Illinois > Chicago > Scenic & Sunset Cruises Experiences

Chicago Lunch Cruise

Chicago, IL

From: $89

Item #: CRU-CHI-0026

(22 Reviews)

Step aboard a luxury yacht alongside famed Navy Pier to enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and dancing on the Chicago Lunch Cruise!

This 2-hour Lake Michigan cruise offers unrivaled views of the cityscape and celebrated Chicago attractions, perfect for relaxing amid the scenery or snapping some photos
Delight in a grand buffet spread, featuring an impressive assortment of salads, vegetables, pasta, hot dishes, and tempting desserts
Take advantage of the ship's cash bar amenities, sipping a cocktail as you stroll the ship's deck or unwind on the rooftop lounge
Make your way to the dance floor with family and friends to enjoy Top 40 hits from the city's hottest DJs!

From: $89

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Overview

Step aboard a luxury yacht alongside famed Navy Pier to enjoy an afternoon of food, fun and dancing on the Chicago Lunch Cruise!

This 2-hour Lake Michigan cruise offers unrivaled views of the cityscape and celebrated Chicago attractions, perfect for relaxing amid the scenery or snapping some photos
Delight in a grand buffet spread, featuring an impressive assortment of salads, vegetables, pasta, hot dishes, and tempting desserts
Take advantage of the ship's cash bar amenities, sipping a cocktail as you stroll the ship's deck or unwind on the rooftop lounge
Make your way to the dance floor with family and friends to enjoy Top 40 hits from the city's hottest DJs!

Full Description

Availability

When Do I Choose A Date?

If giving as a gift, your recipient can choose a date at their convenience; otherwise, you can choose one after checkout.

May - November:
Select Dates - 12:30 PM

*Rates do not apply for holidays, Valentine's Day weekend and specialty cruises

Option & Pricing:

Please select an option above.

Important Details

Essential Information

Coffee, tea and iced tea are complimentary
Additional beverages may be purchased on board: juice, soda, mixed drinks, fine liqueurs, specialty waters, champagne and wine
Rates are inclusive of taxes and fees

Duration

The cruise lasts 2 hours; however, boarding begins 30 minutes before cruise departure.

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 500 people.

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 an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet 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 Menu
*subject to change

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

Entrees:
Oven Baked North Atlantic Sole Filet
Honey & Sesame Chicken
Whole Roasted Pork Loin

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

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?

Children are welcome on our cruises and children under 3 years old cruise free. Please inform us at the time of booking if you will be bringing additional guests under 3 so that we can ensure seating.

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 paid 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 Virgin Experience Gifts.

Cancellation Policy

Once you have scheduled a date and have received a booking confirmation, all bookings are final and no rescheduling or cancellations will be allowed.

Other Chicago Experiences

Customer Reviews

This experience has a customer rating of 4.5
based on 22 reviews.

View More Reviews:

It was a beautiful day so the cruise itself was amazing. The food was very good. I knew it was a buffet but the line was long....it too away time from enjoying the views. Overall, a very good experience.

— Karen L | Aug 09, 2019

We had a very nice reserved seat, buffet lunch complete with salad bar and dessert bar. There was music, dancing and bow and stern views of Chicago. Something for everyone! While temperatures were in the 90s on shore, it was about 10 degrees cooler offshore on the Spirit. Would recommend this luncheon Cruise.

— Pat K | Jul 02, 2018

Only improvements to the dinner cruise would be: (1) the food variety and quality could be improved, there weren't many choices at the buffet; and (2) the cruise boat mainly stayed in one place going back and forth for 2 hours. It would have been nice to have cruised further out.

— Vicky H | Sep 02, 2016

It was a beautiful day, so seeing the skyline of Chicago was great with nice weather. I did not enjoy the food whatsoever. Very limited choices. Salmon, chicken meatballs, pesto pasta, bread, salad, with 2 choices of dressing, and no desserts. They later served orange popsicles. This was supposed to be a nicely-dressed, mandatory slacks for gentlemen and capris, a dress or slacks for the ladies. There were people in t-shirts, halter tops and cut off jeans. The majority of the men had on shorts and t-shirts. The boat needs some upkeep. The ladies bathroom was horrible. Sconces hanging sideways in the stalls, garbage overflowing, just a mess. Some staff members were there off of work time, in jeans and tank tops, and chumming with the staff. It was very low-class, and I wish we hadn't wasted our experience on this event.

