Chicago River Sunday Funday Mimosa or Bloody Mary Party Cruise

This Chicago-based boat experience promises a fun, laid-back way to enjoy the city’s stunning skyline while sipping your favorite brunch cocktails. It’s a casual, social cruise led by friendly staff, offering front-row views of some of Chicago’s most famous skyscrapers. The cruise lasts around 90 minutes, and for just $35 per person, you get a chance to enjoy a lively atmosphere, scenic vistas, and a cash bar that includes mimosas and Bloody Marys.

What we really love about this experience is its balance of casual fun and authentic city views. It’s a perfect option for those wanting to relax on the water, mingle with fellow travelers, and enjoy some good drinks without breaking the bank. One potential drawback is that food options are limited—you can purchase snacks, but full meals aren’t included, and the alcohol is all for sale. Still, if you’re after a light-hearted, scenic outing with a party vibe, this cruise hits the mark.

This experience suits groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate a relaxed, social atmosphere combined with the chance to see Chicago’s famous architecture from a unique vantage point. It’s also ideal for celebrating special occasions like birthdays or just unwinding on a leisurely Sunday.

Key Points

• Affordable price point for a 90-minute boat cruise with drinks.
• Great views of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers and architecture.
• Casual, social vibe with music and mingling opportunities.
• Quality drinks available for purchase, including mimosas and Bloody Marys.
• Limited food options—snacks for sale, no full meals.
• Flexible for all types of travelers, including dogs and service animals.

What to Expect from the Chicago River Sunday Funday Cruise

This cruise offers a blend of sightseeing, socializing, and sipping, making it stand out from more traditional, quiet river tours. Starting point is at the Island Party Hut along the Chicago Riverwalk, which is easily accessible via public transportation. The boat itself is a refurbished vessel, with recent updates in 2024, ensuring a comfortable ride, though it may get warm on hot days as the interior air conditioning isn’t always enough to combat the summer heat.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Chicago River: The journey begins along the Chicago River, renowned for its striking architecture and vibrant cityscape. You’ll get close-up views of the city’s tallest buildings, including some of Chicago’s unique skyscrapers, making this a fantastic photo opportunity. Many reviews point out that the scenery is impressive, especially when the weather is clear, with some describing it as “gorgeous” and “stunning.”

The Cruise Duration: Clocking in at about 75 minutes as per the logs, the cruise provides ample time to take in the sights without feeling rushed. Some reviewers mentioned the cruise was shorter than expected—initially advertised as 90 minutes—but still felt worth the price, especially with the lively atmosphere and great views.

Onboard Experience: Staff are praised for their politeness and helpfulness. The bartender is not stingy—reviews mention that the mimosas and Bloody Marys are generous and tasty, with options for substitution like orange juice. During peak times, you might find yourself waiting in line for drinks, so ordering all your drinks at once can be a smart move.

Music and Vibe: The playlist leans toward island tunes, setting a relaxed yet upbeat tone that complements the tiki boat scenery. Reviewers loved the music, describing it as “on point,” with some noting it added to the festive atmosphere, especially if you’re there for a casual Sunday outing.

Food and Drinks: Food isn’t included but is available for purchase—chips and snacks are the main options. Drinks are the main attraction, with mimosas at $3 and Bloody Marys at $5. An optional $30 open bar also gets rave reviews for value, especially if you plan to indulge in multiple drinks.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

• One guest highlighted that the Bloody Mary with orange juice was “top tier,” emphasizing the quality of the drinks.
• Another mentioned that the bar staff was generous, and the “bartender was not stingy with the shots,” adding to the fun, party-like atmosphere.
• Several reviews appreciated the scenic route and the close-up views of Chicago’s architecture, describing the experience as “beautiful” and “great for sightseeing.”
• For those concerned about comfort, some noted that the air conditioning wasn’t always sufficient during hot weather, but open deck areas helped keep guests cool.

Detailed Look at the Highlights

Sightseeing and Views

The main draw here is the stunning skyline. Many reviewers comment on how close and impressive the views are, with some noting excellent photo opportunities of Chicago’s skyscrapers. Since the boat passes right along the river, you’ll see iconic buildings like the Tribune Tower, Marina City, and the Wrigley Building up close, making it a great alternative to more traditional architectural tours if you’re craving a laid-back experience.

