Perfect for families, groups, and corporate outings, the Spirit of Chicago lunch cruise lets you kick back and enjoy a great meal while taking in the sights of Chicago's most famed landmarks. See and photograph the dramatic city skyline, Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and Shedd Aquarium. The cruise includes a delicious buffet lunch with salads, entrees, desserts, and unlimited nonalcoholic beverages. There's also a DJ, games, and a dance floor to keep your group entertained.

Lunch cruise on Lake Michigan aboard the Spirit of Chicago
See the Chicago skyline and attractions from the water
Buffet lunch with freshly-prepared food
On-board entertainment includes music, a dance floor, and games

What's Included

A two-hour cruise on Lake Michigan
Delicious lunch buffet with freshly prepared entrees, salads and desserts (view menu)
Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water
The best views of the Chicago skyline and attractions, including the Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field and the iconic Willis Tower
Guaranteed table for your party size
Onboard entertainment with DJ, dance floor, and games (giant jenga, foosball, etc.
Lunch
Coffee and/or Tea

Beverages
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

600 E Grand Ave
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Boarding: Navy Pier. Parking: City Cruises does not own or operate any parking lots in the area. Local parking is available at 600 E Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 for our Navy Pier Departures. Alternative parking is available at 460 E. Illinois St. and 403 E. Grand Ave. (one block from Navy Pier).

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

City Experiences By Hornblower

Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Wheelchair accessible
There is no smoking inside the boat
Infants aged 2 years and under are free of charge (meal not included)
For men, appropriate attire includes slacks and a polo or button-down shirt. For women, nice slacks, capri pants or a sundress is recommended.
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Seating is only guaranteed together for the number of tickets confirmed on this voucher. Reservations may not be combined.
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

about cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Where is the departure point for the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan?

A:The Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan departs from Navy Pier: 600 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611.

Apr 2021

Q:Is there parking near the departure point for the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan?

A:Local Parking is available at 600 E Grand Ave. Alternative parking is available at 460 E. Illinois St. and 403 E. Grand Ave. (one block from Navy Pier.) There may be a fee for parking.

Apr 2021

Q:Is the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan handicap accessible?

A:Yes. Please be sure to notate any special needs or requests in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there any age restrictions on the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan?

A:There are no age restrictions. Children ages 3-11 enjoy a discount rate and infants under 3 years old go free as lap children.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there high chairs available for my child during the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan?

A:Yes, high chairs are available for use during the lunch cruise.

Apr 2021

Q:How should I dress for the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan?

A:Business casual attire is appropriate; such as khaki pants and collared shirts. Please no shorts, tank tops, flip flops, or gym shoes.

Apr 2021

Q:How early should I check in for the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan?

A:Boarding time is 30 minutes prior to departure.

Apr 2021

Q:Can I smoke on board the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan?

A:Smoking is allowed on the outside decks only. Please dispose of all refuse in proper receptacles. Do not throw anything into the water. Please help us keep our harbors clean.

Apr 2021

Q:Where do we sit on the boat during the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan?

A:As you board, our Captain and Marine Crew will direct you to your deck. From there the Host/Hostess will show your party to your assigned table(s). Seats are assigned based on needs and capacity for each cruise.

Apr 2021

Q:Are there vegetarian selections available during the Chicago Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan?

A:Yes, vegetarian options are available with notice. If you require any dietary restrictions or have food allergies, please notate them in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Apr 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Annette_S

Wonderful cruise, good food and music . The crew were very helpful and friendly. We had beautiful weather which made our day perfect .

Reviews

4.0

161 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 161 reviews

Boat was great, service not so much...

Katie_H, May 2023

Overall, this was a nice experience, but there were a few frustrations. The cruise was supposed to have a variety of drinks available for purchase, but there was about a 50% chance that what we ordered was out of stock. It took a long time to get drinks that we ordered as well. None of the food was labeled for those with allergies/restrictions and there was not much of a selection for dessert. The boat ride itself was great though!

Great no words look it the crew happy enjoyful.

JAMES_F, May 2023

A great experience my wife birthday a good DJ and the waitress alexis and annettia bartender. I'm going again on my birthday july 5 2023. Keep up the good work . 👌

Bad experience

Kizzy_H, May 2023

Cause me and my husband didn't get a chance to go cause of misunderstanding with y'all and the sailor cause of different time

Relaxing lunch cruise!

James_T, May 2023

Spending time with my wife on my birthday. The quality of food could have been better for the price. The staff was very professional.

Experience was nice food...

Kelly_g, Apr 2023

Experience was nice food was cold and they ran out of dessert before we could get any. For the price they need a better selection of food. They need to find a way to keep the food hot

Read the fine print

Celesta_W, Apr 2023

We purchased the ticket online on what we thought was the operator’s website. Vialto urned out to be a 3rd party so we weren’t able to get a refund or book a later cruise when we got stuck in traffic due to a wreck and missed the cruise departure. Read fine print. Plan to be there VERY early to give you time to deal with Chicago traffic, to find parking and to locate the boat. There’s no place for you to go and talk to an actual person between cruise departures.

Had a wonderful time on a...

John_B, Apr 2023

Had a wonderful time on a fantastic day plenty of sunshine great food and fantastic food definitely will come again

Happy Anniversary to us!

Timyra_C, Apr 2023

The music and dining experience. Being on the viewing deck on a beautiful day! The staff were attentive and kind. Food was good with many options to choose from. Smooth ride. Can't wait to do it again!!

Whats a good trip

Alfred_M, Apr 2023

The working was on point and the safety of the ship make you feel good and the food was good the drinks was alittle to high but everything else was great

Birthday cruise

Annette_S, Apr 2023

Wonderful cruise, good food and music . The crew were very helpful and friendly. We had beautiful weather which made our day perfect .

Great Trip!!!!!

Jorge_P, Apr 2023

What a great experience in 2 and a half hour trip, food was delicious and service was Excellent! Will be back!!!!

Good Fun, but you're on your own!

Jeremy_L, Apr 2023

Food was delicious. The dance floor was entertaining. Paying for coke was a bit of a slap in the face, after spending $190 on the tickets. But the real trouble is communication. There was no information given on where to park, where to meet, etc. Literally ended up running down the pier, BARELY making the cruise. Very nerve racking beginning!

Amazing

Ashley_M, Apr 2023

Amazing experience! Food was great as well! 10/10. The staff was knowledgeable about everything and really catered to our needs.

Amazing!

Alma_E, Mar 2023

Our Server! the Manager! such great service and just so ready to make our experience perfect! The best memories for our young birthday boy!

Fun fun and more fun 😊

Deborah_W, Mar 2023

The weather wasn’t its best but once we boarded it didn’t matter. The staff was super friendly, the food was great and the music was wonderful. We danced laughed and had a great time. Great experience

I used to book my...

Jaime_F, Mar 2023

I used to book my activities with Viator but after the bad experience yesterday, I will need to think twice. The person that answer the phone to assist us with our cruise tickets did not provide information to confirm our cruise and hanged on us. In result of this, we missed our tour. We submitted a claim and waiting for a response

March Birthdays

Sandra_S, Mar 2023

We were celebrating my two young adult kids birthdays. The crew was delightful, the food was good. The drinks a bit pricey, the managers were lovely. It was requested to do this again for birthday next year. Thank you spirit of chicago staff.

First time goers!!!!

Sharon_K, Mar 2023

Great first time experience. We will definitely be back. Great customer service. Thank you so much Hosè for your hospitality. My friends and I truly enjoyed this experience. 10/10 highly recommend!

All Aboard

Jeffrey_C, Feb 2023

We truly enjoyed ourselves. The experience was worth it. Friendly staff, smooth sailing and great company!

Love it .

Mara_M, Feb 2023

I was yesterday to celebrate my Birthday and was everything good , weather was wonderful, good very yummy , team great . 👍

Awesome boat cruise

rochelle_m, Nov 2022

I love this boat, even though boat couldn’t sail on the lake because the wind was really high, we still had fun, customer service is awesome our server she was the best and manager was awesome very hands on, and the Dj was awesome I love that he caters to all cultures, we had so much fun, it was my granddaughter 15 birthday, she and her friends had so much fun, such a great experience

A-Fukn-mazing

CHERRIE_S, Oct 2022

This exceeded my expectations the food was A-MAZING..The dj, host, servers anyone who had a hand to play in this experience did an amazing job. Definitely going every time I visit Chicago. Even the cookie u get when u leave was good. We really enjoyed this experience

Beautiful skyline!!!

Stephen_C, Oct 2022

The food, drinks and service were wonderful and the trip on the water was enhanced by a perfect sunny day.

Romantic Cruise to heaven

Linda_M, Oct 2022

Delicious food, Gorgeous view of the skyline. The only thing I didn't like is the price! I paid $191, but my receipt showed I paid $156.

It was good but the...

Yurenie_Y, Oct 2022

It was good but the servers didn’t know what their sections were ,once we finally got a server and got our drinks it was 40 mins into it. The server who finally took care of us was great and super sweet. The entrees were delicious, dessert was alright. Very lovely just felt very disorganized.

I feel scammed

Kimberly_H, Oct 2022

Missed the boat. Couldn’t figure out where to go and customer service was non existent. There’s a reason why there wasn’t a number available. Would like a refund or credit. Never again

1 traveler found this review helpful

Great time in the city!

Alyssa_T, Sep 2022

Food was good, I wish it was labeled though. The crew was very friendly and helpful and the DJ was lots of fun! Beautiful views of the city on a smooth sailing day!

I had a great time. Good...

Paula_M, Sep 2022

I had a great time. Good food, good people, a fun DJ, and good staff. I was visiting from out of town but plan to take another cruise in the future.

20 year Anniversary Getaway

Mentharn_J, Sep 2022

It was great it was our anniversary and it was several kids in the way running around, under the tables crying it was a disaster.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thank you for your review!

Give some training to staff,

George_V, Sep 2022

Unprofessional and lazy staff except for a Hispanic server. She is a hard worker and very courteous. All others are lazy and so slow.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Hello George- Thank you for taking the time to share the details of your recent experience with us, we appreciate your feedback. We will be addressing this with our team for further review and attention in order to make improvements. Please accept our assurances that we will take the time and care to correct any and all issues that impact our guest experience.

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