riverboat dinner cruise chicago

CHICAGO RIVER DINNER CRUISE

HAVE THE FULL SUMMERTIME CHI YACHT EXPERIENCE

Embark on a journey of indulgence aboard our motoryacht as you glide through the heart of the city's stunning skyline. Our Chicago River dinner cruises offer the perfect blend of elegance, culinary delight, and the full summertime Chi experience.

Dock at renowned riverside restaurants like RPM, Pizzeria Portofino, Chicago Winery, and more, as you savor the flavors of the city against the backdrop of shimmering waters and iconic architecture. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a corporate event, or simply seeking a romantic evening out, our expert crew is dedicated to ensuring every moment is nothing short of extraordinary.

Join us aboard House of Alpha Yacht Charters and elevate your Chicago experience to new heights as you dine, unwind, and create cherished memories amidst the unparalleled beauty of the Chicago River.

OUR EXPERIENCES

MEET THE FLEET

HOUSE OF ALPHA IS A MULTI LEVEL CRUISER EXPRESS MOTORYACHT

House of Alpha is a 42' Cruiser yacht with 2 levels, huge front sundeck, great swim platform area, 2 bedrooms, 2 full bath, full kitchen, full refrigerator with freezer, mini-refrigerator, bluetooth sound system, 3 TVs. Cruise to one of our destinations or enjoy a day in the harbor on beautiful Lake Michigan.

(312) 933-8586

31ST STREET HARBOR, 3155 S Lake Shore Drive

Chicago IL 60616

• United States
• Chicago / Illinois
• Gold Coast / Streeterville

Odyssey Cruises Chicago River

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Additional information

• Dining style Casual Elegant
• Price $50 and over
• Cuisines Dinner Cruise, American
• Hours of operation Brunch Sun 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–12:30 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:30 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Daily 7:00 pm–11:00 pm
• Phone number (866) 305-2469
• Website http://www.odysseycruises.com/chicago/about/odyssey-chicago-river-cruises
• Payment options AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
• Dress code Smart Casual
• Private party facilities Nothing compares to the dynamic, unique experience of a group event on the water. Delicious food and drinks, top entertainment and stunning views combine for an experience your guests won’t forget. Aboard our ships events from business meetings to special celebrations take on a whole new energy.
• Private party contact Professional Event Planner: (866) 305-2469
• Location 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL 60611-5503
• Neighborhood Gold Coast / Streeterville
• Cross street Columbus Drive
• Parking details The closest parking garage is located at 219/225 E North Water Street on the LOWER LEVEL. This is an outdoor lot. For your convenience, we have secured discounted parking rates. This is the preferred lot for Odyssey Chicago River. Please refer to our website for more details regarding directions, rates, validation, and additional parking options.
• Public transit CTA Bus Stops:Michigan Ave & Hubbard St for buses 2, 3, 26, 66, 120, 121, 143, 146, 147, 148, 151, and 157 about 0.2 miles away.Columbus Ave & North Water St for buses 66 and 124 about 0.1 mile away.CTA Train Stop: Grand Red Line stop about 0.5 miles away.Metra Electric & South Shore Line: Millenium Station about 0.5 miles away.
• Additional Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Our freshly prepared, three-course plated lunch menu is included in the base ticket price for all standard lunch cruises. Our chefs are happy to prepare vegetarian and vegan options, and we can also accommodate most dietary restrictions - just inform your server onboard. Menu items subject to change

First Course

Choice of one

Caesar Salad

Buttermilk Caesar Dressing | Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese | Herb Croutons | Italian Parsley

Lobster Bisque

Rock Shrimp | Brioche Croutons | Scallions

Enhancements

Available for an additional price

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Bourbon Cocktail Sauce

Oven Baked Atlantic Salmon Filet

Lemon Orzo with Red Onions & Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Citrus Dill Sauce

Maple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast

Fingerling Potatoes & Chives | Haricot Verts | Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce

Braised Beef Short Rib

Idaho Potato & Horseradish Mash | Baby Carrots | Pearl Onions & English Peas | Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce

Jumbo Forest Mushroom Ravioli

Spanish Red Lentils & Sage | Arugula | Shallot's | Toasted Walnuts | Basil Oil

Eli's New York Style Cheesecake

Strawberry Compote

Triple Chocolate Mud Pie

Orange & Ginger Preserves | White Chocolate Covered Strawberry

Duo of Sorbet

Seasonal Sorbet | Fresh Cut Fruit

Freshly Cut Fruit & Fresh Strawberries

Madagascar Vanilla & Orange Custard | Fresh Mint

Odyssey Signature Warm Butter Cake

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | Blackberry Sauce

French Macarons

Champagne chocolate truffles.

We use American Champagne from California for all Bubbly Cocktails

Riverwalk Mimosa

Flesh Blood Orange Juice

Buckingham Royale

Fresh Grapefruit Juice

Peach Puree

Cointreau | Fresh Cranberry Juice

Aperol Spritz

Prosecco | Soda Water

Lychee | Mint | Thai Basil

Chi-Town Sparkler

Mixed Berry Puree | Freshly Made Lemonade

Orange Juice

Red Wine Sparkling Spritz

White wine sparkling spritz.

