liberty belle cruise philadelphia

Five Things to Know About the Liberty Square Riverboat

The Liberty Square Riverboat attraction docks at – you guessed it – Liberty Square. The boat itself is named the Liberty Belle. It’s an old-timey (read: historic) steam-powered paddle-wheel riverboat that travels around the Rivers of America. As you ride, you’ll hear a recorded narrator share memories of Mark Twain’s time on the Mississippi. If you want to paddle along with us, keep reading. Oar (dad pun) to skip to the whys, wheres, and hows, here’s your shortcut .

1. You’ll take a step back in time.

The Liberty Belle Riverboat is a large (47-foot tall) working reproduction of the boats that ran up and down the Mississippi River in the 19th century. It’s loaded with amazing details, as you might expect. The wood craftsmanship throughout is absolutely meticulous! The large paddle is powered by an actual steam engine that functions by converting water from the Rivers of America into steam, turning the paddle to propel the boat.

2. It’s full steam ahead!

The ride begins as its captain, Horace Bixby,  welcomes guests aboard. He introduces his pilot, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and lets you know you’re in good hands, since this is Clemens’ 100th trip piloting the Liberty Belle. You depart from the dock and navigate the winding “river”.  Along the way, you’ll get views of the Magic Kingdom you just can’t get anywhere else. You’ll see Tom Sawyer Island, Harper’s Mill, and Fort Langhorn from a new vantage point. Other sights from the American frontier include settler’s cabins, old mining paraphernalia, a Native American village, animatronic wildlife, and even Wilson’s Cave Inn from Davy Crockett and the River Pirates. The riverboat also offers unique perspectives of the Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. From the top deck especially, you’ll see Frontierland and Liberty Square in a whole new way.

As you ride, Sam Clemens offers his recollections of riding up and down the Mighty Mississippi. He points out various landmarks and shares a little about what he learned during his time on the river. Periodically, the horn and bell system are used, so you have to be prepared for the occasional and unpredictable ear-blasting loud outbursts. (I found that being toward the stern, rather than the bow, made the horn a bit more bearable.)

3. This Belle has quite a back story.

The first boat to sail the Rivers of America in the Magic Kingdom was the Admiral Joe Fowler. Named after Disneyland’s construction supervisor, it debuted on October 2, 1971, the day after the park’s official opening. In 1973, a second boat, the Richard F. Irvine, debuted. It was named after the Disney executive who oversaw the planning of Walt Disney World. Both boats ran on the river until 1980. The Richard F. Irvine was overhauled and received an all-new superstructure of aluminum and vinyl. The boat was renamed the Liberty Belle, and the attraction itself was renamed the Liberty Square Riverboat to make it easier to remember and to tie the boat in with Liberty Square. (Side note: two of the three ferry boats running from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom are now named the Admiral Joe Fowler and Richard F. Irvine, so their memory lives on!)

The scenery along the Rivers of America has been updated over the years. Tom Sawyer Island was added in 1973 and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in 1980. Similar versions of this attraction have also been added to other Disney Parks. At Disneyland Paris, it’s called the Rivers of the Far West. At Hong Kong Disneyland, there is no Frontierland, so the Imagineers merged the Rivers of America with the classic Adventureland Jungle Cruise attraction.

4. The Liberty Belle has her secrets, too.

Captain Horace Bixby, the Liberty Belle’s captain, was  a real steamboat captain  on the Mississippi. Horace Bixby and Sam Clemens met aboard a steamboat called The Paul Jones. Bixby agreed to take Sam on as his apprentice. About 21 years later, the now-famous Mark Twain reunited with Captain Bixby in St. Louis. The captain even makes an appearance in Twain’s book, Life on the Mississippi.

Inside The Liberty Belle’s Salon, there is a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.

The riverboat actually travels along an I-beam guide rail, so the pilot  doesn’t really steer the ship. But that doesn’t mean he’s doing nothing. Rather, the pilot watches for other river traffic, like the Rafts to Tom Sawyer Island, and communicates to the boiler engineer who is on the bottom deck towards the stern. This is where the throttle and reverser are located, so the boiler engineer controls the speed and direction of the riverboat.

5. The Nuts and Bolts.

You can catch a ride on the Liberty Belle at the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square. There are no health or safety advisories and no height restrictions. Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to ride the Liberty Belle.  Sign language interpreters may be available, depending on when you visit. It’s truly a ride that everyone can enjoy.

The Liberty Belle has a maximum capacity of 450 people. You board the boat at mid-level; disembarking guests exit from the lower deck. There are 4 decks with limited seating available on each (some inside, some outside) but with plenty of space to stand and move around.

The Liberty Belle provides a stable, gentle ride. I’m vulnerable to motion sickness/sea sickness but have no trouble whatsoever riding the Liberty Belle. It’s a great idea to move around on the deck during this 17-minute trip to be sure to see all the different views.

Bad weather can affect the operation of the Liberty Belle Riverboat. Genie+ is not available, but there’s no need for it. There’s no bad time of day to ride the Liberty Belle. It departs roughly every half-hour and usually the only waiting is waiting for the boat to leave or return. A good time of day to enjoy your ride is when you want a break from the crowds! But it’s worth noting that it closes earlier than the park and other park attractions; there is also no Early Theme Park Entry and no Extended Evening Theme Park hours.

The Bottom Line.

We ride the Liberty Belle nearly every time we visit Walt Disney World. But it’s not for thrill-seekers, to be sure. It’s perfectly peaceful – unless of course you’re right underneath the horn which is jarringly loud. It’s a great way to get out of the crowds, rest a bit, and enjoy a fun ride for every member of the family.

Have you ridden the Liberty Belle Riverboat? What was your favorite view? Let us know in the comments below!

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Bob Jacobs lives in Wisconsin where he retired as Editorial Director for a well-known catalog company. He and his wife Cristie have four children, seven grandchildren and a cocker spaniel named Penny the Dog. They’ve visited Walt Disney World regularly since 1992.

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Liberty Belle Cruises

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The Liberty Bell Center

Dramatic home of the internationally known symbol of freedom...

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Location & Contact:

• 526 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
• (215) 965-2305
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Part of the U.S. National Park Service and Independence National Historical Park, the Liberty Bell ’s home on Independence Mall looms as powerful and dramatic as the bell itself.

Throughout the expansive, light-filled center, larger-than-life historic documents and graphic images explore the facts and the myths surrounding the bell.

People from around the world snag a photo in front of the iconic American symbol and its dramatic backdrop: Independence Hall.

Best of all: The Liberty Bell Center is free to visit, with no advance tickets required.

The Liberty Bell shines as one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of freedom, offering continuous inspiration for believers in civil rights.

At the Liberty Bell Center , visitors get an up-close-and-personal experience, where they can enjoy a 360-degree view of the iconic relic.

Don't skip the chance to snag a selfie in front of an iconic American symbol.   — Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia

X-rays give an insider’s view, literally, of the bell’s crack and inner workings.

The Liberty Bell shines as one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of freedom.

Other exhibitions show how the bell’s image graces everything from ice cream molds to wind chimes.

Soaring glass walls offer dramatic and powerful views of the Liberty Bell coupled with Independence Hall, just a few steps away, in the background.

Other exhibitions at the Liberty Bell Center explore its impact on everything from ice cream molds to wind chimes.   — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Admission & Info

Visiting the Liberty Bell requires no tickets or fee, though be advised that lines can be long during peak tourist seasons.

Also important: Guests must pass through a security screening area to enter.

For more information on the Liberty Bell Center, click the button below.

More Things to Do

A visit to the Liberty Bell Center is one of the 10 most essential things to do on your first visit to Greater Philadelphia . Make sure to leave time to do the other nine!

