It's all Belle and good with newest attraction on Penn's Landing

After completing its 3,400-mile trek from Moline, Ill., down the Mississippi River to New Orleans and then up the eastern seaboard, The Philadelphia Belle is now docked at its new home at Pier 3 on the Delaware River.

The 262-foot, four-deck paddlewheel-style riverboat, christened yesterday, is the largest vessel of its kind on the East Coast.

"I wanted the boat to be a 'wow,' " said Tom D'Amato, vice president and general manager of The Philadelphia Belle. "This is a gem for the city."

This latest addition to Philadelphia's waterfront can accommodate 1,000 people and will treat guests to fine food, entertainment and breathtaking views. The cruises - moonlight, lunch and dinner, weekend brunch - showcase the city's skyline and historic landmarks.

"Conceptually, what I wanted to do was offer the best the city has to offer," D'Amato said. "I wanted to include as many Philadelphia businesses and institutions as possible. When it came to food, we wanted the top restaurants in Philadelphia and nothing less."

Built in 1994, it was originally known as the Mississippi Belle II and had sailed the Mississippi River before arriving in Philly.

"People always ask me, 'Why Philly, why Philly?" D'Amato said. "I have four words: rich history, great people. Philadelphia is an underserved market for ships that offer dinner cruises . . . If you go to cities like New York or Boston, there are dozens."

To provide a "best of Philadelphia" experience, the Belle is collaborating with Stephen Starr Events and Philadelphia International Records, home of The Sound of Philadelphia.

"We will be providing catering and special events on the Belle," said Simon Powles, president of Stephen Starr Events, the catering arm of the Starr restaurant empire, that includes Parc, Jones, Morimoto, and Buddakan, among others.

Chuck Gamble, executive vice president of Philadelphia International Records, calls The Philadelphia Belle a "perfect fit for The Sound of Philadelphia."

Entertainment, including up-and-coming local performers, will be a big part of the Belle experience.

Starting today, the Philadelphia Belle will make daily cruises between the Ben Franklin Bridge and the old Navy Yard, passing beneath the Walt Whitman Bridge. The boat has full -service bars, an open observation deck (brrrr), several dance floors, a la carte dining and three climate-controlled decks with windows offering panoramic views of the city. There are cruise-only options (no meal) starting at $24.95, for the economy-minded.

Penn's Landing already draws about a million visitors each year, according to statistics, a number the city believes will grow with the addition of The Philadelphia Belle.

D'Amato said his company has already spent about $2 million restoring the boat and getting ready for its launch. He projects that the Belle will add 250 full-time jobs in its first year.

To make a reservation for a riverboat cruise, visit the Philadelphia Belle's website, www.philadelphiabelle.com or call 1-888-868-7764.