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COMING SOON ARCHITECTURAL FIREWORKS CRUISE

2 hours — river & lake* , architectural fireworks cruise.

Adults : $48    Seniors : $46    Youths : $26    Children 6 and under : Free

Enjoy your favorite drink while gazing Chicago’s magnificent architecture and finish your cruise with a fabulous light show, at Navy Pier!

Fireworks, one of the Four Great Inventions of ancient China were invented in the 12th century.

Chicago approved City-Wide Use of Fireworks on the 4th of July 1893. Mayor of Chicago Patrick Eugene Prendergast issued a proclamation approving the use of fireworks to celebrate the World’s Colombian Exposition and to celebrate the nation’s 117th Independence Day.

This fascination with fireworks, noise, and color continues today. The City of Chicago offers a fireworks show at Navy Pier on Wednesdays at 9:30pm and Saturday nights at 10:15pm.

Drinks may be purchased individually with a credit card on the boat. Complimentary Coca-Cola soft drinks, lemonade, and cookies are included. Depending on lock traffic, our fireworks cruise will sail along one of two routes, river only or river and lake.

Join us at 8pm on Wednesday nights and 8:30pm on Saturdays for our narrated Architectural Fireworks 2-hour Cruise. There’s something for everyone on this one of a kind cruise!

* Subject to change, depends on lock traffic and weather conditions

• Due to heavy Lake traffic, cruises may return to dock 30 minutes later than scheduled.

A CRUISE YOU’LL SURELY REMEMBER

Stunning light show.

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COMPLIMENTARY

Starbucks Coffee, Twinings Tea, Coca-Cola soft drinks and lemonade are all complimentary.

BEER, WINE & COCKTAILS

Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase at any time.

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PRIVATE EVENTS

For parties up to 170, we have fully-outfitted boats and onboard amenities to help you create a private event they’ll talk about for years to come.

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Group discount rates are available for parties of 20 or more aboard any of our river cruises.

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This is my 8th time on a Chicago architectural river cruise and this was by far the most informative and biggest bang for your buck. Operagolf / LaHabra

The best guide on our whole USA trip. We took the Architecture tour where the boat meandered in between all of the incredible buildings of the city with the guide knowing EVERYTHING about each building; its style, age, height, architect, cost, purpose, owner ….. Quite brilliant! DrCumbrian / TripAdvisor

I've done several of the architecture cruises since my family moved to Chicago, and this is the best one yet! Allie K / TripAdvisor

If you only have time for one sight-seeing event while in Chicago, do this. We really have no great interest in architecture, but this tour came highly recommended and we did not regret it. Allice I / Oklahoma

My wife and I very much enjoyed the Chicago Line Cruise jazz cruise... My spouse said this was one of the favorite things she has done in Chicago since moving here in the past year, and I agree. I am a jazz snob, and ... I was very pleased with the music offered by the Geordie Kelly group. He's a fine jazz guitarist, and his band was great. Augie R / Yelp

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Odyssey's First Fireworks Dinner Cruise

• 600 East Grand Avenue Chicago 60611 United States
• (888) 957-2634
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Price — $139.90

Enjoy dinner, dancing, and take in stunning skyline views. Near the end of your cruise, the sky above the lakefront will fill with spectacular displays of color and the thundering sounds of Navy Pier's outstanding fireworks show.

**Fireworks display dependent on weather conditions 

• Fireworks Dinner Menu
• Amazing views of the Chicago skyline & Fireworks Display
• Curated music selection from our onboard DJ
• Board: 7:30pm | Cruise: 8:30pm - 11:30pm | Price: from $139.90*

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• Saturday Closed
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SPECTRUM BY MIRARI

875 N MICHIGAN AVE April 7, 2024 - May 6, 2024 The Magnificent Mile Association and SSA 76 invite you to experience the U.S. premiere of Spectrum by Mirari. This 4 week limited engagement experience is hosted by Hearn at 875 North Michigan Avenue.

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Experience a one of a kind fusion of light and sound at the plaza of 875 North Michigan Avenue. From April 7th to May 6th, immerse yourself in an interactive installation that delves deep into the phenomenon of communication. Read more

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Enjoy a lively day in Chicago starting with a one of a kind experience at Ed Debevic's. Then off to your Open House Chicago 2023 adventure. Savor a Halloween-themed afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Finally, end your day with some fun at Flight Club. 

Chicago Vintage Fest Mother's Day Pop-Up

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In this season of love, celebrate  as  26 happy couples say “I do” on  October 7th at  The Wrigley Building  before the Chicago Marathon  on October 8th .  Keep reading  for what  your weekend in  the heart of Chicago  has in store .  

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Welcome to the vibrant Autumn season! Embrace the fall energy with a pumpkin cream nitro coffee from Beatrix. Sip on their new pumpkin cream nitro coffee while enjoying your choice of sweet or savory breakfast to start your day! Read more

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Premier Chicago River Fireworks Dinner Cruise

• 3-course plated dinner with attentive table side service
• Fireworks display over the Chicago Skyline
• Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea
• Guaranteed table for your party size
• On board DJ entertainment
• Service charges, local taxes and fees
• Entry/Admission - City Experiences By Hornblower
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Surf and turf menu upgrade
• IDOF - I Dream of Falafel, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Boarding: Navy Pier. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at 600 E Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 for our Navy Pier Departures. Alternative parking is available at 460 E. Illinois St. and 403 E. Grand Ave. (one block from Navy Pier).
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• All interior areas of the ship are non-smoking. Guests who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks only
• Please arrive at the boarding location at least 30 minutes before your scheduled cruise time. The tour will begin promptly.
• Surf and turf menu upgrade is an additional cost and may be paid direct to operator on day of departure
• View the spectacular 30-minute pyro-musical program fireworks display with the world famous Chicago Skyline as a backdrop for your unforgettable evening.
• Odyssey can be your opportunity to dress up. For women, cocktail wear, a dress, or dressy-casual attire is appropriate. For men, collared shirts and dress pants are recommended. Dressier jeans are acceptable. However, casual jeans, t-shirts, athletic shoes, or flip flops are discouraged.
• Most travelers can participate
• Firework Schedule from Memorial Day - Labor Day
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• Wrigley Building