The Liberty Bell Center is also one of 26 sites that make up Independence National Historical Park. Get the lowdown on all 26 in our guide to Independence National Historical Park .

Lastly, Philly has history for days. Explore our guides to historic sites throughout the Greater Philadelphia region on our history landing page .

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THE GATEWAY CLIPPER FLEET

MEET OUR FLEET

The empress.

The Gateway Empress has the honor of being the longest serving vessel ever at the Gateway Clipper Fleet. The Empress has been sailing the three rivers since 1966! She is 212 feet long and 50 feet wide. As part of the Gateway Clipper’s 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2008, this vessel was re-christened the “Empress” – she was formerly know as the Party Liner. A little known fact about the Empress – she is actually a barge that is pushed by a towboat named the “Empress II.”

The Three Rivers Queen

The Gateway Clipper Fleet has a new addition! The Three Rivers Queen was christened into our Fleet in a joyous ceremony which took place in May of 2013. Since then she’s been busy servicing passengers who are anxious to see our new “Queen”! She features two enclosed decks, large flat screen TV’s and large beautiful windows! The best feature of our new vessel? The fact that she has a mezzanine deck with panoramic windows & a fantastic view of her paddle wheel! Come see the Queen!

The Princess

The Gateway Princess is a 120 feet long, 35 feet wide all-steel traditional paddle wheel style riverboat. With floor to ceiling windows, the Princess allows her passengers to have a superb view of our skyline. The Princess, formerly known as the Keystone Belle, joined the Gateway Clipper Fleet in 1999 after 15 years of service in Moline, Illinois on the Mississippi River. A little known fact about the Princess – she hosts more weddings than any other boat in the fleet!

The Duchess

The Gateway Duchess was built in Dubuque, Iowa in 1965. She is 125 feet long and 35 feet wide. This vessel operated in both Cleveland and Philadelphia before it was acquired by the Gateway Clipper Fleet in 1975. When this vessel arrived in Pittsburgh, she was christened the “Liberty Belle” in honor of our nation’s Bicentennial in 1976. In 2008, the Liberty Belle was rechristened the Duchess in celebration of the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s 50th Anniversary. A little known fact about the Duchess – 9 times out of 10 when you cruise aboard the Gateway Clipper’s “Good Ship Lollipop”  Cruise you are actually aboard the Duchess?!!!

The Countess

The Gateway Countess is the smallest boat of the Gateway Clipper Fleet measuring 55 feet long and 14 feet wide. She is the fleet’s only open air riverboat. The Countess began service in Pittsburgh in 1979 under the name “City of Champions” in honor of the Steelers and Pirates Championships. In 1982, she was renamed the Good Ship Lollipop and she was rechristened again in 2008 as the Countess. A little known fact about the Countess – she is the fastest boat of the fleet!

Patriot Harbor Lines

2024 public cruises officially starts may 12th - book your private charters now, discover our cruises, delaware river cruises.

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Delaware River Harbor Cruise

This is Philadelphia’s ultimate harbor cruise! Offering a variety of themed packages including wine or beer tasting packages.

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Our Mission

Patriot Harbor Lines showcases Philadelphia’s two great rivers – the Delaware and Schuylkill. We strive to leave each and every customer with a lasting, positive impression of Patriot Harbor Lines and the waterfront communities where we work. Our ultimate goal is to share our love of boating.

We provide daily sightseeing tours and charter services in Philadelphia. Our unique boat tours are perfect for locals who want to get out on the water or out of town guests who would enjoy some sightseeing from a different perspective with an educational river or harbor tour.

Patriot Harbor Lines aims to showcase the rivers where we live and work. We want to share our love for boating and our love for beautiful scenic rivers. We also try to highlight our concern for the environment and provide a unique Philadelphia perspective. We strive to leave each and every customer with a lasting, positive impression of Patriot Harbor Lines and the waterfront community where we work.

We provide daily sightseeing tours and charter services on the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. Our unique boat tours are perfect for locals who want to get out on the water or out of town guests who would enjoy some sightseeing from a different perspective with an educational river or harbor tour.

