Chicago · CHICAGO DINNER CRUISES
Chicago weather decides a lot, so these 11 chicago dinner cruises come with the facts that matter before you commit: price, length and the traveller verdict on each.
Leave Navy Pier for a 2 to 3 hour evening on Lake Michigan, with a buffet, assigned table, skyline views, and a DJ. Look toward Willis Tower, Adler Planetarium, Soldier Field, and other Chicago landmarks. Drinks cost extra, and bad weather can keep the boat dockside.
“Good food and music , nice and friendly attention , dancing was so fun, have a very nice tour in this boat”
Board at Navy Pier for an approximately 2.5-hour Lake Michigan cruise with a chef-prepared three-course dinner, table service, nonalcoholic drinks and a DJ. Step onto the outdoor decks for views of the Chicago skyline, including landmarks such as Willis Tower and Navy Pier. Summer fireworks are available on select dates as an upgrade.
“We celebrated our 25th anniversary! Staffbwas attentive, acknowledged our special day & the DJ was on point! Will definitely go again.”
Board the Odyssey at Navy Pier for a two- to three-hour plated lunch or dinner cruise along Chicago’s shoreline. You’ll have a private table, three courses, tea or coffee, and a live DJ, with outdoor decks for skyline views. Alcohol and some premium menu choices cost extra.
“Great tour of lake Michigan, delicious food and romantic ambiance, we loved the cruise!!!”
Board the Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier at Navy Pier for a two-hour Lake Michigan cruise with a buffet meal, skyline views, a DJ and rooftop games. Brunch includes unlimited mimosas; lunch and dinner bring their own menus. Alcohol beyond brunch mimosas costs extra, and weather can affect time on deck.
“We had a wonderful time everything was perfect for our Pham”
Cruise Lake Michigan aboard a City Cruises Chicago dinner boat for buffet dinner, DJ entertainment and views of Chicago’s architecture, with Navy Pier fireworks when weather permits. The outing lasts about two to three hours and costs $116.17 per person. Drinks from the bar cost extra, and smart-casual dress is required.
“Overall the experience was fantastic. Some of the highlights, I would have to say are the FOOD, Entertainment, Quality of Time and Firework Show at the end of the night. Everything that was served was delicious from the Mexican Street Corn (off the cob) & the summer squash and zucchini (which were all seasoned perfectly); to the verity of meats (pork, salmon, and chicken) which were all flavored just right and nearly cooked to perfection; to the potatoes and the mushroom Alfredo pasta (which complimented the entrees just right). Once the Desserts hit, you were wondering if you could even eat anything else, but those even tasted just right to…”
Board a climate-controlled yacht at Navy Pier for a roughly 2.5 to 3-hour dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. Enjoy a plated meal, DJ music, skyline views and, on select summer nights, Navy Pier fireworks. Coffee, tea and water are included; alcoholic drinks cost extra.
“It was a wonderful night. From the food , to the view, and then the fireworks . Great time and so romantic.”
Spend three hours aboard the Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier, sailing the Lake Michigan shoreline from Navy Pier. Dinner comes from a multi-course buffet, with city views from indoor dining rooms and open-air decks. A live DJ, games and a cash bar add to the evening, which may include Navy Pier fireworks if weather allows.
“I liked the fireworks. It felt like they were firing it correctly for our ship's entertainment!”
Board the Odyssey Lake Michigan at Navy Pier for a 2.5-hour Christmas Eve cruise with a private table, a three-course plated dinner, and DJ entertainment. Watch for views of Willis Tower and Navy Pier from the indoor dining areas or open-air decks. The menu offers turkey, salmon, steak, or gnocchi.
“Muy divertido! La cena muy rica y el DJ genial. las vistas a la ciudad desde el lago fueron increíbles! Muy recomendable. El staff muy amable.”
City Cruises’ three-hour New Year’s Eve cruise leaves Navy Pier at 9:30 pm. Expect a freshly prepared buffet, live DJ, dancing, heated indoor spaces, open-air viewing decks, and a midnight Champagne toast. Fireworks views depend on the weather. The boat’s identity and boarding arrangements may not be clear, so arrive with time to sort out where to board.
“The boat was awesome! Great food! Great drinks! Dancing and balloon drop! Only issue was with tickets. Very unorganized and even though we had tickets on our phones you still had to stand in a long line to get paper tickets. WheRead more”
City Cruises Chicago pairs a plated dinner, DJ music, and views from a glass-enclosed boat with Navy Pier fireworks on select summer Wednesdays and Saturdays. Expect a guaranteed table for your party, a choice of entrée and dessert, and a two-hour cruise from the River Esplanade. Drinks beyond coffee, tea, and water cost extra.
“I had an absolutely amazing experience! At first, things started off a bit chaotic! I accidentally purchased my tickets for the wrong date. I panicked, but thankfully I was able to reach out to the vendor and was connected with a wonderful woman named Samantha. She was truly invested in helping me make my birthday wish come true, and she did just that. The boat ride and dinner were nothing short of a dream. The food was exceptional, and the entire experience exceeded my expectations. My husband and I had the joy of standing on the back deck, soaking in the breathtaking views of the city while watching the fireworks…”
Spend about two and a half hours on a Mother’s Day dinner cruise departing from Chicago’s Navy Pier. Expect a buffet of entrees, salads, and desserts, live DJ entertainment, unlimited coffee and tea, and views from climate-controlled interiors or outdoor decks. Alcohol and guaranteed party-size tables are not included.
“The dinner cruise started on time. The food was delish. The only thing that was not clear was that there were additional items for sale. The entertainment was good as well.”
Pick a deck, a dock or a table.
