
City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise
Traveler rating
4.0/5
Based on 61 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise worth booking?
City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise is a 2-hour experience in Philadelphia, United States, from $91 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4/5 rating across 61 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 47 / 100
- Rating
- 4/5 (61)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $91 per person
Grab the family, your group of friends, or colleagues and experience the city in a new way aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia! Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch buffet, fun deck games, a narrated tour and DJ entertainment. See spectacular views of the Philadelphia skyline and waterfront landmarks from the interior dining decks and exterior rooftop lounge! Departing from Penn's Landing, a lunch cruise with City Cruises is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water.
What you get
About this experience
Grab the family, your group of friends, or colleagues and experience the city in a new way aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia! Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch buffet, fun deck games, a narrated tour and DJ entertainment. See spectacular views of the Philadelphia skyline and waterfront landmarks from the interior dining decks and exterior rooftop lounge! Departing from Penn's Landing, a lunch cruise with City Cruises is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water.
What's included
Included
- Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water
- Service charge and taxes
- Private outdoor table with amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline
- A two-hour cruise on the Delaware River
- Delicious lunch buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts (view menu)
- Background music
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise with Buffet
120 minutes here · Admission included
Penn's Landing
Your tour departs from Penn's Landing
15 minutes here
Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Enjoy the sights and Philadelphia skyline during this river cruise
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Philadelphia
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- City Cruises
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 61 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
61 verified traveler reviews for City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
River cruise
The sightseeing part is non existent. The small attempt to inform was completely inaudible. This is a lunch buffet on the river, the staff polite and helpful.
via Viator
Good value
Well run, the staff was efficient, the buffet was very good, a great value for the money, a nice day
via Viator
Great experience. The DJ was awesome, it was a great birthday gift for my mother.
The food and the music were awesome. The view of the city was incredible. I also enjoyed the lane dance.
via Viator
Somewhat disappointing “Spirit of Philadelphia” cruise
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.
via Viator
AWFUL
AWFUL! We went on their lunch cruise, it was to be 12-2pm. We left at 12:20. Our lunch buffet was horrible! Most of the food was cold. The salmon was the only warm dish. The pasta dish was dried up and you had to stir it, just to look edible, however it was cold. I got my pasta salad mixed up the alleged warm pasta dish! The crew stood at the entrance of the boat the entire cruise chatting. When we were going over the safety, everyone was talking and waiters/waitresses are taking orders. I couldn’t hear anything! Real safe! After lunch around 1:00 we went outside to get pictures. The cruise is really all industrial, not picturesque. Ugly! When we came back down at 1:15, our silverware, water glasses and napkins were gone! Desert apparently was served(buffet) and most of it gone. I had to get my own water in plastic cups from the coffee station. We arrived back at 1:50. This was not a 2 hour cruise! The boat was in very bad shape, chairs were disgusting and employees not friendly and rushing us along. I got my bar tab at 1:15. This was the worst lunch/cruise I’ve ever taken!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $91 to $95
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 21
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by City Cruises, who run 37 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.7.
See everything City Cruises runsWhy this scores 47
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Philadelphia.
How much does City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $91 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Philadelphia usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Philadelphia is not rushed.
Is City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4/5 across 61 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Philadelphia, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise?
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Around 21 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Philadelphia can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Philadelphia and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Philadelphia within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Philadelphia?
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Philadelphia's core is walkable: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell need timed entry, the mural arts programme runs the largest public art collection in the country, and the Reading Terminal and Italian Market food walks fill the middle of the day. Outty Ranking favours operators who secure Independence Hall tickets rather than sending you to the visitor centre queue. On Outty we rank every Philadelphia experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia, Dark Philly Adult Night Tour, Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour with 10+ Top Sites. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Philadelphia?
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April to June and September to October, mild weather and open patios. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Philadelphia?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise?
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Included: Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water; Service charge and taxes; Private outdoor table with amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline; A two-hour cruise on the Delaware River; and Delicious lunch buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts (view menu). Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Infants aged 2 years and under are free of charge (meal not included). If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about City Cruises Philadelphia: Signature Buffet Lunch Cruise?
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Across 61 reviews averaging 4.0 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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