Philadelphia’s best buffet options are found aboard river cruises, offering both excellent food and stunning views. The Spirit of Philadelphia’s dinner cruise stands out with its well-stocked buffet and evening entertainment – a top pick for visitors wanting a memorable dining experience. Their lunch cruise is equally good, combining fresh cuisine with informative commentary about the city’s landmarks.
I especially love the Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise for its festive atmosphere and carefully prepared holiday menu. It’s the perfect blend of dining and sightseeing, with the added bonus of signature cocktails.
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Key Points
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The Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise offers a 3-hour buffet experience with a variety of entrees, including fresh Atlantic flounder and honey sesame chicken.
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The Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise provides a 2-hour midday buffet cruise with scenic views of the Philadelphia skyline and limited live commentary on city landmarks.
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The Philadelphia Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise features a 3-hour festive cruise with a chef-prepared holiday buffet, though the quality has been criticized in limited reviews.
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Dinner cruises offer live entertainment and DJ music, while lunch cruises provide live narration, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Customer feedback on the buffet experiences varies, with the dinner cruise generally receiving more positive reviews for food quality and staff service compared to the lunch and holiday cruises.
Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise With Buffet
Cruising along the picturesque Delaware River, the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise offers a delightful dining experience complemented by stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline.
The 3-hour cruise departs from Penn’s Landing, allowing guests to take in the sights of the waterfront and cityscape. Onboard, travelers can enjoy live entertainment and DJ music, with a maximum capacity of 200 guests.
The dinner buffet features a variety of freshly prepared options, including salads, vegetables, pasta, entrees, and desserts. Standout menu items include Atlantic flounder, honey and sesame chicken, and an assortment of cakes and mousse.
Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included, while alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
The cruise is accessible for strollers, and guests are welcome to dress casually. Though not wheelchair-accessible, the Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise receives positive reviews for its courteous staff, tasty food, and scenic views, making it a recommended choice for special occasions and family outings.
Read our full review: Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise With Buffet Review
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Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise With Buffet
The Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise provides a delightful midday dining experience on the Delaware River. This two-hour cruise invites guests to enjoy a freshly prepared buffet while taking in the scenic views of the Philadelphia skyline.
The buffet offers a variety of entrees, salads, and desserts, complemented by unlimited coffee, tea, and water. Passengers can choose to sit at a private outdoor table, weather permitting.
While the crew provides live narration of the city’s landmarks, some guests have noted the limited sightseeing information. The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it welcomes service animals and offers infant seats.
With a rating of 4.1 from 55 reviews, the cruise has received praise for its beautiful views, friendly staff, and clean environment, though some have commented on food temperature issues and poor customer service.
Priced from $57.96 per person, the cruise is a popular choice for a lunchtime excursion in Philadelphia.
Read our full review: Spirit of Philadelphia Signature Lunch Cruise With Buffet Review
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Philadelphia Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise
Hosted on the Delaware River, the Philadelphia Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise offers a festive dining experience for travelers seeking to celebrate the holiday season.
The 3-hour cruise departs from Penn’s Landing, providing guests with spectacular views of the city skyline and local landmarks. The chef-prepared, buffet-style holiday dining features a variety of options, complemented by complimentary coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.
While creative cocktails, wine, beer, and soda are available for purchase, gratuities aren’t included. The casual dress code allows for comfortable attire, and the cruise is wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, and accommodates service animals.
However, with a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, the experience has received a review rating of only 2.0 based on one review, which highlighted poor food quality and seating arrangements, as well as complaints about smoke odor impacting the experience.
Read our full review: Philadelphia Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet Cruise Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How Early Should I Arrive for the Buffet?
To get the best selection at a buffet, it’s recommended to arrive early. Many buffets can get crowded, so arriving 15-30 minutes before opening time will allow you to enjoy the full menu before the crowds arrive.
Can I Take Food Back to My Table?
Most buffet restaurants allow customers to take food back to their tables. However, it’s best to check with the staff, as some establishments may have policies against this to maintain the presentation and cleanliness of the buffet area.
What Is the Dress Code for the Cruise?
The dress code for the cruise is typically casual, with no formal wear required. Guests can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire, though it’s best to avoid overly casual or beachwear to maintain a relaxed yet presentable appearance on board.
Are There Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Options Available?
Most cruise lines offer vegetarian and gluten-free options to accommodate various dietary needs. Passengers should check with the cruise line beforehand to ensure their specific requirements can be met during the onboard dining experiences.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on Board?
No, you can’t bring your own alcoholic beverages to a buffet restaurant. Most establishments have a strict policy against outside alcohol due to licensing and liability concerns. You’ll need to purchase any alcoholic drinks directly from the restaurant.
Recap
The Spirit of Philadelphia offers several cruise options with buffet-style dining, providing a unique and memorable dining experience in Philadelphia. The signature dinner and lunch cruises are popular for their scenic views and variety of cuisine. The Christmas Eve dinner cruise also offers a festive holiday buffet for those looking to celebrate the season on the water. These buffet cruises provide a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city from a different perspective.