City Cruises Chicago: Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise

Imagine gliding along the Chicago River, with the city’s iconic architecture unfolding around you like a living postcard. That’s exactly what a City Cruises Chicago river experience promises — a chance to enjoy delicious food, spectacular views, and some of the city’s famed landmarks, all from the comfort of a glass-enclosed vessel. Whether you’re after a laid-back brunch, a leisurely lunch, or an elegant dinner, this cruise aims to serve up a memorable way to see Chicago’s skyline.

What we love about this experience is how it combines culinary delight with unbeatable scenery. Plus, the onboard narration and optional fireworks viewing add a layer of enrichment that’s hard to match. However, a word of caution: this is a fairly upscale experience, so casual dress or casual expectations might not fit the dress code or atmosphere. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed yet refined way to explore the city’s architecture and waterfront.

This cruise suits travelers who appreciate good food, stunning city views, and a touch of elegance — perfect for celebrating a special occasion, impressing visitors, or simply enjoying a serene afternoon or evening amid Chicago’s towering skyline. Now, let’s take a closer look at what this experience offers, what to expect, and whether it’s the right fit for you.

Key Points

Stunning Views: The glass-enclosed design ensures you can admire Chicago’s skyline from every seat, with unobstructed views of iconic buildings.

Gourmet Dining: Each cruise offers a thoughtfully prepared 3-course meal, with brunch, lunch, or dinner options, including bottomless mimosas during brunch.

Architectural Narration: For lunch and brunch cruises, an onboard guide provides insights about Chicago’s architectural highlights, enriching the visual experience.

Flexible Dining Options: Choose between a relaxed brunch with mimosas, a casual lunch, or an elegant dinner, topped with live music for dinner cruises.

Special Occasions: On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, the cruise includes a view of Navy Pier fireworks, making it ideal for anniversary celebrations or romantic nights.

Value for Money: At $116 per person, the cruise offers a balanced combo of scenic beauty, good food, and excellent service, according to many reviewers.

An In-Depth Look at the Chicago River Cruise Experience

Starting Point and Boarding

The adventure begins at 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive, where the sleek, glass-enclosed vessel, the Odyssey Chicago River, awaits. The boat’s distinctive modern design makes it easy to spot, especially when you arrive early to check in at the ticket booth. Many reviewers, like Sandra, appreciated arriving in good time, noting that the crew was welcoming and attentive, ensuring a smooth start.

You’ll walk down to the Chicago River Esplanade near the NBC Tower, a location that offers easy access for most visitors staying downtown. The atmosphere on the dock is generally relaxed but dressy-casual, in line with the cruise’s upscale vibe. Remember, casual jeans, sports shoes, or flip flops aren’t recommended — think smart casual to match the elegant setting.

The Itinerary and What You’ll See

The cruise route covers a comprehensive stretch of the Chicago River, weaving past some of the city’s most recognizable architecture. Highlights include the Wrigley Building, Marina City, Merchandise Mart, Willis Tower, and the Chicago Harbor Lock, among others. The boat makes several sightseeing stops along the route, providing plenty of opportunities to marvel at the skyscrapers and historic buildings.

Travelers like Amber praised the “excellent architecture narration” and the opportunity to learn about the city’s landmarks from knowledgeable guides. Depending on the time of day and the cruise chosen, you might also get glimpses of Chicago’s lakeside areas or the Navy Pier fireworks display — a special highlight during summer evenings on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as many reviews pointed out.

Dining and Atmosphere

No matter which meal option you select, the food quality seems to be a standout feature. The onboard chef prepares each three-course meal freshly, with choices that range from seafood and poultry to vegetarian options. The dinner menu, for example, features dishes like lobster soup, jumbo lump crab cakes, and braised beef short ribs — clearly upscale fare that elevates the experience beyond a simple sightseeing cruise.

Brunch options shimmer with classic favorites like Scottish smoked salmon toast, French toast, and cannellini bean shakshuka, complemented by bottomless mimosas for those who want a little extra celebration in the morning. Reviewers like Brian appreciated the “really good food,” highlighting that the quality exceeded expectations for a river cruise.

