City Cruises Chicago: Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

Chicago’s skyline looks different from the water: broad, dramatic, and set against the open stretch of Lake Michigan. This two-hour brunch cruise pairs that view with a buffet, unlimited mimosas, and a live DJ, making the boat itself part of the outing rather than just a way to see the shore.

I like the guaranteed table for your party and the route past Navy Pier, North Avenue Beach, the Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium. The main trade-off is the price: at $101.15 per person, you’re paying for a meal, drinks, entertainment, and the setting, so it makes most sense if you want all four in one afternoon.

What to know before you book

• The cruise lasts about two hours, departing at 12:30 pm and returning to the same meeting point.
• Your fare includes a brunch buffet and unlimited mimosas, plus coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water.
• You’ll have a guaranteed table for your party, while the boat can carry up to 200 people.
• The route gives you lake views of Chicago landmarks, including Navy Pier and the Adler Planetarium.
• A live DJ provides the soundtrack, and the DJ can take music requests.
• Arrive 30 minutes early and dress smart-casual. The boat leaves promptly.

A brunch cruise that makes the lake part of the meal

This cruise gives you two ways to spend a Chicago afternoon at once: eat brunch and see the city from Lake Michigan. The skyline is the main attraction, but the meal, music, and table reservation make the outing feel like a planned occasion instead of a short sightseeing loop.

I’d consider it for a birthday, a visit with family, or a relaxed date when you want a little ceremony without building a full day around it. The included drinks and entertainment also mean you don’t need to plan separate stops for brunch and a scenic cruise.

The setting is different from an architecture tour along the river. Here, you’re looking back toward the city from the lake, with the shoreline and landmarks appearing in sequence as the boat moves. That perspective is especially useful if you’ve already walked downtown and want a change of pace.

The route: from North Avenue Beach to the South Side landmarks

The cruise passes North Avenue Beach, where the view takes in the lakefront near Lincoln Park and the city rising behind it. From the boat, the beach is part of a much wider picture: shoreline, open water, and skyline. It’s a good reminder that Chicago is not only a downtown grid. The lakefront is part of the city’s everyday geography.

The boat also cruises in and out of Navy Pier. From the water, you can take in the long pier as a feature of the shoreline rather than viewing it from its busy walkways. Navy Pier extends about 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan, so the boat’s position gives you a useful sense of its scale.

Farther along, the route passes the Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium. The Adler, America’s first planetarium, gives this stretch of the waterfront a distinctive profile, while the planetarium and aquarium help mark the city’s southern lakefront. The skyline looks different from this end of the route than it does near Navy Pier. You’ll see buildings in a broader arrangement, with the water opening up the view.

These are pass-by sights, not visits ashore. If you want time inside the aquarium, planetarium, or Navy Pier, plan those separately. The benefit here is seeing several landmarks without navigating between them on foot or by car.

What the buffet and drinks include

The buffet is part of the ticket, but the specific dishes are not stated and menus can change. If you have dietary needs, the cruise may offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Tell your server about food allergies before ordering, and confirm your requirements rather than assuming a particular dish will be available.

Unlimited mimosas are included, along with unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water. Creative cocktails, wine, and beer cost extra at the bar. That distinction matters when you’re comparing the $101.15 fare with a regular restaurant brunch: some drinks are included, but not every drink on board.

The value depends on what you want from the afternoon. If you’d order mimosas, enjoy a long meal, and value the lake views, the package brings several parts of the outing together. If you mainly want to see the skyline, a meal-focused cruise may be more than you need.

The table, DJ, and the feel of the boat

A guaranteed table for your party is a meaningful practical detail. You won’t need to hope that your group can find seats together once on board. For a celebration or a meal with family, that assurance can make the experience easier from the start.

Live DJ entertainment gives the meal a social, festive feel. The DJ can play requests, so you can ask for a song that suits your group. The available details point to a clean, well-maintained boat and polite staff who made a point of personalizing the experience. Those touches can matter on a set two-hour schedule: attentive service helps the outing feel welcoming rather than rushed.

The cruise can accommodate up to 200 people, so don’t expect a small, private boat. The guaranteed table provides a home base, but the overall atmosphere may be lively, especially when the DJ is playing and the dining room is full. If you prefer quiet meals or a private view, this format may not fit your style.

Indoor comfort and outdoor views

The interior decks are climate-controlled, a useful option when the weather makes an outdoor stretch less comfortable. You can enjoy the meal indoors, then head out to the observation decks for the lake air and photos. The views are a central part of the trip, but you don’t have to spend the whole cruise outside.

All interior areas are non-smoking. Smoking is allowed only on the outdoor observation decks. That’s worth knowing if you’re sensitive to smoke or planning where to sit and move around.

Weather is a real factor for a lake cruise. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. Even when the boat sails, the outdoor viewing experience can depend on conditions, so bring an extra layer if you want time on deck. The climate-controlled interior gives you a comfortable fallback, but it cannot replace a clear view from outside.

The $101.15 fare: when the package makes sense

At $101.15 per person, this is a special-occasion outing, not a bargain meal. The fare covers the buffet, unlimited mimosas and nonalcoholic drinks, DJ entertainment, lake views, and a guaranteed table. That combination can feel worthwhile if you would use several of those features and want a single, easy plan.

It’s less compelling if you’re mainly paying for food. The menu is subject to change, and no specific dishes are promised, so you can’t judge the meal against a particular brunch menu in advance. You’re also paying for the setting and onboard experience, not just what’s on the buffet.

For a couple or group marking an occasion, the fixed schedule and reserved table can reduce the planning work. For a budget-conscious visitor who wants a close look at one landmark, walking around Navy Pier or visiting the lakefront on foot may be a better fit. The cruise earns its price through the combined experience, not through any one element alone.

Timing, boarding, and what to wear

The departure time is 12:30 pm, and the cruise lasts about two hours. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes early. The boat leaves promptly, so don’t aim to arrive at the departure time. The meeting point is 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, and the cruise returns there.

Dress code is dressy-casual. Nice pants or shorts, sundresses, and polished outfits are suggested; designer jeans are acceptable. Casual jeans, T-shirts, athletic shoes, and flip-flops are discouraged. You don’t need formal wear, but dressing a step above everyday sightseeing clothes fits the meal setting.

The activity is offered in English, and your confirmation arrives at booking. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation. Most people can participate. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start; changes made inside that window are not accepted. The cruise also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for not meeting that minimum comes with an offer of another date or experience, or a full refund.

Who should book the Chicago brunch cruise?

I’d book this if you want a leisurely meal with a city view, especially if you’re celebrating something or would enjoy the DJ and included mimosas. The guaranteed table and climate-controlled interiors make it a more comfortable choice than a simple sightseeing boat ride, while the lake route gives you a view you won’t get from a downtown restaurant.

I’d skip it if your priority is a quiet meal, a small-group outing, or the lowest-cost way to see Chicago from the water. You’ll also want to make separate plans if you hope to enter the aquarium, planetarium, or Navy Pier attractions. For a festive afternoon that combines brunch and skyline scenery, though, the package offers a clear and convenient plan.

FAQ

How long is the brunch cruise?

The cruise lasts about two hours and returns to the meeting point.

What time does the cruise leave?

Departure is at 12:30 pm. Boarding begins 30 minutes beforehand, and you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.

What food and drinks are included?

The fare includes a brunch buffet, unlimited mimosas, coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water. Creative cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. The cruise ends back at the same point.

Are dietary options available?

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options may be offered. Tell your server about food allergies before placing your order; menus can change.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.