Philadelphia is a city built on water, and that makes it a natural spot for cruises and boat tours. With the Delaware River flowing right through the city, you can see iconic sights like the Ben Franklin Bridge and Philadelphia’s skyline from a fresh perspective. Whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a lively party, or a family-friendly brunch, Philadelphia’s water-based tours offer memorable experiences that put you in the middle of the action without leaving the water.
Many of these cruises are conveniently launched from Penn’s Landing, making access simple no matter where you’re staying downtown. Plus, some tours include themed options like Christmas Eve or Thanksgiving cruises, turning a holiday into a special outing. Read on for a detailed look at the top cruises and boat tours in Philadelphia, with honest insights to help you pick the right one.
1. Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise with Buffet
At number one, the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise stands out for its combination of a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet, lively DJ entertainment, and stunning city skyline views. For about $100.74 per person, you get roughly 2.5 hours of fun on the Delaware River, departing from Penn’s Landing.
What makes this cruise special is the balance of relaxed dining and dance floor fun. You can enjoy panoramic windows that frame Philadelphia’s skyline as the city lights come alive—perfect for a romantic evening or a lively group outing. The itinerary includes cruising past landmarks like the Ben Franklin Bridge, with a chance to stroll under the stars or boogie to the DJ’s beats.
The reviews reflect a generally positive experience, with many mentioning the quality of food and the friendly staff. Some note the importance of confirming parking directions, since that can be a little confusing. The value here is solid, especially considering the buffet, dance, and the scenic views. Best suited for couples or groups wanting a festive, relaxed night on the water.
Bottom Line: A fun, well-reviewed dinner cruise ideal for those looking to combine good food, dancing, and skyline vistas in one evening.
2. Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise with Buffet
For around $87, the Lunch Cruise with Buffet offers a laid-back way to see Philadelphia from the Delaware River. It lasts about 2 hours, departing from Penn’s Landing, and features a gourmet buffet lunch with plenty of options, plus bottomless non-alcoholic beverages.
This tour is perfect if you want a relaxed midday outing with city views and a bit of local narration. The cruise offers a unique perspective on iconic sights like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, with the cruise’s wide panoramic windows providing excellent photo opportunities. Many reviews highlight the “great food” and “fabulous views,” making it a hit with families and first-time visitors.
What sets this apart is its focus on sightseeing combined with a good-quality meal, all without the evening’s formality. If you’re short on time but want a flavorful experience, this cruise fits the bill. It’s best suited for daytime visitors or those wanting a quieter, more subdued cruise experience.
Bottom Line: An easygoing, scenic cruise that combines sightseeing and lunch, ideal for visitors who want a taste of Philadelphia from the water.
3. Philadelphia: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise
Celebrating the holidays on the water takes on a special charm with the Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise. For $142 per person, you’ll enjoy a festive 3-course buffet, complete with seasonal dishes, aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia.
This cruise offers an intimate, holiday-themed experience with decorated surroundings and a live DJ to keep the mood lively. The climate-controlled dining room ensures comfort regardless of winter weather, while the open-air rooftop lounge provides a chance to soak in the city’s historic waterfront under the stars. The cruise also provides views of landmarks like the Liberty Bell and the Independence Hall.
While it’s a smaller review base, the few comments suggest a warm, festive atmosphere with delicious food and great views. It’s a wonderful choice for families or couples celebrating Christmas Eve with a memorable combination of scenic views and holiday cheer.
Bottom Line: A festive holiday cruise that blends seasonal dining, skyline views, and the holiday spirit, perfect for creating lasting memories.
4. Philadelphia Father’s Day Buffet Dinner Cruise
The Father’s Day Buffet Dinner Cruise caters to families celebrating dad’s special day on the water. At $178.02 per person, it offers about 2.5 hours of dining and sightseeing, departing from Penn’s Landing.
This cruise includes a chef-prepared dinner buffet and music, with options to enjoy inside or on the open-air decks. It’s designed to be a relaxed, family-friendly event with incredible views of the Philadelphia skyline and landmarks like the Ben Franklin Bridge. The itinerary emphasizes the overall experience rather than specific stops, making it ideal for a leisurely evening on the river.
Since reviews are limited, it’s worth noting that this cruise provides a good value for families wanting a festive meal with scenic views. It is suitable for all ages and offers a special way to honor dads while enjoying a smooth, scenic cruise.
Bottom Line: A family-oriented cruise that combines good food and stunning skyline views, making it a suitable choice for celebrating Father’s Day.