Dinner cruises offer live music from an onboard DJ, which adds to the festive, elegant vibe. It’s a wonderful contrast — cruising through Chicago’s skyline while enjoying fine dining and tunes, perfect for date nights or celebrating special milestones.

Service and Extras

The crew, including guides and waitstaff, earn high marks for their attentive and friendly service. Rudi, in particular, was singled out for being “so attentive,” making guests feel well-cared-for. The cruise fee includes unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, plus the service fee, which many reviewers felt was fair considering the level of service and cuisine.

Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, which many guests found added to the relaxing atmosphere. Photos are also sold onboard if you want to keep a visual memento of your outing.

The Experience’s Highlights

Several reviews mention the spectacular scenery and architecture as the main draw. Kara expressed how the sail “introduced us to the city’s skyline and architecture,” making it more than just a meal — it’s an educational experience too. Others appreciated the up-close view of iconic landmarks, which, from the glass-enclosed deck, feels both intimate and grand.

The fireworks display during summer evenings is a real crowd-pleaser, turning an ordinary dinner into a memorable event. Guests can opt for this special viewing, making it an excellent option for romantic outings or families celebrating a summer night.

What You Should Consider

While the cruise offers many positives, there are a few points to keep in mind. The dress code is dressy-casual, so casual T-shirts or athletic shoes aren’t appropriate. The cruise is generally adult-oriented, and large luggage or backpacks aren’t permitted onboard.

Pricing at $116 per person is reasonable considering the full experience, but travelers should weigh whether the gourmet meal, scenic cruise, and narration offer good value for their budget. Some, like Jessica, found the food and service to be “worth every penny,” while others might prefer a more casual, budget-friendly sightseeing option.

Why This Cruise Is Worth Considering

This river cruise is best suited for travelers who enjoy fine dining combined with sightseeing. It’s an elegant way to see Chicago from a unique vantage point, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion or want to impress visitors. The inclusion of architectural narration enhances the experience, making it educational without feeling stiff.

The fireworks viewing during summer is particularly popular, adding a festive touch to the memorable night. The good quality food, attentive service, and stunning views make it stand out among Chicago’s many sightseeing options.

For those seeking a relaxed, upscale experience that combines culinary pleasure with sightseeing, this cruise ticks all the boxes. Its moderate price point offers solid value, especially when considering the high ratings and reviewers’ praise for the food and scenery.

Final Thoughts

If you love the idea of sailing through Chicago’s iconic skyline, enjoying freshly prepared meals, and soaking in the city’s best architecture from the water, this cruise should be on your radar. The glass-enclosed vessel ensures you won’t miss a detail of the scenery, and the dining experience elevates the outing beyond mere sightseeing.

While it’s a touch formal in dress code and atmosphere, many reviewers mention how their experience felt special, whether it was celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying a beautiful summer evening. The optional fireworks and live music add extra layers of entertainment, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions.

In essence, this cruise offers a blend of elegance, education, and scenic beauty that’s hard to beat in Chicago. It’s a solid choice for those willing to indulge in a bit of luxury while exploring the city’s architectural marvels from the water.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The cruise is generally geared toward adults, with a dress code and atmosphere that might not appeal to very young children. However, children are welcome, and tickets are free for infants, provided you select the appropriate ticket option.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours, enough time to enjoy the scenery, meal, and narration without feeling rushed.

What should I wear?
Dressy-casual attire is recommended. Avoid jeans, athletic shoes, sandals, or flip flops to match the upscale vibe and ensure comfort onboard.

Are drinks included?
Non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, tea, and iced tea are unlimited and included. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the fully stocked bar.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for a variety of guests.

Can I see the skyline from inside?
Absolutely — the boat’s glass-enclosed design means you’ll have unobstructed views from your seat regardless of the weather.

What if I want to see the fireworks?
During summer, the cruise offers a special fireworks viewing on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, providing a spectacular nighttime display over Navy Pier.

To sum it up, the City Cruises Chicago river experience offers a luxurious, scenic, and educational outing perfect for those wanting a refined way to appreciate the Windy City. With excellent food, attentive service, and unforgettable views, it’s a great choice for celebrating, impressing, or simply enjoying a different perspective of Chicago’s skyline.