Chicago River Cruise: A Guide to the Best Boat Tours in the Windy City - Carnival Cruise Careers

Chicago is a city that boasts many attractions, from its world-class museums and cultural venues to its vibrant nightlife and sports scene. But one of the most unique and enjoyable ways to experience the city is by taking a river cruise along the Chicago River. The Chicago River is a 156-mile-long waterway that flows through the heart of downtown Chicago, connecting Lake Michigan with the Illinois River. The river is famous for its role in Chicago’s history, economy, and architecture, as well as for its annual dyeing green on St. Patrick’s Day.

A river cruise is a great way to see Chicago from a different perspective, as you glide past some of the most iconic buildings and landmarks in the city. You can learn about the fascinating stories behind the skyscrapers, bridges, and monuments that line the river, while enjoying the views and the breeze. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sightseeing tour, a romantic dinner cruise, or a fun-filled party boat, there’s a river cruise for everyone in Chicago. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the best river cruises in Chicago, and help you plan your perfect boat tour in the Windy City.

Chicago River Cruise Architecture

One of the most popular and highly rated river cruises in Chicago is the architecture tour. This tour focuses on the stunning architecture that defines Chicago’s skyline, and showcases the diverse styles and influences that shaped the city’s development. You’ll see more than 50 buildings along the river, ranging from historic landmarks to modern marvels, and learn about their design, history, and significance from expert guides.

The architecture tour is offered by several companies, but one of the best ones is Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, which partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to provide certified docent-led tours. The tours last 90 minutes and depart from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, near the Chicago Architecture Center. The boats are spacious and comfortable, with open-air upper decks and climate-controlled lower cabins. They also have full-service bars and restrooms on board.

The architecture tour covers all three branches of the Chicago River: the main branch, which runs east-west through downtown; the north branch, which curves northward toward Lincoln Park; and the south branch, which bends southward toward Chinatown. Along the way, you’ll see some of the most remarkable buildings in Chicago, such as:

• The Wrigley Building: A white terra-cotta-clad tower that was inspired by Seville’s Cathedral Giralda Tower and was one of the first skyscrapers to use floodlights to illuminate its facade at night.
• The Tribune Tower: A neo-Gothic masterpiece that features fragments of famous buildings from around the world embedded in its walls, such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, and the Colosseum.
• The Willis Tower: Formerly known as the Sears Tower, this is the tallest building in Chicago and the second-tallest in North America. It has 110 floors and an observation deck with glass balconies that extend over the edge of the building.
• The Merchandise Mart: A massive Art Deco structure that spans two city blocks and was once the largest building in the world by floor area. It houses showrooms, offices, studios, and retail spaces for various industries.
• The Marina City: A pair of cylindrical towers that resemble corncobs and were designed as a mixed-use complex with apartments, offices, shops, restaurants, and a marina.
• The 333 West Wacker Drive: A sleek glass building that curves along the river and reflects its changing colors. It was featured in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
• The Civic Opera House: A limestone building that resembles a huge armchair facing the river. It is home to the Lyric Opera of Chicago and has a 3,563-seat auditorium.

These are just some of the highlights of the architecture tour, but there are many more buildings to discover and admire along the river. The tour is informative and entertaining, as the guides share interesting facts and anecdotes about each building and its architect. You’ll also learn about how the river was reversed in 1900 to prevent pollution from reaching Lake Michigan, how it was straightened and widened to accommodate larger ships, and how it became an integral part of Chicago’s urban planning and culture.

The architecture tour is suitable for all ages and interests, and is a must-do for anyone who loves architecture or wants to learn more about Chicago’s history and identity. The tour runs year-round, weather permitting, but it is especially beautiful in spring when the trees along the river are in bloom, or in fall when they turn into vibrant colors. You can also choose to take an evening river cruise, which offers a different experience as you see the city’s architecture illuminated by the setting sun and the city lights.

Chicago River Cruise Brunch

If you’re looking for a more relaxing and indulgent river cruise, you might want to try a brunch cruise. This is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. You can choose from a variety of brunch options, from buffet-style to plated, and from casual to elegant. You can also enjoy drinks, music, and entertainment on board, depending on the cruise you choose.

One of the best brunch cruises in Chicago is offered by City Experiences, formerly known as Hornblower Cruises. Their brunch cruise departs from Navy Pier, one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, and takes you on a scenic journey along the lakefront and the river. The cruise lasts two hours and features a mouthwatering buffet with dishes such as eggs Benedict, French toast, bacon, sausage, roasted potatoes, salads, pastries, and more. You can also enjoy unlimited mimosas, coffee, tea, and juice, as well as a cash bar for other drinks.

The brunch cruise is not only about food and drinks, but also about entertainment and fun. You can listen to live music or a DJ, dance on the spacious dance floor, play games, or join trivia contests. You can also take in the views of Chicago’s skyline and landmarks from the climate-controlled interior or the open-air observation deck. The cruise is family-friendly and suitable for all occasions, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or just a weekend getaway.

The brunch cruise is available on Saturdays and Sundays from April to December, with boarding at 11:30 a.m. and cruising from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The tickets start at $79.90 per person (plus tax and fees), and include the buffet, drinks, entertainment, and gratuity. You can also upgrade your ticket to include window seating or a souvenir photo. Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone.

Chicago River Cruise Dinner

Another option for a memorable river cruise in Chicago is a dinner cruise. This is a perfect way to spend a romantic evening with your partner or a special occasion with your friends or family. You can enjoy a gourmet meal while cruising along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, and watch the sunset and the city lights create a magical atmosphere. You can also enjoy drinks, music, dancing, and more on board.

One of the best dinner cruises in Chicago is offered by Odyssey Chicago River, which operates a glass-enclosed vessel that provides panoramic views of the city’s architecture from every angle. The dinner cruise departs from Chicago River Esplanade, near NBC Tower, and takes you on a three-hour journey along the river. The cruise features a three-course plated dinner with dishes such as roasted chicken breast, braised beef short rib, Atlantic salmon filet, vegetable napoleon, and more. You can also enjoy a selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and soft drinks from the cash bar.

The dinner cruise is not only about food and drinks, but also about entertainment and elegance. You can listen to live music from a band or a DJ, dance under the stars on the rooftop lounge, or relax in the cozy seating areas. You can also admire the views of Chicago’s skyline and landmarks from the glass walls or the outdoor deck. The cruise is ideal for couples and groups looking for a sophisticated and unforgettable night out.

The dinner cruise is available on Wednesdays through Sundays from April to December, with boarding at 6:30 p.m. and cruising from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The tickets start at $109.90 per person (plus tax and fees), and include the dinner, entertainment, and gratuity. You can also upgrade your ticket to include window seating or an open bar package. Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone.

Chicago River Cruise First Lady

As mentioned earlier, one of the best river cruises in Chicago is offered by Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, which partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to provide certified docent-led tours. But besides the architecture tour, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises also offers other types of river cruises that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sightseeing tour or a lively party boat, there’s a river cruise for you on Chicago’s First Lady.

Some of the other river cruises offered by Chicago’s First Lady Cruises are:

• Lake & River Architecture Tour: This tour combines the best of both worlds: the lake and the river, giving you a chance to see Chicago’s architecture from different angles and distances. The tour lasts 105 minutes and departs from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. The tour covers the same buildings as the river architecture tour, plus some additional ones along the lakefront, such as Navy Pier, Grant Park, Buckingham Fountain, and the Museum Campus.
• Twilight Cruise: This tour is similar to the river architecture tour, but it takes place at dusk, when the city’s lights start to sparkle. The tour lasts 90 minutes and departs from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. The tour is a romantic and enchanting way to see Chicago’s architecture in a different light, as the sun sets and the sky changes colors.
• Chicago Riverwalk Cruise: This tour is a shorter and more casual version of the river architecture tour, ideal for those who have limited time or want a quick overview of the city. The tour lasts 45 minutes and departs from Chicago Riverwalk at Clark Street Bridge. The tour covers the main branch of the river and some of its most iconic buildings, such as the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Willis Tower.
• Private Charters: If you’re looking for a more personalized and exclusive river cruise, you can also book a private charter with Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. You can choose from their fleet of six elegant vessels, which can accommodate from 2 to 250 guests. You can customize your cruise itinerary, menu, bar, entertainment, and decorations to suit your needs and preferences. You can also choose from various themes and occasions, such as weddings, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, and more.

These are just some of the other river cruises offered by Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, but there are many more options to explore on their website. You can also find information about their prices, schedules, locations, and policies. Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is one of the most reputable and experienced river cruise operators in Chicago, and they guarantee a high-quality service and a memorable experience.

Chicago River Cruise Lunch

If you prefer a midday meal over a brunch or a dinner, you might want to try a lunch cruise on the Chicago River. This is a great way to enjoy a tasty lunch while taking in the views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. You can choose from different lunch options, from buffet-style to plated, and from casual to upscale. You can also enjoy drinks, music, and entertainment on board, depending on the cruise you choose.

