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Architecture River Cruise Tickets

Architecture cruise chicago packages, architecture river tour + choice of show.

Step aboard the Shoreline Architecture River Cruise from Navy Pier and discover the magic of the Windy City’s architectural wonders! Glide past over 40 iconic buildings, from the majestic John Hancock Center to the historic Wrigley Building, as your expert guide provides detailed descriptions. Kids age 2 and under are free, and the tour is dog-friendly, too! up to 1.2 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

• Experience over 40 amazing landmarks such as the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City.
• Knowledgeable and entertaining guides provide details of Chicago’s famous landmarks as you pass by.
• Children age 2 and under are free, but please select a ticket for them even though they are free.
• Departs from Shoreline Sightseeing's dock at Navy Pier and lasts about 75 minutes.
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
• Drinks and light snacks items are available for purchase from the onboard bar by credit card only.
• Dogs are welcome on board as long as they are leashed, so bring your furry friend!
• Shoreline's Navy Pier dock is easily accessible for wheelchair users and guests with mobility concerns.

Description

Architecture River Tour from Navy Pier Reviews

Architecture River Tour from Navy Pier is located at Shoreline Sightseeing • 124 N Streeter Drive • Chicago , IL 60611

Nearby Things to Do

• Skyline Lake Tour
• Chicago's Lakefront Neighborhoods Bicycle Tour
• Bikes, Bites, & Brews - Chicago's Signature Dishes
• Chicago's Ultimate City Bike Tour
• Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

Nearby Hotels & Lodging

• Courtyard Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile
• InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
• River Hotel
• Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
• Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites

Frequently Asked Questions about Architecture River Tour from Navy Pier

Where does the cruise depart from.

The tour departs from Shoreline Sightseeing's Navy Pier dock, which sits at the entrance to the iconic Navy Pier boardwalk.

When should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

What can I expect to see in this Architecture River Tour?

You can expect to see over 40 landmarks including the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, and Marina City.

How long is the Architecture River Tour?

This Chicago river cruise lasts approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Yes! This is a family friendly tour and children under the age of 3 can join free of charge.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, this Chicago river cruise from Navy Pier is accessible to wheelchairs and guests with mobility concerns.

What happens if it rains?

The tour schedule depends on the weather. The tour will usually sail during the summer, though bad weather could result in a reduced schedule. The captain will decide whether conditions are unsafe, and they have discretion to delay or cancel the cruise accordingly.

Is it better to cruise during daytime or evening?

The architectural details of the famous buildings are more clearly visible during the day. When the city lights turn on, however, Chicago’s architecture will be highlighted in a different but remarkable way. Many guests have ended up taking both day and evening tours because they both offer unique experiences respectively.

Are there restrooms on the tour boats?

Yes, there are restrooms available on the boats.

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Skyline Lake Cruise

Great views from a great lake, cruise along lake michigan.

Take in the stunning sights of Chicago’s skyline from Lake Michigan—it’s a view of the city like you’ve never seen it before! Our Skyline Lake Tour departs daily from Navy Pier spring through autumn, weather permitting.

Enjoy 45 minutes of Skyline views from Lake Michigan. It is a perfect trip for Chicago locals and visitors alike.

Casting off

Our Skyline Lake Tour departs from our Navy Pier dock at  600 E. Grand Ave . Once onboard, you’ll head out on a majestic boat tour of Lake Michigan where you’ll be able to see Chicago’s renowned skyscrapers and landmarks.

Our Skyline Cruise takes you out onto Lake Michigan, heading both north and south on the lake, you’ll see many of Chicago’s famous landmarks and the classic skyline vista.

Adults: $34.95

Children (3-12): $16.95

Children 2 and under: Free

Tour highlights:

• 45-minute, pre-recorded boat tour presented in two sections
• View iconic landmarks including the Willis Tower, 875 N. Michigan (the former John Hancock Building), Aqua Tower, and The St. Regis Chicago (Vista Tower)
• Unique views from Lake Michigan create an entirely new perspective of the city
• Hear the history of Chicago’s buildings and how the city came to have such a famous skyline

Book A Skyline lake Tour

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Michigan Avenue

401 N. Michigan Ave

Please select Navy Pier. (Skyline Lake Tours are unavailable from Michigan Avenue.)

600 E. Grand Ave

124 N. Streeter Drive

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Note: Fireworks tours available Wednesday and Saturday evenings in the summer.

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Now in its 83rd season, Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

(312) 222-9328 ext. 1 [email protected]

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• Skyline Tour
• Fireworks Tour
• Water Taxis
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Vote Tall Ship Windy for USA Today's 10 Best - Best Boat Tour. Click to vote!

All Sails in Chicago, IL

Browse our sails below and book your Chicago Sailing Adventure today!

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Set Sail Into Summer!

A one day, VIP event.  Moonlight Sail Aboard Tall Ship Windy.

Tall Ship Windy’s Memorial Day Start of Summer Celebration. Departing from Navy Pier on Sunday May 26th at 8:45pm, celebrate Memorial Day and begin the summer with your friends and family aboard the famous 148′ four-mast schooner S/V Windy.

Sailing Lake Michigan aboard Chicago’s official flagship Tall Ship Windy is a Chicago tradition.  Enjoying a night time sail and experiencing a moonlit Chicago skyline is truly phenomenal.  Join us for this special, one day only Memorial Day sail.  And, bring your camera!

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Chicago Skyline Sunset Sail

For the best Chicago sunset, visitors and residents alike, join us aboard the 148′ Tall Ship Windy – the official ambassador for the City of Chicago. Departing from Navy Pier daily, you will enjoy a spectacular sailing cruise and enjoy the breathtaking moments as the sun sets gently behind the Chicago Skyline. There is nothing like Chicago at sunset.

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Monday Night Blues Summer Concert Series

There is something special about sailing in Chicago combined by kicking off your week and joining us for a 2-hour concert sail. This Navy Pier boat tour sails from 7pm-9pm every Monday this summer. We’ll help you chase your Monday BLUES away aboard the 148-foot Tall Ship Windy as you enjoy the breathtaking views of Chicago at sunset from the waters of Lake Michigan, accompanied by the sweet sounds of the blues.

