City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise

When it comes to experiencing Chicago from a fresh perspective, a boat cruise on Lake Michigan can be a real highlight. The City Cruises Chicago offering, whether for lunch or dinner, promises a blend of scenic beauty, good food, and lively entertainment. While I haven’t been on this exact cruise myself, I’ve gathered enough details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what you can expect—and whether it’s worth your time.

What makes this experience appealing are the spectacular 360-degree views of Chicago’s skyline and the buffet meals, which are often the focus of praise. Plus, the addition of a DJ and onboard games makes it feel more like a fun social outing than just a sightseeing tour. On the flip side, some travelers mention that the food can sometimes be inconsistent, and a few found the service a bit lacking. Still, overall, this cruise feels like a well-rounded way to enjoy Lake Michigan with friends, family, or even a romantic date.

If you’re someone who appreciates great views, enjoys a good meal, and likes the idea of a casual, lively atmosphere, this cruise probably suits you well. It’s especially nice if you want a relaxed, longer experience than a quick sightseeing boat ride, with enough entertainment to keep everyone engaged. But if you’re after a more structured or tranquil experience, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Scenic Views: Offers panoramic 360-degree vistas of Chicago’s iconic landmarks.
• Multiple dining options: Brunch, lunch, or dinner buffet with freshly-prepared food.
• Entertaining atmosphere: Live DJ, dance floor, and onboard games.
• Value for price: At $93 per person, it’s a solid way to combine sightseeing and social fun.
• Family-friendly?: Suitable for all ages, with entertainment for everyone, but be mindful of younger children.
• Accessibility: Climate-controlled interior decks and open-air rooftop offer comfort regardless of weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Cruise

From the moment you step aboard the Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier, the experience begins with a warm welcome and opportunities to take photos before setting sail. The departure point is Navy Pier, a central hub that’s easy to reach, making logistics straightforward.

The Itinerary and Scenery

As the boat glides onto Lake Michigan, you’ll start to take in the stunning skyline views. The cruise’s route takes you past many of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers—think the Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Aon Center, and Trump Tower. The adler Planetarium and Buckingham Fountain also come into view, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Travelers frequently comment on how impressive the views are, especially from the rooftop deck. It offers a panoramic, 360-degree perspective, perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the sights. Whether it’s daytime or evening, the city’s lights or sunlight reflecting off the water add to the charm.

Dining Experience

The highlight for many is the buffet meal. Whether you opt for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you’ll be treated to a variety of hot entrees, salads, and desserts. The menu features familiar comfort foods like baked ziti, roast meats, fresh salads, and sweet treats. For brunch, there’s the bonus of bottomless mimosas, which guests typically enjoy while unwinding and chatting.

The food quality gets mixed reviews. Many found it delicious and satisfying, especially considering the setting, but a few noted that the buffet sometimes feels a bit limited or inconsistent. One review pointed out they waited until the end of the line and missed out on some items, so arriving early is advisable if you’re keen on the full selection.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

After the meal, the cruise shifts into a lively, engaging space. The onboard DJ keeps the energy up, playing everything from current hits to classic dance tunes. Guests often comment on how fun it is to dance right there on the boat, with a dedicated dance floor available.

For those who prefer a more relaxed vibe, the games like giant Jenga and shuffleboard offer a casual way to prolong the fun. The climate-controlled interiors and outdoor decks provide options depending on weather and mood.

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Service and Overall Vibe

Reviews consistently highlight the friendly staff and helpful service. Several mention their servers by name, noting their attentiveness and politeness. Our data indicates that the cruise company makes an effort to accommodate dietary restrictions, which can be a plus for those with food allergies or specific needs.

However, some reviews do mention that the service staff can sometimes seem less enthusiastic or not as personable, which might slightly detract from the overall experience. Still, given the lively environment, this doesn’t seem to be a major issue for most.

The Details

Duration and Timing

The cruises typically last about 2 hours, with some extending to 3 hours depending on the route and weather. You’ll want to arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in, especially if you want to snap photos or get settled. They usually have afternoon and evening options, making it easy to fit into your Chicago itinerary.

Price and Value

At $93 per person, this cruise isn’t cheap, but it offers a comprehensive experience—great views, buffet food, drinks, and entertainment—all in one package. For many, it’s a good value considering the scenery and social atmosphere, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed way to see the city from the water without breaking the bank.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

All interior areas are climate-controlled, which is handy in bad weather or hot days. The boat has wheelchair accessibility, and children are welcome, with infants riding free—just be sure to select the proper ticket type. Remember to bring your ID or passport and dress comfortably, with flat, closed-toed shoes recommended for safety.

What to Bring or Know

• Dress in casually stylish attire—think layers, especially if you plan to go outside.
• Arrive early to avoid missing out on meal options.
• Inform staff about any food allergies beforehand.
• Smoking is only permitted on outdoor decks.
• The menu might change, so don’t expect the exact same dishes every time.

Who Is This Cruise Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who love scenic views and a lively atmosphere. It works well for groups of friends, couples, or anyone wanting a relaxed social outing. It’s also good for families, provided children are comfortable with boat rides and moderate activity. If you’re after a quiet, meditative cruise, this might not be the best fit. However, if you want to combine sightseeing with some fun and good food, you’ll likely enjoy this cruise.

The Sum Up

The City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise offers a lively, scenic way to see the city from water. The combination of delicious buffet meals, panoramic views, and onboard entertainment makes it a popular choice for many visitors looking to unwind and enjoy Chicago’s skyline. While the buffet can vary in quality and service isn’t always perfect, most guests find the overall experience fun, relaxing, and memorable.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a different perspective on the city, this cruise provides a good balance of sightseeing, dining, and entertainment. It’s especially suitable if you want a longer, social outing that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Just remember to arrive early, be prepared for some variability in food, and bring your camera—those views are worth capturing.

FAQ

Is this cruise suitable for families?
Yes, it’s generally family-friendly, with entertainment and games suitable for all ages. Just keep in mind that younger children should be comfortable on a boat ride.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers the cruise itself, buffet meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner), onboard DJ, dance floor, games, and unlimited coffee, tea, and iced tea. Mimosas are included only with brunch.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, outside alcohol isn’t allowed, but there’s a fully stocked cash bar onboard where you can purchase wine, beer, and cocktails.

What’s the best time to go?
Most cruises are in the afternoon or evening, providing flexibility to match your schedule and preferred scenery—daylight or sunset views are both beautiful.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the company states they do their best to cater to dietary needs; just inform your server or call ahead.

How long does the cruise last?
Typically around 2 hours, with some extending up to 3 hours depending on conditions.

Where does the cruise depart from?
Navy Pier, specifically the dock on the south side near the Sable Hotel.

Is there parking nearby?
Most likely, but it’s best to check Navy Pier parking options in advance. Public transportation is also a good alternative.

What should I wear?
Casually stylish, with layers recommended. Flat, closed-toed shoes are safest for walking on deck.

Can I take photos during the cruise?
Absolutely. The views are one of the main highlights, especially from the rooftop deck.

If you’re in Chicago and looking for a fun, scenic way to enjoy Lake Michigan, this cruise could be just what you need. It blends sightseeing, good food, and entertainment into a relaxed two-hour getaway that’s suitable for many types of travelers. Just go with the right expectations, and you’ll likely leave with some great memories—and hopefully some good photos too.

You can check availability for your dates here: