Cruises from Philadelphia

Philadelphia is located on the eastern boarder of Pennsylvania, on the Delaware River. Home to about 1.4 million people, the city is located within the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area, which has a population of approximately 5.8 million residents. The city is broken into large sections, North, Northeast, Northwest, West, South, Southwest Philadelphia and Center City. Philadelphia, also known as Philly or The City of Brotherly Love, has historical sites and great museums.

Philadelphia’s weather is hot and humid in the summers and cold and snowy in the winter. Summer afternoon temperatures range from mid-80 degree Fahrenheit to high 90-100 degree Fahrenheit. It has an average of 21 inches of snow each year and winter temperatures average in the 20-30 degree Fahrenheit range.

The Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area offers many museums and educational centres. For art lovers, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is the oldest in the United States and the Brandywine River Museum allows nature and art to intertwine. The Franklin Institute of Science Museum showcases the Joel N. Bloom Observatory and planetarium that offers hands-on science lessons for small children and their families.

History is important to the residents of the first capital of the United States. The Betsy Ross House celebrates Betsy sewing the first flag for America, while the African American Museum is the first major museum of its kind that showcases Philadelphia history and the struggles of African Americans. The Eastern State Penitentiary gives tours for those who want to learn about the infamous and the Liberty Bell Pavilion showcases the over 2,000 pound bronze bell with the crack, in the National Historical Park setting. At Independence Hall, you can see where the Declaration of Independence was constructed and adopted.

Philadelphia Zoo, which focuses on endangered species, is the oldest in the United States and houses over 1,300 animals. Next to the zoo is Hershey Park, where you can take the family to play at the water park and the amusement park, which has over 60 attractions. Why not tour Chocolate World and bring home a Hershey sample?

Philadelphia’s music history is kept alive on the thriving music scene today. Classical, jazz, rock, fold, world, dance club and hip hop can all be found. The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, which has a 150-foot glass vaulted roof, sets the stage for music, dance and drama and is part of the Avenue of the Arts, which is mainly on Broad Street. The Avenue of Arts features the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Prince Music Theater, Academy of Music, Merriam Theater, Wilma Theater and many more.

For the sports fan, Philadelphia has all four major sports. Catch a Philadelphia Eagles football game at Lincoln Financial Field: the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team compete at the Wachovia Center; while the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team plays ball at the Citizens Bank Park.

Philadelphia has tasty dining choices, including world-renowned cheese steak, hoagies and soft pretzels, though just about any type of food can be found. Shopping opportunities range from the typical mall, to small boutiques, to discount retailers. Chestnut Hill has cobbled avenues that include retail chains as well as antique shops.

A visit to Philadelphia is sure to be interesting and fun. Whether it is an educational vacation for the kids or a rousing sports venue, many wonderful memories will be made.