5. Philadelphia Father’s Day Buffet Brunch Cruise
For a less formal celebration, the Father’s Day Buffet Brunch Cruise offers a 2-hour relaxing meal for $136.28 per person. It departs from Penn’s Landing with spectacular views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
This cruise emphasizes brunch with a chef-prepared buffet, live music, and panoramic windows that capture the Philadelphia skyline. It’s suitable for families and those who want a laid-back way to enjoy the holiday while taking in water views. The open-air decks allow for a breezy experience, and the focus on brunch makes it more casual than a dinner outing.
Limited reviews suggest that this is a good option for daytime family celebrations, providing a scenic, comfortable environment to enjoy a special holiday.
Bottom Line: An easygoing brunch option that combines family fun, scenic views, and a festive atmosphere for Father’s Day.
6. Philadelphia New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise
Ring in the New Year aboard the New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise. For $274.57, this 3-hour cruise promises a lively celebration with dancing to a live DJ, buffet dinner, and spectacular Philadelphia skyline views. It departs from Penn’s Landing, sailing down the river to ring in the new year.
This cruise is designed for those seeking a festive, party atmosphere with a scenic backdrop. The inclusions cover taxes, surcharges, and service fees, ensuring no surprises. It’s a popular choice for couples or groups celebrating a milestone occasion, with a focus on fun, music, and great food.
Because of the high price point, it’s best suited for travelers looking to splurge on a memorable New Year’s celebration. The cruise’s lively atmosphere and spectacular views make it a unique way to welcome the new year.
Bottom Line: A lively, all-inclusive New Year’s Eve cruise perfect for celebrating with dancing, good food, and skyline views.
7. Philadelphia 2-Hour Brunch Cruise on the Delaware River
For $116.87 per person, the 2-Hour Brunch Cruise offers a casual way to enjoy brunch, sightseeing, and music. It departs from Penn’s Landing and features a buffet with a fully stocked bar, plus views of Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks like the USS New Jersey and Red Bank Battlefield.
This cruise emphasizes relaxation and scenic views with a focus on enjoying a chef-prepared brunch while marveling at the city’s architecture. Its cozy interior and open-air decks provide options for different weather conditions, making it flexible.
While reviews are not yet available, the focus on casual dining combined with the beautiful backdrop makes this a good pick for travelers wanting a laid-back, scenic outing.
Bottom Line: A casual, scenic cruise ideal for brunch lovers who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed meal.
8. Philadelphia: Thanksgiving Early Dinner Cruise
Finally, the Thanksgiving Early Dinner Cruise offers a festive way to celebrate Thanksgiving with a 3-course buffet for about $142. It departs from Penn’s Landing and includes live DJ entertainment and outside open-air lounge access.
This cruise is designed to combine holiday tradition with scenic Philadelphia skyline views, making it a memorable family event. The focus on festive dining and entertainment makes it suitable for all ages wanting a special meal with a view.
Although reviews are limited, the positive descriptions suggest it’s a lively, holiday-themed outing that turns a meal into a celebration. It’s a great way to enjoy the city’s waterfront during the holiday season.
Bottom Line: A festive, family-friendly cruise combining holiday cheer, scenic views, and a good meal.
How to Choose Your Perfect Philadelphia Boat Tour
Choosing between these cruises depends on your priorities. For an elegant evening with dancing and skyline views, the Dinner Cruise offers great value. If you prefer a relaxed daytime sightseeing experience, the Lunch Cruise is ideal. For holiday celebrations, consider the Christmas Eve or Thanksgiving cruises, which add festive flair to your water adventures.
Budget-wise, the lunch cruise tends to be more affordable, while special holiday or New Year’s cruises carry higher prices but include extra entertainment. Consider your preferred time of day, weather, and whether you want a more active dance vibe or a relaxed scenic ride.
Booking early is recommended, especially for holiday cruises, to secure your spot and avoid missing out on special themed rides.
Final Thoughts
Philadelphia’s boat tours offer a variety of experiences—whether you’re after a lively dinner, a scenic daytime cruise, or a holiday celebration on the water. The Spirit of Philadelphia stands out for its versatility and lively atmosphere, while thematic cruises like the Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve outings provide unique ways to mark a special occasion.
For families, cruises like the Father’s Day brunch or dinner offer a relaxed, scenic setting, and those seeking an elegant night can enjoy dinner with skyline views and dancing. Take your time choosing which fits your schedule and interests, and book early to make sure you don’t miss out on these memorable water-based adventures in Philadelphia.