My wife and I enjoyed the Schuylkill excursion very much. The guide, Bob Swayne, did a great job pointing out and commenting on spots of interest as we went along. The seats were comfortable, and we were well protected from a passing rain shower.

We had a group of 15 older adults on the Walnut-to-Walnut River Cruise - hands down, everyone enjoyed it and now want to make it an annual event!

The afternoon cruise was excellent value for money and the guide was extremely informative. Drinks sold on board were reasonably priced.

We celebrated my besties 40th on the Patriot. We had 25 girls and had the best experience from start to finish. Booking was easy! Day of event was seamless.

The Secrets of the Schuylkill tour is roughly an hour, spent on the quiet waters of the river in the golden sunlight being cooled by afternoon breezes, cruising by such iconic landmarks as Bartram's Garden and the Fairmount Water Works. Sublime!

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Liberty Belle

The Liberty Belle is the largest classic-style river boat in our fleet. She is a favorite venue in NYC for promotional events, non-profits , concerts, corporate outings , church functions, and more.

Vessel Details

Maximum capacity.

The Liberty Belle can accommodate a maximum standing capacity of 600 passengers with a minimum of 100

Seating Capacity

The Liberty Belle can seat up to 300 guests and is equipped with tables, chairs, and white tablecloth linens.

This vessel offers 3 climate controlled indoor deck(s) and 3 spacious out door deck(s).

Service Bars

The Liberty Belle offers 4 service bar(s), available to serve beverages, cash bars, or open bars.

Audio & Video System

We can offer plug-and-play access to our multi-level speaker system and display monitors.

All indoor decks are climate controlled keeping guests warm in the cold season and cool in the summer.

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Skyport Marina 2430 FDR Drive New York, NY 10010

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Liberty Belle

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AMENITIES The grand facilities on the Liberty Belle include three levels, seating for up to 300 guests, and a maximum capacity of 600 passengers. The first three floors are indoor and feature air conditioning/heating systems to ensure the comfort of all on board. A fully stocked bar and a full-sized dance floor are featured on each of the indoor decks. The fourth level is an expansive open-air promenade. Breathe in the magic of New York City or share a romantic moment overlooking the world-famous skyline.

• Minimum Capacity: 200
• Maximum Capacity: 600
• Seating Capacity: 300
• Indoor Decks: 3
• Outdoor Decks: 4
• Service Bars: 4
• Home Port: Brooklyn Army Terminal
• Liberty Belle Yacht Charter

SEA PHILLY PICNIC BOAT

PHILADELPHIA, PA

  Sea Philly offers an exclusive private boat experience, setting sail as Philadelphia's premier choice. Our services encompass the chartering of a meticulously restored all-wood Chris Craft, accommodating up to six guests.

Immerse yourself in the splendor of a captivating river cruise that showcases the city's picturesque views, or indulge in the allure of our romantic sunset cruises. By choosing Sea Philly, you become a part of our mission to rediscover the Delaware River, a body of water recognized as the 2020 River of the Year by American Rivers, applauding its remarkable resurgence in water quality.

LUXURY CHARTERS

Enjoy a 1.5 - 4 hour private cruise for up to six guests. Catering is available, ask us about our preferred partners.

THE ESTUARY

Our private dock doubles as an intimate event space for corporate events, weddings, and photoshoots. The space accommodates a max of 45 guests

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Proposals, Micro Wedding, Photoshoots, or Anniversary our classic restored vessel makes the perfect, unique setting.

Discover another side of Philadelphia -

A premier waterfront full of wildlife and history.

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Liberty Belle River Cruises

From the first weekend in march until the end of october, cruise the river great ouse on the liberty belle..

30 minute cruises depart regularly from the riverside near the Maltings starting from 11 am daily. Specialist evening cruises are also available, please enquire for details.

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Ship Lane Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4BB

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