Chicago

City Cruises Chicago operates from two primary departure points, offering convenient access for a variety of cruise experiences.

Navy Pier

600 E Grand Ave

Chicago, IL 60611

NBC tower 

455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr

Chicago, IL 60611

Since street parking around Navy Pier (link: https://navypier.org/plan-your-visit/getting-here-and-parking/parking-and-valet/) and the downtown area is limited, visitors are encouraged to use nearby parking garages for easier access. Convenient options include the Navy Pier Garage, Illinois Street Garage, and nearby garages operated by SP+ and InterPark. Be aware that parking can be competitive, especially during weekends, holidays, and special events. 

Chicago is committed to accessibility, offering numerous services to support visitors with disabilities. The CTA system, including buses and “L” trains, is equipped with elevators, ramps, and priority seating to assist those with mobility needs. 

Yes! City Cruises Chicago offers a variety of sightseeing, dining, and special event experiences throughout the year on both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

You will be quite comfortable cruising year-round with City Cruises. Most of our vessels feature climate-controlled interiors, panoramic windows, and open-air decks, making cruising comfortable throughout the year.

Yes. Many City Cruises vessels are wheelchair accessible and offer accessible boarding areas, climate-controlled indoor spaces, and accessible restrooms on select vessels. Accessibility features may vary by vessel and departure location, so guests with specific mobility needs are encouraged to review their cruise details or contact Guest Services before sailing to ensure the best experience.

Absolutely! Service animals are welcome aboard City Cruises experiences.

City Cruises offers a variety of dining experiences that combine exceptional hospitality, attentive service, and unforgettable views of Chicago's skyline and waterfront.

Chicago Brunch Cruises

Enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.

Chicago Dinner Cruises

Celebrate an anniversary, date night, birthday, or special occasion with chef-prepared cuisine, entertainment, and spectacular skyline views from an open-air deck or indoor dining space. Evening dining cruises also offer a cocktail with stunning skyline views, and drinks are available for purchase on select Chicago River sailings. Chicago River dining cruises also feature a full-service bar and snack options.

Sunset Cruises

Watch Chicago transform as the sun sets behind the skyline and city lights begin to sparkle across the waterfront as you board for the evening.

Holiday & Specialty Cruises

Celebrate throughout the year with seasonal events, themed cruises, and unique experiences on the water aboard a stylish boat designed for memorable occasions, including St. Patrick’s Day, when the river is dyed green on the Saturday before or on March 17.

First-Time Visitors

See many of Chicago's most famous landmarks in one unforgettable experience.

Families

Choose from architecture tours, sightseeing cruises, and Seadog adventures that appeal to all ages.

Couples

Enjoy romantic sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and unforgettable skyline views with a craft drink in hand.

Architecture Enthusiasts

Explore one of the world's greatest architectural cities from the perspective it was designed to be seen.

Thrill Seekers

Experience high-speed adventure on the water with Seadog's exhilarating speedboat rides, combining breathtaking city views, sharp turns, and plenty of excitement for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Groups & Corporate Events

Host team outings, client events, holiday parties, celebrations, and private gatherings on the water for a memorable group trip.

Wear comfortable clothing and layers. Even during warmer months, temperatures on the water can feel cooler than on land.

Many first-time visitors choose a Chicago Architecture River Tour to learn about the city's history and architecture, then pair it with a Lake Michigan cruise for panoramic skyline views.

Throughout the year, City Cruises hosts holiday celebrations, Father's Day cruises, Fourth of July cruises, New Year's Eve events, live entertainment experiences, and specialty themed sailings.

Absolutely! City Cruises Chicago offers customizable venues and packages for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties, educational outings, and social celebrations – with a complimentary event coordinator included!

Chicago is widely considered the birthplace of the modern skyscraper. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, architects and engineers helped reshape the city using innovative building techniques that influenced urban design around the world. Today, the city is home to some of the most celebrated buildings and architects in history.

Many architecture cruises feature views of iconic landmarks, including Willis Tower, the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, Marina City, and dozens of other historic and contemporary skyscrapers lining the Chicago River.

One of Chicago's most fascinating engineering achievements was reversing the flow of the Chicago River in 1900. The project helped protect Lake Michigan, the city's primary water source, and remains one of the most remarkable engineering feats in American history.

Chicago is home to more movable bridges than any other city in the world, with dozens of drawbridges spanning the river and creating one of the city's most recognizable waterfront scenes. The exact amount being 45!

Lake Michigan offers panoramic views of the entire Chicago skyline. From the water, you can appreciate the city's scale, lakefront parks, Museum Campus, Navy Pier, and architectural landmarks all at once.

Yes. Many visitors consider Lake Michigan to provide the most spectacular views of Chicago's skyline, especially during sunset and evening cruises when the city lights begin to glow.

Depending on your route, you may see Navy Pier, Museum Campus, Adler Planetarium, Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Chicago Harbor, and the city's famous skyline.

The Chicago River Architecture Tour focuses on the city's iconic buildings and architectural history from the river. Lake Michigan cruises provide panoramic views of the entire skyline, waterfront, and cityscape from the lake.

Seadog combines sightseeing with adventure. Unlike traditional sightseeing cruises, Seadog offers high-speed thrills while still showcasing many of Chicago's most iconic landmarks, architecture, and skyline views.

Absolutely. It's consistently ranked among the top things to do in Chicago and offers a unique opportunity to learn about the city's architecture while enjoying incredible riverfront views.

Absolutely! Seadog is a family-friendly experience that's popular with kids, teens, and adults looking for a more exciting way to experience Chicago's waterfront.

You'll find that many of our Seadog experiences offer incredible views of Navy Pier and the surrounding waterfront attractions.

Yes! The Seadog welcomes leashed dogs on all tours except the Seadog Extreme Thrill ride.

The Seadog is BYOB, and guests are generally allowed to bring their own beverages, including alcohol, on many Seadog rides, provided they are not in glass containers. Cheers!