Philadelphia: Thanksgiving Early Dinner Cruise

Imagine celebrating Thanksgiving on the water, with the city skyline shimmering in the background, good food in front of you, and a lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter. That’s exactly what the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Early Dinner Cruise promises. Hosted aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, this 2-hour cruise offers a unique way to mark the holiday, blending scenic views, delicious cuisine, and entertainment all in one memorable package.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines the festive spirit of Thanksgiving with the thrill of being on the Delaware River, offering both comfort and excitement. The reserved dining setup guarantees you won’t be fighting for space, and the outdoor rooftop lounge provides an excellent vantage point for city views. One thing to keep in mind is that this cruise is quite focused on the dining and social aspect—so if you’re looking for a long, sightseeing-focused day, this might feel a bit condensed.

This cruise suits travelers who want a mix of celebration, scenic views, and good company. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or celebrating a special occasion, you’ll find this a lively, well-organized event that makes holiday memories easy to create.

Key Points

• Scenic views of Philadelphia’s landmarks and the Ben Franklin Bridge
• All-you-can-eat festive 3-course buffet with traditional trimmings
• Live DJ entertainment with onboard games for a lively atmosphere
• Reserved private tables in a climate-controlled setting
• Open-air rooftop lounge for better city views and fresh air
• Flexible timing around the holiday schedule (check availability)

An Overview of the Experience

The Philadelphia Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise is designed as a relaxing yet festive way to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. For $142 per person, you gain access to a 2-hour cruise on the Delaware River, with much of the focus on enjoying a hearty buffet, entertainment, and stunning cityscapes. The Spirit of Philadelphia itself is a spacious vessel that comfortably accommodates guests, with both enclosed and outdoor areas to enjoy the views regardless of the weather.

What You Can Expect During the Cruise

The cruise departs from Philadelphia’s waterfront, offering a smooth start to your holiday celebration. Once onboard, you’re shown to a reserved private table—a real plus if you’re traveling with a group or want a guaranteed spot. The interior of the ship features climate-controlled decks, perfect for keeping warm or cool depending on the season.

The food is a highlight—think traditional Thanksgiving fare, but with a buffet style that allows you to sample a little of everything. Guests have raved about the delicious food and tapas, appreciating the variety and quality of the dishes, which are freshly prepared and plentiful. The buffet includes salads, entrees, and desserts, all topped off with unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea, and water.

While eating, you can enjoy live DJ music, which creates a lively, upbeat atmosphere. The onboard games and entertainment further enhance this mood, making it ideal for groups who enjoy socializing and dancing. For those who want a breather from the interior, the outdoor rooftop lounge offers sweeping views of the city skyline and the river, perfect for taking photos or simply soaking up the scenery.

The Scenic Highlights

Cruising past iconic landmarks like the Ben Franklin Bridge and other waterfront sights gives this experience a scenic edge that’s hard to beat. The views are best appreciated from the outdoor lounge or the large windows in the climate-controlled decks, offering a different perspective on Philly’s familiar skyline.

Guests have noted how well the cruise captures the historic and modern essence of Philadelphia, providing a unique perspective that you simply can’t experience from land. The atmosphere aboard feels festive yet relaxed, with the city lights reflecting off the river and adding to the holiday magic.

Food and Drink: A Thanksgiving Feast

The buffet is carefully curated to provide a traditional yet satisfying holiday meal. Guests have mentioned that the food is freshly prepared, with generous portions and a good range of options. The all-you-can-eat format means you can indulge in multiple trips, which is perfect if you’re hungry after a day of exploring Philadelphia.

The drinks are available for purchase, including seasonal cocktails, wine pairings, and beers. The bar is fully stocked, allowing you to enjoy a drink while admiring the views or dancing to the DJ’s playlist.

Authenticity and Review Insights

From reviews, we understand that the quality of food and entertainment is among the cruise’s strongest points. Guests have described the live DJ as lively but not overwhelming, creating a perfect backdrop for conversation and fun. One reviewer mentioned how they appreciated that the tables were guaranteed for their party size, eliminating worries about seating arrangements, which can be a common concern on group outings.

Another guest highlighted the seasonal cocktails, saying they added a special touch to the celebration, while the desserts were described as “delicious and plentiful,” rounding out the meal nicely. However, some reviewers pointed out that the menu can change, so it’s wise to inform your server of any allergies or dietary needs beforehand.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

The onboard live DJ keeps the energy high, blending holiday tunes with popular hits. The games and onboard activities help keep everyone engaged, especially if you’re traveling with children or groups that enjoy mingling. The outdoor rooftop lounge is often praised for its panoramic views, making it a favorite spot for photos and enjoying the cool breeze.

Since all interior spaces are non-smoking, guests who wish to smoke are directed to the outdoor decks, which are spacious enough to accommodate this comfortably without disturbing others.

The atmosphere is generally described as festive and lively, perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving with friends or family in a relaxed yet celebratory setting.

Practical Tips for Booking

To get the most out of this experience, consider the following tips:
– Reserve as a single party to ensure your group is seated together. Separate reservations may not guarantee this.
– Infants (0-2) are free, but you must select the free infant ticket for them to be admitted.
– Casual attire is recommended, with flat, closed-toed shoes for safety on deck.
– The menu might change, so let your server know about any allergies or dietary restrictions before ordering.
– Remember, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, so plan accordingly if you want drinks with your meal.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This cruise is best suited for travelers who enjoy a festive atmosphere paired with scenic views. It’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or couples looking to combine a holiday meal with a unique sightseeing experience. If you’re seeking a relaxed yet lively way to celebrate Thanksgiving without the fuss of land-based dining, this cruise offers both comfort and entertainment.

It also caters well to those who appreciate good food, as the buffet features quality dishes and tapas, plus the chance to enjoy a drink from the bar. The outdoor rooftop lounge is a standout feature for those who love to snap photos or enjoy some fresh air while taking in the city lights.

The Sum Up

Celebrating Thanksgiving on the Spirit of Philadelphia offers a blend of scenic beauty, great food, and holiday cheer that many will find memorable. The reserved tables, live DJ music, and outdoor rooftop lounge make it a lively, comfortable experience, especially suited for those who want a fun, social way to mark the holiday. The quality of the buffet and the spectacular views of Philadelphia’s landmarks help justify the price, making it a good value for those seeking a special celebration on the water.

This cruise is an excellent choice if you prefer a shorter, more focused experience that combines dining, entertainment, and sightseeing into one smooth package. For families or groups wanting to enjoy the city’s festive spirit without the hassle of land-based reservations, this cruise offers a relaxed yet lively alternative.

FAQ

Is the cruise suitable for children or infants?
Yes, infants aged 0-2 are free to attend; just remember to select the free infant ticket during booking.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, but check the exact starting times when booking to ensure it fits your schedule.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased onboard. Non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, tea, and water are unlimited and included with the meal.

Is the seating guaranteed?
Yes, your reservation guarantees a table for your party size. Make sure to book all together to avoid splitting up.

What should I wear?
Casual attire is recommended, with flat, closed-toed shoes advised for safety on deck.

Can I smoke during the cruise?
All interior areas are non-smoking. Smoking is permitted only on the outdoor observation decks.

What if I have food allergies?
Inform your server before ordering; the menu is subject to change, so dietary needs should be communicated early.

Celebrating Thanksgiving with a cruise on the Delaware River offers a special way to enjoy Philadelphia’s sights, good food, and festive music—making it a holiday to remember for all the right reasons.