One of the best lunch cruises in Chicago is offered by Spirit Cruises, which operates modern and fun-filled vessels that offer a lively atmosphere and a festive vibe. Their lunch cruise departs from Navy Pier and takes you on a two-hour journey along the lakefront and the river. The cruise features a buffet with dishes such as roasted turkey breast, baked ziti pasta, honey sesame chicken, mashed potatoes, salads, desserts, and more. You can also enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea, water, and soda, as well as a cash bar for other drinks.

The lunch cruise is not only about food and drinks, but also about entertainment and fun. You can listen to live music or a DJ, dance on the spacious dance floor, play games, or join trivia contests. You can also take in the views of Chicago’s skyline and landmarks from the climate-controlled interior or the open-air observation deck. The cruise is family-friendly and suitable for all occasions, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or just a weekend getaway.

The lunch cruise is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from April to December, with boarding at 11:30 a.m. and cruising from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The tickets start at $64.90 per person (plus tax and fees), and include the buffet, drinks, entertainment, and gratuity. You can also upgrade your ticket to include window seating or a souvenir photo. Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone.

Chicago River Cruise Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago, attracting millions of visitors every year. It is a 3,300-foot-long pier that extends into Lake Michigan, offering a variety of entertainment, dining, shopping, and cultural options. It is also home to some of the best river cruises in Chicago, as many of them depart from or stop at Navy Pier. Whether you’re looking for a sightseeing tour, a dining cruise, or a party boat, you can find it at Navy Pier.

Some of the river cruises that operate from Navy Pier are:

• City Experiences: Formerly known as Hornblower Cruises, this company offers brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises that take you on a scenic journey along the lakefront and the river. The cruises feature delicious buffets or plated meals, unlimited drinks, live music or DJ, games, trivia, and more. The cruises last two to three hours and depart from Dock Street at Navy Pier.
• Spirit Cruises: This company offers lunch and dinner cruises that take you on a fun-filled adventure along the lakefront and the river. The cruises feature mouthwatering buffets, unlimited drinks, live music or DJ, games, trivia, and more. The cruises last two to three hours and depart from Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier.
• Odyssey Lake Michigan: This company offers lunch and dinner cruises that take you on an elegant and sophisticated voyage along the lakefront and the river. The cruises feature three-course plated meals, drinks, live music or DJ, dancing, and more. The cruises last two to three hours and depart from Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier.
• Shoreline Sightseeing: This company offers architecture tours that take you on an informative and entertaining journey along the river. The tours feature expert guides who share fascinating facts and stories about Chicago’s buildings and history. The tours last 75 minutes and depart from Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier.
• Seadog Cruises: This company offers speedboat tours that take you on an exhilarating and thrilling ride along the lakefront and the river. The tours feature witty guides who crack jokes and make fun of Chicago’s landmarks. The tours last 30 to 75 minutes and depart from Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier.

These are just some of the river cruises that operate from Navy Pier, but there are many more options to explore on their website. You can also find information about their prices, schedules, locations, and policies. Navy Pier is a great place to start or end your river cruise in Chicago, as you can also enjoy its other attractions, such as the Centennial Wheel, the Crystal Gardens, the Children’s Museum, the IMAX Theater, the Shakespeare Theater, and the many restaurants and shops. Navy Pier is a destination in itself, and a river cruise is a great way to enhance your visit.

Chicago River Cruise Night

If you want to see Chicago in a different light, you might want to try a night river cruise. This is a wonderful way to experience the city’s beauty and charm after dark, as you see the buildings, bridges, and monuments illuminated by the city lights. You can also enjoy the night sky and the stars, as well as the moon and the fireworks, depending on the season and the weather. A night river cruise is a romantic and magical way to end your day in Chicago.

One of the best night river cruises in Chicago is offered by Wendella Boats, which is the oldest and largest river cruise operator in Chicago. Their night river cruise departs from Trump Tower Dock, near Wrigley Building, and takes you on a 90-minute journey along the river. The cruise features a narrated tour that covers the same buildings and landmarks as the daytime architecture tour, but with a different perspective and ambiance. You’ll also see some of the most spectacular light shows in Chicago, such as:

• The Centennial Fountain: A fountain that shoots a 250-foot-long water arc across the river every hour on the hour for 10 minutes. The fountain also has a light show that changes colors every 15 minutes.
• The Riverwalk Gateway: A mural that spans 28 feet high and 325 feet long under Lake Shore Drive Bridge. The mural depicts scenes from Chicago’s history and culture, and is illuminated by LED lights that create various effects.
• The Merchandise Mart: A building that has a 2.5-acre LED display on its facade that showcases various artworks and animations. The display is part of Art on theMART, which is the largest permanent digital art projection in the world.
• The Navy Pier Fireworks: A fireworks show that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and on special occasions throughout the year. The fireworks are synchronized with music and can be seen from various points along the river.

