Take a delightful cruise along Lake Michigan and savor an all-you-can-eat buffet while admiring iconic Chicago landmarks. This 2-3 hour excursion offers the perfect blend of dining and sightseeing, complete with live DJ entertainment to set the mood. Whether planning a romantic evening or a fun outing with friends, the Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise promises an unforgettable experience on the water. But what makes this cruise truly unique, and why should you consider it for your next adventure?
Key Points
- The Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a 2-3 hour experience with an all-you-can-eat buffet and live DJ entertainment.
- Guests can enjoy stunning views of iconic Chicago landmarks like Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and Soldier Field from the climate-controlled interior decks.
- The dining experience features a variety of freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages included.
- The cruiser provides an elegant and luxurious setting for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends.
- Customer reviews reflect a mix of positive and negative experiences, with management actively addressing service-related complaints.
Overview of the Cruise Experience
The Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a unique dining and sightseeing experience.
This 2-3 hour cruise features an all-you-can-eat buffet, live DJ entertainment, and stunning views of Chicago’s iconic landmarks. Guests can dine on freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts while admiring the city skyline, including Navy Pier, Willis Tower, and Soldier Field.
The climate-controlled interior decks provide a luxurious setting for the event. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends, the Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise promises an unforgettable experience on the waters of Lake Michigan.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Chicago.
Dinner and Dining Options
An all-you-can-eat buffet is the centerpiece of the Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise experience. Theres some good a variety of freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts. To complement the meal, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water are included. Alcoholic beverages can also be purchased.
Food & Drink | Availability |
---|---|
Entrees | ✓ |
Salads | ✓ |
Desserts | ✓ |
Coffee | ✓ |
Tea | ✓ |
Alcohol | ✔ |
The cruise guarantees a table for each party, and a smart casual dress code is required.
Sightseeing and Attractions
A key highlight of the Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise is the breathtaking sightseeing opportunities it offers.
As you sail along the serene waters of Lake Michigan, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks:
- Navy Pier, with its famous Ferris wheel and lively attractions.
- The towering Willis Tower, offering unparalleled city vistas.
- The elegant Buckingham Fountain, a beloved landmark in Grant Park.
- Soldier Field, home to the Chicago Bears, and the Adler Planetarium, a premier educational institution.
The cruise’s climate-controlled interior decks ensure a comfortable viewing experience, allowing you to fully learn about the city’s stunning skyline.
Entertainment and Activities
While sailing along the scenic Lake Michigan, guests aboard the Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise can enjoy an array of entertainment and activities.
The evening features a live DJ playing a mix of dance music, inviting passengers to hit the dance floor and groove to the beat. The lively atmosphere encourages guests to mingle, socialize, and make new connections.
For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the climate-controlled indoor decks provide ample space to admire the city skyline views and savor the elegant ambiance of the luxuriously-appointed cruiser.
Dress Code and Attire
The Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise maintains a smart casual dress code for all passengers.
This means that guests are expected to avoid the following attire:
- Jeans
- Shorts
- Tank tops
- Gym shoes or flip-flops
The dress code ensures a comfortable and elegant dining experience for all guests aboard the luxuriously-appointed cruiser.
While the cruise offers a fun and lively atmosphere, passengers are asked to keep their attire smart and stylish to match the sophisticated setting.
Management enforces the dress code to preserve the upscale ambiance of the Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise.
Meeting and Pickup Details
To begin the cruise, passengers meet at the designated location of 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, which is situated at Navy Pier. Parking is available in local lots, though City Cruises does not own the parking facilities. After the cruise, the ship returns to the original meeting point.
Meeting Point | Parking | End Point |
---|---|---|
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 |
Local parking available | Returns to meeting point |
Navy Pier | City Cruises does not own parking lots |
– |
– | – | – |
– | – | – |
– | – | – |
Customer Feedback and Ratings
How has the Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise fared in the eyes of its customers? According to reviews, the cruise has received a respectable 3.8/5 average rating across 347 total reviews.
While many praise the great views, fun atmosphere, friendly staff, and good food, some have reported service issues, unfulfilled expectations, cancellations, and poor DJ selection.
Management seems to address service complaints and aim to improve experiences.
The key customer feedback includes:
- Positive: Great views, fun atmosphere, friendly staff, good food
- Negative: Service issues, unfulfilled expectations, cancellations, poor DJ selection
- Management Response: Addresses service complaints, seeks to improve experiences
- Overall Rating: 3.8/5 average across 347 total reviews
Important Information to Know
What else is important to know about the Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise?
Travelers will receive their confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability. The cruise isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible and near public transportation.
It accommodates a maximum of 19 guests. There are no refunds for cancellations.
The cruise operates under a non-smoking policy indoors, though smoking is allowed on outdoor decks.
With these details in mind, guests can plan for a memorable dinner cruise experience on Lake Michigan, taking in the stunning city views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on Board?
Passengers are not allowed to bring their own alcoholic beverages on board. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase from the cruise’s bar and wait staff. Outside alcohol is prohibited as part of the cruise’s policies.
Is There a Discounted Rate for Children?
Yes, there are discounted rates for children on this cruise. According to the provided information, the cruise offers a guaranteed table for the party size, including any children in the group.
Are Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free Options Available?
Yes, the cruise typically offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on the buffet. Guests with dietary restrictions can inquire about the available selections when making their reservation or upon arrival.
Can I Arrive Late and Still Board the Cruise?
Guests are generally expected to arrive on time for cruises, as they operate on a strict schedule. Late arrivals may be accommodated if possible, but cannot be guaranteed boarding once the cruise has departed.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Passengers?
There is typically no minimum age requirement for passengers on dinner cruises, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Families with young children are welcome, though the experience may be more suited for adult guests.
Sum Up
The Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a delightful dining and sightseeing experience. Guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet while taking in stunning views of iconic landmarks. With a lively atmosphere and smart casual dress code, it’s the perfect option for romantic evenings or fun outings with friends. The cruise’s combination of dining, entertainment, and breathtaking scenery makes for a truly memorable experience on the water.
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