Pinot Grigio

Signature Cocktails

Includes a keepsake glass

Dearborn Margarita

Espolon Reposado Tequila | Grand Marnier | Fresh Lime Juice

Bloody Pirate Mary

CH Peppercorn Vodka | Spicy Homemade Bloody Mary Mix

Cherry Lime Collins

CH Key Lime Gin | Fresh Lime Juice | Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters

Fox and the Ravens

Koval Four Grain Whiskey | Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur | Sweet Vermouth | Cherry Herring | House Infused Cherries

CH Vodka | Cointreau | Puree Leaf Peach Tea | Freshly Made Lemonade

Gleeman's Lime Drop Martini

CH Vodka | Triple Sec | Fresh Lime Juice | Lime Zest

CH London Dry Gin | St Germain Liqueur | Pear Puree | Fresh Lime Juice | American Champagne

Sightblinder

Nikka Coffee Grain Whiskey | Asperol | Punt e Mes | Fee Brothers Orange Bitters

Way of the Leaf

Santa Teresa 1796 Rum | Fresh Watermelon Puree | Fresh Lime Juice

Shorebound Manhattan

Koval Bourbon | Sweet Vermouth | Angostura Bitters | Maraschino Cherry

Windfinder Daiquiri

Ron Diplomatico Planas Rum | Agave Nectar | Fresh Lime Juice

Dragon Margarita

Espolon Reposado Tequila | Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur | Blood Orange Juice | Fresh Lime Juice | Habanero Peppers

Beer & Cider

Weihenstephaner hefeweissbier, pacifico clara, surly furious, off color apex predator, solemn oath lu, revolution fist city, miller light, vander mill hard apple (cider), city winery chicago, morgan station.

Sauvignon Blanc | Lake County, California

Chardonnay | Sonoma, California

Obsidian Ridge

Cabernet Sauvignon | Red Hills, California

Pinot Noir | North Coast, California

Rose - Syra | Mendocino, California

Pol Roger Cuvee Brut

Champagne | Epernay, Champagne, France

Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut

Champagne | Erpernay, Champagne, France

Epernay, Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2009

Champagne | Champagne, France

Ruinart Brut Rose

Champagne | Reims, Champagne, France

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva

Cava | Cava, Spain

Ruggeri Argeo Brut DOC

Prosecco | Veneto, Italy

Argyle Vintage Brut

Sparkling | Willamette Valley, Oregon

Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut

Sparkling | Columbia Valley, Washington

Schramsberg Mirabelle Rose

Sparkling | North Coast, California

Patient Cottat Anciennes Vignes

Sancerre | Sancerre, Loire France

Duckhorn Vineyards

Sauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley, California

Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough, New Zealand

Val d'Orbieu Le Vale

Chardonnay | Languedoc, France

Laroche Premier Cru Les Vaudevey

Chablis | Chablis, Burgundy, France

Paul Hobbs Crossbarn

Chardonnay | Sonoma Coast, California

Chardonnay | Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Hamilton Russell

Chardonnay | Hemel-En-Aarde Valley, South Africa

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 'Kiara'

Chardonnay | Napa Valley, California

Franklin Tate

Chardonnay | Margaret River, West Australia

Alois Lageder

Pinot Grigio | Magre, Alto Adige, Italy

Domaine Weinbach

Pinot Gris | Altenbourg, Alsace, France

Pinot Gris | Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Fritz Haag Brauneberger Riseling Kabinett

Riesling | Mosel, Germany

Riesling | Alsace, France

Wente Family Wineries

Heyes ranch.

Pinot Grigio | Livermore Valley, California

Chardonnay | Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California

Merlot | Livermore Valley, California

The Nth Degree

Cabernet Sauvignon | Livermore Valley, California

Bieler Pere et Fils

Rosé - Blend | Provence, France

Rosé - Pinot | Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Joseph Drouhin Volnay

Pinot Noir | Cote de Beaune, Burgundy, France

Melville Sta Rita Hills

Pinot Noir | Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California

Pinot Noir | Central Coast, California

Eyrie 'Sisters Estate Vineyard'

Pinot Noir | Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Chateau Souverain

Cabernet Sauvignon | Alexander Valley, California

Mollydooker 'The Maitre D'

Cabernet Sauvignon | McLaren Vale, SA, Australia

Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville, Napa Valley, California

Woodward Canyon Nelm's Road

Cabernet Sauvignon | Walla Walla, Columbia Valley, Washington

Caymus Special Selection

Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley, California

Cabernet Sauvignon | Paso Robles, California

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis

Lang + reed.

Cabernet Franc | North Coast, California

Overture by Opus One

Bordeaux Blend | Napa, California

Purple Heart

Red Blend | Sonoma County, California

Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge

Chateauneuf-du-Pape | Vallee du Rhone, France

Broadside Margarita Vineyard

Merlot | Paso Robles, California

Pride Mountain

Merlot | Napa + Sonoma, California

Alma Negra Bonarda

Malbec | Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

Finca Decero

D'arenberg 'the stump jump'.

Shiraz | McLaren Vale, Australia

Arnot-Roberts

Syrah | North Coast, California

R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Cubillo Crianza

Tempranillo | Rioja, Spain

Muga Reserva

Luce della vite lucente.