These are just some of the highlights of the night river cruise, but there are many more sights to see and enjoy along the river. The cruise is informative and entertaining, as the narrator shares interesting facts and stories about each building and landmark. You’ll also learn about how Chicago became known as the “City of Big Shoulders” and the “City That Works”, as well as how it overcame various challenges and disasters throughout its history.

The night river cruise is suitable for all ages and interests, and is a must-do for anyone who wants to see Chicago’s architecture in a new light. The cruise runs year-round, weather permitting, but it is especially beautiful in summer when you can also catch the fireworks at Navy Pier. You can also choose to take an evening river cruise, which offers a similar experience but earlier in the day.

Chicago River Cruise Sunset

If you want to see Chicago in a different light, you might want to try a sunset river cruise. This is a wonderful way to experience the city’s beauty and charm at the golden hour, as you see the buildings, bridges, and monuments bathed in the warm and soft glow of the setting sun. You can also enjoy the night sky and the stars, as well as the moon and the fireworks, depending on the season and the weather. A sunset river cruise is a romantic and magical way to end your day in Chicago.

One of the best sunset river cruises in Chicago is offered by Chicago Line Cruises, which is a family-owned and operated river cruise company that has been serving Chicago since 1980. Their sunset river cruise departs from Ogden Slip Dock, near Navy Pier, and takes you on a 90-minute journey along the river. The cruise features a narrated tour that covers the same buildings and landmarks as the daytime architecture tour, but with a different perspective and ambiance. You’ll also see some of the most spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline and lakefront, such as:

• The John Hancock Center: A 100-story skyscraper that is the fourth-tallest building in Chicago and has a distinctive X-shaped bracing on its facade. It has an observation deck with 360-degree views of the city and Lake Michigan.
• The Lake Point Tower: A 70-story residential building that is the only skyscraper east of Lake Shore Drive and has a curved shape that mimics the lake’s shoreline. It has a rooftop garden with over 100 species of plants and flowers.
• The Buckingham Fountain: A large fountain that is one of the largest in the world and is modeled after the Latona Fountain at Versailles. It has four seahorses that represent the four states that border Lake Michigan: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
• The Adler Planetarium: A museum that is dedicated to astronomy and astrophysics and is the oldest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. It has three theaters that show various shows about the stars, planets, and galaxies.

These are just some of the highlights of the sunset river cruise, but there are many more sights to see and enjoy along the river. The cruise is informative and entertaining, as the narrator shares interesting facts and stories about each building and landmark. You’ll also learn about how Chicago became known as the “City of Big Shoulders” and the “City That Works”, as well as how it overcame various challenges and disasters throughout its history.

The sunset river cruise is suitable for all ages and interests, and is a must-do for anyone who wants to see Chicago’s architecture in a new light. The cruise runs from May to October, weather permitting, but it is especially beautiful in summer when you can also catch the fireworks at Navy Pier. You can also choose to take an evening river cruise, which offers a similar experience but earlier in the day.

Chicago River Cruise Schedule

If you’re interested in taking a river cruise in Chicago, you might be wondering about the schedule and availability of the different cruises. The good news is that there are many river cruises to choose from, and they operate throughout the year, weather permitting. However, the schedule and availability of each cruise may vary depending on the season, the day of the week, and the demand. Therefore, it is advisable to check the website or call the cruise operator before you plan your trip.

Generally speaking, most river cruises in Chicago run from April to December, with some exceptions. For example, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises runs their architecture tour year-round, while Seadog Cruises runs their speedboat tour from March to November. The peak season for river cruises is from May to October, when the weather is warmer and more pleasant. During this time, you can expect more frequent departures and longer hours of operation. However, you can also expect higher prices and larger crowds.

The off-season for river cruises is from November to March, when the weather is colder and more unpredictable. During this time, you can expect less frequent departures and shorter hours of operation. However, you can also expect lower prices and smaller crowds. Some river cruises may also offer special discounts or promotions during this time, such as holiday-themed cruises or winter deals.

The schedule and availability of each river cruise may also vary depending on the day of the week. Generally speaking, most river cruises operate daily, but some may have different schedules on weekdays and weekends. For example, City Experiences offers their brunch cruise only on Saturdays and Sundays, while Spirit Cruises offers their lunch cruise only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The schedule and availability of each river cruise may also vary depending on the demand. Generally speaking, most river cruises are more popular and busy on weekends and holidays, so you may need to book in advance or arrive early to secure your spot.

To find out the exact schedule and availability of each river cruise in Chicago, you can visit their website or call their phone number. You can also find information about their prices, locations, policies, and reviews. You can also book your tickets online or by phone, or buy them at the dock on the day of your cruise, depending on the availability. However, it is recommended to book in advance to ensure your reservation and avoid disappointment.

Chicago River Cruise Tickets

If you’re ready to take a river cruise in Chicago, you might be wondering about how to get your tickets and how much they cost. The good news is that there are many river cruises to choose from, and they offer different options and packages to suit your needs and preferences. However, the price and availability of each cruise may vary depending on the season, the day of the week, the demand, and the type of cruise. Therefore, it is advisable to compare different cruises before you make your decision.

Generally speaking, most river cruises in Chicago offer two types of tickets: general admission and premium admission. General admission tickets are cheaper and more flexible, but they do not guarantee a specific seat or table on the boat. You can choose your seat or table on a first-come-first-served basis when you board the boat. Premium admission tickets are more expensive and less flexible, but they guarantee a specific seat or table on the boat. You can choose your seat or table when you book your ticket online or by phone.

The price of each ticket may vary depending on the season, the day of the week, and the demand. Generally speaking, most river cruises charge higher prices during peak season (May to October), weekends (Friday to Sunday), holidays (such as Memorial Day or Independence Day), and special events (such as fireworks or festivals). They charge lower prices during off-season (November to April), weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and regular days.

Chicago River Cruise Tickets

If you’re ready to take a river cruise in Chicago, you might be wondering about how to get your tickets and how much they cost. The good news is that there are many river cruises to choose from, and they offer different options and packages to suit your needs and preferences. However, the price and availability of each cruise may vary depending on the season, the day of the week, the demand, and the type of cruise. Therefore, it is advisable to compare different cruises before you make your decision.

Generally speaking, most river cruises in Chicago offer two types of tickets: general admission and premium admission. General admission tickets are cheaper and more flexible, but they do not guarantee a specific seat or table on the boat. You can choose your seat or table on a first-come-first-served basis when you board the boat. Premium admission tickets are more expensive and less flexible, but they guarantee a specific seat or table on the boat. You can choose your seat or table when you book your ticket online or by phone.

The price of each ticket may vary depending on the season, the day of the week, and the demand. Generally speaking, most river cruises charge higher prices during peak season (May to October), weekends (Friday to Sunday), holidays (such as Memorial Day or Independence Day), and special events (such as fireworks or festivals). They charge lower prices during off-season (November to April), weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and regular days.

The price of each ticket may also vary depending on the type of cruise. Generally speaking, sightseeing tours are cheaper than dining cruises, and speedboat tours are cheaper than architecture tours. However, some cruises may offer discounts or promotions for certain groups or occasions, such as seniors, students, children, military, groups, or early birds.

To find out the exact price and availability of each river cruise in Chicago, you can visit their website or call their phone number. You can also find information about their locations, policies, reviews, and FAQs. You can also book your tickets online or by phone, or buy them at the dock on the day of your cruise, depending on the availability. However, it is recommended to book in advance to ensure your reservation and avoid disappointment.

Chicago River Cruise Tour

If you want to see Chicago from a different perspective, you might want to try a river cruise tour. This is a great way to learn about the city’s history, culture, and architecture while enjoying the views and the breeze. You can choose from different types of river cruise tours, such as architecture tours, history tours, comedy tours, or themed tours. You can also choose from different durations, frequencies, and languages of the tours. A river cruise tour is a fun and educational way to explore Chicago.

One of the best river cruise tours in Chicago is offered by Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. This tour is rated as one of the top 10 tours in America by TripAdvisor and has won numerous awards and accolades. The tour is led by certified volunteer docents from the Chicago Architecture Center who are passionate and knowledgeable about Chicago’s buildings and history. The tour lasts 90 minutes and departs from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

The tour covers all three branches of the Chicago River: the main branch, which runs east-west through downtown; the north branch, which curves northward toward Lincoln Park; and the south branch, which bends southward toward Chinatown. Along the way, you’ll see more than 50 buildings that represent various styles and eras of architecture, such as Art Deco, Gothic Revival, Modernist, Postmodernist, and more. You’ll also learn about how the river was reversed in 1900 to prevent pollution from reaching Lake Michigan