Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan

The Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a unique dining experience. Featuring a seasonal 3-course meal and stunning views of the iconic Chicago skyline, it’s the perfect setting for a special occasion. While the cruise includes live entertainment, creating a lively and elegant atmosphere, customer feedback suggests there’s room for improvement in the food quality and navigation. But for those seeking a memorable night out on the water, this dinner cruise is certainly worth considering.

This experience made our article of Chicago’s 6 Best Dining Experiences.

Key Points

• A unique dining experience on Lake Michigan, offering a seasonal 3-course gourmet meal with live entertainment during a 2.5 to 3-hour cruise.
• The menu features a delectable selection of hors d’oeuvres, locally-sourced proteins, fresh produce, and seasonal desserts, complemented by stunning views of the Chicago skyline.
• The cruise provides unobstructed panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and Navy Pier, creating a visual feast to accompany the gourmet dining experience.
• The onboard atmosphere is lively and elegant, with a DJ setting the mood and a dance floor available for guests to enjoy, requiring cocktail attire.
• The cruise has received mixed customer feedback, with positive highlights on attentive staff and beautiful views, but concerns regarding food quality and navigation issues, suggesting areas for potential improvement.

Overview of the Dinner Cruise Experience

The Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise offers guests a unique dining experience on the waters of Lake Michigan, featuring a seasonal 3-course meal, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of the city skyline.

The 2.5 to 3-hour cruise departs from Navy Pier, providing visitors with a memorable event. Customers can enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, and water, while alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.

The dress code is cocktail attire, creating an elegant atmosphere. While the cruise boasts an average rating of 3.6 from 342 reviews, feedback is mixed, with some criticizing the food quality and service issues.

Highlights of the Gourmet Dining Menu

Guests aboard the Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise can expect a delectable 3-course menu showcasing seasonal ingredients and chef-prepared specialties.

The meal starts with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, allowing diners to sample a variety of flavors. For the main course, entrees feature locally-sourced proteins and fresh produce, catering to diverse palates.

Sides like roasted vegetables and rice pilaf complement the entrees. To end the meal on a sweet note, desserts feature seasonal fruits and classic confections.

Throughout the dining experience, unlimited coffee, tea, and water are included, while alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately.

Stunning Views of the Chicago Skyline

As guests step aboard the Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise, they’re treated to a breathtaking panorama of the iconic Chicago skyline.

The cruise takes passengers along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering unobstructed views of the city’s renowned architecture.

Landmarks like the towering Willis Tower, the distinctive Buckingham Fountain, and the lively Navy Pier come into full view.

The ever-changing perspectives, as the boat glides across the water, allow guests to appreciate the skyline’s beauty from multiple angles.

This visual feast complements the gourmet dining experience, creating an unforgettable evening on the lake.

Onboard Entertainment and Atmosphere

A lively DJ sets the mood aboard the Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise, spinning an eclectic mix of tunes throughout the evening.

The atmosphere is lively and elegant, perfect for a special occasion. Guests can take to the dance floor or simply soak in the stunning views of the Chicago skyline.

The dress code is cocktail attire, with collared shirts and dress pants required for men. Casual wear like jeans and athletic shoes are discouraged.

The overall vibe is that of a sophisticated, upbeat dining experience on the waters of Lake Michigan.

• Lively DJ entertainment
• Dance floor for guests
• Elegant cocktail attire expected
• Stunning Chicago skyline views
• Sophisticated, upbeat atmosphere

Meeting and Pickup Details

The Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise departs from Navy Pier, located at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.

There’s local parking available, but City Cruises doesn’t operate the lots. The cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it’s close to public transportation.

Guests should arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in. The boat’s location can be tricky to find, so it’s best to allow extra time and look for clear signage.

Once onboard, guests will enjoy stunning views of the Chicago skyline, including landmarks like the Willis Tower and Navy Pier.

Dress Code and Attire Recommendations

For the Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise, guests are expected to dress in cocktail attire.

The dress code is formal, with women wearing dresses or blouses and skirts, and men in collared shirts and dress pants. Casual jeans, shorts, and athletic shoes are discouraged.

The atmosphere is lively, with a DJ playing music and a dance floor available.

To fully enjoy the elegant dining experience:

• Avoid wearing anything too casual or informal
• Opt for classy, sophisticated attire
• Dress up to match the special occasion
• Look your best for the stunning city views
• Feel confident and ready to have a great time.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

How do customers rate their experience on the Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise?

The cruise has a total of 342 reviews with an average rating of 3.6.

Positive reviews praise the attentive staff, beautiful views, and memorable experiences for special occasions.

However, some customers express mixed feelings about the food quality, navigation confusion at the pier, and service issues.

To improve the customer experience, recommendations include better signage for boat location, enhancing food quality, and potentially including alcoholic drinks in the price.

Tips and Recommendations for Guests

To make the most of the Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise, guests should keep a few key tips in mind.

Arrive early to ensure a smooth check-in and boarding process.

Dress to impress in cocktail attire, as the atmosphere is elegant and lively.

Take advantage of the stunning skyline views by securing a window seat or strolling the outer deck.

Sample the seasonal menu offerings, but avoid overindulging to fully enjoy the entertainment.

Finally, be mindful of the departure time to avoid missing the boat back to shore.

• Arrive early
• Dress up
• Enjoy the views
• Savor the menu
• Watch the clock

Sum Up

The Chicago Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan offers a unique dining experience, but it’s not without its flaws. While the stunning skyline views and lively atmosphere are highlights, feedback suggests the food quality and navigation could use improvement. Guests should keep an open mind and be prepared for an occasionally uneven experience, though the overall dinner cruise can still make for a memorable outing.