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City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise

Philadelphia, USA
High interest
Booked 2 times today.
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

See a perspective on Philadelphia that many visitors miss—and enjoy an indulgent meal simultaneously—on this lunchtime cruise of the Delaware River. Board the Spirit of Philidelphia at Penn’s Landing and settle in for a relaxed sightseeing tour. Admire the city’s skyline, learn about its key landmarks from the tour’s live narration, and help yourself to the wide-ranging buffet lunch offerings and bottomless non-alcoholic beverages, indulging how you like.
  • See a new perspective on Philadelphia’s skyline during a river cruise
  • Pick your preferred dishes from a wide-ranging, gourmet buffet lunch
  • Learn about the city and its history from the tour's live narration
  • Get fabulous views and photo ops of the city

What's Included

  • A two-hour cruise on the Delaware River
  • Delicious lunch buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts (view menu)
  • Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water
  • Private outdoor table with amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline
  • Background music
  • Service charge and taxes
  • Alcoholic Beverages
    Creative cocktails, wine and beer are available for purchase

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 401 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

    Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at Lombard Circle Parking Lot on Columbus Boulevard and Lombard Circle. Please arrive at the meeting point early – boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Begin your Philadelphia adventure at Christopher Columbus Boulevard, where you'll be welcomed by your captain and crew before boarding your lunch cruise. Once onboard, you’ll be guided to your designated table.

Departing from Penn's Landing, embark on a sightseeing tour along the Delaware River. This cruise offers a special perspective of Philadelphia, often missed by visitors, complemented by a tasty meal.

As you cruise, enjoy live narration detailing the city’s landmarks, ensuring you don't miss any important sights, including the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Simultaneously, indulge in a gourmet buffet lunch featuring a variety of freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, along with unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water.

Enhancing the experience, bottomless non-alcoholic drinks and DJ entertainment are part of the package. This two-hour culinary and sightseeing experience concludes back at your starting point, leaving you with a fuller appreciation of Philadelphia's scenic riverfront and rich history.
1

City Cruises

2 hours Admission Ticket Included

2

Penn's Landing

15 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Benjamin Franklin Bridge

5 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Infants aged 2 years and under are free of charge (meal not included).
  • Attire: We encourage casual attire that is informal and comfortable, (khakis, nice jeans, dresses, casual button-ups/blouses).
  • Seating is only guaranteed together for the number of tickets confirmed on this voucher. Reservations may not be combined.
  • Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (15)

Q:Where is the departure point for the Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise with Buffet?

A:The Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise with Buffet departs from 401 S. Columbus Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19100

Apr 2021

The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Joe_C
Well run, the staff was efficient, the buffet was very good, a great value for the money, a nice day

Reviews

4.0
based on 60 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Good value

Joe_C, Apr 2026
Well run, the staff was efficient, the buffet was very good, a great value for the money, a nice day

Great experience. The DJ was awesome, it was a great birthday gift for my mother.

Chanceline_D, Aug 2025
The food and the music were awesome. The view of the city was incredible. I also enjoyed the lane dance.

Somewhat disappointing “Spirit of Philadelphia” cruise

Paula_W, Aug 2025
The cruise on the Delaware River outside Philadelphia was relaxing and the buffet lunch was very good. Although We had done something similar many years ago, we were somewhat disappointed that there was no narrative @ passing sites. There was a q code you could download that showed what path we were taking and sites we would see. We missed getting this personally. All staff were very personable and helped with the food and drink. There was no ice tea as the Viator ad read. But hot coffee, water and hot tea were available without a charge. They took pictures right outside the gang plank of the ship but wouldn’t allow any personal pictures be taken so they could sell you there’s. Their pictures were very good. But felt they should not prevent you from taking your own. There was a large group of @ 100 special needs adults who were very nicely waited on. It was nice to see the care they were given by their caretakers and the Cruise Staff. We were able to use some rewards from previous trips and I’m not sorry we took this excursion but I don’t think I would do it again.

Perfect mid-day activity.

Robyn_L, Aug 2025
A wonderful way to view and taste the cities, both Philly, PA and Camden, NJ. Good food, music and environment. A great way to spend a few hours and see a lot in a relaxed yet festive atmosphere. The service was outstanding. I suggest getting the Crab, shrimp, and cheese dip appetizer.

Absolutely wonderful...

Nola_G, Sep 2024
Absolutely wonderful cruise. Food was great, staff were great and loved the whole vibe. My grandson was impressed and loved the experience.

Ok trip. Nothing special.

Bruce_B, Aug 2024
Food was decent and employees very nice, polite and helpful. This statement in the description inaccurate “ Private outdoor table with amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline”. Table are indoors. There are a few tables outside and you could carry your food out there. DJ too loud. Not enough descriptions on the PA and fact is there wasn’t much to see except abandoned warehouses and a few vessels so that is part of the issue. Maybe throw in some more history.

Friendly

Velma_G, Aug 2024
It was a very nice experience. The crowd was wonderful. The only problem was the food was cold. It was such a joyful experience

Unforgettable cruise

Tieling_W, Aug 2024
Beautiful views, excellent service and good food, we had an unforgettable cruise, thank you for your services.

Nice people

RobinKristin_N, Aug 2024
There's really not much to review. Unfortunately the weather was such that it would not have been wise to set sail so they fed us lunch while we remained docked. No blame on them, but certainly was not what I was hoping for/expecting.

Beautiful Experience on the Cruise

Rhonda_M, Jul 2024
Family, Food, Fun with my husband on his birthday. Christian helped my husband during his time of need of a wheelchair to get to our car. He was extremely calm and professional.

Absolutely disgraceful and disgusting!

Barbara_L, Jul 2024
Absolutely HORRIBLE! Food was gross and cold, desserts were awful, the music was WAY TOO LOUD!! The staff was not helpful at all.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

We’re sorry to hear we did not meet your expectations, but we appreciate you providing us with feedback regarding your experience. Please know we value your review, and we will be using it moving forward as we strive to improve our overall experience.

Denied rescheduling for death of a family member

Leen_J, Jun 2024
Absolutely horrible experience trying to contact support, I had a death in the family, i could not make it for the reserved day. I called them to reschedule not for a refund. They denied my request to reschedule and customer service attitude was absolutely cold and unsympathetic Very disappointing!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

e appreciate you notifying us of the situation, and we apologize for your experience. To investigate this matter further, we’d like to connect you with a team member. Please contact us at 800-459-8105 or chat with us on https://www.cityexperiences.com/. We hope to hear from you to resolve this issue soon, and thank you for reaching out.

Great experience!

Dauna_R, Jun 2024
Ship was very clean. Felt very safe. Very clean very large viewing windows. No bad table. Very nice servers. I don't eat meat but the salads and pasta and potatoes were excellent. Plenty of food. Clean bathrooms. Great ice tea and coffee. Coming back with family.

Unprepared for us

Wanda_H, Jun 2024
We bought our tickets about a month ago but we were seated in the center of the boat at a table with no set up. Several tables at the windows were available but reserved for other guests. There were two other couples who were also not given windows. Maybe preference is given to those who book directly with boat? On the other hand, the buffet food was above average and the cruise was nice.

A fun experience for Mom

Jennifer_B, Jun 2024
A relaxing and fun afternoon on the Delaware River with a great lunch buffet. A great way to see the Philadelphia skyline.

A lovely day

Karen_J, Jun 2024
The friendly service, the food was delicious. Was just an awesome atmosphere. The crew was outstanding. We dance and sung some songs. It was just lovely 😍

You can do better!

Wanda_D, May 2024
The party I came with. The Dan e floor and the attendees. They were great. BUT, the Chester and Philadelphia scenery was horrific and embarrassing. Terrible view of both. Food wasn't appetizing at all.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

We’re sorry to hear we did not meet your expectations, but we appreciate you providing us with feedback regarding the food. Please know we value your review, and we will be using it moving forward as we strive to improve our overall experience.

See the city from the water!

Robert_R, Apr 2024
Gorgeous view of the city and friendly staff. Food was ok for buffet standards but I was expecting more history than music and dancing! Fun if that’s what’s on your mind.

...

Beverly_G, Oct 2023
Great food. great staff! Beautiful weather, great views! Loved having parking lot so close and it was easy to get in and out of.

Good time

Mike_U, Sep 2023
I had a good time wish it was a little bit longer the food was good wish soda was included the staff was all good

Fun experience

Doris_P, Sep 2023
The view down both sides of the river was really cool, lunch was good. I would have liked more talking about the area as we sailed

Enjoyable and Friendly.

AGNES_Y, Aug 2023
The Music was great and the food was good. The staff were professional and amazing. I would recommend the Spirit of Philadelphia to my friends and family.

Not worth it

Arlene_B, Jul 2023
Didn't feel it was worth the money. There is no narration, if you're expecting a sightseeing tour. Boat just goes in circles for 2 hours. Buffet was okay, but not hot. On the positive side, our waiter Rob was excellent and the DJ played good music. Would not do it again.

Complete experience.

Rodney_K, Jul 2023
It was actually better than I expected. The crew were very accomidating and we all had a great time. The food was good and I don't paticular care for buffett's, but this one was good!!

Nice

Lauren_I, Jul 2023
The staff was very accommodating. I was a bit disappointed in the buffet. We were at the end of the line and several of the items had not been replenished….

I decided to take myself...

Takisha_B, Jul 2023
I decided to take myself out for lunch and I loved that I picked Spirt of Philadelphia. I love riding on the front part of the boat feeling all of the wind.

Family Emergency

Sharon_M, Dec 2022
I had to leave unexpectedly due to an emergency could not take the cruise and could not change to another date

Party Cruise not relaxing

Regina_E, Oct 2022
The Food was Outstanding and we enjoyed the cruise except the music was to LOUD Not sure if I would recommend to friends…

Lunch on a boat. Great experience

Jasmine_C, Aug 2022
Very great experience. Food was good views were great. Staff was good. Dj was ok. Wish they played more modern music but I was on the deck most of time so it's ok.

Check date

Curtis_S, Aug 2022
Was unable to go and couldn’t get date changed or refund even though I contacted customer service Incorrect date.

From $67.62

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 19 days in advance.

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