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Chicago Skyline Sail Aboard 148' Tall Ship Windy

Explore Chicago’s scenic shores and enjoy this Windy City boat tour with a relaxing sail around Lake Michigan. Take in the world-famous Chicago skyline, enjoy spectacular city views and discover the Windy City from the water. Select from Pirates and Maritime stories at 1pm, Architectural Tour and Skyline at 3pm and 5pm or a Chicago Sunset Cruise at 7pm.

• Great for Children!
• Hour Glass 90 Minutes

Educational Sail: Tall Ship Discovery Sail

History comes alive on this exciting Windy City boat tour. Enjoy an educational adventure for curious minds of all ages with the backdrop of the iconic Chicago skyline always in view. Led by our crew-educators, experience a hands-on sailing excursion in Chicago aboard Windy.

• Every night at 5pm!

Happy Arr-our Chicago Architecture and Skyline Sail

Enjoy happy hour drink specials onboard this Navy Pier Boat Tour every night at 5pm and experience breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline from the water! It’s the perfect way to end your workday or kick off your weekend plans. Learn about the people, plans and persistence that shaped Chicago’s most famous sights and join us on the main deck to enjoy the lively narration and an Architectural Tour of Chicago from the water.

Chicago’s Famous Friday Night Pirates Pub Sail

Sail into the night and embark on a two-hour party sail from Navy Pier; join us for Chicago’s only Pirates Pub. Sail onboard a 148-foot Tall Ship in the Windy City! This popular Chicago event is one you will not want to miss; it is unlike all other boat excursions in Chicago. Enjoy an onboard DJ and the wind in your hair as you dance the night away with the mesmerizing Chicago skyline as your backdrop. Sing along to traditional pirate tunes and your favorite party anthems while soaking in the breathtaking sights on Lake Michigan.

Fireworks Cruise From Navy Pier Aboard Tall Ship Windy!

Watching fireworks from Navy Pier has become a Chicago tradition and there is no better seat in the house to watch the show than sailing aboard 148′ Tall Ship Windy – the Official Flagship of the City of Chicago! Order a cold drink from our bar and enjoy a thrilling fireworks performance as you sail along the stunning and iconic Chicago skyline during this special event sail.

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Chicago Air and Water Show Aboard Famous Tall Ship Windy

The thrill of the Chicago Air & Water Show returns to the Lake Michigan lakefront this year on Saturday, August 10, and Sunday, August 11, 2024. Join us onboard Tall Ship Windy to enjoy 3 hours of the show from the water.

Fireworks Sails

Special sails.

Are you looking for a relaxing sail along the Lake Michigan lakefront? Are you interested in an educational tour featuring stories from Chicago’s unique history? Or maybe you would prefer to enjoy a drink or two while watching a thrilling fireworks display over the stunning Chicago skyline? Let Tall Ship Windy be your guide!

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Your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises

One of the best ways to see Chicago is from the water. The city is home to two stunning waterfronts — the Chicago River and Lake Michigan — and each offers plenty of cruise options. Admire the skyline on a lakefront cruise, learn about the city’s iconic architecture on a Chicago River cruise, enjoy dinner and dancing aboard an all-glass vessel, sip cocktails on a tiki-themed boat, paddle your own kayak — the options are truly endless. Here’s your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises, boat tours, dinner cruises, and beyond.

See it all with Shoreline Sightseeing

One of Chicago’s classic cruise options, Shoreline Sightseeing covers all the bases. Their ultra-popular Architecture River Tour takes you on all three branches of the historic Chicago River takes you past dozens of landmark buildings.

They also offer skyline lake tours, plus specialty cruises and holiday events. Hop on a boat at Navy Pier or on Michigan Avenue.

Dine on the water with City Experiences

City Experiences dining cruises are the perfect way to create a memorable moment in Chicago. Choose from a river or lake dining cruise, complete with delicious cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment.

Their glass-enclosed river vessel is particularly stunning. It offers passengers panoramic views of the city’s most iconic buildings as you glide along the Chicago River. They also offer lakefront brunch and dinner cruise options that depart from Navy Pier.

Entertain the family with Wendella Boats

For three generations, Wendella Tours and Cruises has been cruising the Chicago waterways. With its variety of tour options, cruise times and lengths, and a heated, enclosed cabin, Wendella is a great choice for families looking for flexibility. Choose from lake & river architecture, sunset cruises, and more.

Admire architecture with Chicago’s First Lady

Around the world, Chicago is known for its outstanding architecture, and it’s easiest to admire the city’s legacy from the water. By partnering with the Chicago Architecture Center , Chicago’s First Lady offers the most comprehensive tour of the skyline — docents must train 100 hours before they can lead tours.

Speed across Lake Michigan on Seadog Boat Tours

Are you up for a thrill? Race across Lake Michigan on SeaDog Cruises, featuring 30 minutes of high speeds and exhilarating twists and turns. Come prepared to get splashed.

SeaDog also offers lakefront speedboat tours and a river/lake architecture tour, featuring views of Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Museum Campus, and more.

Live it up on an Island Party Boat

Looking for a party? These tiki-themed boats are always a good time, offering drink packages, stellar views, and fun vibes. You can hop on an Island Party Boat at Monroe Harbor or the Chicago Riverwalk, which is also where you’ll find their beach-inspired bar Island Party Hut. Choose from a river cruise, lake cruise, tacky tour guide cruise, or even a dueling pianos cruise.

Go back in time with Chicago Fireboat Tours

Step onto a real, historic fireboat and get ready for a unique experience with Chicago Fireboat Tours . The river tours are given aboard a real piece of Chicago history — a retired fireboat that patrolled the Chicago from 1937 to 1981. Tours are led by expert docents and include historic and sunset options.

Splurge on a Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

Looking to splurge a little? These private yacht charters are the way to go. The spacious yachts comfortably fit up to 49 or 120 people, making them the perfect option for a large celebration or an intimate gathering. Premium bar and catering packages round out the experience.

Explore the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks

If you’re ready to ditch the captain and explore the water on your own, then it’s time to grab a paddle at Urban Kayaks . You’ll go through a brief training session before you hit the water, but you’re free to paddle the river or lake at your own pace. Or join in a guided tour to catch the sunset, fireworks, or historic highlights. Rentals are available at the Chicago Riverwalk or Monroe Harbor.

Rent an electric boat

Chicago Electric Boat Company offers fun and unique ways to get out on the water, including donut boats, retro boats, and even a bike boat that your group can pedal down the Chicago River. Rental locations include Marina City, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Rockwell on the River in Avondale.

See the skyline aboard Mercury Cruises

While Chicago’s summer fireworks are already fun to watch, it’s an entirely new experience when you’re on a 3D tour. Before the show, you’ll cruise around the lake and see some of Chicago’s famous landmarks.

Mercury Cruises also offer Urban Adventure, Canine Cruises, and Chicago by Night tours.

Check out Chinatown via Chicago Water Taxi

Hop on! The Chicago Water Taxi is a fun and cheap way to get around Chicago. The Water Taxi stops at Ogilvie Transportation Center, Chinatown, Goose Island, the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, and River North. Get a one-way ticket for $6 or an all-day pass for $10. Check their daily routes and schedules for more details. Cruises.

From this article

Tours & Attractions

Chicago architecture center.

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline

Shoreline Sightseeing Company

Streeterville

Special Event Venues

Free spirit yacht cruises.

Urban Kayaks

River North

Wendella Tours & Cruises

The Magnificent Mile

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

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Moscow Boat Tour

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Description

See all the gems of historical and cultural center of the capital in short time and without traffic jams or tiresome walking.

Depending on the itinerary and duration of the Moscow River boat trip, the tour can be 3 or 5 hours.

Highlights of the tour

• St Basil’s Cathedral;
• Stalin skyscraper on Kotelnicheskaya (Tinkers) embankment;
• The Kremlin;
• “House on the Embankment” Stalin skyscraper;
• Monument to Peter I;
• The Central House of Artists;
• Christ the Savior Cathedral;
• Gorky Park;
• Moscow State University;
• Russian Academy of Sciences;
• Luzhniki stadium;
• Novodevichy Monastery;
• Kiev railway station;
• Europe Square;
• Moscow City Hall;
• Government House;
• Expocentre Exhibition Complex;
• and other famous sights.

You will learn about the different epochs of the city from the foundation in 1147 till Soviet times of 20 th  century.

Moscow River

Moskva river has the form of a snake and is the main waterway of Moscow, consisting of a cascade of reservoirs. Within the city, Moskva river is 80 km long, 120 m - 200 m wide and up to 14 m deep. The narrowest part of the river is the Kremlin area in the city center, and the most extensive is around the Luzhniki Stadium in the south. 

Bridges in Moscow

Undoubtedly, bridges and embankments are among the most scenic spots and main attractions of Moscow. Plus, they are so romantic.

• Bolshoy Kamenny Bridge –  Great Stone Bridge –  is the main bridge of Moscow . The first stone bridge was constructed here in the 17th century.
• Patriarshy Bridge  is one of the youngest pedestrian bridges, built in 2004. The bridge connects the iconic Christ the Saviour Cathedral with funky Bersenevskaya embankment, extremely popular place among locals for its trendy art galleries, cafes and panoramic views. Patriarshy Bridge used to be a shooting location for ex-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's New Year speech to the nation.
• Borodinsky Bridge,  erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the glorious victory in the Battle of Borodino (which every Russian kid knows about), a fierce legendary battle during the Russo-French war of 1812.
• Bagration Bridge  one of the  pedestrian bridges with most picturesque views of the Moskva River with its numerous upper-level observation platforms. The bridge was erected to celebrate the 850th anniversary of Moscow city in 1997.
• Krymsky Bridge  used to be in Top 5 Europe’s longest bridges some 100 years ago. The bridge got its name after the ancient Krymsky ford which Crimean Tartars used to invade Moscow in the 16 th  century.

Embankments of Moscow

Moscow river boats 37 embankments, the most popular being Kremlevskaya, Sofiyskaya, Pushkinskaya, Vorobyovskaya and Kolomenskaya.

You can get the most spectacular views of the Kremlin from  Kremlevskaya and Sofiyskaya embankments.

• Pushkinkaya embankment  is the most romantic in Moscow. It meanders along Gorky Park and Neskuchnyi garden and is rich for all kinds of entertainment as well as cozy nooks, including Olivkovy beach, the famous Zeleny theater as well as a pier for river cruisers.
• Vorobyevskaya embankment  is part of Sparrow Hills nature reserve. This place opens a beautiful panorama of the river and city from the observation deck and is considered to be the place for taking serious decisions in life.
• Embankment in Kolomenskoye  Museum-Reserve has a special charm due to its peculiar geographical relief. The boat trip around Kolomenskoye would be the most peaceful in your life.
• Taras Shevchenko embankment  is popular among photographers for its modern Moscow City skyscrapers. Highly recommended for your night boat trip.
• Embankments of Moscow are the pride of the capital. A distinctive feature of each of the promenades is its architecture and beautiful views. In addition, almost all the embankments of Moscow have a rich history and a lot of notable buildings.

Different epochs

Taking a walk along the Moskva River by boat, you will witness the architecture of Moscow from different eras and styles. Archaeological studies indicate that already in the XI century there stood a fortified settlement on Borovitsky hill, which is now called the Kremlin. Little fortress could not accommodate all the residents of the rapidly growing city, and the Grand Duke ordered the construction of a new Kremlin, larger than the former.

Boat trip around Kolomenskoe Park

Moscow river boat trip starts from the pier Klenovy (Maple) Boulevard and provides reat views of Nicholas Perervinsky monastery.

Nicholas Perervinsky monastery was founded at the time of the Battle of Kulikov (1380). The monastery, got its name from the surrounding area – “Pererva”, which can be translated like “tear off” and because of the location –  here it abruptly changed its course, turning to Kolomna, standing on the opposite bank.

Nowadays Kolomenskoye is State Art, Historical, Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve, which doors are open to everyone who wants to get in touch with the ancient history of Russia.

Take a break from the big city hustle in the shady parks and gardens of the Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve. Don’t miss a wonderful Church of the Ascension and Tsar Alexey’s Palace in Kolomenskoye!

