City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise

Imagine cruising across Lake Michigan, surrounded by the shimmering city skyline, while enjoying a hearty buffet and lively music. That’s what City Cruises Chicago promises with its Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on numerous reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s an experience that combines sightseeing, good food, and entertainment—ideal for anyone seeking a relaxing yet engaging way to see Chicago from the water.

What we love about this cruise is how it offers both scenic views and social fun, with a well-curated buffet and a vibrant onboard atmosphere. Plus, the 360-degree vistas from the rooftop deck are truly something special, giving you an unobstructed look at Chicago’s iconic landmarks. On the flip side, some travelers mention that the service can vary and that the outdoor decks might be less accessible in bad weather. This cruise is especially suited for those wanting a lively, all-ages outing that balances sightseeing with great food and music.

Key Points

• Stunning city skyline views from the rooftop deck provide a memorable backdrop.
• Quality buffet meals with a wide variety of entrees, salads, and desserts offer excellent value.
• Live DJ entertainment keeps the mood lively, with ample space for dancing and games.
• Flexible cruise options for brunch, lunch, or dinner suit different schedules and tastes.
• Onboard amenities include climate-controlled decks and rooftop games like giant Jenga and shuffleboard.
• Authentic Chicago landmarks such as the Hancock Tower and Buckingham Fountain are prominently visible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

Cruising along Lake Michigan from Navy Pier, this 2-hour voyage offers a chance to see Chicago’s skyline from a different perspective. The journey is designed to be both scenic and social—an ideal way to relax after a day of sightseeing or as a special occasion outing. Whether you opt for the brunch, lunch, or dinner cruise, the core experience remains similar: a buffet, spectacular views, and entertainment onboard.

You’ll begin your adventure by checking in at the Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier yacht, located on the south side of Navy Pier. The check-in process is straightforward and recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes early, ensuring you don’t miss the boat’s departure. The crew is usually welcoming, and many reviews mention the ease of boarding and the friendly atmosphere.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Once onboard, your first impression is likely to be the gorgeous panoramic views. The ship’s design allows for 360-degree sightlines, which means no matter where you sit, you’ll have a good view of Chicago’s skyline, including landmarks like Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Aon Center, and the Adler Planetarium. The views are described as “spectacular,” especially as the city lights come on in the evening.

Each cruise offers a buffet meal tailored to the chosen time slot. For brunch, the menu features seasonal fruits, breakfast pastries, scrambled eggs, breakfast meats, and breakfast potatoes. The lunch and dinner menus expand to include salads, baked ziti, roasted vegetables, and a variety of entrees like Atlantic flounder, honey sesame chicken, Italian beef meatballs, and braised short ribs (dinner only). Desserts like raspberry mousse, lemon pound cake, and chocolate chip brownies round out the meal.

The quality of the food is consistently praised, with many reviewers describing the buffet as “delicious” and “well-prepared.” One review even mentioned their “tastiness” and “excellent menu,” emphasizing that the meals felt more like a dining experience than just a typical buffet. For brunch, bottomless mimosas add a celebratory touch, making it perfect for weekends or special occasions.

Entertainment and Atmosphere

As you dine, a live DJ provides lively background music, sometimes encouraging guests to dance or sing along. Reviewers mention that the DJ keeps the energy high, with some wishing for more Latin music or specific songs, like bachata, to energize the dance floor.

Beyond music, the ship offers games like giant Jenga and shuffleboard, which guests of all ages find entertaining. These activities foster a friendly, fun environment, especially in the climate-controlled interior decks, which are comfortable regardless of the weather.

The dancing area is generally well-sized, and many guests appreciate the opportunity to let loose while enjoying the views. The fully stocked cash bar serves a variety of cocktails, beer, and wine, so you can sip your favorite drink while gazing at the city lights or enjoying the breeze from the open-air rooftop.

The Landmarks and Views

On this cruise, you’re treated to a front-row seat to Chicago’s most recognizable sights. The ship glides past iconic structures like the Willis Tower, the John Hancock Center, and the Trump Tower. The Buckingham Fountain and Adler Planetarium** also come into view, adding to the scenic charm.

