Ahoy, Philadelphia! Paddleboat to start cruises at Penn’s Landing on Delaware River

Paddleboat cruises coming to Philly waterfront

PHILADELPHIA — There’s a new attraction expected soon on Philadelphia’s waterfront: a 260-foot paddlewheel riverboat replica.

The newly dubbed Philadelphia Belle arrived at Penn’s Landing on Tuesday amid fanfare that included a Mummers string band and a Ben Franklin impersonator.

A group of investors led by Norfolk, Va.-based CI Travel bought the steamship three months ago and chose Philadelphia as the spot where they wanted to make it a tourist attraction. The ship is expected to open for dinner cruises and entertainment this fall.

The ship formerly was named the Mississippi Belle II. It just completed the 3,200-mile journey from its former home on the Mississippi River and will get final renovations in Philadelphia.

Investors group vice president Tom D’Amato says the investors chose Philadelphia because of the potential of the city’s waterfront.