City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise

Chicago Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise: A Complete Review

Taking a boat cruise around Lake Michigan with a buffet dinner or brunch sounds like a classic way to enjoy Chicago’s visuals from a different vantage point. We’ve looked into City Cruises Chicago’s offerings, which promise not only scenic sightseeing but also a lively, relaxed atmosphere complete with music, games, and plenty of food and drinks. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a fun way to see the city, this experience hits many sweet spots.

One aspect we particularly like is how the cruise combines spectacular panoramic views of the Chicago skyline with a casual dining setup, which means you can enjoy the sights without sacrificing comfort. Plus, the live DJ and onboard games add a lively touch that makes it suitable for both couples and groups of friends. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention the service can sometimes feel a bit uneven, and the buffet might not always be as plentiful as expected. Still, for the price, this cruise offers a pretty good mix of value and entertainment.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want an informal, scenic outing with good food, some fun activities, and a chance to relax on the water. It’s particularly appealing for those looking for a unique way to see Chicago’s landmarks without the hustle of a busy city street or the fuss of a formal dinner. Families, couples, and groups of friends will find it a versatile outing—just keep in mind it’s a 2-hour cruise, so plan your day accordingly.

Key Points

• Stunning Views of Chicago Landmarks: See the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, and Adler Planetarium from the water, with 360-degree vistas from the rooftop deck.
• Buffet Dining Experience: Enjoy freshly-prepared, multi-course options for brunch, lunch, or dinner, with some reviews highlighting the quality of the food.
• Lively Entertainment: A live DJ keeps the atmosphere energetic, with opportunities to dance or simply relax and enjoy the music.
• Onboard Games and Rooftop Deck: Play giant Jenga, shuffleboard, or enjoy the open-air rooftop for better photos and fresh air.
• Fully Stocked Cash Bar: Creative cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase, plus unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea included in the ticket.
• Flexible and Accessible: The cruise departs from Navy Pier, with climate-controlled interior decks and an outdoor rooftop, plus wheelchair accessibility.

An Honest Look at the Chicago Lake Michigan Cruise Experience

Starting Point and How It All Begins

Your adventure kicks off at Navy Pier, a beloved Chicago landmark bustling with activity. The cruise companies, Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier, dock along the south-side of the pier, so it’s easy to find your way once you arrive. Boarding typically begins 30 minutes before departure, giving you time to check in at the ticket booth, which is straightforward with your reservation confirmation.

Travelers often appreciate the personal greeting and the quick photo opportunity with a ship’s photographer right after boarding. It’s those small touches that elevate the experience and help you capture the fun moments. Once aboard, you’ll be guided to your reserved table, ensuring you and your group can settle in comfortably without scrambling for space.

The Itinerary and Sights

The cruise duration is about 2 hours, though some reviews mention it can stretch to 3 hours depending on the route and weather. During your ride, you’ll cruise past Chicago’s prominent landmarks like the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, the Water Tower Place, and the Aon Center.

Some reviews note the route also includes views of Crain Communications Building, Lake Point Tower, and the CNA Center, offering a comprehensive skyline overview. The highlight for many is the chance to see the city’s glittering skyline at sunset or during nighttime, with the city lights reflecting beautifully on the lake.

Food and Drinks: Is It Worth It?

The buffet is a major part of this experience, and the menu has a broad selection designed to appeal to most palates. For brunch, you’ll find seasonal fruit, breakfast pastries, scrambled eggs, meats, and potatoes, complemented by sweet options like raspberry mousse, lemon pound cake, and more. For lunch and dinner, the menu expands to include salads, roasted vegetables, baked ziti, seafood, and hearty mains like slow-roasted strip loin, honey sesame chicken, and Italian beef meatballs.

Desserts are plentiful and include fabulous cakes, mousse, and brownies, which many guests rave about. One reviewer described the buffet as “exceptional,” praising the quality and variety of the food, while others appreciated the bottomless mimosas during brunch, which added a celebratory touch.

Drinks from the fully stocked cash bar are available for purchase—think creative cocktails, wine, or beer—though reviews suggest that the drinks can sometimes be limited or inconsistent in availability, so don’t rely on them being unlimited outside of the brunch option.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

The onboard vibe leans toward casual fun, with a live DJ spinning a variety of tunes to keep energy levels high. Guests often mention how the music encourages dancing, especially on the interior decks. The dance floor is open, and the DJ is versatile, playing a mix of popular hits and favorites.