Similar experiences

• You'll start at IDOF - I Dream of Falafel 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA Boarding: Navy Pier. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at 600 E Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 for our Navy Pier Departures. Alternative parking is available at 460 E. Illinois St. and 403 E. Grand Ave. (one block from Navy Pier). See address & details
• 1 City Experiences By Hornblower Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 Wrigley Building Stop: 10 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• Tourist32467879939 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles It was a good vibe, good music, food was good and the staff was a joy to have. Our waitress was very tentative. My husband and I celebrated our anniversary and it was a very pleasurable experience. The drinks were good and the music was as well. Read more Written April 14, 2024
• Cassie551968 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good food good music good time This was a birthday gift for my husband. We spent the weekend downtown. The lunch buffet was delicious and I would do it again. In fact I’d love to come back on my birthday in July Read more Written March 29, 2024
• maryhE6480GT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The perfect evening to celebrate our engagement 💍 We were celebrating just getting engaged 💍❤️ The cruise was perfect! The city views were breathtaking and the food was fabulous! Our server was Annette and she was excellent! She even took photos of us on the deck of the boat with the city in the background. It was the most memorable evening with A bottle of champagne to celebrate! Read more Written February 28, 2024
• A6193MTfionam 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disgrace of a tour and don't waste your money We paid $531 for this supposed premium dinner cruise. My friend is vegan. For a 3 hour cruise it took almost 90 mins and my friend finally ate a bread roll and was given a plate of raw vegetables as a starter. When we complained they steamed them. I ordered ravioli which was a small tasteless bowl of food. After more than 2hours the main course arrived. Classed as chicken but more the size of a poussin, it came with raw sprouts and a couple of potatoes. Distinctly average. My friend ordered gnocchi which came with cheese so as a vegan it had to go back. It was cold and tasteless when it came back. The only available dessert for my vegan friend was fruit which she doesnt eat. I ordered tirimisu which was inedible. More of a tough Yorkshire pudding with some weird disgusting custard type cream. This all arrived virtually as the cruise was ending. If we had wanted steak or prawns this would have been an extra cost. I remind you this is classed as a premium dinner cruise. No alcohol or soft drinks were included and we paid $531 for the privilege of raw inedible food. When I spoke to the chef and manager of the cruise they were both extremely embarrassed. A joke. This was our last night in Chicago and we though a premium dinner cruise would be a lovely way to remember the city. All we remember is that we haemorrhaged $531 for food that will have cost less than $31. Don't waste your money. Read more Written January 13, 2024
• shadowm236 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Too expensive to be average. Finding the dock was frustrating. There is no signage giving directions from any of the nearby streets. The food was average; nothing special about it. The music being played in the background was more for a nightclub rather than for dinning. For the cost, this was a poor experience. I do not recommend. Read more Written November 25, 2023
• Daydream47771843098 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The most wonderful experience We had the most AMAZZZING time on board the Odyssey glass roof beautiful boat. There were 30 of us and we we so delighted by the whole experience. As soon as we boarded for the the night cruise the staff were sooo wonderful. Gabriella was the manger on duty and she greeted us as we boarded and was so attentive throughout the whole cruise. Our Fabulous waitress was Heather and she was soo amazzing too. The bar staff were also great too . We were in total awe of the delicious food. Lovely choices and served to perfection. The DJ played great music . From start to finish we all had the most wonderful experience and will definently be back soon.. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE Read more Written November 14, 2023
• Paradise67722013073 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time at an affordable price! I had a great time with my wife. It was fun, the food and music were great! Overall, a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon to celebrate my birthday! Read more Written November 6, 2023
• W3870AQpauliner 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Tour on Seadog !! We had an amazing trip on the seadog Oct 17th 2023 - beautiful day for a thrash about in the waves - WOW !! Then a fantastic trip through Lake Michigan Lock and into the River with Daniel as our very knowledgeable guide. Would definitely recommend. our kids aged 17 and 21 loved it - as did we. Just the right balance of fun, exhilaration and educational too ! Read more Written November 2, 2023
• diannakmorrow 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Dinner Cruise Great experience, beautiful views of the night Chicago skyline! Food and service were amazing on board our cruise experience! Read more Written October 29, 2023
• X6330EPjuliem 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting AND fun! It was interesting AND really fun. I learned a good bit about local architecture and public infrastructure and then when the “pedal to the metal” ride on Lake Michigan was underway, I was laughing and having a blast. We were lucky to have a gorgeous warm day for this boat ride. A good value IMO and a great memory. I felt safe at all times. Jake gave us a very good tour, handled questions well, and is clearly very knowledgeable about his hometown. I’d do this again. Read more Written October 25, 2023
• karenwU3177YY 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great communication Booked this dinner cruise for my husbands birthday and had a lovely three course dinner. However, due to bad weather we were unable to leave the dock. Great communication from the company about organizing a voucher or refund. Would book with this company again. Read more Written October 20, 2023
• 553DC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great view of the city skyline. I went on a Seadog Cruise, and I must say it was an absolutely fantastic experience. The crew aboard the ship were a delightful bunch, not only courteous and professional but also incredibly entertaining. They went out of their way to ensure that every passenger had a memorable time. The view of the city skyline was beautiful. Read more Written October 16, 2023
• homeremedymike 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Premier dinner cruise in October with my wife The boat was very nice. The service from Paul, our server was great and Danny, one of the managers moved us to a window seat that was not occupied. Nice evening! Read more Written October 10, 2023
• amandaaA7834HZ 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles HORRIBLE!!! This was nothing more than an over-rated boat ride with lunch. You’re supposed to go out in to Lake Michigan according to everything I read, however, we literally done circles in the Harbor!!! There was no description of the City, no history information, NOTHING but lunch and a DJ. Oh… and we ordered an appetizer and a Sprite and NEVER got the appetizer - and after asking for almost 45 minutes, finally got the Sprite. HORRIBLE service!!!!!!!!!!!!! Save your money and go to an upscale restaurant where you’ll get the service you deserve. Read more Written October 8, 2023
• NArkadie 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Girls trip 2023 I really enjoyed the dinner cruise. The food was good, the music great, and the place settings were nicely decorated. My friends and I had a blast. Nicole A. Read more Written October 2, 2023

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Premier Chicago River Fireworks Dinner Cruise provided by City Experiences By Hornblower

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Fireworks valentine’s day premier plus dinner cruise on the chicago river.

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Revel in an unparalleled evening with your special someone set to the backdrop of Navy Pier’s awe-inspiring fireworks show on our Fireworks Valentine’s Day Premier Plus Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River! Panoramas of Chicago’s iconic skyline illuminated by the fireworks are marveled at from our glass-enclosed vessel. Savor a delicious three-course meal and specialty cocktails as we cruise under the city’s famous bridges and past iconic landmarks including Navy Pier and the Willis Tower. Our exceptional service and masterful DJ create a most romantic atmosphere on our boat’s climate-controlled interior and open-air deck. Make life-long memories with your loved one aboard a spectacular Valentine’s Day celebration as you dine and dance on the alluring Chicago River.

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City Cruises – Spirit of Chicago Dinner Cruise

Catch the Chicago skyline at sunset during the most beautiful time of the year, and join us for a fun, laid-back, 2-hour cruise. Spirit’s Lakefront Breeze Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to kick back, relax and take in the best of the city.

Select Dates from May – September

• A two-hour dinner cruise on Lake Michigan
• A tasty  Lakefront Breeze dinner menu
• Private table with the best views of Chicago’s skyline
• DJ and dance floor, interactive games (shuffleboard, giant jenga, etc.)

+1 (312) 222 2508

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

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Chicago Fireworks Cruise

Saturdays and Wednesdays May-August (Resumes May 25, 2024)

Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise

Adult: $50.00 | Child (4-12): $25.00 | Under 4: Free

No city embraces summer quite like Chicago. Get up-close and personal every Wednesday and Saturday night on this epic Lake Michigan fireworks cruise. Cruise duration is 2-2.5 hours.

45 Minute River Fireworks Cruise

Adult: $32.00 | Child (4-12): $16.00 | Under 4: Free

Enjoy the Navy Pier Fireworks from the Chicago River. A brief version of Wendella's Lake Michigan Fireworks Cruise, this experience is 45 minutes and does not go out to Lake Michigan.

Schedule & Tickets

• Adult: $50.00 Lake Fireworks $32.00 River Fireworks
• Child (4-12): $25.00 Lake Fireworks $16.00 River Fireworks
• Under 4: Free

*Prices listed above are the final prices at checkout.

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Important Info:

• Boarding begins 15-30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
• All bags are subject to inspection.
• Prohibited Items: Outside Alcohol, Weapons of any kind (Firearms, Knives, etc.), Flammables, Explosives.

Your boat includes:

Drinks & Snacks

Full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails, as well as an assortment of snacks, all for purchase. Pinkies up!

Climate-Controlled Lounge

Keeping you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool (or freezing).

No need to hold it. We have changing tables for the little ones who don’t know what holding it is.

BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW

The 5 Best Chicago Dinner Cruises [2024 Reviews]

The iconic Chicago skyline can be appreciated from many aspects, but nothing is better than viewing it from the water, itself. If you’re looking for the perfect date activity or evening adventure with friends, I can’t recommend a dinner cruise enough.

I’ve gone ahead and carefully curated a list of the 5 top Chicago dinner cruises that are well worth your time and money.

Elegance, relaxation, and unparalleled views come together to make a memorable night out on an enchanting voyage from the heart of the city. Let’s jump right in!

Be sure to see our reviews of Chicago Architecture Cruise Tours .

Best Dinner Cruises in Chicago

Quick answer: the 5 best rated chicago dinner cruises for 2024.

• Chicago Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise
• Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Buffet
• Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
• Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise
• Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise

Chicago Dinner Cruise Tour Reviews

1. chicago gourmet brunch, lunch, or dinner river cruise.

• Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Departure: Chicago River Esplanade
• Departure Time: 6:30 PM
• Includes:   2-hour cruise,  3-course meal,  Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea,  Onboard DJ (for dinner cruises),  Architectural narration (for lunch and brunch cruises),  Navy Pier fireworks (on Wednesdays and Saturdays)

The great thing about this cruise, is that you get to choose between a lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch option.

I tried the weekend brunch as I love a good mimosa and had tried plenty of other evening cruises, already. The Chicago: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise  is a fantastic outing for a large group, with attentive staff, delicious food, and of course, amazing views!

We arrived at the Chicago River Esplanade, which is actually one of my favorite places to stroll around whenever I’m in the city.

The Chicago Riverwalk offers amazing views of the surrounding buildings, and as every single one has such history behind the unique styles, it’s that much more interesting.

I was lucky, because the weather that day was warm and sunny, with the glittering water reflecting the buildings on the banks. This is a fine dining experience, which means if you’re looking for an opportunity to wear a nice dress or suit, this is the perfect chance!

Upon arrival, we were escorted onboard the ship and led to our table in the dining area which was nice to know we had a table reserved.

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The glass enclosure was perfect as I know Chicago weather can get pretty intense without much notice, plus it allowed for fantastic views without obstructing anything.

We sipped on some cocktails as the onboard DJ played some lovely music before we were served our brunch of salmon toast, French toast, chicken, yogurt parfaits, cheesecake, mud pie, and much more!

Keep in mind this is a 3-course meal, which I felt was nicely timed and had a cohesive menu that worked well together. While I didn’t take the dinner cruise, I have also heard great reviews, as some nights even include fireworks!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2.  chicago fireworks dinner cruise with buffet.

• Duration:  3 hours
• Departure: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago
• Departure Time: 7:00 PM
• Includes: Fireworks Display if weather permitting, Dinner, Live entertainment, Coffee and/or Tea

Speaking of fireworks, this next tour is perfect for enjoying the exciting light show right over Lake Michigan! I find this tour to be perfect for celebrating important dates like anniversaries, birthdays, and much more!

The Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Buffet Tour  will not only treat you to stunning panoramic vistas of the city skyline, but a fully enchanting experience that’ll light up the night sky with dazzling colors.

Meeting on Grand Ave, it’s super easy to get to – especially if you’re already staying in the Loop or Miracle Mile! We were escorted onto the vessel, the  Spirit of Chicago,  by very polite, friendly, organized staff who genuinely paid attention and made sure we were all having a great time.

We got seated and enjoyed some unlimited coffee and tea (believe I definitely took advantage of that!) and took some photos before we set off!

We were given essentially front-row seats to a spectacular fireworks display with choreographed sequences that sprinkled just a bit more magic to an already unforgettable night out.

Of course, if it’s really windy or rainy, this may not be possible, but in our case it was! The onboard DJ was a nice touch, adding even more fun and excitement, complete with dance areas for us to hang out and get our groove on!

The unlimited buffet was surprisingly delicious – I’m typically a bit wary of buffets as I feel like most of the food is unforgettable, but this wasn’t the case.

I highly recommend the oven-baked Atlantic flounder filet and the red velvet and chocolate chip brownie! This was such a fun way to see Chicago’s famous architecture while celebrating out with loved ones!

3. Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

• Duration:  2.5 hours
• Includes: Dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, 3-course plated dinner with attentive tableside service, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water, guaranteed table for your party size, onboard DJ entertainment and dance floor, service charges, local taxes and fees

If you’re looking for a luxurious way to spend an evening in Chicago or the perfect date night activity, check out this next tour!

Seamlessly combining delicious food with unparalleled views of the city’s skyline, the Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan is spectacular.

It’s almost like hanging out in a swanky lounge in an exclusive vessel gliding along the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan as you indulge in an exquisite dining experience!

This cruise is easy to access, with the crew immediately escorting us onboard and answering any questions we had along the way. Offering an unparalleled vantage point, we had plenty of time before setting sail to take photos and enjoy the glow of the setting sun.

I do recommend dressing up for the evening as everyone else was dressed quite nicely, which made sense considering our vessel for the evening was a luxury yacht!

