Philadelphia: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise

Philadelphia: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise — A Festive Waterway Experience

If you’re looking to add a touch of sparkle to your Christmas Eve, a cruise aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia might just do the trick. This experience combines the joy of holiday dining with stunning views of Philadelphia’s historic waterfront, all wrapped in a festive setting. Whether you opt for brunch or dinner, you’ll enjoy seasonal décor, a chef-prepared buffet, and lively onboard entertainment. It’s a unique way to celebrate, especially if you love spectacular cityscapes and a bit of holiday cheer.

One thing we especially like about this cruise is the reserved private table, which guarantees a cozy, dedicated spot for your group. Plus, the outdoor rooftop lounge offers an excellent vantage point to see the city’s iconic skyline illuminated at night. However, a word of caution: based on reviews, the food quality can be inconsistent, with some guests mentioning overcooked meats, so don’t expect a gourmet feast. Still, it’s a fun, lively atmosphere suited best for those who enjoy a relaxed, social celebration with scenic views.

This experience works particularly well for couples, families, or groups of friends eager to enjoy a festive outing with a twist. If you’re after a holiday activity that combines good food, entertainment, and memorable scenery, this cruise will probably tick those boxes. Just keep expectations in check regarding the food — it’s more about the ambiance and views than a culinary masterpiece.

• Scenic Waterway Views: Cruise along Philadelphia’s historic waterfront, passing landmarks and under the Ben Franklin Bridge.
• Festive Atmosphere: Decorated yacht with holiday-themed touches enhances the Christmas Eve feel.
• Multiple Dining Options: Choose between a 2-hour brunch with unlimited mimosas or a 2.5-hour dinner experience.
• Entertainment & Activities: Live DJ music, onboard games, and an outdoor rooftop lounge for sightseeing.
• Private, Climate-Controlled Seating: Your own reserved table ensures comfort and a personalized experience.
• Cost and Value: Priced at $142 per person, offering a combination of scenic views, entertainment, and food, though food quality varies.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Spirit of Philadelphia sets the stage for a memorable holiday cruise, departing from Penns Landing. The vessel is decked out with holiday decorations, creating a warm and cheerful ambiance right from boarding. The atmosphere is lively yet cozy, perfect for celebrating with loved ones without the formality of a traditional dinner.

The Itinerary & Setting

Once on board, you’ll find your reserved private table in a fully enclosed, climate-controlled dining area. This ensures you stay warm and comfortable while enjoying the sweeping views through large picture windows. The large outdoor rooftop lounge adds another layer of experience — ideal for those who love to take in the scenery while sipping a seasonal cocktail or just soaking in the festive city skyline.

During the cruise, the main highlight is the seasonal buffet curated by onboard chefs. Guests can expect traditional holiday fare, though some reviews point out that the meats tend to be overcooked, which might disappoint those expecting gourmet quality. There’s a good selection of salads and sides, but poor signage for ingredients could make dietary considerations tricky for some.

Food and Drink

The buffet is described as having all the trimmings, with a three-course presentation for dinner or a more straightforward brunch setup. If you choose brunch, you can also enjoy unlimited mimosas, a nice touch for celebrating the holiday spirit. Coffee, tea, iced tea, and water are included, but alcoholic beverages, aside from mimosas during brunch, are available for purchase.

Guests interested in wine, cocktails, or beer will find a fully stocked bar. However, reviews suggest that the overall food quality may not match the price point, making it more about the experience than a culinary feast.

Entertainment & Atmosphere

A live DJ keeps the energy up throughout the cruise, playing festive tunes, and encouraging onboard games add a playful element. This makes the cruise feel more like a holiday party than a traditional dinner, which is perfect if you’re seeking lively entertainment rather than a quiet, romantic outing.

The decorations and lighting turn the yacht into a holiday wonderland, contributing to a cheerful, seasonal atmosphere. The outdoor rooftop lounge is especially popular for sightseeing, offering panoramic views of landmarks like the Ben Franklin Bridge, with some guests noting it as a highlight of the cruise.