For added entertainment, the yacht features outdoor rooftop games like giant Jenga and shuffleboard, which are perfect for breaking the ice or just passing the time with friends. Several reviews highlight how enjoyable these casual activities are, especially on a sunny day.

Comfort and Accessibility

Travelers consistently report that the yacht’s climate-controlled interior decks are comfortable, even if the weather isn’t perfect. The outdoor decks are available for those who want fresh air and a better view, but note that smoking is only permitted on the outdoor observation decks.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for guests with mobility needs. The staff is generally praised for being courteous and accommodating, though some reviews mention the service staff’s personality can vary, with some guests feeling that certain servers lacked enthusiasm or friendliness.

What Do Reviewers Say?

The reviews offer a balanced picture. Many praise the spectacular views, good value for the price, and friendly staff. One reviewer, Emma, appreciated how everything was “great even the weather,” which shows the cruise’s appeal in different conditions.

Others highlight the great energy from the DJ and the quality of the food, describing it as “exceptional” or “fabulous.” A guest named Tara called it “an amazing experience,” especially noting the “good vibes, good drinks, good food.”

On the flip side, some reviewers mention disappointing buffet quantities—notably, one guest said they couldn’t get meat or rolls because the buffet ran out quickly. The service, while generally praised, is noted by a few to sometimes feel detached, which can slightly impact the overall experience.

Price and Value

At $130 per person, this cruise is competitively priced considering what’s included. For the price, you get a two-hour scenic cruise, a buffet meal, live entertainment, rooftop games, and spectacular skyline views. The bottomless mimosas during brunch and the full bar for other options add to the perceived value, especially for those celebrating or wanting a more festive outing.

While some might consider the duration on the shorter side, many guests find it manageable and worth the cost given the quality of views and food. For the price, it’s a solid way to combine sightseeing with a relaxed dining experience.

Who Should Go?

This cruise suits a variety of travelers. Couples will enjoy the romantic skyline vistas, especially at sunset or night. Families, particularly those with older children, will have fun playing games and dancing along with the lively music. Groups of friends looking for a casual yet scenic outing will find this cruise hits the right notes.

It’s also a good choice for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with a meal—no need to book a separate restaurant reservation, as the buffet is a central part of the experience. Just be aware that if you’re after a quiet, formal dinner, this might be too lively and informal.

The Sum Up

The Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise offered by City Cruises Chicago is a versatile, enjoyable way to view the city’s iconic skyline from the water. The spectacular views, varied menu, and lively atmosphere make it a popular choice, especially for those who want to blend sightseeing with a fun, social experience.

While the buffet may occasionally run out of some items and the service can vary, overall, most guests walk away feeling they got good value for money. The included entertainment, rooftop games, and scenic outlooks elevate this cruise from just a boat ride to a memorable part of your Chicago visit.

This experience is perfect for families, couples, and groups seeking a relaxed, scenic outing with plenty of opportunities for photos and fun. It’s a flexible option that adds a splash of excitement and a different perspective to your time in Chicago.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart?
Departure times vary, so you should check availability for your preferred date to see the exact starting times.

Is food included in the ticket price?
Yes, depending on the choice of brunch, lunch, or dinner, you’ll enjoy a freshly-prepared buffet meal onboard.

Are drinks included?
During brunch, bottomless mimosas are included, while for lunch and dinner, drinks are available for purchase from the cash bar.

Can I bring kids?
Yes, children are welcome and even infants can join for free if a free infant ticket is selected. Keep in mind that the cruise is lively and casual.

Is the cruise accessible for guests with mobility issues?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible, and staff are generally accommodating.

What landmarks will I see?
You’ll enjoy views of Chicago’s skyline, including Hancock Tower, Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Adler Planetarium, and more.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, with some variation depending on the route and weather conditions.

In summary, if you’re seeking an affordable, fun way to see Chicago’s skyline with good food and entertainment, this Lake Michigan cruise offers a memorable experience that blends sightseeing with relaxation and a bit of party spirit.