City Cruises Chicago: Signature Brunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

North Avenue Beach, Navy Pier, and the skyline, all on a moving plate. This City Cruises Chicago Signature Brunch Cruise is a smart pick when you want a classic Lake Michigan outing with almost everything handled, from a brunch buffet to live DJ energy. You also get great “from the water” angles on major waterfront sights, with a route that lines up the north side beaches and the Near North Side piers.

Two things I really like about this cruise are the comfort level and the food setup. You cruise on climate-controlled interior decks, plus you can still step outside for fresh air and wide views. And the experience includes unlimited mimosas, along with coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water, so you can keep your pace easy for a full meal.

One possible drawback to plan for: it depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, you may have to switch dates, so it is worth choosing a day when your schedule can flex.

Key highlights you will feel right away

• Guaranteed table for your party size, so you do not lose time hunting for seating
• Unlimited mimosas and soft drinks, plus coffee and tea to stretch the brunch
• Live DJ entertainment, with a music vibe that actually fits the cruise setting
• Big waterfront landmarks from the water, including North Avenue Beach and Navy Pier
• Comfort first, with climate-controlled interior decks and outdoor observation decks

Why a Lake Michigan brunch cruise makes sense

A brunch cruise sounds fancy, but the appeal is practical. You get water views with built-in time to relax, and you do not need to coordinate transportation between attractions. The whole experience is about 2 hours, starting at 12:30 pm, so it is long enough to feel like a real outing and short enough to keep your day open afterward.

This one is priced at $101.15 per person, which is not cheap, but it is not just “a boat ride.” You are paying for a packaged meal, drink plan (unlimited mimosas), and live entertainment. For many people, that combination is the real value: you are not adding up tickets, food, and drinks across multiple stops. You also get guaranteed table seating, which removes a lot of the stress.

The cruise capacity is capped at 200 people, and that matters. Smaller-than-mass-market group sizes tend to feel calmer on deck, especially when everyone is there for the same two-hour window.

Boarding at 600 E Grand Ave, and how to arrive like a pro

The meeting point is 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, and the cruise returns back to the same place. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure, and the tour starts promptly, so late arrival can mean missing the boat.

You will have a mobile ticket, which is convenient. This cruise also runs close to public transportation, so you are less likely to deal with a car-and-parking headache in the middle of the city.

A few comfort and rules notes that are worth knowing up front:

• All interior areas are non-smoking, but smoking is allowed on the outdoor observation decks only
• Service animals are allowed
• Most people can participate
• If someone in your party has an allergy, tell the server before ordering, since the cruise offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options (subject to what is available)

The North Avenue Beach pass: skyline views without the crowds on land

The first highlight is the part where you pass North Avenue Beach. From the water, the shoreline angle changes how you see Chicago. You get the skyline framed by water and open sky, which is harder to replicate from a walking path.

North Avenue Beach sits in Chicago’s larger Lincoln Park, and it stretches across more than 22,000 square feet. The area also connects to beach activities and nearby trails, which is a reminder that this is not just a pretty strip of water. It is a lived-in Chicago destination.

Why this stop matters for your experience: it sets the tone early. You are not stuck right away at a dock, staring at buildings. Instead, you start cruising with a view that feels both scenic and grounded in real city life.

What to watch for: if you are the kind of person who loves a quick photo moment, this is a good point to step outside early, before the deck fills in more. The cruise has both interior space (nice for comfort) and outdoor observation decks (nice for photos).

Navy Pier from out on the water, plus the fun of motion

Next you cruise in and out of Navy Pier, which is one of those Chicago landmarks that always looks better with water around it. Instead of only seeing it from the land, you get the pier’s full length and shape from the lake.

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier along the Lake Michigan shoreline, located in the Streeterville neighborhood of the Near North Side. Seeing it from the water gives you depth, and you can judge distances and angles in a way that land views often flatten.

The “in and out” part also matters. You are not just gliding past once. The ship’s movement changes your perspective, and you get a longer stretch of changing views as the pier slips past your window line.

A practical note: if you want outdoor time for photos, this is usually a great segment to plan it around. Deck space can vary by crowd level, and the scenery peaks during these landmark passes.

Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium, a south-side skyline angle

As you keep going, you pass the area around Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium. From this part of the route, you get a different skyline perspective than the north-side views, which is a big part of the value here. The cruise does not just repeat the same angles. It moves you to the “other side” of the city’s waterfront look.

Adler Planetarium is America’s first planetarium, and it is known for inspiring the next generation of space explorers. Shedd Aquarium is the major aquarium presence on this stretch. Even if you are not planning to enter either site, the water view helps you understand why these are anchors of the Museum Campus area.

Why I like this piece of the route: it makes the cruise feel like more than a sightseeing loop. You catch a south-end skyline view that changes your mental map of Chicago. It is like getting a moving orientation tour, but with brunch and drinks in the mix.

Brunch buffet and unlimited mimosas, what that means for your day

Let’s talk food and drinks, because this is a brunch cruise, not a cocktail cruise. The included items are:

• Brunch buffet
• Unlimited mimosas
• Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water
• A DJ playing live entertainment
• Climate-controlled interior decks
• Scenic Lake Michigan views
• Guaranteed table for your party size

You can also expect a typical brunch flow where people arrive, get comfortable, and then eat at their own pace while watching the scenery. Unlimited mimosas makes it feel like a true brunch experience, not just a meal with one drink ticket.

Creative cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase at the fully stocked bar, which is helpful if your group prefers drinks beyond mimosas. That said, if you want to keep costs predictable, the included drinks take care of the basics.

One of the most praised aspects of this kind of cruise format is how it keeps things moving. The experience is designed so people can sit together (thanks to the guaranteed table) and still get a sense of personalization from the onboard service. Add the DJ, and the atmosphere stays lively without needing you to manage an itinerary.

Live DJ entertainment: the “day off” energy, controlled

A live DJ is a big deal on a brunch cruise because it changes the mood from quiet and scenic to fun and social. Here, you get live DJ entertainment, which helps the cruise feel like an event, especially if you are celebrating something or just want a break from normal city routines.

Music on a moving boat also helps with timing. You can linger after your first plate, then step outside for a landmark pass when the vibe shifts. And because the DJ can play requests (based on how this experience is delivered), the music can match your group’s energy rather than feeling generic.

If you are sensitive to noise, it is worth knowing you have interior and outdoor options. Climate-controlled decks can feel calmer than standing right at the main social area. You can also step out during the music peaks to reset your ears.

Comfort, dress code, and the details that prevent headaches

This cruise is set up to be comfortable, but you will enjoy it more if you dress for movement and changing temps between deck and interior.

Dress code guidance:

• For women: dressy-casual such as pants, sundresses, nice shorts, or a nice outfit
• For men: dressy-casual such as nice pants or shorts and a collared shirt
• Nice designer jeans are acceptable
• Avoid casual jeans, t-shirts, athletic shoes, or flip flops

You do not need full “event attire,” but you should plan to look presentable. Think casual neat, since you will probably be taking photos and enjoying a dining space with a more polished feel.

Also consider:

• Non-smoking interiors mean the air quality inside tends to stay better
• Outdoor decks are where you get the best breeze and photos, but it can feel cooler than you expect on open water

Who this Chicago brunch cruise is best for

This experience fits best if you want a simple plan with built-in fun.

It is especially good for:

• Couples who want skyline views and a meal without planning multiple stops
• Friends who want brunch plus a party-friendly atmosphere through the DJ
• Families who prefer an easy, single-departure outing (the cruise format is straightforward)
• People celebrating birthdays or a special weekend vibe, since the onboard feel is designed to be friendly and attentive

It may not be ideal if you are the type who wants quiet, museum-style pacing and deep quiet conversation. With unlimited mimosas and a DJ, the energy is part of the package.

Value check: is $101.15 per person worth it?

Here is how I would judge the price. At $101.15 per person for about 2 hours, you are buying several bundled items:

• Brunch buffet
• Unlimited mimosas
• Unlimited coffee, tea, and water
• Live DJ entertainment
• Guaranteed table seating
• A route that passes major waterfront attractions (north beaches, Navy Pier, Adler and Shedd area views)
• Climate-controlled indoor space

If you try to recreate that on your own in Chicago, you would likely spend real money on a meal plus drinks, and you would still need transportation to see the waterfront in a way that feels like a “viewing journey.” This cruise gives you the boat-based perspective, and you get to eat without detours.

On the other hand, if you do not drink mimosas, you might feel like you are paying for something you will not use. And if the weather is bad and you lose your date, you should confirm your schedule can handle a change.

Weather and timing: plan for a smooth experience

This cruise requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Also, it requires a minimum number of travelers, so if that threshold is not met, you might be offered a different experience or refund.

So when should you book? Pick a day when you can stay flexible if the forecast looks shaky. And always plan for an early arrival since boarding starts 30 minutes prior to departure.

Should you book City Cruises Chicago Signature Brunch Cruise?

I would book it if you want a “one-and-done” Chicago waterfront outing with clear value. The combination of unlimited mimosas, a brunch buffet, and live DJ entertainment means the cruise is not just scenery. It is a full experience that feels like a celebration without needing you to run the logistics.

Also, the service style is a key reason this works. The onboard approach aims for politeness, cleanliness, and making the event feel catered to your group. Add that to the fact that you get a guaranteed table and climate-controlled space, and it is an easy win.

Skip it only if you are determined to keep things very quiet, or if you hate the idea of weather-dependent plans. Otherwise, this is a fun, practical way to see Chicago from Lake Michigan while enjoying a proper brunch.

FAQ

How long is the City Cruises Chicago Signature Brunch Cruise?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 12:30 pm.

What is included in the brunch?

The experience includes a brunch buffet, unlimited mimosas, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water, plus live DJ entertainment and scenic views.

Are alcoholic drinks like wine and beer included?

Creative cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase at the fully stocked bar, so they are not included.

What dietary options are available?

The experience may offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. If you have an allergy, inform the server before placing your order.