Illinois > Chicago > Water Activities > Dining Cruises Experiences

Chicago Dinner Cruise

Name: Chicago Dinner Cruise
Brand: Cloud 9 Living
SKU: WAT-CHI-0007
Price: 161.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.5 (16 reviews)

Chicago, IL

From: $161

Item #: WAT-CHI-0007

(16 Reviews)

Experience a magical evening on the water, enhanced by dazzling city sights and lakefront lights on the Chicago Dinner Cruise!

Admire the skyline and famous Chicago attractions, as the ship's impressive panoramic windows and climate-controlled deck areas offer a variety of views
Savor fresh cuisine served buffet-style, refreshing drinks from full-service cash bars, and vibrant onboard entertainment under a canopy of stars
Dance the night away to the beats of the Windy City's hottest DJs as you cruise around Lake Michigan and back to Navy Pier
As one of the most exciting and unique things to do in Chicago, you'll talk about this memorable outing for years to come!

From: $161

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Overview

Experience a magical evening on the water, enhanced by dazzling city sights and lakefront lights on the Chicago Dinner Cruise!

Admire the skyline and famous Chicago attractions, as the ship's impressive panoramic windows and climate-controlled deck areas offer a variety of views
Savor fresh cuisine served buffet-style, refreshing drinks from full-service cash bars, and vibrant onboard entertainment under a canopy of stars
Dance the night away to the beats of the Windy City's hottest DJs as you cruise around Lake Michigan and back to Navy Pier
As one of the most exciting and unique things to do in Chicago, you'll talk about this memorable outing for years to come!

Full Description

Experience a Lake Michigan cruise that features dazzling city skylines, delicious dining, and dancing under a starry sky! The Chicago Dinner Cruise is one of the most exquisite ways to enjoy an evening in the Windy City.

You'll know you are in for an evening of unparalleled entertainment from the moment you step aboard the Spirit of Chicago, one of the most elegant yachts at Navy Pier. The ship's stylish atmosphere greets you with modern amenities like festive lighting, a winding staircase between decks, and decor featuring chic silver and black accents.

Treat yourself to a favorite beer, wine or cocktail from one of the Spirit's full-service cash bars as you gently cruise from Chicago's shoreline, taking in brilliant views of skyscrapers and twinkling city lights. Stroll along the climate-controlled observation decks or settle in at your table to relax a bit before dinner.

Ready to indulge in some of the Windy City's finest cuisine? The Chicago Dinner Cruise presents a remarkable buffet spread, offering guests a gorgeous array of salads, vegetables, pasta, hot entrees, and tantalizing desserts. Enjoy unlimited trips to the buffet, which may include (though subject to change based on seasonal ingredients and chef specials):

Organic mixed greens or spinach-kale salad
Orzo & bay shrimp salad
Mediterranean couscous-chickpea combo
Red beet salad with fresh mint & Italian parsley
Roasted broccoli florets & classic mashed potatoes
Creamed corn & cheddar cheese casserole
Baked ziti with cheeses, spinach & garlic sauce
Oven-baked North Atlantic sole filet
Honey & sesame chicken
Whole-roasted pork loin
Braised beef short ribs
Desserts galore: chocolate cake, seasonal fruit, cheesecake, custard, apple cobbler & cannoli!

Ease into the entertainment portion of your evening with a wander along the decks, taking in the spectacular shoreline scenery of Lake Michigan. Then join in one of the most vibrant things to do in Chicago when the city's hottest DJs take the background dining music up a few notches!

Dance to your heart's content to the tunes of Top 40 hits, request songs, cut a rug with family and friends, or share a romantic slow dance with your favorite passenger.

Hop aboard the Chicago Dinner Cruise for a magical evening on the water full of fun, food, fabulous sights, and plenty of memories!

Location

Navy Pier - Chicago, IL

Availability

Year-Round:
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*Rates do not apply for holidays, Valentine's day weekend and specialty cruises

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Important Details

Essential Information

Coffee, tea and iced tea are complimentary
You may also purchase juices, sodas, mixed drinks, fine liqueurs, specialty waters, champagne and exceptional wines
Rates do not apply for holiday, Valentine's Day and specialty cruises

Duration

This cruise will last approximately 2.5 - 3 hours depending on the date booked.

Experience Provider Info

Complete information for your Experience Provider, including contact information, will be included on your booking confirmation email once you or your gift recipient have scheduled the experience. Our Product Management team handpicks top-rated experience providers, removing the guesswork for you and ensuring your peace of mind.

Maximum Participants

The cruise ship can accommodate up to 600 guests.

Spectators

Only those on board will be able to enjoy this experience.

Weather Dependent

This experience takes place indoors and will not be affected by weather conditions.

What To Wear

We recommend casually stylish attire such as nice pants or jeans, polos, button-down shirts, and sundresses or skirts. Although allowed, we strongly discourage t-shirts, casual jeans, shorts, and sneakers.

COVID-19 Safety

For this experience, our partners are taking extra measures to prevent any potential spread of COVID-19. In those jurisdictions where it is required, all guests over the age of 18 are required to provide their full name and email address prior to boarding the vessels. Guests who self-report they are experiencing any symptoms indicative of COVID-19 will not be permitted to board our partner's vessel. All guests ages 3 and older are required to wear face coverings at all times while on board our vessels, except while dining, unless exempted by the local health authority. Our partners request that each guest face mask fully cover an individual’s nose and mouth and allow the guest to remain hands-free. They also require that the mask fit snugly against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, and be made of breathable material. Guests who do not have a face mask will not be permitted to board the vessel. If you have travelled internationally in the last 14 days, the CDC advises that you should stay at home and avoid contact with others. Additionally in those jurisdictions where it is required, guests will undergo temperature screening prior to boarding. Based on guidance from health authorities, anyone displaying a temperature of 100.4 F or above will not be allowed entry; those in their party will not be allowed entry either. For this experience in particular, there will no no live entertainment until further notice. Our partners will be offering a buffet style dinner that will be attended by staff at all times. These Covid-19 safety measures are subject to change.

FAQs

What type of food is served?

The cruise features all-you-can-eat dinner buffets with delicious choices prepared on board by the executive chef and their galley staff. With advance notice, special meals for guests with allergies can be arranged.

Sample Buffet Dinner Menu
*subject to change

Fresh Salads:
Organic Mixed Field Greens
Organic Spinach & Kale Salad
Mediterranean Couscous & Chickpea Salad
Roasted Red Beet Salad
Orzo & Bay Shrimp Salad

Sides:
Roasted Broccoli Florets
Creamed Corn & Cheddar Cheese Casserole
Baked Ziti Pasta
Mashed Potatoes

Entrees:
Oven Baked North Atlantic Sole Filet
Honey & Sesame Chicken
Whole-Roasted Pork Loin
Braised Beef Short Ribs

Desserts:
Seasonal Cut Fruit
Cannoli
Chocolate Drizzle Rice Krispy
Cheese Cake
Chocolate Cake
Strawberries & Vanilla Custard
Apple Cobbler

What is the dress code?

Are there any age requirements?

There are no age requirements for this cruise. Please note, children under 3 can board for free. Please notify Cloud 9 Living at the time of booking if you will have additional guests under the age of 3 so seating can be planned accordingly.

Where does the cruise go?

The ship departs from the South Side of Navy Pier. While sailing routes may vary, the cruise goes as far south as McCormick Place and as far north as Montrose Harbor along the Chicago skyline.

How do I get to the ship?

The ship is conveniently located at Navy Pier just off Lake Shore Drive. Ample parking with shuttle service to Navy Pier is available just off Illinois St. and Grand Ave.

What type of entertainment is offered?

Sit back and relax on one of the climate-controlled decks. Dine on the bountiful buffet. Experience the view as the interactive MC spins popular favorites and dance hits.

Is the ship wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The ship can accommodate wheelchairs for boarding and provides a handicap-accessible restroom. Please notify us of any special-assistance members in your party prior to the cruise so we can provide the appropriate assistance upon arrival.

Are gratuities included in the price package?

Gratuities are not included in the package price and are suggested for all on-board purchases and outstanding service.

How is seating arranged on board?

The ship features cabaret-style seating. The majority of tables accommodate 4 to 8 people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties.

Can you tell me a little about the ship?

The ship is spaciously designed with three climate-controlled interior decks, outdoor strolling decks at the bow and stern, and the largest outdoor patio deck in Chicago topside. It is handicap accessible and Coast Guard approved for up to 600 passengers. Amenities include full-service bars, two dance floors (or staging areas), spacious bathrooms, flexible seating arrangements and huge, panoramic windows.

Do you sail in inclement weather?

Absolutely. The ship is fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. It sails rain or shine year-round.

Returns, Exchanges & Cancellations

Returns
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be returned hassle-free within 30 days. All refunds will be made to the original purchaser.

Exchanges
Experience Vouchers that have not been redeemed can be exchanged for anything else in our marketplace at any time. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs more, you'll simply have to pay the difference. If you choose to exchange for an experience that costs less, you'll have a credit towards your next booking with Cloud 9 Living.

Cancellation Policy

Once you have scheduled a date and received a booking confirmation, no refunds will be given, but rescheduling your dinner cruise is allowed up to 72 hours prior to your boarding time. Rescheduling's are subject to a $25 per person transfer fee. Failure to appear on your booked date, cancel, or reschedule at least 72 hours prior to your booked date will result in the loss of the value of your experience.

Other Chicago Experiences

Customer Reviews

This experience has a customer rating of 3.5
based on 16 reviews.

View More Reviews:

The service was great on our boat. The food was delicious. The DJ kept people dancing. You can't beat the view of the city from the boat! It was a little chilly, but they had a lot of seating on the decks to enjoy the views!

— Diana D | Oct 04, 2018

Response from Cloud 9 Living

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your evening on board the cruise. You definitely do get a wonderful view of the city. Enjoy your weekend! Best, Brooke

Food quality was poor and when empty on buffet was not refilled by staff on a timely basis. Original assigned table was poorly located next to bar, staff member was not very helpful to find another open table which we had to do ourselves. Overall, did not receive value commensurate with cost. Will not recommend to others.

— Richard S | Aug 25, 2018

Overall the trip was good, except for the weather, it was raining along the whole trip.

— Laila C | Jul 22, 2017

The idea of being on the water and having a nice dinner is great, however the buffet style of eating with no direction was awful. We were located towards to front of the ship with bad tables that I myself placed two brochures under, just so my water didn't get tossed on my lap! The mob of people rushes to the buffet so the civilized ones wait till it calms down. By the time I was able to make my way to the food, I had to ask two separate people for lettuce for a salad which I never received. My dinner consisted of a few pieces of cucumber, a few tomatoes and carrots for a salad, some mashed potatoes and a few pasta noodles. The actual food of sliced beef or pork tenderloin is not what you expect for a dinner. I felt like I was at the $10.90 buffet at the Golden Corral. I would not recommend this to a friend nor would I do it again. The best part of the cruise was the guitarist on the upper deck!

— Georgia P | Sep 26, 2016

The boat tour was very overpriced. No drinks included, food OK and expensive photos. I wish I had used this gift on something else.

— Natalia D | Oct 13, 2014

We took the dinner cruise on the Spirit of Chicago on Lake Michigan. It was nice.

— Edward S | Sep 03, 2013

We took a dinner cruise in Chicago and it turned out beautiful. Had a wonderful time except for the music (dancing) was all pointed for younger generations -really no 50's and 60's music and only a few cross-generation waltzes.

— Clyde K | Sep 03, 2013

It was absolutely one of my best experiences, had a wonderful night with my boyfriend. Highly recommended!!!

— Fei G | Mar 24, 2013

I would maybe somehow let people know who book a dinner cruise in Chicago through Cloud 9 that there are other things you can add to you cruise such as the VIP upgrade we added to ours. If I didn't check out the cruise website, I never would have known about it and it was definitely a plus to have it.

— Shelley R | Apr 25, 2012

the view of the sky line was worth the price all personal were excellent the food was fair at best not very good

— Charles C | Oct 10, 2011

My wife and I had previously went on a Dinner Cruise with Odyssey. That cruise was much more geared towards couples and we had a quiet and relaxing time. The Cloud 9 experience was with Spirit and was very different. Dinner was buffet style, there was a wedding reception AND a 20-year high school reunion on the boat. We happened to be seated in the same cabin as these events. Needless to say dinner was not private. While the experience wasn't awful, I definitely would not book a cruise with Spirit in the future. Odyssey is so much better.

— William L | Aug 08, 2011

The only problem was that the harbor was engulfed in fog and the skyline wasn't visible.

— Char M | Jul 21, 2011

Buffet was gross. Seating with total strangers is not romantic.

— Toby T | Jul 15, 2011

The waiters Scott and Chris at the Chicago cruise were amazing. All personnel were very friendly. Thank you for making our experience memorable.

— Venn R | Apr 13, 2011

The dinner cruise was amazing, and exceeded all of our expectations! This is something we would do again! What an amazing and magical night! Thanks Cloud 9 for making this happen!

— Melissa S | Jan 28, 2010

We went on the dinner cruise off of Navy Pier. Great food and fun entertainment. Would definitely do it again!

— Tara H | Dec 07, 2009

Chicago Dinner Cruise