Chicago: Lake Michigan Educational Tall Ship Windy Cruise

Exploring the rich maritime heritage of Chicago’s Lake Michigan, the Tall Ship Windy offers a captivating educational experience. Towering over the city skyline, this historic vessel invites visitors to enjoy the traditions of tall ships. From hoisting sails to firing the onboard cannon, passengers can engage with hands-on activities that bring the past to life. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a unique adventure, the Windy’s family-friendly cruise promises an entertaining and enlightening journey – one that just might pique your curiosity to learn more.

Key Points

Experience a 1.5-hour cruise on Lake Michigan aboard the traditional 4-mast schooner Tall Ship Windy, offering views of the Chicago skyline.
Engage in hands-on maritime activities like making knots, hoisting sails, and firing the onboard cannon under the guidance of the experienced crew.
Enjoy the rich history and traditions of tall ships, connecting with the quintessential tall ship experience.
Learn new maritime skills, such as celestial navigation and the roles of each crew member in operating a tall ship.
Enjoy a family-friendly cruise with opportunities for all ages to participate in the maritime adventure and purchase refreshments onboard.

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Overview of the Tall Ship Windy

Chicago: Lake Michigan Educational Tall Ship Windy Cruise

The Tall Ship Windy is a traditional 4-mast schooner that offers cruise experiences on Lake Michigan from Navy Pier in Chicago.

This 1.5-hour cruise allows guests to explore the lake and take in stunning views of the city skyline.

Passengers can engage with maritime history and traditions, learning new skills like making knots, hoisting sails, and even firing the ship’s canon.

The family-friendly experience caters to all ages, with the option to purchase snacks and drinks onboard.

Knowledgeable instructors and an experienced captain guide the journey, providing an educational and immersive nautical adventure.

Key Highlights of the Cruise

Chicago: Lake Michigan Educational Tall Ship Windy Cruise

The Tall Ship Windy cruise on Lake Michigan offers a range of key highlights for guests to enjoy, from exploring the lake and taking in views of Chicago’s skyline to engaging with maritime history and traditions.

Passengers can learn new skills like making knots, hoisting sails, and even shooting the canon. The experience is family-friendly, suitable for all ages.

Guests also have the option to purchase snacks and drinks onboard, making it a well-rounded adventure.

With an instructor and captain guiding the way, the Windy cruise provides an immersive and educational experience on the waters of Lake Michigan.

Engaging With Maritime Traditions

The Tall Ship Windy cruise invites passengers to enjoy maritime traditions, offering hands-on opportunities to learn the art of making knots, hoisting sails, and even firing the onboard cannon.

Under the guidance of experienced crew members, guests can try their hand at traditional seamanship skills, tying intricate knots and working together to raise the massive sails.

The thunderous boom of the cannon provides a thrilling conclusion to the experience, connecting passengers with the rich history of tall ships.

Learning New Maritime Skills

Chicago: Lake Michigan Educational Tall Ship Windy Cruise

Learning New Maritime Skills

As passengers step aboard the Tall Ship Windy, they’re invited to hone their maritime skills under the guidance of the experienced crew. From tying intricate knots to hoisting the massive sails, the hands-on activities offer a unique opportunity to connect with the time-honored traditions of tall ship sailing.

Passengers can also:

Learn the proper technique for firing the ship’s canon
Discover the art of celestial navigation using a sextant
Understand the role of each crew member in operating a tall ship
Participate in raising and lowering the sails, a quintessential tall ship experience

This immersive journey allows guests to fully experience the maritime heritage of the Tall Ship Windy.

Family-Friendly Experience

Chicago: Lake Michigan Educational Tall Ship Windy Cruise

Family-Friendly Experience

Frequently, the Tall Ship Windy cruise offers a family-friendly experience catering to all ages, allowing guests to enjoy maritime traditions together.

The 1.5-hour tour on Lake Michigan provides ample opportunities for families to learn new skills, such as making knots, hoisting sails, and even firing the ship’s canon.

Children and adults alike can explore the four-mast schooner, taking in the stunning views of Chicago’s iconic skyline.

With the option to purchase snacks and drinks onboard, the Windy cruise is a engaging, educational, and enjoyable outing for the whole family.

The cruise’s inclusive atmosphere ensures everyone can partake in the maritime adventure.

Onboard Snacks and Drinks

Along With the maritime activities, the Tall Ship Windy cruise offers an array of snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard, allowing guests to refuel and refresh during their Lake Michigan adventure.

The selection includes:

A variety of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda, water, and juices, to quench one’s thirst on a warm day.
Assorted snacks, from classic chips and pretzels to healthier options like trail mix and granola bars, to satisfy hunger during the 1.5-hour cruise.

For those looking to enjoy a relaxing adult beverage while taking in the stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the cruise offers:

Beer and wine choices.
Specialty cocktails, featuring local ingredients, for a truly unique experience on the open waters.

Meeting Point and Directions

The Tall Ship Windy departs from Navy Pier, with guests meeting at the ticket office in front of the Billy Goat Tavern. This convenient location provides a central meeting point near the ship’s departure. Guests can easily find the ticket office and board the ship on time for their exciting 1.5-hour cruise on Lake Michigan.

Directions	Details
From North	Take I-90 E/Ohio St toward Navy Pier
From South	Take I-90 W/I-94 W and follow signs for Navy Pier
From West	Take I-290 E toward Downtown, then follow signs for Navy Pier
Parking	Paid parking available at Navy Pier

The Tall Ship Windy cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore Lake Michigan and learn about maritime history, making it a must-try activity for visitors to Chicago.

Booking Information and Policies

Windy Cruise tickets start from £22.66 per person for the 1.5-hour Lake Michigan tour departing from Navy Pier.

Customers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot now while paying later.

This family-friendly excursion on the traditional 4-mast schooner offers an engaging way to explore Chicago’s waterfront and maritime history.

Prices start at £22.66 per person
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
Reserve now, pay later option available
Suitable for all ages, a great family activity

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks onboard the Tall Ship Windy cruise. However, the cruise operator encourages passengers to purchase snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship.

Is the Cruise Wheelchair Accessible?

The Tall Ship Windy cruise is wheelchair accessible. The ship has a ramp for boarding and the main deck is level, allowing wheelchair users to freely explore the vessel during the 1.5-hour excursion on Lake Michigan.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Cruise?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This provides flexibility for customers to change their plans without penalty if needed.

Can I Take Photos During the Cruise?

Yes, passengers are welcome to take photos during the cruise. The cruise provides a great opportunity to capture views of the Chicago skyline and the maritime traditions of the tall ship.

How Many People Can the Tall Ship Accommodate?

The Tall Ship Windy can accommodate up to 149 passengers on its 1.5-hour cruise on Lake Michigan. The ship provides a family-friendly experience with the opportunity to engage in maritime traditions and activities.

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