Written history of Philadelphia began in 1682 when the city was founded by William Penn. The name Philadelphia, which Penn created himself, is the combination of two Greek words for love (phileo) and brother (adelphos). The city of brotherly love was born and soon grew to be the host of rich American history. During the American Revolution, Philadelphia was the site of the First and Second Continental Congresses and soon after the city became the temporary capital of the United States from 1790-1800. As time passed, it became the new nation’s largest city, first capital, and home to the Liberty Bell, Declaration of Independence, and Constitution.
The Experience
For the past three decades now, the Spirit of Philadelphia takes diners on a wonderful waterfront excursion that highlights the city of brotherly love’s festive atmosphere and tops the cake with dancing, dining, entertainment, and the most incredible skyline views of the Delaware River. The cruise features modern design with colorful LED lighting, a floating rooftop lounge, and an interactive dancefloor and live DJ. The freshly prepared delicious buffet lunch offers different organic salads to choose from to start, followed by flavorful oven roasted salmon and tilapia, maple and mustard glazed pork loin, chicken parmesan meatballs, baked ziti, roasted broccoli, and mashed potatoes. Then, finish with some delicious pastries, cookies, brownies, and seasonal fruit.
Cruising the Delaware River
Aboard the ship are three climate controlled interior decks with panoramic windows, guaranteeing every possible opportunity to experience those beautiful skyline views from every perspective. Following take off from Penn’s Landing, the cruise will take you to see up close, the Ben Franklin Bridge, which was dedicated to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Along the route you will also pass many sights including America’s first Shot Tower, the Old Swedes Church, the Naval Shipyard, Red Bank Battlefield, the Walt Whitman Bridge, Flag Ship Olympia, and many more.
- Professional photographers will take individual and group photos upon arrival that may be purchased on the return route, as well as other souvenirs.
- Photography is permitted and encouraged!