
Philadelphia New Year's Eve Cruises
Join us for a very special and festive Gala New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise along the magnificent Philadelphia water front. Why go to a land-based restaurant when you can get so much more on this exciting cruise?
Enjoy a grande buffet, energetic floor show, dancing, a premium open bar, party favors, champagne toast at midnight, and a keepsake souvenir glass. What better way to ring in the New Year!
Book tickets online and save or call toll free for assistance with reservations, group bookings and private charter services.
| New Year's Eve Gala Dinner Cruise in Philadelphia |
| Length: |
5 hours from boarding to disembarking |
| Prices - including tax |
Our Adult Retail Rate (ages 21+): |
$215.95 |
Our Adult Internet Rate (ages 21+): |
$210.95 |
| Savings: |
$5.00 |
|
| Time: |
9:00 pm on December 31
Boarding at 8:00 pm |
| Summary: |
This event does not include a hotel pick-up. Prices include tax but not gratuity. No one under age 21 allowed. ALL SALES ARE FINAL - no cancellations, no exchanges, no refunds. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-750-3413.
** You will receive an E-Ticket for your tour/activity. We attempt to provide your E-Ticket within 72 hours (if your tour/activity is in less than 10 days). If your tour/activity is within the next 72 hours, your E-Ticket will be processed as quickly as possible. You will need to print your E-Ticket at www.roundamerica.net/tickets; you must have your E-Ticket, or you will be charged again with no refund.
There is a $3.95 processing fee per order. This is a flat fee regardless of the number of tickets or tours purchased on an order. |
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Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds. All sales are final.
Change Fee Policy: If changes are allowed on a tour or activity, a $20.00 per reservation change fee will be applied for any change to a reservation. Please note that some tours and activities do not allow any changes. Date changes can only be made only if we can confirm availability on the new date. While we cannot guarantee any changes can be made, all change requests must be submitted a minimum of 24 hours prior to the tour departure and must be handled on an individual basis through our Reservations Center.
The Setting
Feel right at home as you cruise in climate-controlled comfort. You'll be seated at your table where attentive servers will take your drink orders and invite you up to the buffet. Enjoy a bountiful meal as you gaze at riverfront sights and listen to talented entertainers dazzle you with song. Later in the evening, you'll have a front row seat for the fireworks spectacular along the waterfront.
Sightseeing on the Cruise:
Your cruise departs from Penn's Landing where Columbus Boulevard meets Lombard Circle. Your excursion covers the Delaware River with spectacular views of the Philadelphia and Camden Skylines.
1. Penn's Landing
The place where William Penn, Philadelphia's founder, first touched ground. Today, Penn's Landing is a riverside park and the place where Philadelphians gather in the summer to hear music and on December 31 to usher in the New Year.
2. Delaware River
Originally named after Lord Delaware who was the first governor of the Virginia Colony. An important body of water to Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is used for commerce as well as pleasure.
3. Shot Tower
It looks like a smoke stack with a lid on top, but it's really America's first shot tower built in 1808. Shot towers revolutionized the making of musket balls and other solid projectiles based on the principle that molten lead will form perfect round balls when poured from a high place.
4. Old Swedes Church
This church hosts the oldest, active congregation in the country. It was founded in 1643, and it presently known as Gloria Dei Church.
5. S.S. United States
This huge ship (990 feet long - 80 feet longer than the Titantic) still holds the record for speed crossing the Atlantic. Passengers over the years have included Philadelphia's Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and presidents of the United States. This was the ship used in the movie "An Affair To Remember" with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Norwegian Cruise lines are purchasing her and bringing her back to full glory as a modern cruise ship.
6. Gazela and Tugboat Jupiter
The Gazela is a 177-foot-long square-rigged vessel built in 1883. In her first incarnation, she was a Portuguese fishing boat still operating as recently as the 1960's. She was the oldest tall ship to participate in the OpSail Tall Ship Festival in 1976, and also took part in the Statue of Liberty's 100th birthday celebration in New York Harbor in 1986. The Jupiter played a significant role in the development of commerce and transportation in the Delaware Valley. She is believed to be the oldest tug still active that represents Neafie and Levy's work. The tug's mechanical systems are a good example of the evolution of a typical workboat from 1900 to the 1950's.
Currently, she takes part in educational programs, festivals, and boat parades. Jupiter is also used as a functioning tug, moving the Ship Guild's other vessels. The operation and maintenance is performed by a volunteer group of active and retired tugboat professionals and enthusiasts.
7. Old Christ's Church and Burial Ground
The church is one of America's most historic shrines and as such Philadelphians have always revered it. The church's steeple, at 196-feet high is to this day a visible landmark from many parts of the city. It is referred as the "200-foot steeple" by their guides. One can only wonder then, at what it meant to those ships of two centuries past coming up the Delaware river after months at sea.
8. Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman Bridges
The Ben Franklin Bridge was the largest single-span structure in the world when it opened in July 1926, and is still the largest suspension bridge in the United States. It is brilliantly illuminated at night, with special laser lights that "perform" as the high speed line train crosses over from one city to the other. The Walt Whitman Bridge is named after Philadelphia's famous poet, the dynamic bridge boasts a 2,000-foot span. The only way to cross this bridge is by car, truck, bus, or motorcycle.
9. Independence Seaport Museum
