likely keep the bar spending low. If you’re doing dinner, it’s easier for costs to climb if you’re ordering wine or cocktails in addition to the buffet.

Also note that there’s a fully enclosed dining room experience, but it’s still a cruise. If you drink, pace yourself. The movement and the excitement can sneak up on you.

Price and value: is $109 per person a good deal?

At $109 per person for about a 2-hour Christmas Eve cruise (with dinner options running longer at about 2.5 hours), you’re paying for the “package deal”: food, a reserved table, entertainment, and the views that come from being on the water.

Here’s where the value gets clearer:

• If you’d otherwise spend money on dinner plus a separate evening activity, this bundles both into one ticket.
• Brunch is especially strong because unlimited mimosas are included.
• The reserved seating reduces the usual holiday friction of finding a place to sit and regroup.

Where the value can soften:

• If you’re very picky about food quality details—especially how meat is cooked—or you want clear ingredient labels without asking questions, you might feel disappointed. One guest specifically mentioned overcooked meats and poor food ingredient signage.
• Alcohol beyond mimosas still costs extra, and gratuity isn’t included.

My take: this is a good holiday value if your main goal is the overall experience—festive atmosphere, skyline views, and a party vibe—rather than expecting restaurant-level precision from every hot buffet dish.

What to expect from the staff and the buffet layout

The vibe from the staff is described as very nice, which matters a lot when buffet signage isn’t perfect. If you go in ready to ask a question, you’ll likely get better results than if you try to figure everything out alone from labels.

Because ingredient signage may be unclear, I suggest you plan your first plate with a cautious eye:

• Start with the salads and sides if you prefer fresh and straightforward options.
• If you’re drawn to the hot meats, ask staff which items are well-done vs how they’re cooked (if they can confirm).
• Build your meal so you’re not dependent on one dish to be perfect.

Also, since this is a cruise, the flow of people can create a rush at popular stations. Going slightly methodically—cool items first, then hot—helps you keep choices from feeling like last-call.

Who this Christmas Eve cruise fits best

This cruise is a strong fit if you want:

• A festive holiday meal without making transportation and restaurant planning your whole job
• A DJ and games setup that keeps the night from feeling too formal or too quiet
• Skyline views from a warm indoor room plus the option to step outside

It’s also a solid pick for couples and friend groups who want an easy plan where everyone has something to do. If your group loves scenery and also likes a bit of nightlife energy, this balances both.

If your priority is a super refined, perfectly cooked plated dinner, you may feel let down by buffet variability. The food can still be enjoyable—especially if you lean into the salad and sides—but you should accept that it’s a buffet format.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Christmas Eve brunch or dinner cruise?

The brunch option is 2 hours. The dinner option is about 2.5 hours, depending on what you choose.

Where does the cruise depart from?

You board at Penn’s Landing.

What food is included?

You’ll get a 3-course brunch or dinner buffet (depending on the option chosen).

Is alcohol included?

Unlimited mimosas are included if you choose the brunch option. Other alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

What non-alcoholic drinks are included?

Coffee, tea, iced tea, and water are included.

Do I need ID?

Yes. Bring a passport or ID card.

Should you book this Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise?

I’d book it if your goal is a holiday night with skyline views, reserved seating, and DJ-driven fun—and you’re happy with a seasonal buffet format. The unlimited mimosas on brunch add real value, and the rooftop lounge option gives you that extra photo moment without taking planning over your whole day.

I’d think twice if you’re highly sensitive to meat being cooked exactly right or you need crystal-clear ingredient labels without asking staff. In that case, plan to build your meal around the parts you feel most confident ordering (often salads and sides), and don’t be shy about asking what’s in the buffet dishes.

For many people, this is the kind of simple Christmas Eve plan that keeps the night moving and the mood bright—just go in with the right expectations for a buffet at sea.