PHILADELPHIA, June 25, 2019 – Entertainment Cruises, the nation’s leading provider of water-based dining, sightseeing and transportation experiences, officially celebrates the return of Spirit of Philadelphia from a million-dollar transformation. This latest development seals the vessel’s reputation as the city’s most exciting on-the-water dining cruise experience and reflects the company’s ongoing investment in its North American portfolio, completing a program of innovative enhancements and upgrades across multiple vessels in a drive to become ever more guest centric.
“Over the last five years, we have invested over $50 million in our fleet, our technology and our efforts to continuously elevate our guests experience. This outstanding revamp of Spirit of Philadelphia is testament to that commitment,” said Kenneth Svendsen, CEO of Entertainment Cruises. “Proudly part of the waterfront community for more than three decades, this exceptional vessel continues to be one of the must-do experiences in Philadelphia for generations to come.”
Built specifically for sailing the waters for the majestic Delaware River, Spirit of Philadelphia is a longstanding favorite with Philadelphians and visitors alike. With a heritage spanning 35 years, the company estimates that an incredible three million guests have enjoyed a dining cruise aboard.
Alongside exterior enhancements, the reimagined interior space has been redesigned to complement the stunning, panoramic views of the city’s historic waterways, with neutral tones artfully applied across the vessel’s three spacious decks. Contemporary fixtures and finishes complete the interior makeover. Aboard, guests can expect delicious cuisine matched with exceptional service alongside live DJ entertainment, lounges on every level as well as outdoor games on the large roof deck which also features an outside bar. Under the skillful direction of Chef Lataya Howard, Spirit of Philadelphia offers a sumptuous three-course buffet menu of freshly prepared specialties alongside a sophisticated selection of award-winning wines, craft beers and specialty cocktails.
“Spirit of Philadelphia is all about the details that make our dining cruises truly special, including chefs’ menus prepared on-board, sommelier curated wine and cocktail lists and attentive service, while framed along the backdrop of the magnificent Delaware River,” said Ryan O’Connor, General Manager – Philadelphia, Entertainment Cruises. “There is something for everyone—from locals to tourists, families and couples; this is an unmissable experience that embraces all Philadelphia has to offer.”
Cruising year-round from Penn’s Landing, Spirit of Philadelphia takes a leisurely route south, passing under the Walt Whitman Bridge towards the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, before sailing north past the mighty ships that line the banks of the Delaware River while offering unparalleled vistas of the Philadelphia and Camden skylines from the temperature-controlled interior and expansive exterior deck. 2
Hosting up to 530 guests, Spirit of Philadelphia officially returned to service on May 8, 2019, and offers lunch, brunch and dinner cruises. With its unique guest offering, the vessel is also a stylish venue for every occasion from corporate outings and weddings to other group events. Cruise prices start from $44.90* for lunch or $79.90* for dinner (prices per person, excl. fees & taxes).
In addition to dining cruises aboard Spirit of Philadelphia, Entertainment Cruises also operates the luxurious charter yacht Freedom Elite from its berths on Philadelphia’s famed riverfront, offering guests an elegant, fully customizable on-water venue for up to 110 guests. New for this year, the company is also offering a limited number of dining cruises for the public on this luxury vessel.
For more information visit www.hornblower.com/philadelphia.
About Entertainment Cruises
Entertainment Cruises is the premier provider of water-based dining, sightseeing and transportation experiences in North America. Over the last 40 years, the company has continually redefined the domestic marine hospitality industry, establishing a portfolio of nine distinctive, award-winning brands that are available in coveted destinations such as Alexandria VA, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Norfolk VA, Philadelphia, National Harbor, New York, Weehawken NJ, Washington D.C., Toronto, and Gananoque, Ontario, following the recent acquisition of Gananoque Boat Line. Continuously innovating to elevate guest experience, the company recently debuted Odyssey Chicago River, a luxurious glass-enclosed vessel that pairs upscale dining and entertainment with an entirely unique 360-degree panoramic perspective that fully immerses guests in the spectacular architecture and vibrant energy of the Chicago River. Today, 2,900 full-time and part-time shipmates operate a fleet of 53 vessels, delivering over 27,000 cruises to upwards of 2.6 million guests each year. For more information, visit www.hornblower.com .