Guest Perspectives

Looking at reviews, the overall sentiment is mixed. One reviewer mentioned, “The meats were overcooked. There was a good selection of salads. There was poor signage for food ingredients. However, the staff was very nice.” This highlights that while the food might not be top-tier, the staff’s friendliness and the overall vibe tend to be positive.

The lively entertainment, scenic views, and holiday decor seem to overshadow some culinary shortcomings for many guests, making it a fun, festive outing rather than a gourmet dining experience. The cruise’s duration — around 2 hours for brunch and 2.5 hours for dinner — strikes a good balance between being lengthy enough to enjoy the sights and not feeling overly long or tiring.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

This cruise is ideal for those who love celebrating the holidays in a lively, scenic environment. It suits groups of friends, couples, or families looking to make Christmas Eve special without the formality of a fancy sit-down dinner. It’s perfect if you enjoy outdoor views, festive music, and a social atmosphere.

However, if you’re a foodie seeking a gourmet experience, you might find the buffet quality lacking. If you prefer a quiet, romantic evening, the lively DJ and group setting might be a bit too energetic. For travelers wanting a memorable holiday activity that blends sightseeing with celebration, this cruise offers a cheerful, unique option.

Practical Tips for Your Cruise

• Make sure to reserve as a single booking for your party to ensure everyone can sit together.
• Dress casually but neatly — think nice pants or a blouse, as the atmosphere is relaxed.
• Bring a passport or ID card, especially if you plan to purchase alcohol.
• Arrive early to enjoy the decor and get settled before departure.
• Check the cruise availability for your preferred time, as departure times vary.
• Consider whether you prefer the brunch option with unlimited mimosas or the dinner cruise; both offer different experiences.

Final Thoughts

The Philadelphia Christmas Eve cruise with City Cruises offers a lively, scenic way to celebrate the holiday. While the food quality might not be Michelin-star level, the combination of stunning skyline views, holiday decorations, lively entertainment, and a friendly atmosphere creates a memorable experience. It’s a fun, festive outing best suited for those who enjoy a social vibe, spectacular vistas, and a touch of holiday magic on the water.

This cruise provides good value for the price of $142, especially considering the included decor, entertainment, and scenic route. It’s a great option to make Christmas Eve special, whether you’re visiting Philadelphia or local residents wanting a different kind of celebration.

If your priority is capturing holiday spirit amid beautiful views, and you’re happy to go with some variability in food quality, this cruise could be just the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cruise suitable for children?
Yes, families can enjoy the cruise, especially since it’s a lively, festive environment. Just keep in mind that the focus is on celebration, so younger children should be comfortable with the music and activity level.

What’s the duration of the cruise?
The brunch cruise lasts about 2 hours, while the dinner cruise extends to approximately 2.5 hours, depending on the option you select. Check availability for specific start times.

Are drinks included?
Unlimited mimosas are included with the brunch option. Other alcohol, including wine, beer, and cocktails, are available for purchase onboard.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

What should I wear?
Casual attire is recommended — think nice pants, a blouse, or khakis. Dress comfortably but neatly to match the relaxed, festive vibe.

Can I sit outside?
Yes, the outdoor rooftop lounge is open for sightseeing and enjoying the views, weather permitting.

What about the food quality?
Based on reviews, the buffet offers a good selection of salads and seasonal items, but some meats may be overcooked. Signage for food ingredients might be lacking, so dietary restrictions could be a bit tricky.

Is gratuity included?
No, gratuity is not included, so plan to tip the staff if you’re satisfied with the service.

Can I bring my own alcohol?
Outside alcohol is not permitted; all beverages must be purchased onboard.

This cruise offers a cheerful, scenic way to spend Christmas Eve in Philadelphia. It’s perfect for holiday cheer-seekers who want a fun atmosphere, lovely views, and some good music, all while enjoying the city’s illuminated waterfront.