City Cruises Chicago: Fireworks Premier Plus Dinner Cruise

Experience Chicago’s Skyline with a Gourmet Dinner Cruise and Fireworks

The City Cruises Chicago: Fireworks Premier Plus Dinner Cruise offers an elegant way to see the city from the water. Priced at $133.94 per person, this approximately 2 to 3-hour evening excursion departs from the NBC Tower, providing a perfect setting for celebrating special occasions or enjoying a romantic evening. The cruise features a modern, glass-enclosed boat, so guests stay comfortable regardless of weather, while enjoying panoramic views of Chicago’s iconic architecture.

A highlight of this cruise is the included multi-course plated dinner, complemented by live entertainment from a DJ. On Wednesdays and Sundays, fireworks displays light up the sky, offering a truly memorable visual experience. While alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, the tour provides unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea, and water, making it a well-rounded, refined experience for those seeking a stylish way to enjoy Chicago at night.

This tour is best suited for those who appreciate spectacular city views, gourmet dining, and special celebrations. The climate-controlled interior ensures a comfortable ride, and the guaranteed table for your party means you can relax and enjoy the evening without concern. Since the cruise is booked an average of 61 days in advance, it’s a popular choice for planning ahead.

Key Points

• Elegant evening cruise with panoramic views of Chicago’s architecture
• Includes a multi-course plated dinner and live entertainment
• Spectacular fireworks visible on Wednesdays and Sundays (weather permitting)
• Boarding from NBC Tower, with climate-controlled interior for comfort
• Flexible cancellation policy: full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance
• Suitable for celebrations, romantic evenings, or special occasions

Departure from the Chicago Riverwalk at NBC Tower

The experience begins at the NBC Tower, located at 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive. Guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early to board comfortably, as late arrivals risk missing the scheduled departure. The boarding process involves greeting the crew, with a photographer capturing the boarding moment.

The dock is near Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive, on Chicago’s vibrant River Esplanade. Before departure, travelers can explore the Chicago Riverwalk, which comes alive in the evening, offering a glimpse of the lively atmosphere that awaits aboard the cruise. The city skyline begins to shimmer as the boat prepares to depart.

Modern, Glass-Enclosed Boat for Comfortable Viewing

The boat’s design emphasizes comfort and panoramic views, thanks to its glass-enclosed structure. This setup ensures that guests can enjoy stunning vistas of Chicago’s skyline, Navy Pier, and notable landmarks, regardless of weather conditions. The interior is climate-controlled, making the experience enjoyable even during cooler evenings or rainy days.

This vessel comfortably hosts up to 200 travelers, providing enough space for a lively yet intimate atmosphere. The deck layout allows for unobstructed views of the city’s architecture, with the added thrill of fireworks displays on select nights. The crew offers attentive service, escorting guests to their guaranteed tables for the meal and entertainment.

Gourmet Multi-Course Dinner and Beverage Options

One of the standout features of this cruise is the plated multi-course dinner, designed to impress. The menu, while not specified in detail, promises a gourmet experience that complements the scenic surroundings. Guests have access to unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water, ensuring refreshment throughout the cruise.

Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase on board, offering options to enhance the celebration. The dining experience is laid out to be both elegant and relaxing, with the guaranteed table for your group ensuring a comfortable meal without the hassle of sharing or finding seats.

The Best Views of Navy Pier Fireworks (Weather Permitting)

The fireworks displays are a major highlight of this cruise, available on Wednesdays and Sundays. These showings are weather-dependent, but when conditions are clear, travelers enjoy some of the best views of Navy Pier’s fireworks from the water.

The fireworks add a dramatic and colorful backdrop to the city skyline, creating perfect photo opportunities. The viewing experience is enhanced by the cruise’s strategic positioning along the river, giving a unique perspective that land-based viewing simply cannot match.

Scenic Chicago River Views and Iconic Landmarks

Throughout the cruise, guests are treated to scenic views of Chicago’s renowned architecture. The boat passes by Navy Pier, the NBC Tower, and other landmarks, with the city’s skyline illuminated at night.

The narrative of the city’s architecture is visually stunning, and the glass structure ensures unobstructed sightlines. The scenic journey offers a fresh perspective on Chicago’s well-known attractions, perfect for both first-time visitors and locals looking to see the city in a new light.

Practical Tips for Booking and Attending

Booking the Fireworks Premier Plus Dinner Cruise in advance is recommended, as it is typically booked around 61 days early. Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes prior to boarding, especially since late arrivals may miss the departure. The dress code is cocktail attire, adding to the upscale feel of the evening.

The cancellation policy allows for full refund if canceled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start, making it a flexible option. Since the experience depends on good weather, bad weather may lead to a reschedule or a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This cruise appeals most to celebration seekers, romantic couples, and those interested in Chicago’s architecture. The multi-course dinner and fireworks display make it ideal for a special occasion.

It’s also suitable for groups looking for a stylish and scenic evening on the water. While the price is on the higher side, the inclusion of dinner, entertainment, and views offers good value for a memorable night out in Chicago.

Final Thoughts on the Fireworks Premier Plus Dinner Cruise

The City Cruises Chicago offers a refined experience with gourmet dining and spectacular fireworks, making it a standout way to see the city at night. The glass-enclosed vessel guarantees comfort and panoramic views, while the live DJ adds a lively touch to the evening.

Though the availability of fireworks depends on weather and the tour is best booked well in advance, this cruise delivers a high-quality, scenic, and celebratory experience. It’s especially suited for special celebrations or anyone wanting a romantic night with a view of Chicago’s iconic skyline illuminated at dusk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the cruise?
The tour costs $133.94 per person.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It departs from the NBC Tower at 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive.

Is dinner included?
Yes, a multi-course plated dinner is included in the ticket price.

Are drinks included?
Unlimited coffee, tea, iced tea, and water are included; alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refund is available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

When are fireworks displayed?
Fireworks are visible on Wednesdays and Sundays, weather permitting.

What should I wear?
The recommended dress code is cocktail attire.

Is the cruise accessible?
Yes, the vessel features a climate-controlled interior deck, suitable for most guests.

How many people can the cruise accommodate?
The boat can host up to 200 travelers comfortably.

Is there a dress code?
Yes, cocktail attire is suggested for the evening.

What if the weather is poor?
The cruise depends on good weather; if canceled, a reschedule or full refund is offered.