Located on Penn's Landing, the Museum captures the region's maritime heritage with family-oriented, interactive exhibits, magnificent ship models, artifacts and art! They maintain two historic landmarks along the Delaware that you are invited to climb aboard - Admiral Dewey's 1892 cruiser OLYMPIA and the WWII submarine BECUNA. After your cruise, if you have time, you can search for treasures in their nautical gift shop. The Sub Becuna was Commissioned in 1944 to serve as the submarine flagship of the Southwest Pacific Fleet under General Douglas MacArthur, the guppy-class Becuna was credited with destroying thousands of naval and merchant ships including a battleship. The Becuna became a training submarine at New London, Connecticut, and was decommissioned in 1969.
The Flagship Olympia is the oldest steel-hulled American warship afloat, the U.S.S. Olympia served as Commodore George Dewey's flagship during the Battle of Manila Bay on May 1, 1898.
10. Sports Complex
A large complex used for sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment. This Sports Complex is comprised of 4 large stadiums. These are home to the 76ers basketball, Flyers hockey, Eagles football and Phillies baseball. Philadelphia supports 10 professional sports teams! If you go there, look for the "Rocky" statue.
11. Naval Shipyard
The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was the first Naval Shipyard in the Nation. It ceased operations on September 27, 1996. Many decommissioned ships are still docked there to view. More recent, this is the new site for Cruise Philly!
12. Camden Waterfront
The Camden Waterfront is a bustling area with many major attractions. Camden, New Jersey is home to Campbell's Soup, who built the beautiful new baseball stadium where the River Sharks play. The Aquarium, Tweeter Center, and the U.S.S. Battleship New Jersey make this an exciting place to come back and visit.
13. Philadelphia and Camden Skyline
As we come back to dock, don't miss the breath taking view of history blended with modern times. Be amazed at the transformation on the New Jersey side of the river, and, on the Pennsylvania side, amidst all the new tall buildings, don't forget to look for William "Willy" Penn who still stands on top of City Hall today? At one time it was the rule that no buildings could be any taller than this one.
Entertainment
The ship is alive with entertainment. Enjoy your favorite tunes woven into a live musical revue. Get moving as the DJ picks up the beat for non-stop dancing. Enjoy the fireworks spectacular along the waterfront.
Food Service
As irresistible as the view is our menu, which offers you a satisfying array of choices and flavors. Attentive servers cater to your every request so you can relax and enjoy the entertainment and sights.
Relax with a refreshing beverage. Then our host will invite you to an all-you-can-eat buffet of popular favorites featuring several entrees, vegetables, salads and side dishes. You'll finish off with your choice of dessert. The Open Premium Bar is available throughout the cruise at your table or from one of our bars.
Boarding time 30 minutes prior to departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the ship go?
The ship departs from the World Trade Center in the Seaport District. While sailing routes may vary, the Spirit of Boston cruises as far south as Castle Island/Fort Independence and as far north as the Mystic River along the Boston skyline.
Are there any age requirements?
For the New Year's Eve cruise, because of the open bar, no one under age 21 is allowed. A valid photo ID is required for all guests.
What type of entertainment is offered?
The DJ plays a variety of lively dance music from the '40s through today. In addition, a professional cast of performers will provide lively entertainment during the cruise. And, don't forget to watch the fireworks spectacular!
What is your smoking policy?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who enjoy smoking may do so on the outdoor observation decks.
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.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes.
What number should I call to make reservations?
Please call 888-750-3413 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every day of the year.
How far in advance should I make reservations?
This cruise always sells out, so call us as soon as possible. Of course, reservations can be made right up to the day of the cruise, provided there is space available.
Which credit cards are accepted?
We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.
Can I make reservations by phone and pay at the ship?
No. For individual parties, payment is required in full at the time of the reservation.
What should I wear?
For the New Year's Eve cruise, appropriate attire is semi-formal to formal. Men should plan on coats and ties. Women generally wear dresses or dressy pants outfits. Some New Year's Eve guests will come in formal wear, but it is not required or even suggested.
Is parking available at the ship?
Yes.
Do you sail in inclement weather?
The ship is fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort and cruises rain or shine. If for any reason the ship does not sail, the event will be held dockside.
How early should I arrive for my cruise?
You may pick up your tickets one hour before the cruise time. We will board the vessel promptly at 7:30pm on New Year's Eve.
Will I get seasick?
It's unlikely. The ship is one of the largest and most stable cruise ships on the waterfornt. On rare occasions when the water is very rough, our Captain will sail the vessel within the breakwater area.
What kind of food is served?
Our cruises feature all-you-can-eat buffets with delicious choices prepared on board by our executive chefs and their galley staffs. Selections include beef, poultry and seafood with fresh vegetables, salad, rolls with butter, and dessert. With advance notice, we can accommodate requests for kosher meals, and we can arrange special meals for guests with allergies.
What do drinks cost?
Nothing on this cruise! The Premium Open Bar is available throughout the cruise and is included in the ticket price.
Is gratuity included?
No. Gratuity for your service personnel, based on performance, will be your responsibility on the night of the cruise.
How is seating arranged on board?
Our ships feature cabaret-style seating. The majority of our tables accommodate four to eight people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties. Please understand that we cannot guarantee specific seating on the deck.
This event does not include a hotel pick-up. Prices include tax but not gratuity. No one under age 21 allowed. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-750-3413.

Entertainment Aboard the Philadelphia Spirit

Step up to the Grande Buffet

Dining Area on the Spirit

Cheers!