Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise With Buffet

The Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise offers a unique dining experience on the Delaware River, combining scenic views with a gourmet buffet. While guests can savor a variety of freshly prepared entrees and enjoy live narration about iconic landmarks, the festive atmosphere may not suit everyone. Some note that the DJ entertainment can disrupt conversations, making it challenging to fully take in the sightseeing. However, those seeking a memorable afternoon of dining and cruising along the waterfront might find this excursion to be a delightful option worth considering.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Buffet Experiences In Philadelphia.

Good To Know

• The Spirit of Philadelphia offers a 2-hour lunch cruise on the Delaware River, featuring a gourmet buffet, live narration, and DJ entertainment.
• The buffet lunch includes freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, catering to various tastes, with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages included.
• Departure is from Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, with local parking available, though some guests have reported challenges with parking options.
• The cruise provides sightseeing opportunities, with the narration highlighting landmarks such as the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, though some guests desire more historical context.
• The cruise is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available, making it suitable for families with young children.

Overview of the Cruise Experience

Embarking on the Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise allows guests to enjoy a unique perspective of the city.

The two-hour cruise on the Delaware River offers sightseeing and dining simultaneously, providing a festive atmosphere. Live narration highlights key landmarks, like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, while DJ entertainment enhances the experience.

However, some guests have noted that the narration lacks historical context, and the noise levels from the DJ can be disruptive.

Dining Options on the Cruise

The culinary offerings on the Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise cater to a range of tastes. Theres some good a gourmet buffet lunch featuring freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts.

While the food received positive reviews, some guests noted that certain items were cold upon arrival. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included, but those looking for something stronger can purchase alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails, wine, and beer.

Departure Location and Logistics

The Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise departs from Penn’s Landing, located at 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Local parking is available, though City Cruises does not operate any parking lots. Reservations are required, with a maximum of 15 travelers per tour.

Departure Location	Parking	Reservations
Penn’s Landing	Available locally	Required
401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd	City Cruises does not operate lots	Max 15 travelers per tour
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Guests should note that the cruise is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. Service animals are allowed, and the cruise is located near public transportation options.

Guest Reviews and Feedback

According to the 55 reviews, the Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise has an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5. Guests praised the food quality, staff friendliness, and beautiful views.

However, some critiques mentioned:

1. Cold food served during the buffet.
2. Lack of historical narration about the landmarks.
3. Noise levels from the DJ, which made it difficult to converse.
4. Seating issues and dissatisfaction with customer service regarding rescheduling.

While the cruise offers a unique perspective of Philadelphia, the reviews suggest room for improvement in certain aspects to enhance the overall dining and sightseeing experience.

Dress Code and Accessibility

A casual and comfortable attire is recommended for the Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise, as the event doesn’t require formal wear.

The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available for those traveling with young children. Guests are permitted to bring service animals aboard.

The lack of wheelchair accessibility may pose challenges for some mobility-impaired passengers, though the availability of infant seating caters to families with small children.

Infant Policy and Seating

Infants aged 2 years and under ride free on the Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise, though their meals aren’t included.

The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available. Guests have reported some issues with seating, with some experiencing dissatisfaction.

To ensure a smooth experience, the cruise has a maximum of 15 travelers per tour, so it’s best to make reservations early.

The key points regarding infant policy and seating are:

1. Infants 2 and under ride free, but meals not included.
2. Cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, but has infant seats.
3. Some guests reported seating issues and dissatisfaction.
4. Maximum of 15 travelers per tour, so reservations recommended.

Transportation and Parking

The departure point for the Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise is Penn’s Landing, located at 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd in Philadelphia, PA 19106.

Local parking is available, though City Cruises doesn’t operate the parking lots. Reviewers have noted that parking can be a challenge, as the area can get congested, especially during peak hours.

Some guests have expressed frustration with the lack of on-site parking and the need to find alternative options.

Key Landmarks and Narration

The Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise offers a unique sightseeing experience, with a live narration highlighting the city’s key landmarks along the Delaware River.

The narration covers:

1. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge, a renowned architectural marvel that spans the river.
2. The historic Penn’s Landing, a vibrant waterfront area with a rich past.
3. The Philadelphia skyline, showcasing the city’s impressive modern and historic buildings.
4. Various other points of interest along the river, providing valuable context and insights.

While the narration is generally informative, some guests have noted that it lacks depth and could be more engaging.

However, the opportunity to enjoy sightseeing and dining simultaneously remains a compelling draw for this cruise experience.

Things To Known

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

External food and drinks are not permitted on the cruise. The cruise provides a gourmet buffet lunch and beverages, so bringing your own items is not allowed. Guests must purchase food and drinks from the on-board offerings.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?

The cruise has a casual dress code – guests are recommended to wear comfortable, relaxed attire. While there’s no formal dress code, it’s best to avoid overly casual or revealing clothing to maintain a pleasant atmosphere onboard.

What Types of Entertainment Are Offered During the Cruise?

The cruise features DJ entertainment that enhances the festive atmosphere, providing lively music for guests to enjoy as they take in the sights of Philadelphia from the river.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cruise?

While there are no age restrictions, infants under 2 years old can attend the cruise for free without a meal. This makes the cruise accessible for families, though the experience may not be suitable for very young children.

Can I Customize My Dining Experience on the Cruise?

The dining experience on this cruise is set, with a gourmet buffet lunch. Guests can’t customize their meal, but they can purchase alcoholic beverages separately. Some have complained about the quality and temperature of the food in reviews.

Sum Up

The Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise offers a scenic river experience with a gourmet buffet. However, some guests find the DJ’s music disruptive to conversations. The cruise provides a memorable dining and sightseeing adventure, though the noise level may be a drawback for those seeking a more tranquil setting.