Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise Review

The Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise offers an indulgent way to experience the city’s iconic architecture and waterways. Guests can savor a 3-course brunch complemented by free-flowing mimosas as they take in a narrated tour highlighting landmarks along the Chicago River. While the cuisine and service receive high praise, inconsistencies in the dress code policy have been noted by some attendees. This cruise provides a unique opportunity to dine and sightsee in style.

Good To Know

• Guests praise the high-quality, 3-course plated brunch menu and free-flowing mimosas on the Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise.
• The narrated tour showcases stunning architecture along the Chicago River, providing an informative and relaxing experience for passengers.
• The cruise departs and returns to the accessible NBC Tower, with a maximum capacity of 200 travelers.
• While the cruise generally receives positive reviews, some guests report concerns about dress code discrepancies among other passengers.
• The tour is non-refundable, so guests are advised to ensure their attendance before booking.

Overview of the Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise

The Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise offers a unique dining experience on the Chicago River, featuring a 3-course plated brunch, free-flowing mimosas, and scenic views of the city’s iconic architecture.

Passengers can enjoy creative cocktails, wine, and beer from a cash bar while listening to ambient music and a narrated tour.

The cruise departs from the NBC Tower and returns to the same location, with accessibility for wheelchair users and service animals.

The experience lasts around 2-3 hours, and cocktail attire is recommended, though not strictly enforced.

Brunch and Beverage Offerings

Although the brunch menu features a 3-course plated affair, passengers can also enjoy free-flowing mimosas and a cash bar offering creative cocktails, wine, and beer.

The brunch includes:

• A selection of starters, such as a seasonal fruit plate or a charcuterie board
• A choice of entrees, ranging from classic eggs benedict to hearty breakfast burritos
• Decadent desserts, including a chocolate mousse or a seasonal crème brûlée
• Freshly brewed coffee and hot tea to complement the meal

The diverse beverage selection guarantees there’s something to please every palate.

Scenic Views and Narrated Tour

As passengers begin their journey on the Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise, they’re treated to a narrated tour that showcases the stunning architecture and vibrant scenery along the Chicago River.

The tour provides informative commentary about the city’s landmarks, including the Merchandise Mart, the Civic Opera House, and the Wrigley Building.

Ambient music creates a relaxing atmosphere as passengers soak in the panoramic views from the climate-controlled interior deck.

The narrated experience allows guests to learn about Chicago’s rich history and architectural marvels while enjoying their brunch and drinks.

Meeting and Pickup Logistics

Guests meet for the Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise at the NBC Tower, located at 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr in downtown Chicago. The cruise returns to the same meeting point after the experience.

The location is:

• Wheelchair and stroller accessible
• Allows service animals
• Conveniently situated in the heart of the city
• Easy for guests to find and access

The experience has a maximum capacity of 200 travelers, and guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

While the dress code is cocktail attire, it isn’t strictly enforced.

Accessibility and Accommodations

The Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise is designed to accommodate guests of all abilities.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point at the NBC Tower and the end point at the same location guarantee easy access and navigation for all travelers.

The cruise’s climate-controlled interior deck provides a comfortable experience, regardless of weather conditions. The staff is trained to assist passengers with special needs, guaranteeing an inclusive and enjoyable outing for everyone.

Tour Duration and Dress Code

Passengers should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time for the Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise.

The tour duration is approximately 200 minutes, with a maximum of 200 travelers allowed on board.

While a cocktail attire is recommended, it isn’t strictly enforced.

The dress code can be described as:

• Casual dresses or blouses
• Button-down shirts or polo shirts
• Slacks or khakis
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes

Despite the cocktail attire recommendation, many guests opt for more casual wear, which has led to some discrepancy in dress code expectations.

Cancellation Policy and Refunds

According to the information provided, the Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise is a non-refundable tour.

Travelers should be aware that there are no refunds for cancellations. The tour’s cancellation policy states that it’s non-refundable, meaning customers won’t receive a refund if they need to cancel their reservation.

This is an important consideration for those booking the cruise, as they’ll not be able to get their money back if their plans change. Guests should guarantee they’re able to attend the cruise before making their reservation to avoid any financial loss.

Customer Feedback and Impressions

From the limited feedback available, guests appear to have generally positive experiences with the Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise.

Highlights include:

• Excellent food quality, with the 3-course plated brunch receiving praise
• Courteous and attentive staff, contributing to a pleasant dining experience
• Well-maintained, climate-controlled facilities providing a comfortable setting
• Scenic views and narrated tour enhancing the overall cruise experience

However, some concerns were raised about the dress code, with many guests arriving in casual attire despite the cocktail attire recommendation.

This discrepancy in expectations could lead to a disconnect between the cruise’s intended atmosphere and the actual guest experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages on the Cruise?

No, passengers cannot bring their own alcoholic beverages on the cruise. The cruise offers free-flowing mimosas as part of the brunch package, as well as a cash bar for purchasing other creative cocktails, wine, and beer.

Is There On-Board Entertainment Besides the Narrated Tour?

Besides the narrated tour, the cruise provides ambient music to enjoy the scenic views along the Chicago River. Passengers can also purchase creative cocktails, wine, and beer from the on-board cash bar.

Are Outside Food and Snacks Allowed to Be Brought on the Cruise?

Outside food and snacks are not allowed on the Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise. The cruise offers a 3-course plated brunch, free-flowing mimosas, and a cash bar for beverages, making outside items unnecessary.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Meal Option?

Yes, passengers can request vegetarian or dietary-restricted meal options for the brunch cruise. They should contact the tour provider in advance to make any special meal requests.

Is There a Discount or Reduced Fare for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer discounted fares for children or seniors. All passengers pay the standard adult rate, which includes the 3-course brunch, beverages, and scenic views along the Chicago River.

The Sum Up

The Chicago Premier Plus Brunch Cruise provides a delightful dining experience with breathtaking views of the city’s iconic architecture. Though the food quality and service are well-received, some guests have noted inconsistencies in dress code adherence. The cruise offers a scenic and informative way to enjoy a leisurely brunch along the Chicago River.