Chicago Navy Pier Excursion and Tour Boats
Windy City Lake Michigan Tours on Tall Ship, Boat or Cruise Line
Navy Pier is one of the top entertainment destinations in th City of Chicago. The Lake Michigan waterfront acts as a giant lure, with panoramic views of the Great Lake. At one time, Navy Pier was a working pier and a fishing pier. In the past several years the pier has been transformed into an entertainment mecca, complete with carnival rides, a giant ferris wheel, restaurants, bars and entertainment. Excursion ships offer sightseeing tours of The Lake Michigan waterfront, with views of the city skyline. Sightseeing tours that depart from Navy Pier are an excellent way to view the dramatic Chicago skyline, the famous architecture and to see the Fireworks shows that take place twice a week during the summer months and on special occasions.
Excursion boats include Tall Ship Windy, Seadogs, Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises, Shoreline Water Taxis, Spirit of Chicago Dinner Cruises, Odyssey Cruise Lines Dinner Cruises and Mystic Blue Dinner Cruises. Following is some information about the excursion cruises that a depart from Navy Pier.
- Tall Ship Windy: The four mast schooner offers 90 minute cruises several times a day. The ship pays tribute to the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes with a design similar to that of a traditional American Schooner . The sailing schooner does not have a set course, but sails along with the winds. Guests are encouraged to help in raising and trimming the sails. Windy is docked near the west end of Festival hall, across from RIVA Restaurant. Cruises are available during the daytime and in the evening from May to October. The Windy has been designated as the Official Tall Ship Ambassador of Chicago. Tickets: Adults - $30, Seniors - $25, Children under 12 - $20. Group rates are available. There is also a Pirate Dinner Skyline Cruise available in the evening for $49.95. For information, call 1-312-595-5555.
- Seadog. There are four yellow Seadog vessels that are the fastest speedboats in the country. The sea dogs depart continuously every day from May through October from the Pier's Dock Street. Seadogs that cruise the lake front last 30 minutes. There are also 75 minute architectural tours available. Call 1-312-822-7200.
- Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises. Shoreline Cruises offers sightseeing and architecture cruises. The 30 minute skyline tours depart from the west end of Navy Pier. Shoreline offers River Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Skyline Lake Cruises, Architecture Cruises, Fireworks Cruises and Special Events Cruises. Advance ticket purchase recommended, particularly for Fireworks cruises and Special events. 1-312-333-9328.
- Water Taxis. Shoreline Cruises offers two water taxis. One travels between the southwest corner of Navy Pier and the Museum Campus. The other water taxi travels up the Chicago River to Sear's Tower and back to Navy Pier. Stops include Sears Tower/Union Station at 300 South Wacker, 401 Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier and Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium/Field Museum). Ticket range from $4 to $13, depending upon point of embarkment and disembarking. Shoreline Water Taxis run from May through August. 1-312-333-9328.
Lunch, Brunch and Dinner Cruises
Lunch and dinner cruises are packaged events that include the sightseeing cruise and a meal Entertainment is usually included. The dinner cruise ships hold from 600 to 750 passengers. Dinner cruises are a great a way to enjoy the fireworks over the city skyline. Prices vary depending upon time of day and inclusions Holiday and weekend cruises may be priced higher than weekday cruises. Contact the cruiselines for specific information about their rates and inclusions. Reservations may be made on cruise line web sites or over the telephone. Following are the dinner cruise lines that depart from Navy Pier.
- Spirit of Chicago. Spirit sails year around and is available for group charter and for individual reservations. Spirit of Chicago offers lunch, brunch and dinner sightseeing cruises featuring live cabaret style entertainment on the dinner cruises. 1-12-836-7899.
- The Odyssey.Elegant Odyssey features live entertainment on three climate controlled decks. Meals are served at the table, by a waiter. odyssey offers lunch, brunch, dinner and moonlight cruises. 1-800-947-9367.
- Mystic Blue Cruises. The newest cruise ship of Navy Pier offers lunch, Midday, dinner and midnight cruises daily. The cruises feature entertainment, DJ's, dancing and buffets. 1-888-330-4700.
Enjoy the Lake Michigan cruises on the various sightseeing boats and ships that depart from Navy Pier. The experience is a memorable one.
Information is subject to change. Contact the individual cruise lines for additional information. The cruise lines have ticket booths at Navy Pier.