Monasteries and temples

• Novospassky Monastery
• Founded in the 13th century on the site where now is located the Danilovsky monastery. After a few decades, in 1330, Ivan Kalita moved the monastery onto the Borovitskii hill of the Kremlin. However, in the 15th century, Spassky Monastery again moved, this time to a more spacious place on Krasnoholmskaya waterfront.
• Church of St. Nicholas in Zayaitskom
• Erected in the middle of the XVIII century in baroque style. The building survived after the 1812 fire, but the utensils were destoyed. Parishioners collected donations and restored the temple on their own. In Soviet times, it was closed and re-opened only in 1992.
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The church was originally erected in honor of the victory over Napoleon and was being under construction for long 44 years. Notoriously demolished in 1937 to be a giant swimming pool under open sky. The current building was constructed in 1990s. It is the tallest and one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
• The temple was built in 1679-82, during the reign of Tsar Fedor Alekseevich, in late Muscovite Baroque style and can be characterized as bonfire temple. Each gable is a symbol of a heavenly fire.
• Novodevichy Convent
• The most famous concent and monastery in Moscow, presumably founded in 1524. Novodevichy’s status has always been high among other monasteries, it was in this monastery where the women of the royal blood, the wives of Tsars and local rulers of Moscow were kept in prison as nuns.
• St. Andrew’s church  (male acts as Compound Patriarch of Moscow)
• St. Andrew’s church stands right on the slopes of the Sparrow Hills, on the way down to the Moskva River, on the territory of the Nature Reserve “Sparrow Hills”. The monastery is small in size but is very cozy. It’s situated in a quiet courtyard surrounded by temples, fruit trees and flowers.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow river cruise.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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Things To Do | 5 things to know about Maryland Fleet Week and…

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Things to do | 5 things to know about maryland fleet week and flyover baltimore.

The biannual event is returning for the fourth time to celebrate the Navy and other service members. Nearly 100,000 people attend the festival, generating millions of dollars for the city, Fleet Week Director Chris Rowsom said.

From ship tours to a crab soup cook-off to live music and flyovers from different aircraft, there’s no shortage of activities to give attendees a glimpse at naval life. But there are also a few rules to mind while visiting.

Here are five things to know about Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore.

Fleet Week has a long history.

The Fleet Week tradition dates back to 1898 in New York, when U.S. Naval vessels paid a celebratory visit to the city in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, according to the New York Council Navy League. Official Fleet Weeks were held years later.

Fleet Week is meant for sailors to have the opportunity to deboard their ships and connect with the community while visiting the city they’re docked in. For civilians, Fleet Week is a celebration of service and a chance to learn about naval happenings.

Other cities began to hold their own Fleet Weeks with Baltimore hosting its inaugural event in 2016. According to a 2016 report , Maryland Fleet Week, “celebrates the rich naval tradition of the Chesapeake Bay and honors the contributions of Maryland’s proud men and women who defend the nation.”

This year, sailors will participate in community relations events to work on service projects with the community, Rowsom said, and about 200 of them will also attend the Orioles game on Thursday.

There’s an app for ship tour schedules.

Navy, Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers vessels, as well as traditional sailing craft and working vessels, will start to arrive on Wednesday. Ships will be docked in the North Locust Point Marine Terminal Pier 4, Fells Point Broadway Pier and Inner Harbor West Wall and Piers 1 to 5.

“The Army Corps boats actually work around here in the Port of Baltimore all the time,” Rowsom said. “They’ve actually been very busy out at the Key Bridge.”

Free ship tours will be offered to the public from Thursday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can download the Maryland Fleet Week app to view specific ship schedules in full detail. To avoid long wait times, Visit Maryland recommends visiting the ships early on Thursday, Friday and Monday.

Notable vessels include the USS Marinette, USS Gonzalez and USS Fort Lauderdale, which is the flagship of the Navy ships showcased this year, Rowsom said. The Charm City Circulator purple route is available to bring visitors to see the USS Gonzalez and USS Fort Lauderdale at North Locust Point.

Flyovers will occur on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and visitors can listen to the flyover control announcer provide updates while walking on the promenade, Rowsom said.

There are activities for everyone.

A welcome ceremony at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater on Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. will officially kick off the five-day celebration. Following the kickoff, the long lineup of events features a 5k Fun Run in Fells Point on Thursday, a Kids on the Bay Parade on Saturday and a Family Fun Day on Monday. Festivals will take place from Thursday to Sunday.

The festivals will be in Fells Point Town Square and Broadway Pier, the Inner Harbor’s West Shore Park and Martin State Airport in Baltimore County. Here, there will be a variety of vendors, exhibitors, live music and military displays.

Visitors can also partake in other festival activities such as the Fell’s Point’s Best Crab Cake Contest, Workout with a Sailor and Crab Soup Cook-Off. A new educational tent at the Inner Harbor festival will encourage children to explore careers in STEM.

Touring Navy ships comes with some rules.

When touring a Navy ship, visitors should expect it to be similar to airport security, Rowsom said. Individuals will be subject to a bag search and must be wearing proper closed-toe shoes. Crocs and high heels are prohibited. Without proper footwear, Rowsom said, visitors risk being turned away. Outside liquids are also not allowed past the ship’s checkpoint.

The ship’s crew will advise where photographs are permitted, as they can only be taken in certain areas.

Fleet Week tourism offers an economic boost.

Fleet week is “a vital story for tourism” as it attracts 92% of visitors from outside the city, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore Al Hutchinson said in a statement.

In 2022, Fleet Week generated $7.8 million for the local economy, according to Hutchinson. Restaurants and bars saw $4 million of that revenue, while attractions and hotels brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“The success of Fleet Week in 2022 was a testament to the vitality of our maritime community, and this year, we have even more reason to come together and recognize the role that Baltimore’s port has in our nation’s economy while we honor the lives lost and brave people working to remedy our port following the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge,” Hutchinson said.

A previous version of this story incorrectly reported the amount Fleet Week generated for the local economy in 2022. The Sun regrets the error.

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US-built pier in Gaza is reconnected after repairs, and aid will flow soon, US Central Command says

FILE - The image provided by U.S, Central Command, shows U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), U.S. Navy sailors assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, and Israel Defense Forces placing the Trident Pier on the coast of Gaza Strip on May 16, 2024. A key section of the U.S. military-built pier designed to carry badly needed aid into Gaza by boat has been reconnected to the Gaza beach following storm damage repairs and aid will begin to flow soon, the U.S. Central Command announced Friday. (U.S. Central Command via AP)

FILE - This image provided by the U.S. Army shows trucks loaded with humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates and the United States Agency for International Development cross the Trident Pier before arriving on the beach on the Gaza Strip, May 17, 2024. A key section of the U.S. military-built pier designed to carry badly needed aid into Gaza by boat has been reconnected to the Gaza beach following storm damage repairs and aid will begin to flow soon, the U.S. Central Command announced Friday. (Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley/U.S. Army via AP, File)

FILE - A U.S. Army landing craft is seen beached in Ashdod, May 26, 2024, after being swept by wind and current from the temporary humanitarian pier in the Gaza Strip. A key section of the U.S. military-built pier designed to carry badly needed aid into Gaza by boat has been reconnected to the Gaza beach following storm damage repairs and aid will begin to flow soon, the U.S. Central Command announced Friday. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov, File)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military-built pier designed to carry badly needed aid into Gaza by boat has been reconnected to the beach in the besieged territory after a section broke apart in storms and rough seas, and food and other supplies will begin to flow soon, U.S. Central Command announced Friday.

