Chicago: 90-Minute River and Lakefront Cruise at Night

Exploring Chicago’s waterways at night promises an unforgettable experience. Aboard the 90-minute river and lakefront cruise, visitors can marvel at the city’s iconic skyline, illuminated and reflected in the tranquil waters. Expert guides regale passengers with captivating tales of the metropolis’ storied past, bringing its architectural marvels to life. But the journey offers more than just scenic vistas – a visit to the engineering marvel that is the Chicago Harbor Lock provides a unique glimpse into the city’s intricate relationship with its waterways. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, this nighttime cruise is sure to enchant and inspire.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Chicago.

Key Points

• A 90-minute nighttime cruise offering breathtaking views of Chicago’s iconic skyline, historic buildings, and Buckingham Fountain light display.
• Knowledgeable tour guides provide lively commentary on the city’s history, culture, and architectural marvels.
• Passage through the Chicago Harbor Lock, an impressive engineering feat, highlights the city’s growth as a transportation hub.
• Wheelchair-accessible with open and covered seating options, ensuring comfort and weather protection.
• High customer satisfaction with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, praising the stunning views and informative commentary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Cruise Overview

The 90-minute Chicago River and Lakefront Cruise provides visitors with a breathtaking nighttime journey along the city’s iconic waterways.

Guests will witness the stunning skyline, historic buildings, and the mesmerizing light display of Buckingham Fountain. The cruise includes passage through the Chicago Harbor Lock, showcasing the city’s impressive engineering feats.

Knowledgeable tour guides offer lively commentary in English, delving into Chicago’s rich history and culture. With open and covered seating available, the cruise operates rain or shine, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

Priced at $42 per person, this 1.5-hour excursion offers a unique perspective of Chicago’s iconic sights.

Booking and Cancellation

To secure your spot on this captivating cruise, you’ll likely need to act quickly, as these tours tend to sell out.

Fortunately, you can reserve your place without upfront payment, allowing you to lock in your tickets now and pay later.

Should your plans change, there’s no need to worry – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

However, be mindful that latecomers won’t be eligible for refunds, though the operator will do their best to accommodate you on another evening.

Accessibility and Amenities

Accessibility and comfort are paramount on this river and lakefront cruise. The tour is wheelchair accessible, though non-folding wheelchairs aren’t allowed. Manual wheelchairs are available based on availability.

Passengers can choose between open and covered seating, ensuring they remain dry even in inclement weather. Children under 5 years old can join for free, and strollers are permitted as long as they’re folded and stored.

Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, while beverages are available for purchase on board. With these thoughtful amenities, everyone can enjoy the stunning views of Chicago’s skyline and landmarks in comfort.

Meeting Point and Recommendations

Cruise-goers check in at the Mercury Cruises, located on the riverwalk at the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue bridge.

Guests should come prepared with warm clothing, a jacket, and any snacks they’d like to enjoy during the cruise. Large bags, luggage, drones, motorized scooters, and electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed on board.

The cruise operates rain or shine, offering both open and covered seating. For those requiring accessibility, the cruise is wheelchair-accessible, though non-folding wheelchairs aren’t permitted.

Manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Customer Ratings and Reviews

The Chicago River and Lakefront Cruise has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 347 reviews. Travelers have consistently praised the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, awarding them a 4.8 rating. The transportation and organization of the cruise also received high marks, both earning 4.8 and 4.7 ratings respectively. The service was rated 4.7 out of 5, highlighting the cruise’s ability to deliver an enjoyable experience.

Metric	Rating
Guide	4.8
Transportation	4.8
Service	4.7
Organization	4.7

Highlights from travelers include the stunning views of the city’s skyline and Buckingham Fountain’s light display, as well as the informative commentary provided by the guides.

Scenic Views and Highlights

The Chicago River and Lakefront Cruise offers unparalleled scenic views of the city’s iconic skyline, historic architecture, and dazzling light displays.

Throughout the 90-minute voyage, guests are treated to:

• Breathtaking vistas of Chicago’s renowned skyscrapers, including the Willis Tower and Aon Center, set against the serene waters of Lake Michigan.

• Illuminating sights of the city’s architectural gems, such as the Merchandise Mart and Civic Opera House, showcased in a whole new light.

• The mesmerizing display of Buckingham Fountain’s choreographed water and light performance, casting a magical glow over the surroundings.

• A unique perspective of the renowned Chicago Harbor Lock, an engineering marvel that facilitates the cruise’s passage between the river and lake.

Engineering Marvel: Chicago Harbor Lock

As the cruise makes its way through the waterways, passengers witness an awe-inspiring engineering marvel – the Chicago Harbor Lock.

This lock, constructed in the early 20th century, allows boats to seamlessly transition between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The impressive structure raises or lowers the vessel to match the differing water levels, enabling safe passage.

Guests marvel at the intricate mechanisms and precise timing required to operate the lock, a testament to the city’s engineering prowess. The slow, controlled movement of the lock gates showcases the remarkable feat of human ingenuity that has facilitated Chicago’s growth as a vital transportation hub on the Great Lakes.

Lively Commentary and History

Captivating commentary from the live tour guide brings Chicago’s rich history to life throughout the cruise. The knowledgeable guide provides engaging narration, highlighting the city’s architectural marvels, iconic landmarks, and storied past.

• Guests learn about the architectural innovation that shaped Chicago’s skyline, from historic skyscrapers to modern high-rises.

• The guide shares fascinating tales of the city’s industrial heritage and its transformation into a hub of culture and commerce.

• Passengers gain insights into the engineering feats that have defined Chicago, such as the intricate river system and the famous Harbor Lock.

• The guide’s passion for the city’s history creates a captivating experience, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Chicago’s vibrant past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Food and Drinks Available for Purchase on the Cruise?

Beverages are available for purchase on the cruise, and guests may bring their own snacks. The cruise operates rain or shine and offers both open and covered seating options.

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages?

Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, but alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the cruise. Beverages may be purchased on board if desired. The policy is in place for the safety and enjoyment of all passengers.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Cruise?

The cruise has no age restrictions, though children under 5 years old can ride for free. Strollers are allowed but must be folded and stored during the cruise.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?

There is no formal dress code for the cruise. Passengers are advised to dress warmly and comfortably, as the cruise operates rain or shine and can be chilly, especially on the open-air portions.

How Stable Is the Boat and Is It Prone to Rocking?

The boat is quite stable and not prone to excessive rocking. Its design ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, providing guests with an enjoyable experience even in varying weather conditions.

Recap

The Chicago River and Lakefront Cruise at night offers a captivating journey through the city’s illuminated waterways. Guests can expect breathtaking views of the skyline, historic landmarks, and the impressive Chicago Harbor Lock, while knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the city’s rich history and architectural marvels. This unique perspective makes for an unforgettable experience that shouldn’t be missed.

You can check if your dates are available here: