City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to dine aboard a yacht with panoramic views of Chicago’s iconic skyline, this review might help you decide whether this cruise fits your plans. We haven’t personally sailed on this exact tour, but based on plenty of reviews and detailed descriptions, it promises a lively, scenic, and tasty experience on Lake Michigan. Perfect for those who enjoy a good meal with a view, this cruise combines sightseeing, entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere in a way that appeals to many travelers.

What we love about this experience is its combination of delicious buffet food and spectacular views—you get to see Chicago’s proud architecture and landmarks while indulging in a multi-course meal. Also, the onboard live DJ and dance floor add a fun, energetic vibe. A potential drawback might be the price point of $93 per person, which, while reasonable given the buffet and entertainment, might seem steep if you’re on a budget or expecting a more exclusive experience. This cruise is best suited for food lovers, sightseeing enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a lively social atmosphere aboard a beautiful boat.

Key Points

• Stunning panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline from the rooftop deck.
• Buffet meals with a variety of entrees, salads, and desserts—freshly prepared and plentiful.
• Live entertainment with a DJ, dance floor, and onboard games for all ages.
• Flexible options for brunch, lunch, or dinner, including bottomless mimosas for brunch.
• Accessible for most travelers, including those in wheelchairs.
• Cost includes a guaranteed table, service, and spectacular scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

The Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise offered by City Cruises Chicago is a package designed to blend sightseeing, dining, and entertainment into a 2-hour voyage. Departing from the lively Navy Pier, the cruise promises to showcase Chicago’s most recognizable landmarks while you relax on a stylish yacht. Whether you choose the brunch, lunch, or dinner option, the core experience remains similar: a scenic cruise with a buffet meal, live music, and plenty of opportunities to take in the city’s skyline.

Setting Sail from Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a natural starting point—iconic, bustling, and easy to find. The cruise departs from the right side of the pier, with check-in at the Spirit of Chicago ticket booth near the Sable Hotel. Arriving at least 30 minutes early is advised, giving you time to settle in, snap some photos, and soak in the lively atmosphere. The boats, Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier, are comfortably climate-controlled, with open-air rooftop decks offering unobstructed views.

What the Cruise Looks Like

Once onboard, you’re welcomed warmly, and there’s an opportunity to get a souvenir photo before taking your seat. The meal is served at your private table—set in a spacious, clean interior that feels upscale but not pretentious. The buffet includes a variety of options, from salads and seafood to hot entrees and decadent desserts, catering to many tastes and dietary needs.

While the buffet menu varies, reviews note that the food is “freshly prepared” and “delicious,” with some guests highlighting specific favorites such as roasted broccoli, baked ziti, or the slow-roasted strip loin. Brunch guests can enjoy bottomless mimosas, which adds a celebratory touch; the dinner and lunch options do not include alcohol but offer a fully stocked cash bar with cocktails, wine, and beer.

The Landmark Views

The main highlight of the cruise is undoubtedly the spectacular views. As the boat glides along Lake Michigan, you’ll see Chicago’s towering skyscrapers like the Hancock Tower, Willis Tower, and the Trump Tower. The skyline is breathtaking at sunset or during the night when the city lights sparkle, making this a photographer’s dream.

Along the route, you’ll pass notable locations like Buckingham Fountain, Adler Planetarium, and the Navy Pier itself. Guests from reviews mention that the 360-degree views from the rooftop deck are “amazing,” giving ample opportunity for photos and just soaking in the scenery.

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Entertainment and Activities

After your meal, the entertainment heats up. The cruise features a live DJ who plays a variety of tunes, encouraging guests to dance or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. Reviews praise the DJ for keeping the energy high and adding to the fun vibe. The boat also offers games like giant Jenga and shuffleboard, which create a relaxed, social environment perfect for families or groups of friends.

The cruise is designed to be family-friendly, with reviews mentioning that while most guests are adults, children are welcome, and the onboard activities make it suitable for all ages. However, some reviews note that the environment can be lively, so those seeking a quiet, romantic evening might prefer a different type of cruise.

