Chicago Dinner Cruises

On the Scenic Lakefront Dinner Cruise, you're invited to socialize...mingle...and enjoy! Enjoy exciting views from your private table during this two hour cruise. But, you are also welcome to explore our many observation decks. Our interactive DJs play a variety of musical genres for listening and dancing.

Enjoy the buffet, prepared fresh onboard daily. Chicago Tribune food critic, Janet Franz said "the food is remarkably good."

These rates are for the regular dinner cruise Monday through Thursday from April through October.

Schedule Notes

This cruise is not available on July 3 or 4. Special event cruises are available on those dates at different prices.

For Wednesdays from June through August, please order Scenic Dinner Fireworks Cruise in Chicago - Wednesday.

Lake Breeze Dinner Cruises are substituted on some of these same dates at slightly different cruise times from April to October.

SAMPLE Lakefront Dinner Menu
(subject to change)

Buffet prepared fresh onboard daily

Garden Salad - Assorted Field Greens tossed with European Cucumbers, Cheddar Cheese, Seasoned Croutons and Creamy Italian Dressing

Vegetable Crudités - With Ranch Dressing

Buffalo Chicken Wings - With Bleu Cheese Dressing

Thai BBQ Sirloin of Beef - Smoked and Roasted in a Tangy BBQ Sauce

Spicy Cheese Ravioli - Lightly fried and served with Zesty Marinara

Garlic & Herb Hummus - Served with Toasted Pita Crisps

Seasoned Waffle Fries

Assorted Freshly Baked Rolls

An Assortment of Desserts

The Boat - Mystic Blue
Mystic Blue is the newest dinner cruise ship at Navy Pier. A 500-passenger vessel built specifically for cruising the Chicago skyline, it offers three enclosed decks plus a relaxing open-air deck. Vessel features sleek, silvery-blue interiors and unbeatable views from every table.

Sights on the Cruise

Treat yourself to one of the top ten most spectacular views in America. The Society of American Travel Writers voted the Chicago skyline, as seen from a boat, as one of the top ten most spectacular panoramic views in all of America. The Chicago skyline view from the lake received more votes than Diamond Head in Hawaii and Big Sur, California.

You will see World-Famous Architecture:

Navy Pier - 1916: Built originally as a port facility for commercial shipping and Great Lakes excursion boats, Navy Pier sits on a 25 acre peninsula. In 1995, the pier re-opened to the public after a 150-million-dollar rehabilitation.

Lake Point Tower - 1968: The unique shape of this residential building was designed to let strong lake winds more easily slip around its edges, reducing their direct effects on the structure.

The Adler Planetarium - 1931: The planetarium is named for its donor, Max Adler, the Former vice president of the Sears, Roebuck and Company. A daily sky show reproduces the natural night sky.

The John G. Shedd Aquarium - 1929: It is one of the world's largest displays of aquatic life, with some 7,500 living specimens. The Oceanarium contains a 3-million gallon habitat for beluga whales and dolphins.

Sears Tower - 1974: At 1,454 feet, it is the world's second tallest building.

The Smurfit-Stone Container Building - 1983: The sloping top provides two-story atrium offices on the top ten floors with unobstructed views of Grant Park and Lake Michigan.

One Prudential Plaza - 1955: The first building constructed after World War II. It houses a 65-ton sculpture of the Rock of Gibraltar.

Two Prudential Plaza - 1988: This 64-story building is Chicago's fourth largest.

The Aon Center - 1974: Designed by Edward Durell Stone, was built in 1974 and had been the tallest marble-clad structure in the world. Unable to withstand Chicago's extreme temperatures and high winds, the white marble panels have recently been replaced by speckled granite.

The John Hancock Center - 1969: 1,127 feet, the giant "X" beams which criss-cross the structure help the building cope with Chicago's high-wind conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

--May I bring my own camera on board?
Guests are more than welcome to bring their own camera for personal pictures aboard the ship. In addition, as you are boarding, the ship's photographer records the moment for your entire party. As you depart, you'll find your boarding photo ready for purchase.

--Is there a coat check where my jacket and briefcase may be kept during the cruise?
Coat checks are available when needed. Your server would be more than happy to check any items for you at the beginning of your cruise.

--What is our cruise route?
Weather permitting, we will travel South along the lake shore, past the Adler Planetarium, North to Evanston, then returns South to Navy Pier. All the while, offering unmatched views of our world-famous skyline, from the Sears Tower, to the John Hancock, to the Museum Campus, Aon Center and more.

--How far off shore does the ship travel? --Can I bring a birthday cake on-board?
Small cakes that do not require refrigeration are allowed to be brought on board. Your server can place the cake in our pantry until it is ready to be cut and served.

--What is the dress attire?
The attire is fun and casual, just like the boat.

--Is the ship handicap accessible?
Yes, the Escapade Deck (our main boarding deck), is handicap accessible and our crew is available for assistance. Please indicate when making your reservation that you have handicap guests in your party.

--Are there restrooms on board?
Yes, restrooms are located on every enclosed deck on the ship.

--Is there pre-assigned seating?
As you board, our captain and marine crew will direct you to your deck. From there, our hostess will show you to your private table(s).

--What if it rains?
We will cruise in most weather conditions all-year round. The dining room is climate controlled and the weather will not affect your cruise. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, the ship will remain dockside for the duration of the event.

This tour does NOT include a hotel pick-up. Rates are per person and include tax and basic food service gratuity. Bar purchases, tax on bar purchases and gratuity on bar purchases are not included. There is no child discount for this cruise, but children 2 and under are free. Reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-881-3284.