The section that connects to the beach in Gaza, the causeway, was rebuilt nearly two weeks after heavy storms damaged it and abruptly halted what had already been a troubled delivery route.

“Earlier this morning in Gaza, U.S. forces successfully attached the temporary pier to the Gaza beach,” Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, told reporters by phone Friday. “We expect to resume delivery of humanitarian assistance from the sea in the coming days.”

Cooper said operations at the reconnected pier will be ramped up soon with a goal to get 1 million pounds (500 tons or 450 metric tons) of food and other supplies moving through the pier into Gaza every two days.

The pier was only operational for a week before a storm broke it apart, and had initially struggled to reach delivery goals. Weather was a factor, and early efforts to get aid from the pier into Gaza were disrupted as civilians desperate for food stormed the trucks that aid agencies were using to transport the food to the warehouses for distribution.

However, before it broke apart the pier had been gradually increasing aid movement each day. Cooper said Friday that the lessons learned from that initial week of operations made him confident higher levels of aid throughout could be attained now.

The U.S. Agency for International Development said in a statement it was working with other U.S. government colleagues and humanitarian partners on the ground in Gaza to ensure that aid from the pier “can safely and effectively resume movement, which we expect in the coming days.”

A large section of the causeway broke apart May 25 as heavy winds and high seas hit the area, and four Army vessels operating there went aground, injuring three service members, including one who remains in critical condition. The damage was the latest stumbling block in what has been a persistent struggle to get food to starving Palestinians during the 8-month-old Israel-Hamas war .

The maritime route for a limited time had been an additional way to help get more aid into Gaza because the Israeli offensive in the southern city of Rafah has made it difficult, if not impossible at times, to get anything through land routes, which are far more productive. Israel’s Rafah military operations and military strikes in northern Gaza had also temporarily halted U.S. airdrops of food.

Cooper said Friday the U.S. also expects to resume those airdrops in the coming days.

President Joe Biden’s administration has said from the start that the pier wasn’t meant to be a total solution and that any amount of aid helps.

After the May 25 storm damage to the causeway, large sections were disconnected and moved to an Israeli port for repairs. In addition, two of the U.S. Army boats that went aground during the same bad weather near Ashkelon in Israel have been freed.

Two other Army boats two beached onto the Gaza shoreline took on a lot of water and sand and the Israeli Navy has been helping with the repairs, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said.

Biden, a Democrat, announced his plan for the U.S. military to build a pier during his State of the Union address in early March, and the military said it would take about 60 days to get it installed and operational. The initial cost was estimated at $320 million, but Singh said earlier this week that the price had dropped to $230 million, due to contributions from Britain and because the cost of contracting trucks and other equipment was less than expected.

It took a bit longer than the planned two months for installation, with the first trucks carrying aid for the Gaza Strip rolling down the pier on May 17. Just a day later, crowds overran a convoy of trucks as they headed into Gaza, stripping the cargo from 11 of the 16 vehicles before they reached a U.N. warehouse.

The next day, as officials altered the travel routes of the convoys, aid finally began reaching people in need. More than 1,100 tons (1,000 metric tons) of aid were delivered before the causeway broke apart in the storm, Pentagon officials said.

Follow the AP’s coverage of the Israel-Hamas war at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war .

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Military’s novel floating pier arrives in Gaza amid security concerns

Since President Joe Biden announced during his State of the Union address that the U.S. military would build a humanitarian aid pier on the Gaza Strip, and that “no U.S. boots will be on the ground” in Gaza, Keith Robbins and other retired military logistics officers have been watching.

And on Thursday, after weeks of preparation, security planning and weather delays, the Pentagon announced that a trident pier had been stabbed into the Gaza beach.

The pier is essentially an erector set-like assembly of metal pieces built at sea and sitting close to the water that can assume a variety of lengths depending on the mission requirements.

Retired logisticians like Robbins are seeing a long-neglected but nonetheless vital military capability getting its time to shine, even as concerns remain about the security of the sailors and soldiers handling the undulating, 1,600-foot pier.

The capability, known as Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS, will be used to help bring aid to civilians in Gaza as Israeli operations to destroy Hamas continue in the wake of the Palestinian militant group’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and is expected to cost at least $320 million.

Before his retirement as a lieutenant colonel in 2007, Robbins spent the last tour of his career as the JLOTS program manager for U.S. Transportation Command, and oversaw three JLOTS exercises, including one in Guatemala before he got out.

Military Times also spoke with two retired senior Army officers, a retired senior Navy supply officer and an active-duty Army officer, who all spent years of their service focused on JLOTS.

Except for Robbins, the retired and active-duty officers all requested anonymity to speak candidly about the capability and the Gaza mission. Military Times confirmed their identities and their military service.

“So few people know what a JLOTS entails,” one retired Army transportation officer told Military Times. “You can’t go walk the halls of the Pentagon and find two people who know what they’re talking about, because it’s such a small niche capability that’s very, very specialized.”

Troops move a trident pier built at sea by U.S. soldiers and sailors toward a beach in the Gaza Strip Thursday, in preparation for stabbing the beach with the causeway. (DOD)

JLOTS is a feat of military engineering, in which 1,000 soldiers and sailors first build a massive floating platform at sea, where ships carrying screened cargo from Cyprus can be offloaded.

Trucks are then ferried to the trident pier by vessels that are essentially motorized pier sections, and driven from there onto the beach, where U.N. relief workers will oversee distribution.

Ashore, Israeli military engineers guided the pier into place, according to Navy Vice Adm. Bradley Cooper, deputy command of U.S. Central Command, which oversees all U.S. forces in the Middle East.

“IDF engineers prepared the beach at Gaza and secured the temporary pier to the beach,” Cooper told reporters Thursday. “This group of engineers were specially trained for this mission by U.S. Army engineers in the preceding weeks on a beach in Israel.”

