The 5 Best Dining Experiences in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s food scene isn’t just about its iconic cheesesteaks or soft pretzels. The city offers unique ways to enjoy a meal, especially when combined with stunning views or special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, planning a romantic night, or just want to indulge with good food and great scenery, Philadelphia’s dining cruises deliver memorable experiences. These cruises stand out for their combination of delicious buffet meals, live entertainment, and spectacular waterfront vistas.
With options that range from romantic Valentine’s dinners to lively New Year’s Eve celebrations, there’s something for almost every taste and schedule. The city’s location along the Delaware River makes it easy to combine a meal with a boat ride that emphasizes the skyline and historic landmarks. Read on for the top five dining experiences that will elevate your visit to Philadelphia.
1. Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet
At number 1, the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet offers a classic Philadelphia dining experience on the water. For around $100.74 per person, you get a 2.5-hour cruise that combines a buffet dinner, DJ entertainment, and dancing. The buffet features all-you-can-eat options, making it ideal for those who enjoy variety on their plate.
What makes this cruise particularly appealing is the panoramic view of Philadelphia’s skyline through large windows, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery. During the cruise, you can stroll under the stars or hit the dance floor, making it suitable for both romantic evenings and lively groups. The departure from Penn’s Landing is just a short drive from downtown, and the cruise includes stops at key sights like the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River.
Reviewers rave about the good food and lively atmosphere, with many noting the friendly staff and great music. However, a few mention parking difficulties, so arriving early or parking in nearby lots is advisable. This cruise offers great value for a fun, scenic dinner, especially if you enjoy a lively night out.
Bottom Line: A fun, all-inclusive cruise perfect for celebrating with friends or a partner, offering generous buffet options and excellent city views.
2. Philadelphia: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Next up is the Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise, which transforms a holiday dinner into a festive waterborne celebration. Priced at $142 per person, this cruise lasts about 2 hours and provides a seasonally decorated setting with a chef-prepared buffet. You’ll sit at reserved, private tables in a climate-controlled dining room, making the experience cozy and intimate.
What makes this cruise special is the seasonal décor, live DJ, and views of Philadelphia’s historic waterfront landmarks. Guests can also access the outdoor rooftop lounge, providing an open-air vantage point for viewing the city’s holiday lights and skyline. This experience is perfect for those seeking a festive, elegant way to celebrate Christmas Eve with family or loved ones.
Guests who have taken this cruise mention the delicious food and lively onboard entertainment, adding that the décor and atmosphere enhance the holiday spirit. Since reviews are limited, checking availability early is recommended. It’s a good choice if you want a holiday dinner that combines great scenery with a festive atmosphere.
Bottom Line: An elegant, holiday-themed cruise that combines seasonal décor, gourmet food, and scenic waterfront views for a memorable Christmas Eve.
3. Philadelphia Father’s Day Buffet Dinner Cruise
For a special Father’s Day outing, the Philadelphia Father’s Day Buffet Dinner Cruise offers a relaxed way to celebrate dads on the water. Priced at $178.02, this approximately 2.5-hour cruise features a chef-prepared buffet, classic cocktails, and live music.
This cruise stands out because of its family-friendly vibe and open-air decks that showcase the skyline in the background. The cruise departs from Penn’s Landing and includes stops at key sights like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, allowing you to enjoy both interior comfort and the breathtaking views outside. Its flexible atmosphere makes it suitable for all ages, whether you’re bringing your dad, kids, or a group of friends.
While the reviews are still pending, the cruise’s emphasis on good food, scenic views, and a relaxed environment makes it an excellent choice for a memorable Father’s Day celebration. Expect a welcoming, family-friendly vibe with plenty of photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: A family-oriented cruise perfect for celebrating Dad with good food, scenic views, and live music in a comfortable setting.
4. Philadelphia New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise
The Philadelphia New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise is the ultimate way to ring in the new year on the water. At $274.57 per person, this 3-hour cruise includes a buffet dinner, live DJ, and spectacular views of the Philadelphia skyline.
This cruise is designed for those wanting a romantic, festive night or a lively party with friends. The departure from Penn’s Landing is a short trip from downtown, and the cruise itself offers a chance to enjoy the city’s illuminated buildings as you dance and dine. The food is included in the price, along with all taxes and service fees, making it a transparent option for a special celebration.
Since it’s a bit pricier, it’s best suited for travelers looking to splurge on a memorable New Year’s experience. The cruise’s combination of dancing, gourmet food, and skyline views makes it an excellent choice for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Bottom Line: An elegant, high-end way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with dinner, dancing, and city views that will create lasting memories.
5. Philadelphia: Thanksgiving Early Dinner Cruise
Finally, the Thanksgiving Early Dinner Cruise offers a 5-star rated holiday experience for around $142 per person. This 2-hour cruise lets you enjoy a festive 3-course buffet with all the trimmings, including traditional Thanksgiving favorites.
What makes this cruise stand out is its special holiday focus, with a reserved private table and live DJ entertainment. You can choose to enjoy the meal inside in the climate-controlled dining room or step outside onto the open-air rooftop lounge for views of Philadelphia’s skyline. It’s perfect for families or anyone looking to combine traditional holiday dining with scenic water views.
Rated highly by travelers, it combines delicious food, festive décor, and memorable scenery. This cruise is ideal if you’re seeking a cozy, holiday-themed experience with a relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom Line: A well-reviewed holiday cruise offering classic Thanksgiving fare combined with scenic views and lively entertainment.
How to Choose Your Perfect Philly Dining Cruise
Picking the right experience depends on your priorities. If you want a lively night with dancing and a buffet, the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise is hard to beat. For a festive holiday celebration, the Christmas Eve Gourmet Cruise offers seasonal charm and scenic views. Planning a family event? The Father’s Day Buffet Cruise balances comfort, scenery, and good food.
Budget-conscious travelers might find the price of the New Year’s Eve cruise steep, but its all-inclusive nature makes it a luxury splurge. The Thanksgiving cruise is a great choice for those wanting a holiday-specific meal with positive reviews. Consider your preferred atmosphere, the occasion, and how much time you want to spend on the water when choosing.
Booking early is recommended, especially for holiday cruises, as they tend to fill quickly. Check availability and consider the weather — winter cruises are indoors, but summer cruises benefit from outdoor decks and open-air lounges.
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia’s waterfront offers some memorable ways to combine great food with spectacular views. Whether you’re looking for a lively dance cruise, a cozy holiday meal, or a special celebration on New Year’s Eve, these options provide unique experiences you won’t forget. The buffet dinners, live entertainment, and stunning skyline vistas make them well worth considering.
For a romantic evening, the dinner cruises with panoramic windows are perfect, while families or groups celebrating special occasions will appreciate the relaxed, fun atmosphere. Remember to book early, especially for holiday and special event cruises, to avoid missing out on these memorable dining adventures in Philadelphia.