Many reviews highlight how spectacular the Chicago skyline looks at night, especially with the city lights reflecting on the water. Some reviews mention a bit of disappointment if weather conditions prevent outdoor deck access, but the interior still offers a comfortable viewing experience.

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Value and Pricing

At $93 per person, the cruise isn’t the cheapest option in Chicago. However, considering that it includes a buffet meal, live entertainment, a guaranteed table, and unlimited drinks (for brunch), many find it a good value. The fact that you get a scenic cruise with multiple options for time of day makes it flexible for different schedules.

The buffet menus are quite extensive, with fresh entrees, salads, and desserts, which elevates this beyond a simple boat ride. Plus, the spectacular views are a significant added value — seeing Chicago from the water is a perspective you can’t get anywhere else in the city.

Authenticity and Experience

What makes this experience stand out is the combination of delicious food, beautiful scenery, and lively entertainment. Guests consistently comment on the professionalism of the crew and the quality of the food and drinks. Some reviews mention the helpful staff and the cleanliness of the ship, which are important elements for a pleasant outing.

The informal atmosphere and emphasis on fun make this suitable for a casual group outing, romantic date, or family adventure. However, it’s less suited for travelers seeking a quiet, contemplative experience—this cruise is about the views, the food, and the lively vibe.

This cruise is ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a relaxed, entertaining way to see Chicago’s skyline. It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy good food and a lively atmosphere without sacrificing scenic views. If you’re after a memorable, all-in-one experience combining sightseeing, dining, and dancing, this cruise hits the mark.

However, if you prefer a more tranquil or exclusive experience, or need special accommodations for mobility or dietary restrictions, it’s worth calling ahead. The cruise does try to accommodate dietary needs, and the interior decks are climate-controlled, which is a plus in bad weather.

The City Cruises Chicago Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise offers a fun, scenic, and flavorful way to explore the city’s lakeside. With spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline, hearty buffet meals, and lively onboard entertainment, it’s a well-rounded experience. The combination of food, music, and scenery makes it suitable for many types of travelers, especially those who love a social atmosphere and great photo ops.

While it might not be the cheapest tour in Chicago, the value lies in the authentic, enjoyable experience of seeing the city from a new angle, combined with quality food and entertainment. It’s particularly perfect for casual outings, celebrations, or anyone wanting to add a distinctive memory to their Chicago trip.

If lively atmospheres, good eats, and stunning views appeal to you, this cruise could very well become a highlight of your visit. Just remember to arrive early, dress comfortably, and get ready to enjoy Chicago from the water—an experience worth the price.

Is the cruise suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s a fun experience for all ages. Games and dancing are available, and reviews mention it as a lively, family-friendly environment. However, children under a certain age might need a free ticket, so check the policy.

What should I wear?
Most guests choose casual, comfortable clothing, but a light jacket or blazer is recommended, especially in the evening. Flat, closed-toed shoes are advised for safety and comfort onboard.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, outside alcohol isn’t allowed. There’s a full cash bar on board with cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, but some descriptions mention it can extend up to 3 hours depending on the schedule.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the cruise staff tries to accommodate dietary needs. It’s recommended to inform your server or call ahead to ensure your requirements are met.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the cruise, buffet meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner), onboard entertainment, a guaranteed table, and unlimited tea, coffee, and iced tea. Alcoholic drinks are extra.

Is parking available near Navy Pier?
Most guests arrive by car or public transportation. Navy Pier has parking facilities, but it can fill up, so plan accordingly.

Is the interior climate-controlled?
Yes, the ship features climate-controlled decks, making it comfortable regardless of the weather outside. Outdoor decks are available if the weather permits.

This cruise blends the best of Chicago’s scenic views with a lively, engaging atmosphere, making it a great choice for those wanting to relax, dine, and enjoy the city’s skyline from the water. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a fun outing, it offers a memorable way to experience Lake Michigan and Chicago’s iconic landmarks.

You can check availability for your dates here: