City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

Chicago looks different from the water. On this two-hour lunch cruise, you trade street-level traffic for a view of the skyline from Lake Michigan, with Navy Pier, Soldier Field and Shedd Aquarium along the way. I like the mix of open-air sightseeing and a sit-down meal, plus the chance to head upstairs for fresh air and wide views.

I also like that lunch, coffee, tea and water are included, and that every party has a guaranteed table. The main caveat is the boarding setup: several boats may be docked nearby, and finding the right one can be confusing. Confirm the vessel and boarding point before you go, then arrive with time to spare.

The short version

• The lake gives you a different view of Chicago. The skyline, Navy Pier and the Museum Campus sights look quite different from the water.
• Lunch is buffet-style. Choose from freshly prepared salads, entrees, sides and desserts. Food quality and warmth can vary.
• There’s more than scenery. A DJ, games and a dance floor give the boat a party feel, especially after lunch.
• You get a table for your party. Seating is assigned, and tables are guaranteed for the number of tickets on your booking.
• The dock needs a little detective work. Multiple boats can be at the pier, so check the exact vessel and arrive before boarding begins 30 minutes ahead of departure.

A lake view, without giving up lunch

This cruise is a way to fit a meal and a skyline outing into one afternoon. For roughly $66.97 per person, you get about two hours on the water, a buffet lunch, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water, and onboard entertainment. Beer, wine and cocktails cost extra.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. If your priority is a memorable meal, you may find better dining options ashore. If you want to see the city from Lake Michigan while someone else handles the food and the table, the package makes more sense. You are paying for the combination of views, lunch and a social setting, not for a formal fine-dining meal.

The boat is described as a small-group cruise with a maximum of 15 participants. At the same time, this is a staffed buffet cruise with a DJ and dance floor, so don’t mistake the advertised cap for a private boat or a quiet sightseeing trip. The onboard mood can be lively, with music and dancing sharing space with the meal.

Finding the right boat at Navy Pier

The listed departure address is 600 E Grand Ave, at Navy Pier. That gets you to the general area, but it may not tell you which boat to board. More than one vessel can be tied up nearby, and the name of the ship is not always clear from the booking details.

Confirm the specific vessel and check-in location before departure. When you reach the pier, look for staff in uniform and ask directly if you’re unsure. Some sailings have used vessels called Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier, but don’t assume the name will be the same for your date.

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and late arrivals may miss the boat. Give yourself a buffer to walk the pier, find the check-in point and sort out any ticket trouble. Keep your mobile ticket handy, and consider saving or printing your booking confirmation, particularly if you’ve purchased extras. A solo passenger once needed help getting the barcode sent again, while a party with an electronic ticket struggled to identify the correct boat. That’s an avoidable start to an otherwise easy afternoon.

Parking is available at 600 E Grand Ave, with alternatives at 460 E Illinois St and 403 E Grand Ave, about one block away. Fees may apply. The pier is also near public transportation.

What the two hours feel like

Once aboard, crew members direct you to your deck, and a host or hostess shows your party to its assigned table. Seating is based on the needs and capacity of that particular cruise. A table is guaranteed for the number of tickets on your voucher, but separate reservations are not automatically combined, so book everyone together if sitting as a larger party matters.

The climate-controlled interior gives you a comfortable place to eat and watch the city through panoramic-style windows. Step out to the observation deck when you want a closer, unobstructed view. On a clear day, the change between indoor comfort and open-air viewing is part of the pleasure: you can eat, take in the scenery, and return outside when a landmark or stretch of skyline catches your eye.

The route highlights Chicago from the lake, including Navy Pier, Soldier Field and Shedd Aquarium. The exact view depends on conditions and the boat’s movement, but the broad appeal is simple: the city’s high-rises form a striking backdrop from the water, and the shoreline sights are easier to take in without street traffic or crowds around you.

The cruise requires good weather. Boats may sail in rain, but severe conditions or directions from the Coast Guard can keep the vessel dockside. In that case, the dining service is still provided. The boat stays in calm harbor waters, so most people experience little discomfort, though anyone prone to motion sickness may want to bring medication.

A buffet built for choice, not ceremony

Lunch is freshly prepared and served buffet-style. You can pick from salads, entrees, sides and desserts, rather than ordering one fixed plate. The menu can include items such as salmon, chicken, vegetables and pasta, but selections may vary. Some diners find the food plentiful and flavorful; others find the choice limited or the food less warm than they’d like.

