Cruise Questions

Before you cruise, let us answer some important questions for you!

Attire. What is the dress code on the Spirit of Philadelphia?
For evening cruises, appropriate attire is business casual to dressy. Men traditionally wear slacks and sport coats, with or without ties. Women wear dresses or nice pants. We do not recommend T-shirts, jeans, shorts or sneakers in the evening. Afternoon cruises are generally more relaxed, and casual attire is fine.

Boarding. What is "Boarding Time" and "Cruising Time?"
"Boarding Time" is the earliest our guests may board the ship. Typically we begin boarding 1/2 hour prior to the "Cruise Time." Tickets may be picked up at our dockside kiosk up to one hour prior to the cruise.

Cancellations. What is your refund policy?
We regret there are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise year-round, rain or shine. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.

Children. Are there any age requirements?
Children of all ages are welcome on our lunch and dinner cruises. However, on midnight moonlight cruises all passengers must be 21 years or older with valid photo ID. Discounts for children age 12 and under are offered during specific times of the year. Call toll free 866.455.3866for details.

Coast Guard Regulations. Is the vessel Coast Guard certified?
Yes. The Spirit of Philadelphia is Coast Guard certified and maintained regularly to adhere to strict safety regulations.

Cruise Route. Where does the Spirit of Philadelphia go?
The ship departs Penn’s Landing and sails down the Delaware River as far north as the Ben Franklin Bridge and as far south as the old Navy Yard passing under the Walt Whitman Bridge. See our cruise route >>>

Dancing. What kind of dance music do you play?
Our lunch and dinner cruises feature a full range of popular dance tunes spun by some of the city’s hottest DJs. Selections may include Rock, Blues, Line Dances, Motown, Oldies, Salsa, Hip Hop, Country, and current chart-toppers from every musical genre.

Directions. How do I get to the ship?
The Spirit of Philadelphia departs from Penn’s Landing where Columbus Boulevard meets Lombard Circle. See detailed directions >>>

Drinks. What do drinks cost?
All beer is sold by the bottle, with domestic beers for $6 and imported for $7. Wine begins at $6.00 per glass. Specialty drinks begin at $9. Soft drinks are $1.50. These prices do not include tax or gratuity. Prices may be subject to change.

Entertainment. What type of entertainment is offered?
Spirit lunch and dinner cruises are all about entertainment. Cruises begin with streamers and a Bon Voyage celebration at your table. Intermittent live song performances as well as subtle background music will accompany the dining portion of your cruise. After dessert, Spirit’s star-quality performers stage a live song-and-dance revue, followed by pulsing dance hits played by some of the city’s hottest DJs. We also feature an entertaining narrated sightseeing tour on our lunch cruises. Read more about our entertainment >>>

Gift Certificates. How can I purchase gift certificates?
Spirit Gift Certificates are available in $25 increments and may be purchased online or by calling toll free 866.455.3866. Printed gift certificates come with an elegant presentation holder. If you choose to send your gift electronically, our attractive, full-color, e-mailable gift certificates can be completely customized for you and your recipient. All gift certificates are good for one year. Purchase gift certificates >>>

Groups. What size group can Spirit of Philadelphia accommodate?
The Spirit of Philadelphia can host parties of two to 500 guests. Groups of 20 or more should contact our group sales department at 866.394.8439for reservations. Parties of 1 to 19 should toll free 866.455.3866.

Handicap accessibility. Is the ship handicap accessible?
Yes. Our ship can accommodate wheelchairs for boarding and provides a handicap-accessible restroom. Please notify us of any special-assistance members in your party prior to the cruise so we can provide the appropriate assistance upon arrival.

Menu. What type of food is served?
Our cruises feature all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffets with delicious choices prepared on board by our executive chefs and their galley staffs. With advance notice, we can accommodate requests for kosher meals, and we can arrange special meals for guests with allergies. Other specialty menus are available for groups of 20 or more and for deck or full-ship charters.

Midnight Moonlight Cruise. What does it include?
Spirit offers Midnight Moonlight Dance Cruises on select dates throughout the year featuring lively DJs, rockin’ dance tunes, late-night snacks, cash bars, and the largest outdoor deck in Philly. Passengers must be age 21 or older with a valid photo ID.

Packages. Do you offer packages to make my cruise extra-special? Yes. We offer several enhancements and packages that can be added on to your lunch or dinner cruise package. You can choose from a private table for two, balloons, roses, bar packages and more.

Parking. Is there parking close to the ship?
Yes. The Lombard Circle Parking Lot is located on Columbus Boulevard at Lombard Circle, just steps away from our ship. The lot is well lit and supervised. Rates are approximately $20 per car. (Prices subject to change). See directions >>>

Payment. What type of payment do you accept?
Payment is required in full at the time of the reservation. We accept major credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club. We also accept traveler's checks, money orders, and certified checks. Please send checks or money orders to the address below:

Spirit of Philadelphia
Pier 3
Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phones. Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the cruise. For the comfort of other guests, we ask that cell phone conversations be held on the outside decks.

Pricing.
Find pricing and dates to the Spirit of Philadelphia >>>

Refund Policy. Do you offer refunds?
There are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise year-round, rain or shine. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.

Reservations. How can I make reservations for a cruise?
While parties of 19 or fewer are often able to walk up and purchase tickets at our dockside kiosk on the day of a cruise, reservations are highly recommended. You can purchase tickets online via our reservations calendar or by phone. See pricing and dates.

Purchase tickets online >>>

Individuals call:
• Toll Free: 866.455.3866
• Reservation center hours >>>

For groups of 20 or more call:
• 866.394.8439
• Monday - Friday between 8:30am - 5:30pm

Seasickness. Will I get seasick?
It is highly unlikely. The Spirit of Philadelphia is one of the largest and most stable harbor cruise ships on the Delaware River.

Seating. How is seating arranged on board?
Our ship features cabaret-style seating. The majority of our tables accommodate four to eight people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties. Review our enhancement packages for private seating upgrades.

Ship information. Can you tell me a little bit about the Spirit of Philadelphia? The Spirit of Philadelphia is spaciously designed with three climate-controlled interior decks, strolling decks at the bow and stern, and a large outdoor patio deck. It is handicap accessible and Coast Guard approved for up to 500 passengers. Amenities include full service bars, two dance floors (or staging areas), spacious bathrooms, flexible seating arrangements and huge, panoramic windows. Tour the ship >>>

Smoking. What is your smoking policy?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks.

Tickets. Where can I pick up the cruise tickets?
Tickets can be conveniently picked up at the dock, up to a one hour prior to the cruise departure, on the day of the cruise. The credit card used for purchase and photo ID will be required.

Weather. Do you sail in inclement weather?
Absolutely. Our ship is fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail — rain or shine — year round.

Wedding events. How much does a wedding event on the Spirit cost? Wedding events are only available on the Spirit of Philadelphia in November and January - March. The cost depends on the event type (engagement party, shower, bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner, wedding & reception, post-wedding luncheon, etc.), the number of guests, the time of year and the package you choose. Our expert wedding planners will be happy to give you a cost proposal. For more information call 866.394.8439.