Chicago New Years Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

Spend New Year’s Eve in style aboard the Chicago Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. This intimate cruise promises a memorable celebration with a gourmet buffet, live DJ entertainment, and breathtaking views of the city skyline and fireworks. Departing from Navy Pier, the cruise accommodates up to 300 guests and offers both heated indoor and outdoor viewing areas, ensuring a comfortable experience no matter the weather. As the clock strikes midnight, guests can toast the new year with a complimentary glass of champagne – a truly unforgettable way to usher in the new year.

Key Points

• A luxurious dinner cruise experience on Lake Michigan with a gourmet buffet and live entertainment to celebrate the new year in Chicago.
• A diverse menu featuring freshly prepared dishes using locally-sourced ingredients, catering to various dietary preferences.
• Lively DJ entertainment throughout the evening and a complimentary midnight Champagne toast with stunning views of the city skyline and fireworks.
• Access to heated indoor and open-air outdoor viewing areas for optimal fireworks viewing, with dedicated photography spots.
• Convenient meeting location at Navy Pier, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for a seamless experience.

Overview of the New Year’s Eve Cruise

Celebrating the arrival of the new year, the Chicago New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise offers a unique opportunity to enjoy an evening of dining, dancing, and breathtaking views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan.

Departing from Navy Pier, guests will board a luxurious cruiser and indulge in a freshly prepared gourmet buffet dinner. As the ship sails across the lake, a live DJ will provide entertainment, setting the mood for a lively celebration.

The highlight of the evening is the spectacular fireworks display, which can be viewed from the cruise’s heated indoor and open-air outdoor observation areas.

Gourmet Buffet Dinner

The Chicago New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise offers a gourmet buffet dinner, featuring a wide array of expertly-prepared culinary delights. Diners can indulge in:

• Succulent roasted prime rib with au jus
• Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
• Sautéed seasonal vegetables
• A selection of freshly baked breads and rolls
• Decadent desserts, including a chocolate fountain

The buffet showcases the culinary team’s commitment to quality, ensuring each dish is flavorful and visually appealing.

With a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, the buffet caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences, making it the perfect start to a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration.

Live Entertainment and Midnight Champagne Toast

As guests indulge in the gourmet buffet, they’ll be treated to lively entertainment throughout the evening.

A talented DJ will spin a mix of contemporary and classic tunes, setting the mood for an unforgettable night of dancing.

As the clock strikes midnight, the celebration reaches its crescendo with a complimentary Champagne toast, ushering in the new year in style.

Guests can toast to new beginnings while taking in the stunning views of the city skyline and fireworks display across Lake Michigan.

With music, libations, and unparalleled vistas, this New Year’s Eve cruise promises an evening of pure revelry.

Fireworks Viewing Areas

While guests enjoy the gourmet buffet and live entertainment, they’ll have access to both heated indoor and open-air outdoor viewing areas to take in the spectacular fireworks display over Lake Michigan.

The outdoor decks offer unobstructed panoramic views of the city skyline and fireworks. Additional viewing spots include:

• Sheltered glass-enclosed observation areas
• Cozy heated lounges with plush seating
• Expansive open-air decks with ample space
• Elevated vantage points for optimal views
• Dedicated photography spots for capturing the magic

The cruise’s strategic design ensures every guest has an unforgettable front-row seat to Chicago’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Guests will meet at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, the Navy Pier boarding location, to embark on the New Year’s Eve dinner cruise.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. The cruise departs at 9:30 PM.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, providing a seamless experience. With a maximum capacity of 300 travelers, the cruise offers an intimate and exclusive setting to welcome the new year.

Guests should plan to arrive on time, as latecomers may miss the departure.

Dress Code and Onboard Policies

The dress code for the Chicago New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise is smart casual.

No jeans, shorts, tank tops, gym shoes, or flip flops are allowed.

The cruise offers both heated indoor and open-air outdoor viewing areas for the fireworks display, so it’s important to dress appropriately for the weather.

Smoking is permitted only on the outdoor decks. The cruise is non-smoking inside.

Service animals are welcome, but the vessel isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Key onboard policies include:

• No jeans or athletic wear
• Smoking allowed only on outdoor decks
• Service animals permitted
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Heated indoor and open-air viewing areas

Accessibility and Service Animals

Although the Chicago New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise is not wheelchair accessible, it does welcome service animals. Guests with disabilities requiring a service animal are welcome aboard the vessel. The cruise line has guidelines for service animals on the cruise:

Requirements	Details
Animal Type	Dog or miniature horse
Training	Trained to perform a specific task to assist the guest
Documentation	Proper ID and documentation
Behavior	Well-behaved, not disruptive

Guests should notify the cruise line in advance if bringing a service animal. With proper accommodations, all guests can enjoy the dazzling views and festive atmosphere of this New Year’s celebration on Lake Michigan.

Feedback and Reviews

How have guests experienced the Chicago New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise? Reviews indicate a mixed response.

While some praise the food, drinks, and overall experience, others report issues with organization and logistics:

• Unorganized check-in process
• Confusion over ticket assignments and boarding
• Lack of clarity on boat assignments
• Some disappointed by the fireworks viewing experience
• A few found the event overpriced for the value

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

No, passengers are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the cruise. The cruise provides a full dinner buffet and beverages as part of the experience.

Is There a Dress Code for Children Attending the Event?

The cruise has a smart casual dress code, which applies to children as well. No jeans, shorts, tank tops, gym shoes, or flip flops are allowed for any attendees, including kids.

Is There a Specific Dietary Menu Available for Special Diets?

The cruise offers a variety of dining options, including a gourmet buffet. Guests with special dietary needs can request alternative menus, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or halal options, when booking their reservation.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Fireworks Display?

Yes, passengers can take photos and videos during the fireworks display. The cruise offers ample opportunities to capture the spectacular pyrotechnics show from both the heated indoor and open-air outdoor viewing areas.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Cruise?

The cancellation and refund policy allows guests to cancel their reservation up to 48 hours prior to the event for a full refund. Within 48 hours, no refunds are provided but tickets can be transferred to another guest.

The Sum Up

The Chicago Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. Theres some good a gourmet buffet, enjoy live entertainment, and toast the new year with a complimentary midnight champagne celebration, all while taking in stunning views of the city skyline and fireworks. This intimate cruise provides a festive atmosphere to ring in the new year in style.