And while the trident pier has purportedly been attached to the beach without U.S. service members setting foot in Gaza, retired military logistics officers who spoke with Military Times questioned the use of the “boots on the ground” term by the White House and the Pentagon.

A retired Navy supply captain, the equivalent of a colonel in the other services, called the term “code talk in Washington for no risk to U.S. forces.”

But even if the Gaza mission can be pulled off without a single American service member setting foot on the beach in Gaza, those soldiers and sailors will still be at risk, he said.

“I just want honesty, that’s all,” the officer said. “The military is trained for this, they understand it. But let’s be honest about boots on the ground, and that they will be at risk.”

“It’s an inherently risky endeavor when you’re not in complete control of the land and sea and air around it,” he added.

During the JLOTS exercises he partook in, the Navy officer said there were “hundreds” of U.S. troops on the beach.

“Or they’re in very close proximity to the shore, because that’s where all the stuff operates,” he said.

Cooper said Thursday that 500 tons of aid could be flowing off the pier and into Gaza in the coming days, and he emphasized that U.S. and Israeli forces were in close coordination to keep the U.S. troops taking part in the pier mission and the U.N. aid workers safe during the mission.

“On the force protection side, I’m not going to be able to talk about specifics, other than to say that we’ve been coordinating very closely, as I mentioned, with the Israeli Defense Force to address any potential issue in every domain that exists,” he said.

U.S. and Israeli forces have had “extremely close coordination” in the past six weeks “to work out every single operational detail,” Cooper added.

The officers interviewed by Military Times noted that keeping a trident pier stable and in place involves using heavy anchors buried in the sand, as well as Army tugs that look nothing like a traditional tugboat and are generally used to keep the pier in place as it bobs in the water.

Such an arrangement inevitably requires U.S. troops to be close to shore, if not technically standing on the beach.

They also noted how doing a JLOTS evolution is inherently risky for troops involved, even under the best conditions.

“You’re moving 40-ton and 20-ton containers on an environment that is moving, so anything can happen,” the retired Navy captain said. “Somebody gets crushed, falls overboard or gets run over.”

Despite the security risks and challenges, several of the officers said they think JLOTS is tailor-made for the Gaza mission, delivering much-needed relief via the sea where no port is available.

After digging a slot trench and a so-called "duck pond," U.S. troops prepare for a trident pier to stab the beach during a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore exercise in 2015. (Army)

How they stab the beach

To stab the trident pier into the beach, a platoon’s worth of soldiers first use military bulldozers to dig a massive slot trench on the beach, which leads the pier into a so-called “duck pond,” basically a water-filled entry point for the pier to mate with the beach, the officers said.

After the duck pond is established, which usually takes a day or so, the pier is rammed at four or 5 knots into the sand, and must get at least 40 feet in, according to one retired Army officer who spent decades in the transportation corps.

After that, a mix of buried anchors and Army tug vessels keep the pier in place as trucks start rolling on and off.

“Those anchoring systems need to be constantly maintained, to hold the pier in place, securely and stable so that they can do discharge operations safely,” Robbins said.

It remains unclear whether U.S. or Israeli forces will be in charge of keeping the pier stable.

Security concerns

The retired Army transportation corps officer said JLOTS is “built for a less-kinetic environment,” and using it in Gaza could come with risks, and additional challenges.

Typically, a JLOTS deployment would follow a Marine Corps amphibious assault on a given location, he said, referring to JLOTS as “LOTS” for short.

“Forced entry, they secure the ground and they move inland and create standoff,” he said. “After the Marine Corps provides the ground or the space, the Army then moves in for a long, enduring operations, where we bring in LOTS capability.”

“It’s usually not the kinetic environment we see now in Gaza,” the officer added.

Already, aid groups ashore were mortared last month, and Hamas has said the group will resist any foreign presence associated with the project, The Associated Press reported .

Several of the officers interviewed worried about the Israeli and U.S. militaries’ ability to counter lower-tech threats, such as mortar rounds.

There’s also the matter of keeping the pier safe.

The military has limited JLOTS sets, the Navy officer noted, and one being used in Gaza can’t be used for something else.

The capability has been neglected and underfunded over the years, particularly Army watercraft, the officers said, but a conventional war with China has resurrected a desire for such capabilities, he said.

“There’s plenty in the military that are clamoring for more JLOTS-type enablers,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for the U.S. military to show why the investments in technology like this matter.”

The JLOTS capability in action during a 2012 military exercise. (DOD)

How to do JLOTS

The JLOTS system involves several parts: a massive discharge platform, where cargo ships can offload aid, the trident pier, or causeway, and a series of pier sections-slash-boats that will move the aid from the platform to the pier.

All the parts are built from the same sectional modular pieces, which are put together like an at-sea erector set, the retired Army transportation officer said.

“We just build an acre of causeways all connected together” for the discharge platform, he said. “And then you build the causeway ferries, which are built from causeway sections, causeway pieces … with a powered section at the end. Kind of looks like a pier, but it’s powered and you can use it like a boat and you can build them, 300, 400, 800-feet long.”

“They almost look like a piece of causeway section with a pilot house on it,” the Navy officer said.

Those ferries can then “marry up” at the trident pier, allowing trucks to drive off and toward land.

“It’s all made from the same parts and pieces, it’s just how you erect it,” the Army transportation officer said.

Trident piers sit just a few feet above the water, and are susceptible to volatile and choppy sea states, the transportation officer said.

Soldiers and sailors assemble a sprawling at-sea discharge platform in the Mediterranean Sea off the Gaza Strip in April. (Army via AP)

Other officers recalled how trident pier missions had to be scrapped because of uncooperative waters in past JLOTS exercises.

The Pentagon said earlier this month that the pier was delayed due to weather, and the retired Army officer said that opposing winds and currents can whip up that stretch of the Mediterranean Sea, but that bad weather passes relatively quickly.

Cooper, the deputy CENTCOM commander, said Thursday that how weather affects using the pier will be “situationally dependent.”

“One variable we cannot control here is the weather,” he said. “So we’ll just see what that looks like. It’s very favorable here in the coming days and week or so. And our goal is to move as much humanitarian assistance as possible during that period, and then we’ll make assessments going forward, as we would with any military operation and the weather.’

The Pentagon has indicated that contractors will drive the aid trucks down the trident pier and onto the beach. Officers who spoke with Military Times questioned whether a non-military truck driver would be up to the daunting task.

“Some of that’s a little dicey for a commercial truck driver that probably has never driven on a causeway section before,” one officer said.

U.S. soldiers build out a floating staging platform in the Mediterranean Sea in April. (DOD)

‘It’s very risky even to put the damn causeway together’

But even without the security threats that a mission like the one in Gaza poses , JLOTS is a potentially dangerous undertaking for troops involved, even under the best of circumstances, the officers said.

“It’s very risky even to put the damn causeway together,” the active-duty Army officer said.

The massive ships at sea crane-load and dangle massive platform and pier sections over the side, and everything is assembled via human labor.

“We’re talking about building and erecting an erector set of equipment in the water,” the retired Army transportation officer said. “There’s just a huge risk in doing that, and the processes have to be done in ideal conditions.”

A soldier takes part in a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS, exercise in 2016. (DOD)

Rolling out JLOTS requires “relatively good weather, good sea conditions, to be able to put and stitch all of that stuff together,” one officer said.

The sections used to assemble the discharge platform, the ribbon bridge ferries and the trident pier are all massive and heavy, and soldiers have been crushed carrying out the mission in the past, the officers said.

Once everything is in place, moving the cargo can be equally harrowing , the officers said. Cargo trucks have to drive down a 50-degree sloped ramp from the cargo ship to the floating discharge platform, and those soldiers may not be trained in JLOTS.

“It’s usually the soldier driving his own tank, or his own truck, who’s not a watercraft soldier, he’s not a causeway soldier, this is not his environment, and you’re directing him to get him to shore so he can get back into his environment,” the officer said. “Those soldiers who are unpracticed or inexperienced at that tend to be just frightened to death, operating in the water like that.”

Going down that sloped ramp requires particular leaps of faith for the drivers, even with soldiers on the ground guiding them, and it all gets “exponentially worse at night,” the retired senior Army officer said.

Drivers generally take a right turn to get off the cargo ship and onto the ramp, with little visibility regarding where they’re going.

“They see nothing except water, they cannot see the discharge platform and they have to trust in their skill, and they go off this thing and then down and make a left-hand turn onto the discharge facility,” he said. “That in and of itself is a scary thing — where’s the edge?”

Soldiers drive off of a trident pier during a Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS, exercise in 2016. (Army National Guard)

Once onto the ribbon bridge ferry or trident pier, the path back to land is undulating in three dimensions.

“It’s up, it’s down, it’s sideways,” the officer said. “It’s a really dynamic operational environment.”

The pier itself is about 24-feet-wide and “way smaller when you’re driving on it,” the senior officer said.

One section goes one way, while the one ahead goes the other way.

“They’re all connected but they move to some degree independently,” he said. “Everything’s moving, nothing is stable, and until you get used to that and trust your own ability to just go straight and not worry about it, that’s an interesting experience.”

Military Times Editorial Fellow Riley Ceder contributed to this report.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated Keith Robbins’ JLOTS-related position. He was JLOTS program manager for U.S. Transportation Command.

Geoff is the editor of Navy Times, but he still loves writing stories. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes any and all kinds of tips at [email protected].

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US attack sub, Canada navy patrol ship arrive in Cuba on heels of Russian warships

The crew of the Russian nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine Kazan watch the Canadian navy patrol boat HMCS Margaret Brooke passing by as it enters the bay in Havana, Cuba, on June 14, 2024. (Reuters)

HAVANA — A Canadian navy patrol ship sailed into Havana early on Friday, just hours after the United States announced a fast-attack submarine had docked at its Guantanamo naval base in Cuba, both vessels on the heels of Russian warships that arrived on the island earlier this week.

The confluence of Russian, Canadian and U.S. vessels in Cuba — a Communist-run island nation just 90 miles south of Florida — was a reminder of old Cold War tensions and fraught ties between Russia and Western nations over the Ukraine war.

However, both the U.S. and Cuba have said the Russian warships pose no threat to the region. Russia has also characterized the arrival of its warships in allied Cuba as routine.

The Admiral Gorshkov frigate and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, half submerged with its crew on deck, sailed into Havana harbor on Wednesday after conducting “high-precision missile weapons” training in the Atlantic Ocean, Russia’s defense ministry said.

Canada’s Margaret Brooke patrol vessel began maneuvers early on Friday to enter Havana harbor, part of what the Canadian Joint Operations Command called “a port visit … in recognition of the long-standing bilateral relationship between Canada and Cuba.”

Hours earlier, the U.S. Southern Command said the fast-attack submarine Helena had arrived on a routine port visit to Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. naval base on the tip of the island around 530 miles southeast of Havana.

“The vessel’s location and transit were previously planned,” Southern Command said on X.

Cuba’s foreign ministry said it had been informed of the arrival of the U.S. submarine but was not happy about it.

“Naval visits to a country are usually the result of an invitation, and this was not the case,” said Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío.

“Obviously we do not like the presence in our territory (of a submarine) belonging to a power that maintains an official and practical policy that is hostile against Cuba.”

A Canadian diplomat characterized the Margaret Brooke’s arrival as “routine and part of long-standing cooperation between our two countries,” adding it was “unrelated to the presence of the Russian ships.”

Russia and Cuba were close allies under the former Soviet Union, and tensions with Washington over communism in its “backyard” peaked with the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Moscow has maintained ties with Havana.

When asked what message Moscow was sending, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday the West never appeared to take notice when Russia sent signals through diplomatic channels.

“As soon as it comes to exercises or sea voyages, we immediately hear questions and a desire to know what these messages are about,” Zakharova said. “Why do only signals related only to our army and navy reach the West?”

The Russian warships are expected to remain in Havana harbor until Monday.

related stories

• US debated canceling sub deployment to Cuba after learning of Russia’s warship plans
• US attack sub arrives at Navy base in Cuba a day after Russian fleet docks in Havana

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Navy Pier is proud to offer a diverse variety of exciting events and public programs year-round. Our extensive event calendar features something for everyone, from free fireworks displays throughout the year to live music, theater, art exhibits, dance performances, cultural celebrations, lake cruises and kids’ activities.

Sable at Navy Pier: Wake Up on the Lake

Created to continue the spirit of Navy Pier, Sable at Navy Pier offers exquisite accommodations, unique dining experiences, and a rooftop bar unlike any other. With an unmatched view of the lake, Sable at Navy Pier is the perfect place to plan your next getaway or staycation.

Enjoy the Flavors of the Pier

We’ve got the rich culinary tradition of Chicago, all in one place. Our restaurants offer you authentic food, in one of the city’s most iconic locations.

Chef Art Smith’s Reunion

A Reunion at the Pier. Internationally celebrated Chef Art Smith’s Reunion Restaurant features a robust menu of Chef Art’s signature comfort foods, many with a...

Harry Caray’s Tavern

Harry Caray’s Tavern offers an unbeatable waterfront location, outstanding smoked barbecue, a great selection of local craft beer and a world class collection of sports...

Offshore Rooftop

Offshore Rooftop Dine and drink at Offshore, the largest rooftop deck in the country, located at Navy Pier. Offshore is the nation’s largest rooftop venue,...

Giordano’s

Serving up their famous stuffed deep dish pizzas, as well as other pizzas and classic Italian favorites, Giordano’s on Navy Pier is a great spot...

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bar and Grill – Chicago

The Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville restaurant has an intimate indoor atmosphere, while guests can soak up the view of the boardwalk and Lake Michigan from a...

Ben & Jerry’s

Indulge in ice cream cups, cones, sundaes, and shakes. Ben and Jerry’s offers everyone’s favorite ice cream flavor. We have a variety of cups, cones...

I Dream of Falafel

I Dream of Falafel (IDOF) specializes in fresh Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare, including pitas, wraps, salad plates, and of (of course) freshly made in-house...

Discover the Pier Life

Our Navy Pier blog has all the inspiration you need for a fantastic trip to the Pier, including all the must-sees and must-dos. Need inspiration? See what you can experience at Navy Pier.

Tips for Women in Leadership: Q & A with Navy Pier Board Chair Jennifer Steans

Health, Wellness & Fitness at Navy Pier

Ultimate Flying Ride, Flyover, Coming to Navy Pier

A Luxury Holiday Travel Blog

The Magic of Making Light Up The Lake Carbon Neutral

Choose your adventure with pier passport.

Adventure awaits at Navy Pier, and you can access it all with our annual pass, Pier Passport. Annual Pass holders enjoy discounts on parking, free tickets for the Centennial Ferris Wheel, plus rotating discounts and perks around the Pier.

Discover Our History

Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder. Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier’s 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences.

Hold Your Event at Navy Pier

Planning a special event in Chicago? Wow your guests with a private event venue unlike any other in the city: Navy Pier. From weddings to corporate retreats to festivals to trade shows, Navy Pier’s breathtaking venues and unmatched service provide an unparalleled private event experience, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed.

We Are the People's Pier

From selfies to gorgeous landscape shots, we want to see your #NavyPier photos!

Getting Here

Getting to Navy Pier has never been easier. Click an option below to learn more about the many convenient ways to get to Navy Pier.

Public Transportation

Divvy bike share.

Located at 600 E. Grand Avenue, Navy Pier is easily accessible via car or public transportation. Navy Pier has two on-site parking garages, as well as valet parking.

Several CTA buses service Navy Pier directly from Metra and other rail stations as well as “L” stops. Navy Pier is also a pick-up and drop-off point for several sightseeing tour buses. Seasonally, water taxis to and from Navy Pier provide a scenic option of getting from one destination to the next.

Shoreline Water Taxis offer a scenic, fast and fun way to get to your destination. The service begins in May and runs through September with additional service throughout the fall and for special events.

Experience Chicago in a whole new way with Divvy, Chicago’s bike share system. Navy Pier’s Divvy station and kiosk is located in Polk Bros Park, on the northwest corner of Streeter and Grand.

About Navy Pier

Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder. Since its reopening in 1995, more than 180 million guests have come to enjoy the Pier’s 50 acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. In 2023, Navy Pier continues to evolve into an accessible, year-round centerpiece for Chicago’s diverse arts and cultural treasures.

Here's what Russia's warships in Cuba are capable of

R ussia's fleet of warships in Cuba poses a "limited threat" to the U.S. mainland and its Navy, an expert said, but the move by Russian President Vladimir Putin is far from unprecedented.

Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery (ret.) told Fox News Digital that U.S. assets in the area are more than capable of outmaneuvering the three warships and lone nuclear submarine that arrived in Cuba on Wednesday. 

"There have been three of these incidents in the past 20 years, so it's a traditional, normal-sized deployment despite being infrequent," Montgomery said, though he did note the inclusion of the submarine is "somewhat more interesting."

The naval ships included three vessels accompanied by small boats. The flagship frigate, adorned with the Russian and Cuban flags, was greeted by 21-cannon salutes in Cuba's Havana Harbor. Sailors in dress uniform stood in military formation as they approached the island.

BIDEN COMMEMORATES D-DAY AT NORMANDY, CALLS ON ALLIES TO REPEL ‘TYRANT’ PUTIN IN UKRAINE

The nuclear-powered submarine Kazan arrived soon after the warships. Cuba’s foreign ministry said last week that the ships will be in Havana until June 17.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Montogomery said the Kazan is potentially equipped with hypersonic anti-ship missiles that could pose a threat to U.S. naval assets in the region. The flagship, Admiral Gorshkov, is also in possession of anti-ship cruise missiles. The vessels are not carrying nuclear weapons, Cuba's foreign ministry said.

Nevertheless, Montogomery said he was confident that none of the vessels were capable of hunting down U.S. submarines, saying the opposite is more likely.

The U.S. response will likely be limited to sending scout aircraft and potentially some surface vessels to "shadow" the Russian group as it conducts military exercises in the Caribbean.

BIDEN CLAIMS TO HAVE KNOWN PUTIN FOR ‘OVER 40 YEARS’ EVEN WHEN HE WORKED AS A KGB AGENT

Tensions between the United States and Moscow have grown since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Biden administration has provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in military aid to fend off Russian attacks.

Russian military and defense doctrine holds Latin America and the Caribbean in an important position, with the sphere seen as under U.S. influence acting as a counterweight to Washington’s activities in Europe, said Ryan Berg, director of the Americas Program at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"While this is likely little more than provocation from Moscow, it sends a message about Russia’s ability to project power into the Western Hemisphere with the help of its allies, and it will certainly keep the U.S. military on high alert while they are in theater," Berg said.

On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hosted his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez, for talks in Moscow. Lavrov thanked Cuban authorities for their position on Ukraine.

Original article source: Here's what Russia's warships in Cuba are capable of