I loved the “smaller” details, like the fact that we received a personal welcome from the captain and crew, and even had our photo taken by the yacht’s photographer to add to the experience.

I also appreciated that we had our own private table as opposed to sitting in crowded areas like many other tours involve. Our servers also introduced themselves and frankly offered much better service than the vast majority of upscale restaurants I’ve been to.

The 3-course, plated dinner was absolutely amazing, complete with plenty of drinks from the full-service bar and an impressive wine list I definitely took advantage of!

The onboard DJ was mixing a fantastic selection of jazz and more contemporary songs as we explored the observation deck and the Captain’s bridge! This was such a beautiful tour that I plan on taking again, when I’m looking for a special night out.

4. Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

• Duration:  2 hours
• Departure:  Varies (depending on option booked)
• Departure Time: 12:30 PM
• Includes:   Cruise on the Spirit of Chicago,  Buffet brunch, lunch, or dinner (based on option selected),  Onboard DJ,  Dance floor,  Onboard games,  Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea,  Service fee

This next tour is really similar to our first one, offering the option to select between brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s also a bit shorter than the others at just 2 hours, making it super easy to fit into a busy schedule.

The Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise  is not quite as “fancy” as some of the others I’ve detailed, but it’s a load of fun and a great way to make some friends!

I’d been to Chicago many times but hadn’t gone to Navy Pier until recently, and wondered why it took me so long! It’s super easy to access, and has such a fun vibe, with all kinds of sites to take in and beautiful waterside views.

Once we arrived, we were escorted onto our vessel, receiving a personal greeting and having our photos taken by the ship’s photographer to keep a little memento before they led us to our private table.

This was another buffet-type setting, which I quite enjoyed as there were many plates I liked enough that I went back for seconds and thirds!

The unlimited coffee was a nice addition, and it was surprisingly fresh, which made a big difference to me as a coffee fiend.

Viewing the Willis Tower, Trump Tower, and many other iconic pieces of architecture was simply phenomenal while sipping on my cup of Joe and taking in the views.

This adventure also had a DJ on board, who did a fantastic job at selecting a variety of different songs that seemed to get everyone up and moving!

The 3 climate-controlled decks ensured there was enough room for everyone while offering viewing spaces no matter what the weather. I recommend this tour if you’re looking for a casual, more “party” experience with some yummy food and amazing views!

5. Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise

• Departure: 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago
• Includes:  Dinner cruise on Chicago River, 3-course plated dinner, unlimited coffee/hot tea/iced tea, guaranteed table, service fees, local taxes

I’m not one to turn down a fabulous evening of dining and sightseeing, and the Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise Tour is one of the best options for just that!

This 3-hour excursion takes you on a beautiful voyage through the heart of Chicago’s architectural wonders by means of the stunning Chicago River. The river itself is packed full of history, not to mention the unique structures on either side – all of which you’ll learn about as you cruise on.

The Cityfront Plaza address is very easy to get to if you’re staying downtown, and you can get there by foot, car, metro, and so on as it’s right on the Esplanade by the NBC Tower.

Once we were there, we were welcomed onboard by the amazing staff. The vessel is one of the smaller ones I’d been on in Chicago, but it was very well-maintained, pretty, and comfortable, with an open-air deck and climate-controlled interior deck.

Once we got started, we were regaled with interesting stories about the history of Chicago, as well as important information as certain landmarks and pieces of architecture as we cruised.

Soon enough, we were served the first dish of our 3-course plated dinner, along with plenty of complimentary coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.

They did have an open bar with alcoholic beverages available at an extra cost, but I found the cocktails to be high-quality and tasty.

I found everything to be very well-organized, with the captain and crew directing us to our deck depending on the table option we booked.

With an onboard DJ, we got to soak in the breathtaking views of the river and great Chicago landmarks while listening to a wonderful soundtrack. If you’re looking for a relatively short yet impactful tour, I can’t recommend this one enough!

Boat Comfort

The Chicago Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise is our Editors Choice for the best Chicago dinner cruise.

Krysha Thayer

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Chicago River Valentine’s Day Fireworks Dinner Cruise™

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