— Renee T | Jul 21, 2015

I had an amazing time at the cruise, great staff. The weather wasn't very nice but totally worth it.

— Karim S | Sep 22, 2014

The entire experience was delightful. Everyone in the administrative area was very friendly and answered all our questions. The cruise itself was very well done. Food, entertainment and cruise staff were wonderful.

— Darlene Z | Aug 30, 2014

food was great and plenty of it, even cookies at departure. desert bar. our waiter was awesome. His name was John.

— Gerald G | Jul 28, 2014

Our overall experience on the Spirit of Chicago luncheon cruise was great and relaxing. The crew of the ship were very pleasant and very informative. There was a good variation of tasty food. The entertainment was very good; the DJ was excellent and the variation of music satisfied everyone. Would do this again. Thanks

— Pat G | Jul 24, 2014

Extremely enjoyable!

— Karen H | Jul 19, 2014

The whole experience was fantastic! From the friendly staff at Cloud 9 Living who were very helpful when something came up and we weren't able to make our original date, to the staff of Spirit Cruises. This was easily one of the best days my girlfriend and I have spent together, and definitely an experience we won't soon forget!

— Justin F | May 05, 2014

I actually traded my dinner cruise gift for a lucheon cruise since my daughter and 2 grandbaby girls and sister-in-law were all in town. It was such fun for all of us. My grand children, ages 2 and 4, were thrilled with a real boat and excited to be on the water. They were visiting from Colorado so our beautiful lake front and fabulous Lake Michigan were awesome sights to them. The waiters couldn't have been more friendly or hospitable with the attention to all of us, but especially to the little girls. When the music started, they were up and on the floor dancing with all the ladies who also took special care to show them just how to shake their tail feathers!!!! We enjoyed ouselves, in spite of the light rain falling outside, and would be thrilled to do it again on their next visit. Thank you for such a wonderful experience. Yours truly, Georgia Resman

— Georgia R | Aug 29, 2013

Great food, service, and atmosphere!

— Linda G | Aug 13, 2013

It was absolutley amazing!!

— Grace N | Jun 10, 2013

We had an amazing experience that I would highly recommend. The food was great as well.

— Anthony N | Jun 10, 2013

I didn't know what to expect when I first booked this cruise. We are vegetarians and usually the food is all non-vegetarian, but in this cruise they had lots of good, tasty vegetarian options and they were all extremely delicious. I was very happy to see that and my whole family enjoyed the experience thoroughly. I am definitely going to recommend this particular cruise to others.

— Karthik R | Aug 28, 2012

We had a great cruise with our daughters celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. The food was delicious, and all staff on board were very attentive to our every need. Thank you for an unforgettable experience! The Gleesons

— Linda G | Jun 23, 2012

The views of the city were fantastic and the weather was perfect! Was a little disappointed by food at buffet....

— Anne L | Jun 04, 2012

My wife and I were very disappointed in our experience. I have already sent a separate email to your customer service department regarding this issue. Darren Zinanni

— Darren Z | Oct 04, 2011

This was a gift from our twin grand daughters. We had a great time on the Chicago Lunch Cruise. Staff was great and so was the food. Phil & Cammie C.

— Phil C | Sep 26, 2011

I had gotten this trip as a gift for my four sisters and I. We all loved it! What a fun way to spend the afternoon. The food and drinks were fabulous and the staff could not have been any friendlier. I would recommend this to all my family and friends. It makes a great gift!! Thanks for everything, Sue Bennett

— Susan B | Sep 23, 2011

This mid day dinner and boat cruise was a gift from our adult children. I am not big on full dinners in the middle of the day...but the cruise, the band..the staff etc. made it quite memorable..yes..I would recommend Cloud 9...Kathy Riordan

— Kathy R | Sep 14, 2011

I thought it was a lot of fun and I was impressed. Now I just wonder why the dinner events are so much more expensive.

— Ikedichi N | Aug 09, 2011

Chicago Lunch Cruise