Step aboard the Ben Franklin Yacht for festive river cruises in Philadelphia, featuring brunches, holiday celebrations, and nightlife vibes on the Delaware River. Discover why these cruises have become a unique city waterfront experience.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves minimal physical exertion and access is primarily flat with some stairs.
Wildlife
History
Philadelphia’s waterfront has long been a center of commerce and culture, with Penn’s Landing named for William Penn’s historic arrival in 1682.
Conservation
The yacht operates with attention to minimizing waste and protecting river water quality during all cruises.
Ben Franklin Yacht
Step aboard the Ben Franklin Yacht for festive river cruises in Philadelphia, featuring brunches, holiday celebrations, and nightlife vibes on the Delaware River. Discover why these cruises have become a unique city waterfront experience.
Ben Franklin Yacht is a Philadelphia-based event yacht operating on the Delaware River. The yacht offers a variety of public cruises and private charters that combine skyline views, onboard dining, live DJs, and themed entertainment. Popular public events include Magic Hour parties with close-up magic and DJ sets, Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruises, Happy Hour Cruises, Sunday Brunch Cruises, and dedicated holiday sailings such as Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve fireworks cruises.
The vessel features three passenger decks with flexible open seating across multiple levels, indoor and outdoor spaces, and an onboard kitchen and full bar to support buffet and specialty cocktail service. Cruises range from two-hour sunset and brunch sailings to longer holiday celebrations, family-friendly early-evening New Year’s Eve events, and high-energy party nights. Trained crew and event staff manage boarding, safety briefings, and hospitality service to ensure guest comfort and adherence to maritime regulations.
Ben Franklin Yacht partners with local vendors for food, DJs, and entertainment, providing curated menus and musical programming tailored to each cruise theme. Public ticketed events are posted on the company calendar and ticketing platforms, and private charter details are available upon request.
Tickets and booking information are listed online; guests can choose public sails or request private charter quotes to plan custom events and group reservations and seasonal upgrades.
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Departures from the Delaware River
Decks
Three decks
Indoor and outdoor seating
Events Offered
9 experiences
Public cruises and private charters
Typical Duration
2 hours
Most sailings are two hours
Choose public sailings or request a custom private event with onboard catering and entertainment.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure smooth boarding and settle in before the cruise sets sail.
Dress for Waterfront Weather
Layers are key—river breezes can become cool even in summer evenings, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Buffet Accessibility
Food stations are mainly on the lower deck; be prepared to move between levels for dining if seated upstairs.
Savor the Views
Choose a seat on the outer decks for unobstructed skyline and river views, ideal for photography and sunset watching.
Light Jacket
Spring evenings can cool quickly on the water, so a light jacket keeps you comfortable.
spring
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during sunny daytime cruises while enjoying the city sights.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture stunning Philadelphia skyline views and dynamic moments from the decks.
Non-slip Shoes
Shoes with good grip are helpful for moving safely between decks and on potentially wet surfaces.