Chicago Lunch Cruise

The staff was very friendly, and the views of the Chicago Skyline were beautiful. We enjoyed the food.
We aren't the kind of people to get out on a dance floor so we just sat and watched the other people have fun out there. I think we would have enjoyed some quieter music but I understand that people wanted to get out on the dance floor and dance. Overall the cruise, food and staff were all nice.

April - Aurora

We had a great time very relaxing and the view of skyline was wonderful. We really enjoyed the food selection, only problem one man in our group was allergic to nuts, so couldn't eat the beef and no dessert. The warning was posted by the food which we appreciated very much, but you might want look at some dessert without nuts or almond extract in them. Plus with the beef being a main part of the meal. Staff was awesome couldn't ask for any better service.

Randy and Linda Elliot - Chicago

Excellent views of the skyline.

Andy Hamlet - Chicago

This was a Christmas gift from our daughter and son-in-law. We've taken other lunch/dinner cruises, so maybe our expectations were higher. Staff was very welcoming, but the food offered was not as varied as listed on the menu. Menu did say subject to change, but we didn't think that meant the food would be more limiting in varience. The Broadway style show was 3 waitresses who each sang a solo some better than others. We were very disappointed in the entertainment. We love cruising along the skyline so that's never a disappointment. We told my daughter we loved it not to hurt her feelings but, we felt they paid too much for our experience.

Richard - Aurora, Illinois

This was a gift from our children. The cruise put us in a very relaxing mood. The food was excellent and the entertainment was very good. We spent a lot of time outside on deck enjoying the view, a glass of wine and each other. We are planning on a whole family cruise next year for our Mother's 90th birthday.

Ron - Chicago, IL

This cruise was a gift to my parents from my husband and myself. They had an absolutely wonderful time. Said the entertainment was very very good, as was the service and the entire staff. They shared this cruise with a group of kids from a high school, on a school field trip. The kids added to the pleasure for my 75 yr old fun loving parents. Kudos to the Spirit of Chicago team for doing an outstanding job!

Deborah Giachino - Chicago

This lunch cruise was given to us for our wedding and we used it to celebrate our first anniversary.
The boat, the Spirit of Chicago, docks on the right (south) side of Navy Pier, right near the pier entrance, so it is very easy to locate and access. The pass said that boarding began at 11:30 with the boat setting sail at noon. However, we arrived a bit early and were able to board just after 11, pausing on the first level to pose for a photo. We were immediately shown to our table and had our drink orders taken (full bar!). While the buffet was not yet ready, we were actually able to begin eating right around 11:30 and finished our meal just after we set sail. The meal was good, and the buffet consisted of a green salad, couscous salad, penne alfredo with broccoli, roasted chicken, Wisconsin cheddar mashed potatoes, tilapia, steamed vegetables and nice cuts of red meat which I don't eat and unfortunately can't recall. For dessert, there were cookies, brownies, fresh cut fruit, chocolate cake, and a mocha cheesecake. The cruise featured a DJ and 'cruise director' who would sing songs such as 'My Guy' and encourage participation in line dancing or the YMCA. Our cruise was hosting a large family reunion, so the vibe may have been a bit more lighthearted than it otherwise would were the crowd mostly couples.
If you don't want to participate in the dancing, just head upstairs to one of two outdoor decks to sit at one of the patio tables or lean against the boat railing to take in the city sights and get a bit of sun.
All in all, we really enjoyed ourselves and we bought the commemorative photos offered for sale as you disembark. The only package available is a framed 8x10 with 2 wallets tucked into the back of the frame for $20. The frame is not the best quality but we really wanted a nice portrait to remember the anniversary by, so we went for it.
Also, a little tip, when back at the pier, we waited on the top deck of the boat watching the other passengers disembark which allowed us to avoid the rush and to enjoy a few extra minutes on board overlooking Navy Pier. Our total experience time was listed as 2 hours, but we were easily able to enjoy 3 hours on board. My only complaint is that the bathrooms are dimly lit with small stalls. I'm sure the lighting would be sufficient for an evening cruise, but in the middle of the day, I was disappointed that I could barely see myself clearly in the mirror. Aside from this small fact, the experience was highly enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone.

Ashley - Chicago, IL

The trip was purchased for me by a friend as a fun way to celebrate my 30th. We felt all cruise employees were wonderful hosts interested in our comfort and whether or not we were having fun. We probably would do this again, and while on the boat mentioned how it would be nice to do every year! :)

Barbra - Milwaukee, WI