Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sightseeing Cruise

The Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sightseeing Cruise promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the city’s iconic waterfront. Aboard the 148-foot schooner Windy, passengers embark on a captivating 1-hour voyage that delivers stunning views of the skyline. With a variety of themed tours to choose from, including those focused on pirates, architecture, and sunset, the cruise provides an immersive way to uncover the rich history and natural beauty of the area. Led by expert guides, the experience is both informative and engaging, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the city’s remarkable landscape. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, this cruise is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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

Key Points

• The Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sightseeing Cruise offers a 1-hour voyage on Lake Michigan, providing guests with stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline.
• The cruise is aboard the 148-foot (45-meter) schooner Windy and features themed tours focused on pirates, architecture, or skyline sunset.
• The cruise includes all fees and taxes, a restroom on board, live narration from an expert guide, and the option to purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
• The cruise departs from a well-known and easily accessible location at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, on the south side of Navy Pier, in front of the Billy Goat Tavern.
• The cruise experience lasts for 75 minutes and has a maximum capacity of 140 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Overview

This Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sightseeing Cruise offers a captivating 1-hour voyage on Lake Michigan, providing guests with stunning views of the city’s iconic skyline.

With a 454-review rating and a Badge of Excellence, this cruise is a must-do activity for visitors to Chicago.

Aboard the 148-foot (45-meter) schooner Windy, travelers can choose from themed tours that focus on pirates and maritime stories, architectural highlights, or a serene skyline sunset.

The cruise departs from the South Dock on Navy Pier, conveniently located at 600 E Grand Ave.

Guests can enjoy a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks available for purchase during the journey.

Inclusions

The Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sightseeing Cruise includes all fees and taxes, a restroom on board, live narration from an expert guide, and the option to purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for passengers.

Gratuities are also included, so travelers don’t have to worry about additional costs.

The cruise takes place aboard the impressive 148-foot (45-meter) schooner Windy, providing a unique and authentic nautical setting.

Passengers can choose from themed tours, such as pirates and maritime stories, architectural, or skyline sunset, allowing them to tailor the experience to their interests.

With these comprehensive inclusions, the Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sightseeing Cruise offers a well-rounded and memorable sightseeing adventure.

Meeting Point

The Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sightseeing Cruise’s meeting point is at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, on the south dock, on the south side of Navy Pier, in front of the Billy Goat Tavern.

This convenient location allows passengers to easily find the departure point for their nautical adventure. The meeting point is centrally located and easily accessible, making it simple for visitors to arrive on time and board the ship.

Passengers should plan to be present at the meeting point 30 minutes before the scheduled sail time to ensure a smooth and timely departure. With clear directions and a well-known landmark, finding the starting point for this cruise is a breeze.

Cruise Experience

Passengers embark on a nautical adventure aboard the 148-foot (45-meter) schooner Windy, offering a unique sightseeing experience on the waters of Lake Michigan.

During the 75-minute cruise, passengers can choose from themed tours that highlight pirates and maritime stories, Chicago’s stunning architecture, or a serene sunset. Throughout the journey, an expert guide provides live narration, sharing fascinating insights about the city’s landmarks.

Passengers can also purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on board, making the experience even more enjoyable.

With a maximum capacity of 140 travelers, the cruise provides an intimate and personalized way to take in the breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline from the comfort of the ship.

Themed Tours

Aboard the Windy, passengers can choose from three distinct themed tours that showcase the city’s rich history and architectural marvels.

The first option is a pirates and maritime stories tour, taking guests on a journey through Chicago’s nautical past.

The architectural tour highlights the city’s iconic skyscrapers and landmarks, providing fascinating insights into their design and construction.

For those seeking a more serene experience, the skyline sunset tour offers breathtaking views of the city skyline as the sun dips below the horizon.

Regardless of the theme, each tour is led by an expert guide who brings the history and sights to life through engaging narration, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience for all.

Duration and Ending

This 75-minute cruise on Lake Michigan ends right back at the meeting point on the south side of Navy Pier, providing a convenient start and end to the sightseeing adventure.

The cruise aboard the 148-foot schooner Windy offers the perfect duration to take in the stunning views of Chicago’s iconic skyline without feeling rushed. Passengers will journey along the shoreline, getting an up-close look at the city’s architectural marvels and taking in the serene waters of Lake Michigan.

Once the cruise concludes, travelers can easily continue their exploration of Navy Pier or head elsewhere in the city, making this an excellent addition to any Chicago itinerary.

Additional Details

Booking a ticket for the Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sightseeing Cruise provides travelers with a confirmation that can be presented upon arrival.

The cruise operator requires all passengers to be present 30 minutes prior to the scheduled sail time, ensuring a timely and organized departure.

Accessibility is limited, as the schooner Windy can’t accommodate wheelchairs or other assistive devices, which must be left on the dockside.

A maximum of 140 travelers are permitted on each cruise, creating an intimate and comfortable experience for all guests.

The cruise operator offers a full refund if the booking is cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans.

Cancellation Policy

The cruise operator offers a full refund if the booking is cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans. This cancellation policy allows customers to make changes to their itinerary without penalty, ensuring a stress-free experience. The table below outlines the specific details:

Cancellation Timing	Refund Amount
24+ hours	100%
0-23 hours	0%
No-show	0%
Rescheduling	Allowed
Partial Cancellation	Not Permitted

This policy demonstrates the cruise operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction and their understanding of the unpredictable nature of travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on board. The cruise provides alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks that can be purchased during the tour. Outside items are typically prohibited for safety and operational reasons.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Cruise?

The cruise does not provide wi-fi access on board. Passengers can expect to be disconnected from the internet during the 75-minute sightseeing tour, allowing them to fully enjoy the scenic views of Chicago’s skyline.

Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Cruise?

Yes, passengers can take photos and videos during the cruise. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to capture the stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Cameras and mobile devices are permitted on board.

Is the Cruise Suitable for Young Children?

The cruise may be suitable for young children, as it offers a 75-minute duration and has amenities such as restrooms on board. However, parents should consider the child’s interest and attention span, as the experience is primarily focused on sightseeing.

Do I Need to Make a Reservation in Advance?

Yes, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance for this cruise. Advance bookings ensure availability and a spot on the ship, especially during peak seasons or popular sailing times. Reservations can be made online or by phone.

Recap

The Chicago Skyline Tall Ship Sightseeing Cruise offers a unique and immersive experience to explore the city’s iconic waterfront.

With a wide range of themed tours, expert guides, and stunning views, this cruise is a must-do for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of Chicago’s skyline from the water.

The cruise’s high rating and recognition make it a reliable and enjoyable option for both locals and visitors alike.