Sangiovese & Merlot | Tuscany, Montepulciano, Italy

Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Chianti | Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Coffee & Tea

Mighty leaf tea company, spring jasmine, tropical green tea, ginger twist, chamomile citrus - orange blossom, coffee & chocolate, hot chocolate, what people are saying, overall ratings and reviews.

• 2.6 Service
• 2.8 Ambience

Noise • Moderate

Dined on January 26, 2020

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How is Odyssey Cruises Chicago River restaurant rated?

Odyssey Cruises Chicago River is rated 2.6 stars by 4 OpenTable diners.

455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL 60611-5503

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Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

Chicago river floating tiki bar cruise, hard rock cafe chicago, swiftie party cruise, signature lunch or brunch cruise on lake michigan ticket, lincoln park mystery picnic: self-guided foodie adventure, pizza city usa west loop pizza crawl, naperville mystery picnic: self-guided foodie adventure, evanston mystery picnic: self-guided foodie adventure.

Premier Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River

⭐ Enjoy a unique dining experience on the water, surrounded by Chicago's architecture and skyline. Savor a chef-prepared dinner, groove to DJ entertainment, and receive attentive service. Get your tickets now! Tickets for Premier Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River 🎫 Dinner Adult ticket  🎫 Dinner Child ticket 

Highlights 🍴 Enjoy a three-course meal with exceptional tableside service  🎶 Groove to a handpicked playlist by our onboard DJ  🌇 Witness the stunning architecture of Chicago from the river with the best panoramic views  General Info 📅 Date and time: various dates and times available (select during purchase) 📍 Location: 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr 👤 Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID ⏳ Duration: two hours and thirty minutes

Description Experience the ultimate Premier Plus Dinner Cruise in Chicago! Enjoy a delectable three-course plated dinner, breathtaking views, and impeccable tableside service on a 2.5-hour cruise along the Chicago River. Feel like VIPs with reserved tables and curated music from a DJ. Dress to impress and bring your loved ones for an unforgettable evening. Wheelchair accessible and dietary restrictions accommodated. Discover Chicago like never before - a must-do activity! Get your tickets now! 

Getting there

455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr

Chicago, 60611

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Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise provided by City Experiences By Hornblower

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Dine and cruise along the Chicago River in a glass-enclosed boat

The 140-foot-long Odyssey Chicago River is available for charters starting September 25

Starting later this month, tourists and locals will have a new way to experience the world-class architecture lining the banks of the Chicago River: a glass-roofed boat offering brunch, lunch, dinner, and cocktail-hour cruises.

The 140-foot-long Odyssey Chicago River will cater to individuals as well as private groups as large as 200. The climate-controlled vessel will offer several 2- to 3-hour cruises each day from its dock at the River Esplanade near NBC Tower.

Tickets start at $49.90 for a cocktail cruise and $109.90 for the longer dinner excursions. The latter includes a three-course meal, but customers can also splurge by adding extras like lobster tail. While there won’t be a guided narration on the Odyssey, guests can download a smartphone app if they wish to learn about Chicago’s architecture and history.

The meal service cruises were first announced in September 2017 and Odyssey Chicago River planned to start in July . However, the delayed opening date and the earliest its website will accept reservations is September 25.

The all-weather boat, under construction in Florida, will soon make it way to Chicago via the nation’s river system, according to recent report by Crain’s . The Odyssey Chicago River is operated by Entertainment Cruises, part of the Pritzker Group.

• Check out the newest downtown tour boat [Crain’s]
• Glass-topped boat coming to the Chicago River in 2018 [Curbed Chicago]
• Odyssey Chicago River [Official website]

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The 5 Best Chicago Dinner Cruises [2024 Reviews]

The iconic Chicago skyline can be appreciated from many aspects, but nothing is better than viewing it from the water, itself. If you’re looking for the perfect date activity or evening adventure with friends, I can’t recommend a dinner cruise enough.

I’ve gone ahead and carefully curated a list of the 5 top Chicago dinner cruises that are well worth your time and money.

Elegance, relaxation, and unparalleled views come together to make a memorable night out on an enchanting voyage from the heart of the city. Let’s jump right in!

Be sure to see our reviews of Chicago Architecture Cruise Tours .

Best Dinner Cruises in Chicago

Quick answer: the 5 best rated chicago dinner cruises for 2024.

• Chicago Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise
• Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Buffet
• Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan
• Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise
• Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise

Chicago Dinner Cruise Tour Reviews

1. chicago gourmet brunch, lunch, or dinner river cruise.

• Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Departure: Chicago River Esplanade
• Departure Time: 6:30 PM
• Includes:   2-hour cruise,  3-course meal,  Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea,  Onboard DJ (for dinner cruises),  Architectural narration (for lunch and brunch cruises),  Navy Pier fireworks (on Wednesdays and Saturdays)

The great thing about this cruise, is that you get to choose between a lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch option.

I tried the weekend brunch as I love a good mimosa and had tried plenty of other evening cruises, already. The Chicago: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise  is a fantastic outing for a large group, with attentive staff, delicious food, and of course, amazing views!

We arrived at the Chicago River Esplanade, which is actually one of my favorite places to stroll around whenever I’m in the city.

The Chicago Riverwalk offers amazing views of the surrounding buildings, and as every single one has such history behind the unique styles, it’s that much more interesting.

