Spirit of Philadelphia Frequently Asked Questions

2012 Spirit Sweepstakes Rules and Regulations (pdf)

Accessibility. Is the Spirit Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes. The Spirit has a deck and restrooms that can accommodate most standard-sized wheelchairs. Our crew is happy to aide passengers that need assistance. Please call 866.455.3866 to discuss any accessibility concerns and ensure that you are seated on an accessible deck.

Attire. What is the dress code on the Spirit of Philadelphia?

Dinner Cruises - For men, appropriate attire includes slacks and jacket. For women, nice slacks, skirt or dress is recommended. Collarless t-shirts, jeans, shorts or sneakers are not allowed.

All Other Cruises - These cruises are 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?

Although your purchase is a final and non-refundable, we will be happy to reschedule for another available date of your choosing up to a year from the date of your original reservation. You will be assessed a $25 per ticket re-booking fee and are responsible for any price difference if you happen to choose a cruise with a different price.

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. Children under 3 are complimentary and a discount is offered for children between the ages of 3 and 12 on select Lunch Cruises. Call toll free 866.455.3866 for 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 taxes or fees. Prices may be subject to change.

Entertainment. What type of entertainment is offered?

Sit back and relax on one of our climate-controlled decks. Dine on the bountiful buffet. Experience the view as your engaging Spirit DJ spins popular favorites and dance hits.

Gift Certificates. How can I purchase gift certificates?

Spirit Gift Certificates are available from $50 to $400 and may be purchased online or by calling toll free 866.455.3866. Printed gift certificates come with an elegant presentation holder. Spirit Cruises will continue to honor any previously issued Gift Certificates that contained a listed expiration date.

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 visit our group website or contact our group sales department at 866.394.8439 for reservations. Parties of 1 to 19 should call toll free 866.455.3866.

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 parking information.

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:

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.

Call 866.455.3866 or use our Reservations System to Find Prices and Book your Cruise Online!

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 system or by phone.

Individuals call:
• Call 866.455.3866 or use our Reservations System to Book your Cruise Online!

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 cruise style seating. The majority of our tables accommodate four to eight people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties. Review the enhancement packages available on your date 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.

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.

Congratulations to our Summer Sweepstakes Winner!

Congratulations to Michael P. the winner of Spirit's Dinner Party for Ten Summer Sweepstakes. He will experience a fun and festive dinner cruise featuring an engaging assortment of bountiful buffets, live entertainment, DJ music for dancing and spectacular views.

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?

 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 visit our Wedding Website or call 866.394.8439.