Social Atmosphere

Unlike more subdued river cruises, this experience encourages mingling. The music, drinks, and casual setting mean you’ll likely bump into other like-minded travelers. One review called it “a time for fun,” highlighting how the bartender and staff made everyone feel welcome. If you’re traveling solo or with friends, you might find yourself chatting with fellow passengers, which adds a fun social element.

Drinks and Price

The bar options are straightforward and good value. Mimosas are just $3, and Bloody Marys are $5, which is quite reasonable considering the scenic setting. The $30 open bar is a popular upgrade, especially for those planning to drink multiple cocktails. One reviewer mentioned that ordering all their drinks at once was a pro tip to avoid waiting in line—something to keep in mind if you want to maximize your fun.

Food Options

Food is minimal—chips and snacks are available for purchase, but no full meals are served. This means if you’re hungry or expecting a substantial brunch, you might want to eat beforehand or bring snacks. Reviewers note that the focus is more on the drinks and the scenery rather than food.

Crew and Service

The crew and captain are consistently praised for their politeness and helpfulness. They’re attentive without being intrusive, and reviews mention that staff facilitated a smooth experience, even during busy times. It’s clear that the crew’s friendly attitude helps set the relaxed, party vibe.

Considering the Value

For $35, this cruise offers solid value, especially when factoring in the views, the drinks, and the social atmosphere. The boat was refurbished recently, so comfort levels are decent, though not luxurious. The 75-minute duration is shorter than some expectations—some think 90 minutes would be better—but many still find it enough time for a fun, scenic outing.

Compared to other Chicago river cruises, the charm here is the casual, party-like atmosphere combined with scenic sightseeing. If you’re after a more serious architectural tour, this might not be your first choice, but for a laid-back, boozy Sunday, it’s hard to beat.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is perfect for groups of friends wanting a fun, informal way to enjoy Chicago’s skyline. It also suits solo travelers who enjoy social environments or those celebrating special occasions like birthdays. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, inexpensive outing with good drinks and great views. However, anyone expecting a quiet, luxury experience might find the casual vibe a bit too lively or the food options limited.

The Sum Up

The Chicago River Sunday Funday cruise offers a lively, scenic way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It combines beautiful views of the city’s architecture with a casual party atmosphere—perfect for those who love socializing over drinks while soaking in the skyline. While the cruise is on the shorter side and food options are minimal, the affordable price, friendly staff, and great drinks make it a worthwhile choice for a relaxed, fun outing.

This experience suits travelers who value authentic, informal fun and aren’t expecting gourmet food or a quiet vibe. It’s especially good for groups, birthdays, or people who just want an easy-going way to enjoy Chicago’s famous cityscape from the water.

If you’re craving a mix of sightseeing and socializing with a lively crowd, this cruise hits the sweet spot. Just remember to pace your drinks and enjoy the views—you’re in one of the most photogenic cities in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cruise suitable for children or pets?
Yes, service animals are allowed, and dogs are welcome onboard, making it a flexible choice for those traveling with pets.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 75 minutes, which many reviews find sufficient for enjoying the views and atmosphere.

Can I buy drinks on board?
Yes, alcoholic beverages like mimosas ($3) and Bloody Marys ($5) are available for purchase. An optional $30 open bar also exists, which many guests find to be good value.

Is food available during the cruise?
Food isn’t included, but snacks such as chips can be purchased. No full meals are served, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry.

Where do I meet for the cruise?
The start point is at the Island Party Hut located at 355 Chicago Riverwalk, which is near public transportation options.

Are there any restrictions for participation?
Most travelers can participate, including those with service animals and dogs. The tour has a maximum capacity of 50 travelers, ensuring a lively but manageable group.

What should I wear?
Come dressed comfortably and consider layers if the weather is unpredictable. If it’s a hot day, bring sun protection and water; in cooler weather, light jackets are advisable.

Is the cruise suitable for a birthday celebration?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention celebrating birthdays, and the festive atmosphere makes it a fun way to mark special occasions.

What’s the best way to enjoy the drinks without long wait times?
Order all your drinks at once or arrive early to beat the lines. The bartender is generous, so you’ll get your money’s worth.

What if the weather isn’t good?
Since the cruise requires good weather, if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This Chicago River Sunday Funday cruise offers a casual, enjoyable way to experience the city’s stunning architecture with a drink in hand. Whether you’re celebrating, relaxing, or just looking for a fun Sunday activity, it’s worth considering for its relaxed vibe, scenic views, and pocket-friendly price.