Chicago: Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise on Chicago River

Thanksgiving in Chicago takes on a whole new meaning with the city’s renowned Gourmet Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River. Diners can expect a delightful 2-hour journey, featuring stunning 360-degree views of iconic landmarks and a sumptuous 3-course plated meal. Whether one opts for traditional Turkey Dinner or the mouthwatering Braised Beef Short Ribs, this wheelchair-accessible cruise promises an unforgettable holiday dining experience. But the real question is: what makes this cruise stand out from the rest?

This experience made our article of 6 Of The Best Lunch Experiences In Chicago.

Key Points

• A 2-hour Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River, priced from $116.04 per person and featuring a 3-course plated meal with Thanksgiving classics.
• The cruise offers unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, along with a non-refundable cancellation policy and panoramic views of Chicago landmarks.
• Starters include a Beet & Baby Arugula Salad or Signature Seafood Chowder, followed by a choice of Turkey Dinner, Pan Roasted Cod, Braised Beef Short Ribs, or Fall Vegetable Ragu.
• The Seasonal Dessert Station features a variety of cakes, brownies, pastries, and seasonal fruit, providing a sweet conclusion to the Thanksgiving feast.
• The cruise experience is described as lively and festive, with a DJ providing live music and dance opportunities, and both indoor and outdoor seating options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Cruise Overview

The Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River is a 2-hour event that takes place on a glass-enclosed vessel.

Priced from $116.04 per person, this cruise offers an English-speaking, wheelchair-accessible experience. Guests will enjoy a 3-course plated lunch with Thanksgiving favorites, along with unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea.

While alcoholic drinks are available for purchase, the cruise has a non-refundable cancellation policy.

With 360-degree architectural views of Chicago’s landmarks, the cruise promises an entertaining and atmospheric journey along the river.

Dining Experience

Guests aboard the Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise can indulge in a 3-course plated meal featuring Thanksgiving classics.

The meal starts with a Beet & Baby Arugula Salad or the Signature Seafood Chowder.

For the main course, diners can choose from Turkey Dinner, Pan Roasted Cod, Braised Beef Short Ribs, or Fall Vegetable Ragu.

The meal concludes with a Seasonal Dessert Station offering cakes, brownies, pastries, and seasonal fruit.

Unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea are included, while alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

Service is impeccable, with private tables ensuring an intimate dining experience.

Starters

To begin the 3-course meal, diners can choose between a Beet & Baby Arugula Salad or the Signature Seafood Chowder.

The salad features fresh beets and baby arugula tossed in a light vinaigrette, providing a fresh and flavorful start to the Thanksgiving feast.

The seafood chowder, a signature dish, is a creamy broth filled with a variety of tender seafood.

Both options allow guests to enjoy high-quality starters before moving on to the main courses featuring traditional Thanksgiving favorites and innovative seasonal dishes.

Main Courses

For the main course, diners can choose from a selection of Thanksgiving favorites and seasonal specialties.

The menu offers:

• Traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

• Pan-roasted cod, a delicate white fish served with a seasonal vegetable ragu.

• Braised beef short ribs, slow-cooked in a rich sauce and accompanied by roasted root vegetables.

• A fall vegetable ragu, a hearty vegetarian option featuring a medley of autumnal produce.

Each entree is expertly prepared and artfully presented, ensuring a satisfying and memorable main course.

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Dessert and Beverages

The meal culminates with a delectable seasonal dessert station, offering an array of cakes, brownies, pastries, and fresh seasonal fruit. Theres some good unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea throughout the cruise. While alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, the focus is on the exceptional culinary experience and stunning cityscape views.

| Dessert Station | Beverage Selection |

| ————— | —————— |

| Assorted Cakes | Coffee |

| Decadent Brownies | Hot Tea |

| Flaky Pastries | Iced Tea |

| Seasonal Fruit | Alcoholic Drinks** |

| Chef’s Specialty| **dditional Cost |

Entertainment and Atmosphere

Onboard, a lively DJ sets the tone, providing live music and dance opportunities throughout the cruise.

Passengers can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Chicago’s iconic landmarks, including the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the Old Chicago Post Office.

The glass-enclosed vessel offers both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to take in the stunning cityscape views while dining.

The atmosphere is lively and festive, with:

Upbeat music and entertainment, spacious outdoor decks, panoramic vistas, and a warm, inviting ambiance perfect for the holiday season.

• Upbeat music and entertainment

• Spacious outdoor decks for fresh air and photography

• Panoramic vistas of the Chicago River and skyline

• A warm and inviting ambiance perfect for the holiday season.

Meeting and Arrival Information

Passengers will depart the Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise from the Odyssey Chicago River dock near the NBC Tower, along the Chicago River Esplanade.

To locate the vessel, guests should head down the stairs to the right of the NBC Tower. A valid passport or ID card is required for identification.

The dress code is cocktail attire, including collared shirts, blouses, sports coats, slacks, and dresses.

Passengers are advised to ensure their group has a single reservation for seating and to inform their server of any food allergies.

Infants aged 0-2 can attend for free with a ticket selection.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Based on 4 customer reviews, the Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers praised the friendly staff, beautiful views, and enjoyable live music. However, concerns were raised about the quality of the food and inaccuracies in the dress code information.

Some customers also reported customer service issues.

To ensure a positive experience, travelers are advised to:

• Book group seating in advance

• Inform servers of any dietary requirements

• Note that infants 0-2 years old can attend for free

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gratuity Included in the Ticket Price?

The ticket price does not include gratuity. Customers are expected to tip the wait staff for their service during the cruise, though the exact gratuity amount is at the discretion of the customer.

Can I Make Special Meal Requests?

Yes, you can make special meal requests. The cruise staff is accommodating and will work with you to ensure dietary restrictions or preferences are met. Just be sure to inform your server when you board the vessel.

What Time Does the Cruise Depart and Return?

The cruise departs at a specific time and returns 2 hours later. The exact departure and return times are not provided in the information given, but the cruise duration is stated as 2 hours.

Are There Any Dress Code Exceptions for Children?

The dress code for the cruise is cocktail attire, but there are exceptions for children. Children are not required to follow the dress code and can wear casual clothing.

Is There a Dress Code for the Outdoor Deck?

The dress code for the outdoor deck isn’t specified, but cocktail attire is generally expected for the entire cruise. Guests may want to dress warmly if planning to spend time outside, as the weather could be chilly.

The Sum Up

This Thanksgiving Gourmet Lunch Cruise on the Chicago River offers a unique and indulgent dining experience. Guests can savor a delectable 3-course meal, take in stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks, and enjoy lively entertainment. With its festive atmosphere and thoughtful amenities, this cruise promises an unforgettable holiday celebration. Those seeking a memorable Thanksgiving outing should consider this gourmet river cruise.

You can check availability for your dates here: