Explore the vibrant flavors of the Windy City with the Thursday Evening Cruise in Chicago. Passengers can choose between a delightful wine and cheese tasting or a hearty beer and BBQ experience, both offering stunning skyline views along the river and lake. This two-hour journey aboard a spacious, climate-controlled ship provides the perfect opportunity to discover local culinary delights. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a BBQ connoisseur, the cruise promises an unforgettable evening on the water, leaving you eager to learn more about the city’s diverse gastronomic offerings.
Key Points
- A 2-hour cruise along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, offering wine & cheese or beer & BBQ tasting experiences.
- Spacious ship with open-air decks and climate-controlled interiors, providing unique views of Chicago’s skyline and waterways.
- The wine tour includes 4-6 wine tastings and a cheese buffet, while the beer tour offers 4-6 local craft beer samples and BBQ.
- Guests can purchase additional drinks at the onboard cash bar, allowing for a flexible and customizable experience.
- The cruise has a 24-hour free cancellation policy, ensuring flexibility for planning changes.
Cruise Overview
The Chicago Evening Cruise offers a 2-hour journey along the Chicago River and onto Lake Michigan.
Departing from the DuSable Bridge, the cruise takes guests to Wolf Point and then out onto the open waters of Lake Michigan.
With a spacious ship featuring open-air decks and climate-controlled interiors, the cruise accommodates a large capacity.
As this popular tour often sells out, it’s advisable to reserve now and pay later.
The cruise provides a unique opportunity to experience the city’s famous skyline and waterways from a different vantage point, making it an attractive option for both locals and visitors alike.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Chicago
Tasting Experiences
What can guests expect from the Tasting Experiences on the Chicago Evening Cruise?
Guests can choose between two options – wine & cheese or beer & BBQ.
The wine tour includes 4-6 tastings from "Picnic Wine & Provisions", a buffet-style cheese table, and expert pairing advice.
The beer tour offers 4-6 tastings from local breweries, BBQ samples from "Blackwood BBQ", and sides.
Additional drinks are available for purchase at the onboard cash bar.
Both experiences provide an opportunity to sample a variety of local flavors while enjoying the scenic views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
Wine Tour Details
For the wine tour, guests can expect a curated selection of 4-6 tastings from the renowned "Picnic Wine & Provisions."
The experience also includes a buffet-style cheese table, allowing guests to sample a variety of artisanal offerings.
Expert pairing advice is available to guide guests in perfectly matching the wines and cheeses.
This tasting tour provides a delightful opportunity to explore Chicago’s vibrant culinary scene and appreciate the nuances of carefully selected wines and cheese pairings.
Whether a wine aficionado or a casual enthusiast, the wine tour offers a refined and enjoyable experience on the Chicago Evening Cruise.
Beer Tour Details
Guests on the Chicago Evening Cruise can also opt for the beer tasting tour, which features 4-6 samples from local Chicago breweries.
The beer tour also includes BBQ samples from Blackwood BBQ, along with sides. An onboard cash bar provides additional drink options for purchase.
The beer tour is a great way for guests to discover the city’s vibrant craft beer scene while taking in the stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the beer tour offers a flexible and enjoyable evening experience on the water.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyOnboard Amenities
The Chicago Evening Cruise offers a range of onboard amenities to enhance the experience for guests. These include well-appointed restrooms with diaper changing tables, ensuring the comfort of all passengers.
Travelers can also enjoy the climate-controlled interiors, shielding them from the elements. Plus, an onboard cash bar provides access to a variety of beverages, allowing guests to indulge in their preferred tipple.
The meeting point at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge ensures a seamless and organized arrival process.
With these thoughtful amenities, the Chicago Evening Cruise is designed to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who embark on this aquatic adventure.
Taste buds happy? More delicious discoveries we love in Chicago
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can cancel their Chicago Evening Cruise reservations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This flexible policy allows guests to plan their schedules with confidence. Should unexpected circumstances arise, they can easily receive a complete reimbursement by notifying the organizers within the specified timeframe.
The cruise’s free cancellation option ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to focus on enjoying the stunning city views and delightful tastings during the event.
This considerate policy reflects the organizers’ commitment to customer satisfaction and their understanding of the unpredictability that can sometimes affect travel plans.
Meeting Point
Attendees can find the meeting point for the Chicago Evening Cruise at the northwest corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Guests will need to present their timed ticket to the staff at this designated location.
The cruise departs from the DuSable Bridge, so the meeting point is conveniently situated for participants to easily access the boarding area. Arriving on time is encouraged, as the cruise has a specific departure schedule.
Guests should plan to arrive with enough time to check-in and board the vessel smoothly. The meeting point is an important first step in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable cruise experience.
Guest Restrictions
Although the Chicago Evening Cruise is an enjoyable experience for most guests, there are some important age and item restrictions in place. The cruise is not suitable for individuals under 21 years of age. Plus, certain items are prohibited on board, including weapons, sharp objects, pets (except assistance dogs), alcohol, and drugs.
Allowed | Prohibited |
---|---|
Passport or ID card | Weapons |
– | Sharp objects |
– | Pets (except assistance dogs) |
– | Alcohol |
– | Drugs |
Guests are advised to review the list of prohibited items and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and safe cruise experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?
No, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the cruise. The cruise provides its own tasting experiences, including wine and cheese or beer and BBQ samples, which are included in the ticket price.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available?
The cruise offers dietary accommodations for passengers with special dietary needs. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request during the wine and cheese or beer and BBQ tasting experiences.
Is Photography Allowed During the Cruise?
Photography is generally allowed during the cruise. However, guests are advised to be mindful of others and avoid disrupting the experience. Tripods and flash photography may be restricted in some areas for safety and comfort reasons.
How Accessible Is the Cruise for Individuals With Disabilities?
The cruise is accessible for individuals with disabilities. It provides restrooms with diaper changing tables, climate control, and a spacious ship with open-air decks. Advance notice is recommended to ensure proper accommodations.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Cruise?
There don’t appear to be any discounts or special offers mentioned for the cruise. The website only states a "reserve now & pay later option" is available, but no other promotions are listed.
Recap
The Thursday Evening Cruise in Chicago offers a delightful way to experience the city’s vibrant flavors. Guests can choose between a Wine & Cheese or a Beer & BBQ tasting, both complemented by stunning skyline views. With climate-controlled interiors, a buffet of artisanal options, and a two-hour journey along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, this cruise is an excellent choice for exploring the city’s culinary scene.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Boat Tours & Cruises in Chicago
- Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
- Chicago River Architectural Lunch Cruise
- Chicago Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan
- Chicago Luxury Minibus City Tour and Architecture River Cruise
- Chicago River Architecture Boat Cruise & Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
- Chicago River 4th of July Plated Dinner Cruise
More Food & Drink Experiences in Chicago
More Tour Reviews in Chicago
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Chicago we have recnetly reviewed
- 4 Best Shopping Tours In Chicago
- 14 Best Dining Experiences In Chicago
- 4 Best Lunch Experiences In Chicago
- 2 Best 4 Day Tours In Chicago
- 2 Best Full-Day Tours In Chicago
- 14 Best Dinner Tours In Chicago
- 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Chicago
- 25 Best Food Tours In Chicago
- Chicago Blackhawks Ice Hockey Game Ticket at United Center
- Chicago: The Pink Panther and the Case of the Missing Diamond
- Scavenger Hunt in Chicago by Wacky Walks
- Ride To/From Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)