Passengers on Chicago Line Cruises will find themselves engaged by stunning views, unique perspectives and deep appreciation for architectural design in the city of Chicago. With a history that dates back to 1981, Chicago Line Cruises provides guests with a couple of hours to relax on the water while learning something new about the Windy City!
Types of Chicago Line Cruises
Chicago Line Cruises offers 90-minute cruises, guided by certified docents who provide interesting information about dozens of bridges, skyscrapers and historic sites throughout the city of Chicago. These professional docents are what make the tours come alive! Knowledgeable, friendly and personable, guests can get to know their docents before departure by taking a look at their profiles on the company website.
Chicago Line Boat tours may feature Chicago’s world-famous architecture, the city’s history and more. Most cruises float down the river to get an up-close view of the buildings and a feel for the heartbeat of the city.
Throughout the summer (typically on Saturday nights), guests of Chicago Line Cruises can enjoy a longer fireworks cruise with an optional bar package in the evening. While the cruise is scheduled to cover the river as well as Lake Michigan, lock traffic may make it impossible to get to the lake. Either way, time on the boat offers enjoyable views of the city as it is lit up at night.
Chicago is certainly famous for its jazz music and musicians! On weekends (usually Sundays) throughout the summer months, join in on a special Jazz Cocktail cruise that immerses guests in quintessential live, local jazz while sailing down the Chicago River. Drinks can be purchased at the bar on board for reasonable prices.
What You’ll See on a Chicago Line Cruise
Chicago Line Cruises reveal more than 50 sites and attractions along the way, such as:
- Jeanne Gang’s Aqua building
- Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
- NBC Tower
- The Wrigley Building
- Tribune Tower
- Chicago River Walk
- Kinzie Street Railway Bridge
- Fulton House
- Civic Opera Building
- Willis Tower (Sears Tower)
- Marina City
- Carbon & Carbide Building
Chicago Line Cruises Services
Chicago Line Cruises provides standard service for public tours that typically last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. Food and drinks on board public vessels include complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and cookies. Beer, wine and cocktails are available for purchase.
Two different vessels can be chartered privately for groups of up to 170 people. Innisfree, the 70-person capacity 1920s-style passenger boat provides a bar area, stereo system, and more. The 170-person Ft. Dearborn is the flagship, perfect for large group events with a cocktail bar and dancing area.
For cruises that offer full meals, consider Odyssey Cruises for lunch, brunch or dinner tours on Lake Michigan.
Chicago Line Cruises Timing
Morning, afternoon and evening cruises are available depending on the day of the week. Weekends offer more options for tours. Cruises last for approximately 90 to 120 minutes.
Chicago Cruise Line’s season typically runs from mid-March to early December, with extra events scheduled throughout the warmer summer months.
Chicago Line Cruises Considerations
Answers to various questions you may have before booking a tour with Chicago Line Cruises:
- Complimentary cookies, coffee, tea and soft drinks are provided to passengers.
- Beer and wine are available for purchase on all cruises.
- Even when tickets have been purchased ahead of time, visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time in order to check in.
- No need to print tickets when purchased online.
- Chicago Line Cruises dock is located in Ogden Slip, just north of the Centennial Fountain at 465 N McClurg Court behind the Target Store and Pinstripes.
- Chicago Line Cruises can accommodate handicapped passengers.
- Vessels include covered areas as well as sunset decks. Guests should dress accordingly for weather as boats are not climate controlled.
- Chicago Line Cruises recommends reserving parking in advance to avoid delays.
- Children ages 6 and under may sail for a discounted or free rate.
- Children between the ages of 7 and 12 will sail for a discounted rate.
- Bar packages may be purchased at the ticket counter for evening cruises, or alcoholic drinks may be purchased with cash or card on board the cruise.
- Chicago Line Cruise tickets are not refundable but may be exchanged for other dates and times in certain circumstances.
Book a Chicago Line Cruises
Chicago Line Cruises Cruises are popular and are often sold out, therefore advanced booking is recommended. Tours often sell out. Booking is easy online. Online bookings show weekly availability including tour times as well as revealing tours that are already sold out. Pay for your tour in advance with a credit card and receive an email with all of the information you need about where and when tours meet as well as what to expect.