I was lucky, because the weather that day was warm and sunny, with the glittering water reflecting the buildings on the banks. This is a fine dining experience, which means if you’re looking for an opportunity to wear a nice dress or suit, this is the perfect chance!

Upon arrival, we were escorted onboard the ship and led to our table in the dining area which was nice to know we had a table reserved.

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The glass enclosure was perfect as I know Chicago weather can get pretty intense without much notice, plus it allowed for fantastic views without obstructing anything.

We sipped on some cocktails as the onboard DJ played some lovely music before we were served our brunch of salmon toast, French toast, chicken, yogurt parfaits, cheesecake, mud pie, and much more!

Keep in mind this is a 3-course meal, which I felt was nicely timed and had a cohesive menu that worked well together. While I didn’t take the dinner cruise, I have also heard great reviews, as some nights even include fireworks!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2.  chicago fireworks dinner cruise with buffet.

• Duration:  3 hours
• Departure: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago
• Departure Time: 7:00 PM
• Includes: Fireworks Display if weather permitting, Dinner, Live entertainment, Coffee and/or Tea

Speaking of fireworks, this next tour is perfect for enjoying the exciting light show right over Lake Michigan! I find this tour to be perfect for celebrating important dates like anniversaries, birthdays, and much more!

The Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise with Buffet Tour  will not only treat you to stunning panoramic vistas of the city skyline, but a fully enchanting experience that’ll light up the night sky with dazzling colors.

Meeting on Grand Ave, it’s super easy to get to – especially if you’re already staying in the Loop or Miracle Mile! We were escorted onto the vessel, the  Spirit of Chicago,  by very polite, friendly, organized staff who genuinely paid attention and made sure we were all having a great time.

We got seated and enjoyed some unlimited coffee and tea (believe I definitely took advantage of that!) and took some photos before we set off!

We were given essentially front-row seats to a spectacular fireworks display with choreographed sequences that sprinkled just a bit more magic to an already unforgettable night out.

Of course, if it’s really windy or rainy, this may not be possible, but in our case it was! The onboard DJ was a nice touch, adding even more fun and excitement, complete with dance areas for us to hang out and get our groove on!

The unlimited buffet was surprisingly delicious – I’m typically a bit wary of buffets as I feel like most of the food is unforgettable, but this wasn’t the case.

I highly recommend the oven-baked Atlantic flounder filet and the red velvet and chocolate chip brownie! This was such a fun way to see Chicago’s famous architecture while celebrating out with loved ones!

3. Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

• Duration:  2.5 hours
• Includes: Dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, 3-course plated dinner with attentive tableside service, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water, guaranteed table for your party size, onboard DJ entertainment and dance floor, service charges, local taxes and fees

If you’re looking for a luxurious way to spend an evening in Chicago or the perfect date night activity, check out this next tour!

Seamlessly combining delicious food with unparalleled views of the city’s skyline, the Chicago Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan is spectacular.

It’s almost like hanging out in a swanky lounge in an exclusive vessel gliding along the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan as you indulge in an exquisite dining experience!

This cruise is easy to access, with the crew immediately escorting us onboard and answering any questions we had along the way. Offering an unparalleled vantage point, we had plenty of time before setting sail to take photos and enjoy the glow of the setting sun.

I do recommend dressing up for the evening as everyone else was dressed quite nicely, which made sense considering our vessel for the evening was a luxury yacht!

I loved the “smaller” details, like the fact that we received a personal welcome from the captain and crew, and even had our photo taken by the yacht’s photographer to add to the experience.

I also appreciated that we had our own private table as opposed to sitting in crowded areas like many other tours involve. Our servers also introduced themselves and frankly offered much better service than the vast majority of upscale restaurants I’ve been to.

The 3-course, plated dinner was absolutely amazing, complete with plenty of drinks from the full-service bar and an impressive wine list I definitely took advantage of!

The onboard DJ was mixing a fantastic selection of jazz and more contemporary songs as we explored the observation deck and the Captain’s bridge! This was such a beautiful tour that I plan on taking again, when I’m looking for a special night out.

4. Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise

• Duration:  2 hours
• Departure:  Varies (depending on option booked)
• Departure Time: 12:30 PM
• Includes:   Cruise on the Spirit of Chicago,  Buffet brunch, lunch, or dinner (based on option selected),  Onboard DJ,  Dance floor,  Onboard games,  Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea,  Service fee

This next tour is really similar to our first one, offering the option to select between brunch, lunch, or dinner. It’s also a bit shorter than the others at just 2 hours, making it super easy to fit into a busy schedule.

The Chicago: Lake Michigan Buffet Brunch, Lunch or Dinner Cruise  is not quite as “fancy” as some of the others I’ve detailed, but it’s a load of fun and a great way to make some friends!

I’d been to Chicago many times but hadn’t gone to Navy Pier until recently, and wondered why it took me so long! It’s super easy to access, and has such a fun vibe, with all kinds of sites to take in and beautiful waterside views.

Once we arrived, we were escorted onto our vessel, receiving a personal greeting and having our photos taken by the ship’s photographer to keep a little memento before they led us to our private table.

This was another buffet-type setting, which I quite enjoyed as there were many plates I liked enough that I went back for seconds and thirds!

The unlimited coffee was a nice addition, and it was surprisingly fresh, which made a big difference to me as a coffee fiend.

Viewing the Willis Tower, Trump Tower, and many other iconic pieces of architecture was simply phenomenal while sipping on my cup of Joe and taking in the views.

This adventure also had a DJ on board, who did a fantastic job at selecting a variety of different songs that seemed to get everyone up and moving!

The 3 climate-controlled decks ensured there was enough room for everyone while offering viewing spaces no matter what the weather. I recommend this tour if you’re looking for a casual, more “party” experience with some yummy food and amazing views!

5. Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise

• Departure: 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago
• Includes:  Dinner cruise on Chicago River, 3-course plated dinner, unlimited coffee/hot tea/iced tea, guaranteed table, service fees, local taxes

I’m not one to turn down a fabulous evening of dining and sightseeing, and the Premier Chicago River Dinner Cruise Tour is one of the best options for just that!

This 3-hour excursion takes you on a beautiful voyage through the heart of Chicago’s architectural wonders by means of the stunning Chicago River. The river itself is packed full of history, not to mention the unique structures on either side – all of which you’ll learn about as you cruise on.

The Cityfront Plaza address is very easy to get to if you’re staying downtown, and you can get there by foot, car, metro, and so on as it’s right on the Esplanade by the NBC Tower.

Once we were there, we were welcomed onboard by the amazing staff. The vessel is one of the smaller ones I’d been on in Chicago, but it was very well-maintained, pretty, and comfortable, with an open-air deck and climate-controlled interior deck.

Once we got started, we were regaled with interesting stories about the history of Chicago, as well as important information as certain landmarks and pieces of architecture as we cruised.

Soon enough, we were served the first dish of our 3-course plated dinner, along with plenty of complimentary coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.

They did have an open bar with alcoholic beverages available at an extra cost, but I found the cocktails to be high-quality and tasty.

I found everything to be very well-organized, with the captain and crew directing us to our deck depending on the table option we booked.

With an onboard DJ, we got to soak in the breathtaking views of the river and great Chicago landmarks while listening to a wonderful soundtrack. If you’re looking for a relatively short yet impactful tour, I can’t recommend this one enough!

Boat Comfort

The Chicago Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner River Cruise is our Editors Choice for the best Chicago dinner cruise.

Krysha Thayer

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Odyssey Cruise on the Chicago River

Perfect for Celebrations

Cruise the Chicago River

Lunch & Dinner Options Available

PRODUCT CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Imagine pairing an architecture-focused boat ride along the Chicago River with the Odyssey Cruise : the result is this divine Chicago River cruise. On this romantic adventure, you get the best of both worlds — the beauty of the buildings from Chicago’s financial sector with the comfort of an all-glass vessel with a luxury, 3-course meal aboard . Choose from a lunch or dinner cruise that includes a fantastic fireworks display over the lakefront at certain times of the year, and experience Chicago in a way you’re sure to never forget .

Enjoy a delicious 3-course meal as you take in the city views and famous skyline

Perfect for groups or couples to celebrate special occasions or a romantic dinner

Marvel at the famous pier fireworks display on certain dinner cruises

Pricing & Schedule - PRODUCT CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE

Lunch & brunch cruises:.

Contact us: [email protected] (opens in a new tab)

Dinner Cruises:

Activity details, meeting point:.

Odyssey Dock: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave

• Live music onboard
• Lunch or dinner with a 3-course menu (excluding drinks)
• Navy Pier fireworks display (Wednesday and Saturday, during summer)
• All additional taxes and fees

Maximum Group Size:

Click the tabs to find out more, good to know, terms & conditions.

• We recommend that you arrive 40 minutes before your cruise is scheduled to depart as you’ll need to pick up your tickets before boarding the ship.
• Your tickets will be available at Odyssey Cruise box office , located right beside the boat – you can’t miss it! Just mention your name or the confirmation number we sent to you at the time of booking.

There will be no cruises available on the following dates (2020):  2/14-16, 4/12, 5/10, 6/21, 7/4, 11/23, 12/24-25, 12/31, 2/14/2021

• IMPORTANT: Once made, your reservation is not automatically confirmed. Upon receiving your request, a member of our team will purchase the ticket(s) and email them to you. In the case of no availability, your reservation will be canceled and you will be refunded the full price.
• The ticket value includes the boat trip exclusively; transportation to the boarding point is not included.
• This service has a 100% penalty for cancellation after reservation. Date and time changes will not be allowed after confirmation of purchase.
• We recommend arriving 40 minutes in advance for check-in, as the boat starts to board 10 minutes before the departure time and leaves at the scheduled time.
• These summer cruises run from May 25 to August 31. Keep in mind that not all cruises have daily departures.
• The cruise may be canceled at the last minute if the minimum number of sales required has not been met or if the boat has been chartered for a private party.
• In case of cancellation on behalf of the company, the amount paid will be fully refunded or the passenger may be offered a change in ticket for a different vessel or date .
• Chicago Travel & Tours is not responsible for damage or inconvenience caused by cancellation of the cruise.
• The fireworks show is offered by the City of Chicago and Navy Pier. The cruise company and Chicago Travel & Tours are not responsible for a refund in the case of cancellation due to the fireworks display.
• In case of a storm, the ship will be anchored at the pier, but the onboard services (shows and food) will be served normally . In this case, the customer will receive some sort of upgrade (possibly open bar), but a refund will not be possible. We are not responsible for any inconvenience caused by meteorological conditions.

Yes, please arrive 40 minutes before your cruise is scheduled to depart to allow enough time to pick up your cruise tickets and get onboard.

No, guests are responsible for arriving at the meeting point themselves. The meeting point is located at a very easy to find, popular location which, depending on your hotel location, can be reached on foot or by a short taxi ride.

Children are welcome to join all brunch, lunch, and dinner cruises.

Yes, please let us know at the time of booking as a special request, and we will do our absolute best to accommodate your dietary needs.

Yes, the Odyssey Cruise box office, located right beside the boat – you can’t miss it!

Drinks are not included on any of the cruises and must be paid for separately by the passenger.

Yes, after the cruise, the ship will dock back into the same place that it departed from.

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Restaurant Week Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River

• Odyssey Chicago River
• 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive Chicago 60611 United States
• (312) 321-1241
• Visit Website

Price — $59.00 – $84.00

Chicago Restaurant Week is back on the Chicago River! For a limited time, enjoy City Cruises’ delicious and customized premier dinner menu and stellar service at an exclusive price

Includes: A limited-edition cruise along the Chicago River Special dinner menu at an exclusive Restaurant Week price Breathtaking views of Chicago’s architecture from the Chicago River Guaranteed table for your party size Curated music selection from our onboard DJ, Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea

Upgrades Available for Purchase: Creative cocktails, wine, and beer from our well-stocked cash barWindow table reservations for the best views

Additional information: Our vessel is climate-controlled to cruise year-round in all weather conditionsMost of our guests choose elegant or dressy-casual attireChildren are welcome and infants under three cruise freeWe do our best to accommodate dietary restrictionsSchedule

Select Dates: January 20th - February 5th

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday:

Dinner: Board 6:30pm | Cruise 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday & Sunday:

Early Dinner: Board 3:00pm | Cruise: 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Late Dinner: Board 7:00pm | Cruise: 8:00pm - 10:00pm

Where to Meet:455 N. Cityfront Plaza DriveChicago, IL 60611

Dress Code:Restaurant Week on the Chicago River is your excuse to dress up! We encourage semi-formal attire (dressy separates: slacks, button-ups, dresses) for your evening on the water.

• Mon-Fri Closed
• Saturday Closed
• Sunday Closed

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Your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises

One of the best ways to see Chicago is from the water. The city is home to two stunning waterfronts — the Chicago River and Lake Michigan — and each offers plenty of cruise options. Admire the skyline on a lakefront cruise, learn about the city’s iconic architecture on a Chicago River cruise, enjoy dinner and dancing aboard an all-glass vessel, sip cocktails on a tiki-themed boat, paddle your own kayak — the options are truly endless. Here’s your guide to Chicago lake and river cruises, boat tours, dinner cruises, and beyond.

See it all with Shoreline Sightseeing

One of Chicago’s classic cruise options, Shoreline Sightseeing covers all the bases. Their ultra-popular Architecture River Tour takes you on all three branches of the historic Chicago River takes you past dozens of landmark buildings.

They also offer skyline lake tours, plus specialty cruises and holiday events. Hop on a boat at Navy Pier or on Michigan Avenue.

Dine on the water with City Experiences

City Experiences dining cruises are the perfect way to create a memorable moment in Chicago. Choose from a river or lake dining cruise, complete with delicious cuisine, cocktails, and entertainment.

Their glass-enclosed river vessel is particularly stunning. It offers passengers panoramic views of the city’s most iconic buildings as you glide along the Chicago River. They also offer lakefront brunch and dinner cruise options that depart from Navy Pier.

Entertain the family with Wendella Boats

For three generations, Wendella Tours and Cruises has been cruising the Chicago waterways. With its variety of tour options, cruise times and lengths, and a heated, enclosed cabin, Wendella is a great choice for families looking for flexibility. Choose from lake & river architecture, sunset cruises, and more.

Admire architecture with Chicago’s First Lady

Around the world, Chicago is known for its outstanding architecture, and it’s easiest to admire the city’s legacy from the water. By partnering with the Chicago Architecture Center , Chicago’s First Lady offers the most comprehensive tour of the skyline — docents must train 100 hours before they can lead tours.

Speed across Lake Michigan on Seadog Boat Tours

Are you up for a thrill? Race across Lake Michigan on SeaDog Cruises, featuring 30 minutes of high speeds and exhilarating twists and turns. Come prepared to get splashed.

SeaDog also offers lakefront speedboat tours and a river/lake architecture tour, featuring views of Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park, Museum Campus, and more.

Live it up on an Island Party Boat

Looking for a party? These tiki-themed boats are always a good time, offering drink packages, stellar views, and fun vibes. You can hop on an Island Party Boat at Monroe Harbor or the Chicago Riverwalk, which is also where you’ll find their beach-inspired bar Island Party Hut. Choose from a river cruise, lake cruise, tacky tour guide cruise, or even a dueling pianos cruise.

Go back in time with Chicago Fireboat Tours

Step onto a real, historic fireboat and get ready for a unique experience with Chicago Fireboat Tours . The river tours are given aboard a real piece of Chicago history — a retired fireboat that patrolled the Chicago from 1937 to 1981. Tours are led by expert docents and include historic and sunset options.

Splurge on a Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

Looking to splurge a little? These private yacht charters are the way to go. The spacious yachts comfortably fit up to 49 or 120 people, making them the perfect option for a large celebration or an intimate gathering. Premium bar and catering packages round out the experience.

Explore the Chicago River with Urban Kayaks

If you’re ready to ditch the captain and explore the water on your own, then it’s time to grab a paddle at Urban Kayaks . You’ll go through a brief training session before you hit the water, but you’re free to paddle the river or lake at your own pace. Or join in a guided tour to catch the sunset, fireworks, or historic highlights. Rentals are available at the Chicago Riverwalk or Monroe Harbor.

Rent an electric boat

Chicago Electric Boat Company offers fun and unique ways to get out on the water, including donut boats, retro boats, and even a bike boat that your group can pedal down the Chicago River. Rental locations include Marina City, the Chicago Riverwalk, and Rockwell on the River in Avondale.

See the skyline aboard Mercury Cruises

While Chicago’s summer fireworks are already fun to watch, it’s an entirely new experience when you’re on a 3D tour. Before the show, you’ll cruise around the lake and see some of Chicago’s famous landmarks.

Mercury Cruises also offer Urban Adventure, Canine Cruises, and Chicago by Night tours.

Check out Chinatown via Chicago Water Taxi

Hop on! The Chicago Water Taxi is a fun and cheap way to get around Chicago. The Water Taxi stops at Ogilvie Transportation Center, Chinatown, Goose Island, the Chicago Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue, and River North. Get a one-way ticket for $6 or an all-day pass for $10. Check their daily routes and schedules for more details. Cruises.

From this article

Tours & Attractions

Chicago architecture center.

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline

Shoreline Sightseeing Company

Streeterville

Special Event Venues

Free spirit yacht cruises.

Urban Kayaks

River North

Wendella Tours & Cruises

The Magnificent Mile

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

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Wine & Dine on the Water

Brunch Lunch & Dinner Cruises

Wine & dine on the water.

When you dine on Like Michigan, every table is the best in the house. Navy Pier’s brunch, lunch and dinner cruises pair world-class cuisine with panoramic views of the city and lakefront.

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Help us win Best Boat Tour in USA Today's Best of 2024 poll! Vote every day here !

Evening River Cruise

Join us when we open for St. Patrick's Day weekend! Tickets on sale now!

Experience our renowned Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise in the glow of the setting sun. Serene and bathed in a softer light, the city's architecture takes on a whole new life as it begins its transition from day to night. Savor the views with friends and family as you enjoy a relaxing evening on the water with cocktail in-hand. 

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General Boarding Tickets Start At

Ticket details.

• Priority Boarding tickets start at $74 and include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission
• General Boarding tickets start at $59. Include a visit to the Chicago Architecture Center for just $5 more!
• Tickets can be purchased online , in-person at our dock during regular season hours or at the Chicago Architecture Center. Avoid the box office by choosing "eTickets" or "Print at Home" as your delivery method. 
• Tour departures frequently sell out. Reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Select "Will Call" to pick up your tickets at our dockside ticket office; bring your confirmation number.
• Each person must have a ticket including infants and children.
• Prices are subject to change.

Full Schedule

Early Spring March 17 - April 25

Late Spring April 26 - May 23

• Mon 7:00 pm
• Thu 7:00 pm
• Fri 5:30 pm 7:00 pm
• Sun 6:00 pm

Summer May 24 - October 14

• Mon 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
• Tues 7:00 pm
• Wed 6:00 pm
• Thu 5:30 pm 7:30 pm
• Fri 5:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
• Sun 5:30 pm 7:30 pm

Early Fall October 15 - November 3

• Sun 5:30 pm 6:00 pm

Late Fall November 4 - November 24

2024 Evening River Cruise season begins April 26th and extends through November 24th. Tickets on sale now!

We are located at Michigan Ave and Wacker Drive, Chicago IL

Tour Details & Tips

• Tour Duration 90 minutes
• Arrival Time Make sure your entire party arrives 30 minutes prior to departure.
• Priority Boarding Tickets include exclusive early boarding period, skip-the-queue during general boarding, and Chicago Architecture Center admission.
• General Boarding Tickets begin boarding approximately 15 minutes before departure.
• Seating Open outdoor seating is guaranteed for all guests. The number on your ticket does not represent a seat number.
• Tour Route The tour travels all three branches of the Chicago River. View tour route map. Tour route subject to change without notice.
• Cruises depart rain or shine. Tickets may not be refunded or exchanged if you miss your boat - allow extra time!
• What to Bring Your sunglasses, cap or visor, as the sun can interfere with your view of the buildings.
• Parking Discounted parking available at 111 E. Wacker Drive with proper validation from ticket office. Visit our  Location page  for more.
• Did you know?  A portion of your ticket fee supports the educational work of the Chicago Architecture Center!

Amenities & Accessibility

• Full-service Bar/Snack Bar  A full-service bar and snack bar are available on every vessel.
• Outdoor Seating Each vessel features an open-air upper deck to enjoy Chicago's architecture safely outdoors.
• Well-Appointed Restrooms  Well-appointed restrooms are available on each vessel.
• Free Stroller Storage  Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding.
• Limited Mobility Services Available  See our  Location page  for river-level drop-off directions for guests with accessibility needs. Our staff is also available to provide early boarding services for those with limited mobility.

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• Is there a bar and food onboard?
• Yes. All boats have a full bar available onboard with cocktails, wine, craft beer, water, cold brew and more, as well as locally sourced snacks available for purchase.
• What sets your tours apart from the others?

We are the only tour that partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to offer the official Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady. All of our tours are given by experienced, volunteer docents who receive hundreds of hours of training from the Chicago Architecture Center before guiding the river cruise tour.

• How long is the tour?
• Each tour is 90 minutes.
• Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Advance reservations are recommended as many tours sell out.

• Is there assigned seating?

All seating is general admission, though proper distancing measures are put in place to ensure the safety of each party outside of their own groups, per city ordinances. There is enough seating for all guests to have a seat outside. While seat numbers are printed on the tickets, you can ignore these as they are not valid.

• Are tours offered in any languages other than English?

We are happy to offer free foreign language audio guides in Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean. Scan the QR code onboard for instructions. Mobile data for app download required.

• Do I have to print my tickets?
• You do not have to print your tickets. You can show your mobile ticket to our dock attendant with your smartphone, or you can have your tickets printed at the dockside will call window (be sure to bring a photo ID and your confirmation number).
• Does the boat go on the lake?

No, the tour is only on the Chicago River. If you’d like to take a lake tour, please check out our sister cruise line Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline .

• Are there restrooms onboard?

Yes, all the boats have restrooms onboard. There are also wheelchair accessible bathrooms on the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady. Please note: the restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons.

• Can I bring luggage onboard?
• Due to security reasons, luggage cannot be brought onboard. There is not an area to store your luggage dockside either. We recommend having your hotel hold your luggage.
• Can I bring a stroller onboard?
• Yes, you can bring a stroller onboard. Children must be removed from strollers before boarding. Strollers will be folded and stored in the salon during the cruise.
• Are there changing tables onboard?

The Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady have changing tables onboard in the family restroom. The Little Lady, Fair Lady, and First Lady do not have changing tables onboard.

• Are dogs allowed onboard?

Only service dogs are allowed onboard. Our sister company, Mercury , offers the popular Canine Cruise on summer weekends.

• How can I get to your dock without using stairs?

There are two ways to reach our dock along Chicago’s Riverwalk without using stairs: 1. On foot via the ramp located on Wacker Drive at State Street. 2. Vehicle drop-off area on Lower Wacker Drive. Visit our location page for more information.

• Can I trade my tickets for a different date/time?
• No, all tickets are nonrefundable and nonexchangeable.
• Do you cruise rain or shine?
• Yes, we cruise rain or shine. All the boats have two levels – the top deck is open-air, and the lower deck is an enclosed, climate-controlled salon. Each salon is surrounded by large windows so you can stay comfortable while still taking in the magnificent views. Tour commentary is broadcast over speakers on both levels.
• Are the boats wheelchair accessible?

Chicago's Leading Lady, Chicago’s Classic Lady, and Chicago's Emerald Lady are wheelchair-accessible. These vessels cruise at the 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 5pm departure times. When boarding, guests cross two ramps and enter through a 36-inch-wide opening (doorway). Crew members will assist in guiding the wheelchair across the gangway. Please present yourself to our staff if you prefer to board before general boarding starts. Guests unable to climb stairs to the upper deck may choose to sit in the open-air bow or the enclosed, climate-controlled salon with large windows. For safety reasons, motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Guests who are able to transfer may use the company's manual wheelchair based on availability. Visit our accessibility page for more information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top cruises in chicago.

• Chicago Architecture Cruise
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• Chicago Cocktail Cruise
• Lake Michigan Brunch Cruise

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Which landmarks and famous sights can you see on a Chicago cruise?

Water & boat attractions in chicago.

Premier Architectural Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River | Premier Architectural Brunch Cruise on the Chicago River | Sights & Sips Cruise on the Chicago River | Sights & Sips Signature Cruise on Lake Michigan | Afternoon Air & Water Show Premier Buffet Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | After Dark Dance Cruise on Lake Michigan | SailGP: United States Sail Grand Prix Chicago | Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Premier Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River | Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Early Premier Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River | Premier Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Premier Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Prix Fixe Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Early Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Afternoon Air & Water Preview Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

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Recommended for Chicago

Premier Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River | Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Early Premier Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River | Premier Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Premier Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Prix Fixe Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Early Signature Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Afternoon Air & Water Preview Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

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Holiday Experiences in Chicago

Independence Day Premier Fireworks Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Independence Day Signature Fireworks Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Independence Day Premier Plus Fireworks Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River | Labor Day Premier Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River | Labor Day Sights & Sips Cruise on the Chicago River | Labor Day Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Memorial Day Prix Fixe Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | New Year’s Eve Premier Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River | Lunch with Santa Cruise on Lake Michigan | Christmas Eve Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Father’s Day Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Father’s Day Premier Plus Brunch Cruise on the Chicago River | Mother’s Day Premier Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan | Mother’s Day Premier Plus Dinner Cruise on the Chicago River | Thanksgiving Day Premier Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan | Thanksgiving Day Premier Afternoon Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River | New Year’s Eve Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

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