Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

Looking for a fun way to see Chicago from the water while enjoying a delicious meal? The Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan offers just that—about two hours of relaxed sightseeing, tasty buffet food, and lively entertainment—all from a boat that’s limited to just 15 guests. For $92.80 per person, you get a memorable experience that combines the city’s iconic skyline with good food and some onboard fun.

What we really appreciate about this cruise is the small-group setting—fewer crowds mean a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the panoramic views from the deck are top-notch, giving you a fresh perspective on Chicago’s most famous landmarks like Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and the Shedd Aquarium. The buffet lunch, prepared fresh by chefs, offers a variety of salads, entrees, and desserts, making it easy to dine while soaking in the sights. The lively DJ, games, and dance floor add a nice touch of energy, especially if you’re looking for a more upbeat, festive vibe.

One thing to keep in mind is that the cruise can get loud—particularly because of the DJ and the lively crowd—so if you’re seeking a quiet, contemplative experience, this might not be your best fit. Also, some reviews mention that the ticket price is reasonable but that the experience can vary based on the crowd on the day of your trip. That said, the overall value is solid for those wanting a mix of sightseeing, good food, and entertainment in a small-group setting.

This cruise is perfect for families celebrating special occasions, groups of friends, or couples looking for a fun afternoon. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy a lively social atmosphere combined with beautiful views of Chicago’s skyline, as several travelers noted how much they appreciated the friendly staff and the quality of the food.

Key Points

• Small-group experience enhances intimacy and makes it easier to connect.
• Stunning views of Chicago’s skyline and waterfront landmarks from the water.
• Buffet lunch with chef-prepared, fresh options, including salads, entrees, and desserts.
• Lively onboard entertainment with a DJ, games, and a dance floor.
• Price-to-value ratio is fair, especially considering the scenic views and the included meal.
• Consider noise level and crowd composition, as reviews indicate it can be loud and crowded, especially with children.

Setting the Scene: What’s Included and What to Expect

The Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise departs from Navy Pier—a prime spot in the city that’s easy to reach by public transport or car. With a ticket costing around $92.80, it’s not a cheap lunch, but when you consider the scenic 2-hour cruise, buffet meal, and entertainment, it offers good value—especially for those wanting to combine sightseeing with a laid-back dining experience.

Check-in usually begins 30 minutes before departure, giving you time to settle in and find your seat. The small group of just 15 guests makes for a cozy experience, and the climate-controlled interior decks ensure comfort regardless of the weather. The cruise runs rain or shine, and if the weather turns severe, the boat may stay docked but still serve the full meal.

The Itinerary: What’s on the Water

Once aboard, you’ll meet your crew and find your table, guaranteed to be set according to your reservation. The boat features panoramic windows and an observation deck, both perfect for taking photos or simply relaxing while cruising past the city skyline.

As the boat departs from the dock, the real fun begins. The views of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks—including Navy Pier, Soldier Field, and the Shedd Aquarium—are truly impressive, especially with the city’s skyline as a backdrop. Several reviews highlight how the views really show off Chicago’s architectural beauty, and many guests take advantage of the observation deck or sit by the windows to snap photos of the skyline.

Food and Beverage: A Chef-Prepared Buffet

The buffet lunch is one of the highlights. It features freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, with a variety designed to satisfy different tastes. Guests can enjoy unlimited nonalcoholic beverages, including coffee, tea, and water. One reviewer called the food “delicious,” appreciating how hot and freshly served it was.

Some travelers mentioned the dessert choices could be improved, especially in presentation, but overall, the buffet earns praise for quality and variety. Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance, making it a versatile meal for different dietary restrictions.

Entertainment and Atmosphere: Fun and Lively

The onboard entertainment is designed to keep the energy up. The live DJ plays a mix of upbeat tunes, and the dance floor gets plenty of use, especially among larger groups or couples celebrating birthdays or anniversaries. Several reviews mentioned how much they enjoyed the music selection, with some noting the DJ’s engaging style.

There are also games and opportunities to mingle, which helps foster a fun, social atmosphere. The cruise’s small size makes it easier to interact with other guests or simply enjoy the company of your own group.

The Drawbacks: What You Should Know

While the experience is generally positive, some reviews highlight potential downsides. The noise level can be quite high due to the DJ and lively crowd. For those who prefer quiet reflection, this might be a bit much. One reviewer mentioned the music being “WAY too loud,” making conversation difficult.

Seating arrangements are preassigned, and if you’re sitting near a speaker, it can be uncomfortable. A couple of reviews also mentioned slow service and limited staff, which could mean longer wait times for drinks or assistance.

Another consideration is the crowd composition. Some guests noted that large groups of children can make the atmosphere more boisterous, which may not appeal to everyone. The cost also might seem high compared to simply enjoying a meal at the pier or taking a more educational cruise, but the views and experience justify it for many.

Authentic Reviews: Real Voices

A featured review from David highlighted how the cruise made his wife’s birthday memorable, especially praising the accommodations for food allergies and the amazing views. “I would recommend this to anyone,” he said.

Another guest loved the friendly staff and hot, tasty buffet, calling the overall experience “excellent.” Conversely, a less favorable review pointed out issues like crowded tables, loud music, and poor communication about meeting points, illustrating that the experience can vary with the crowd and staff attentiveness.

One guest even shared that their seasickness was minimal, thanks to the boat’s stability and the calm waters of Lake Michigan, which is good news if you’re concerned about motion sickness.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

If you enjoy scenic water views, good buffet food, and a lively social atmosphere, you’ll find this cruise a delightful way to spend an afternoon in Chicago. It’s well suited for families celebrating birthdays, couples on a date, or small groups of friends wanting to enjoy the city from a different perspective. The small size and personalized service make it more intimate than larger boat tours, and the included entertainment keeps the mood upbeat.

However, if you’re seeking a quiet, educational, or more luxury experience, you might want to consider other options, like a more subdued architecture cruise or a dinner cruise with a calmer environment. Also, if you’re sensitive to loud music or crowded settings, this cruise might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

The Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise offers an enjoyable mixture of spectacular skyline views, delicious buffet dining, and upbeat entertainment, all wrapped into a small-group setting that encourages interaction. It provides good value for those looking for a fun, social way to see Chicago from the water, especially during the warmer months when the weather is cooperative.

While not perfect—noise levels and crowd variations exist—the overall experience is lively, authentic, and memorable. If you’re a lover of lake views, want a change from typical city tours, and don’t mind a bit of background music, this cruise is worth considering. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate a special occasion or just enjoy a different side of Chicago with friends or family.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from Navy Pier, located at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago. It’s easy to reach via public transportation or parking nearby.

Is there parking available?
Yes, there are parking options at 600 E Grand Ave and nearby lots like 460 E. Illinois St. and 403 E. Grand Ave.

Is the cruise accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the cruise is handicap accessible. Be sure to note any special needs when booking.

Can children join the cruise?
Absolutely, children of all ages are welcome, with kids 3-11 enjoying a discount and infants under 3 going free as lap children.

What should I wear?
Business casual is recommended—think slacks and collared shirts. No shorts or flip-flops, as it’s a semi-formal daytime outing.

What if the weather’s bad?
The cruise sails rain or shine. If severe weather occurs, the boat may stay docked but still serve the buffet, so your experience won’t be lost entirely.

To sum it up, the Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise offers a lively, scenic, and tasty experience suited for those eager to see the city from a different angle while enjoying good food and upbeat company. Perfect for celebrating special moments or just enjoying a relaxing day, it’s a fun way to make your Chicago visit even more memorable.