That variability is worth keeping in mind. This is a convenient meal in a setting that is hard to reproduce on shore, but it is not a good bet if the food itself is the main reason you’re booking. The buffet suits families and groups with different tastes, and vegetarian choices are available with advance notice. Add dietary restrictions or allergies in the special requests field when booking.

Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water are included. Creative cocktails, wine and beer are available at the bar for an additional charge. High chairs are available, and children ages 3 to 11 receive a discounted rate. Children under 3 can ride free as lap children.

If you’re celebrating, you may bring a cake in a closed, covered container. It must stay at your table because there is no onboard storage, and a cake-cutting fee may apply. That can make the cruise work for a birthday or anniversary, but check the details before carrying a cake down to the pier.

Music, dancing and the social side

After lunch, the DJ, games and dance floor bring a party element to the trip. The music can make the boat feel festive, and the host may recognize people marking birthdays or other occasions. Staff members such as Trisha and Dominick have been praised for attentive service, while Mario has been noted for adding energy to the entertainment. Staff and assignments can change, so those names are examples, not a promise.

The music is a matter of taste. Some people love the DJ’s selections and get up to dance; others would prefer quieter conversation or a different mix of songs. The dining area can be loud enough to make table talk difficult, so if you’re mainly coming to catch up over lunch, be prepared for a livelier room than a quiet restaurant.

The best way to enjoy this part is to choose your own pace. You can stay at your table, head to the deck for views, join a game or dance if the mood takes you. The crew’s friendly service is one of the experience’s strongest points, but the atmosphere is communal rather than intimate.

What the price buys, and what it doesn’t

At $66.97 per person, the cruise bundles a meal, a two-hour boat ride, views, nonalcoholic drinks and entertainment. That can be good value for a special outing, particularly if you’d otherwise pay separately for lunch and a sightseeing activity. It is less compelling if you want a quiet, high-end meal or a dedicated architectural tour with extensive narration.

Keep the extras in mind. Alcoholic drinks are not included, and a celebration cake may come with a cutting fee. The menu is buffet-style, so you are choosing from what’s served rather than ordering a dish made to your specification. You are also paying for the setting: the chance to eat while the city passes by.

The experience is booked, on average, about 19 days ahead. If your schedule is fixed or you’re planning around a birthday or anniversary, it’s sensible to reserve early. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If the cruise is canceled for poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not met, you’re offered another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I’d choose this outing for a birthday, anniversary, family afternoon or a first visit to Chicago when you want a relaxed view of the skyline without building a full day around sightseeing. It works particularly well if your group enjoys music and a social atmosphere, and if the idea of having lunch handled for you is appealing.

It may be a poor fit if you’re seeking a quiet meal, a highly polished culinary event or a detailed, guide-led account of Chicago’s buildings. There is no guarantee that the music will suit everyone, and the buffet receives mixed assessments. The dock confusion is another reason to plan carefully, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Navy Pier.

Dress in business-casual clothing. The stated guidance recommends slacks and a collared shirt for men, and nice slacks, capri pants or a sundress for women. The FAQ also advises against shorts, tank tops, flip-flops and gym shoes. Smoking is not allowed inside, though it is permitted on outside decks.

Should you book it?

Book the cruise if you want Chicago scenery with lunch and a lively onboard mood in one simple outing. Its best feature is the perspective from the lake, with the added convenience of a table, buffet and nonalcoholic drinks included. Think of the meal as part of the package, not the sole attraction.

Before you pay, confirm the exact boat and check-in instructions, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, and decide whether a DJ-led atmosphere suits your group. Do those things, and you’ll be better placed to enjoy the skyline instead of spending your first minutes on the pier searching for the right vessel.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Navy Pier at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. Confirm the exact vessel and check-in point before you arrive, as several boats may be docked nearby.

How long is the cruise?

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

How early should I arrive?

Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure. Arrive early, since late arrivals may miss the boat.

What food and drinks are included?

The buffet includes freshly prepared entrees, salads, sides and desserts. Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water are included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Beer, wine and creative cocktails are available for purchase at the onboard bar.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available with advance notice. Note dietary needs or food allergies in the special requests field when booking.

Is the cruise accessible?

Yes, the cruise is listed as handicap accessible. Add any special needs or requests in the special requests field when booking.

Can children come aboard?

There are no age restrictions. Children ages 3 to 11 receive a discounted rate, and children under 3 ride free as lap children. High chairs are available.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Cruises sail rain or shine. In severe weather, or if directed by the Coast Guard or Transport Canada, the boat may remain dockside while still providing dining service. If the cruise is canceled for poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I smoke aboard?

Smoking is not allowed inside the boat. It is permitted on the outside decks.