City Experiences Chicago Cruises
Whether you’re a visitor or local, City Experiences offers unique tours and cruises of Chicago. Explore historic neighborhoods, visit the world’s largest Impressionist collection, or take in jaw-dropping skyline views from TILT or CloudBar.
Explore Lake Michigan and Chicago River cruises departing from Navy Pier. Enjoy scenic city views and entertaining commentary.
Sightseeing Cruises
Whether you’re looking for laid-back sightseeing cruises or elegant dining cruises, lake and river boat tours offer something for everyone. These experiences usually include a variety of panoramic city views along with entertaining and enlightening narration about the history of Chicago’s skyline.
Odyssey is one of the best-known cruise services in the Windy City. They have a great reputation among TripAdvisor users and are able to attract plenty of customers thanks to their service quality. The company offers a number of different architectural boat tours, including their popular CAC River Cruise. They also have a nighttime sunset tour that gives you a chance to see the city’s skyline in a beautiful glow as it transitions from day into the dark of night.
The company also offers a few deals that make it easier to get tickets for these excursions. For example, seniors and members of the military receive discounted rates on their tour packages. Additionally, if you check in on Yelp, you’ll enjoy a free premium drink.
Dining Cruises
For those who want a combination of sightseeing and a meal, take an Odyssey Dining Cruise along the Chicago River or Lake Michigan. During the two-hour lunch cruise, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course meal with beautiful panoramic views of surrounding city architecture as a backdrop. You can also learn about the city’s history from the fun historical narration of the tour. Odyssey also offers an evening dinner and fireworks cruise with DJ entertainment, or a 3D glasses firework tour.
A unique option is a Chicago Fireboat Tour, which takes you along the Chicago River in a historical retired fireboat. During this hour-long tour, you’ll learn cool facts about buildings in the area and the history of firefighting in Chicago while enjoying drinks and music on the water. There’s also a Sunset Brew Cruise offered Thursdays from May to September at sunset, which is perfect for adults only. It’s a great way to drink local craft beers while taking in the city’s beautiful skyline.
Speed Boat Cruises
Chicago is famous for its skyline, but a cruise offers a unique vantage point. Choose from river and lake tours that highlight the city’s impressive architecture, and enjoy everything from history lessons to tacky tunes.
Shoreline Sightseeing’s popular Architecture River Tour cruises all three branches of the Chicago River, while the company’s Lakefront Speedboat Tour zooms past dozens of iconic landmarks. Other cruise options include a sunset and a brewery-focused experience.
Thrill lovers should hop onboard the Chicago Seadog Speedboat for photo-worthy views and fun facts from an expert guide. This thrill ride includes fun twists and splashes and departs from Navy Pier.
You can also see the skyline by boat on a hop-on hop-off ferry, which allows you to explore at your own pace. Take advantage of the convenient app that gives you your pass, plus all the info you need, in one easy-to-use place. Or, check out the Island Party Boats for a fun tiki-themed boating experience that features drink packages and stellar views.
Cruises on Lake Michigan
Take in sweeping views of Chicago’s skyline and scenic lakefront from the water with cruises on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. These experiences range from straightforward sightseeing affairs to elegant dining cruises, heart-pumping thrill rides and more. Many also offer enlightening commentary and insight into the city’s world-famous architecture.
Admire the architecture of a remarkable American city on a narrated architectural river boat tour. You’ll get up-close perspectives of iconic landmarks while learning about the designs that make Chicago so unique and daring.
Enjoy a dinner or brunch cruise on Odyssey Lake Michigan and see the city’s skyline under sunset light. A refined plated meal and onboard DJ entertainment round out the experience aboard a multi-level vessel with climate-controlled interiors and open outdoor observation decks. Upgrade to a window table for the best views. Celebrate a holiday or special occasion with a themed cruise. Find Easter brunches, Thanksgiving Day lunches and New Year’s Eve dining cruises that feature gourmet cuisine, music, dancing and unbeatable city views.
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