Practical Details

The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, though some reviews mention it could extend to 3 hours depending on the route and conditions. It runs primarily in the afternoon or evening, giving flexibility for daytime sightseeing or evening cityscape viewing. The boat is wheelchair accessible, essential for travelers with mobility needs.

Price and Value

At $93 per person, this cruise is a solid value when you consider the included buffet, entertainment, and access to prime viewing areas. The all-you-can-eat buffet featuring entrees, salads, and desserts makes the price competitive, especially with the added bonus of live music and scenic views. The bottomless mimosas during brunch add a bit of a splash of indulgence, especially for celebratory occasions.

While the ticket price doesn’t include alcohol (beyond the included mimosas at brunch), the cash bar provides a variety of drinks, so you’re not limited. There’s also the option to purchase souvenir photos, which some guests found fun to remember the experience.

Authentic Guest Perspectives

Based on reviews, many guests highlight the helpful staff and smooth operation. One reviewer praised a server named Jacky for her “awesome job,” emphasizing the attentive service. Others appreciated the cleanliness and organization of the boat, describing the experience as “exceptional” and “fantastic.”

A common theme is the stunning skyline views—several reviewers mention how breathtaking the scenery is, especially at sunset or at night. One noted, “The cruise itself was great with amazing views of the Chicago skyline.” The food quality also garners praise; guests often mention the buffet’s freshness and variety.

On the flip side, some reviews point out minor drawbacks, such as occasional issues with the buffet’s timing—”they did not bring out more of the items”—or the environment being somewhat noisy with families and children, which might not suit travelers seeking a quiet dinner or romantic evening.

Practical Tips for Your Cruise

• Arrive early to check in, find your table, and take photos.
• Dress comfortably but casually stylish—most guests opt for neat, casual attire.
• Consider the weather—while the interior is climate-controlled, the rooftop offers open-air views, so dress accordingly.
• Inform your server of any allergies or dietary restrictions ahead of time.
• Bring your camera or smartphone—the skyline views are stunning and worth capturing.
• If planning to enjoy drinks, note that alcohol is available for purchase, but the buffet includes complimentary beverages like coffee, tea, and iced tea.
• The cruise is wheelchair accessible, so mention any needs during booking.

Final Thoughts

This Lake Michigan cruise from City Cruises Chicago offers a lively, scenic way to experience the city from the water. Combining delicious buffet options, breathtaking skyline views, and entertaining onboard activities, it’s a well-rounded experience for those wanting to blend sightseeing with a social outing.

It’s particularly well-suited for food and drink enthusiasts, families, or groups celebrating a special occasion. If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun atmosphere with the chance to see Chicago’s famous landmarks from a different perspective, this cruise delivers.

However, travelers should keep in mind the price and consider whether they prefer a quieter, more intimate experience. The lively environment and onboard entertainment might not appeal to everyone seeking a secluded or romantic dinner. Still, for a memorable, engaging outing, this cruise stands out as a compelling choice.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for children? Yes, children are welcome, and the cruise offers onboard games suitable for all ages. However, it tends to be lively, so keep that in mind if you prefer a quieter experience.

Does the cruise depart from Navy Pier? Yes, the departure point is Navy Pier, specifically from the right side dock, near the Sable Hotel.

How long does the cruise last? The typical duration is 2 hours, with some cruises possibly lasting up to 3 hours depending on the route.

Is parking available near Navy Pier? While not explicitly stated, Navy Pier is a popular destination with parking options nearby, but it can fill up during busy times.

Are there dietary accommodations? The cruise states they try to accommodate dietary restrictions; it’s advisable to inform your server or call ahead.

What’s included in the price? Your ticket covers the cruise, buffet meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner), onboard DJ entertainment, dance floor, rooftop games, unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea, service fee, and a guaranteed table.

Can I bring my own drinks? No, outside alcohol is not allowed, but the fully stocked cash bar has a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for all guests to enjoy the experience.

In short, this Chicago cruise offers a lively, scenic, and tasty experience that’s perfect for those seeking good food, great views, and a fun atmosphere—all within a convenient 2-hour outing. Whether you’re celebrating or simply want to enjoy the city from the water, it’s worth considering for your Chicago trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby