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Highlights

  • Start a 90-minute guided cruise along Chicago's River and Lake Michigan at night. Enjoy illuminated skyline views with live commentary and guaranteed outdoor seating.
  • Experience the city lights of Chicago from open-air upper decks or enclosed climate-controlled lower decks, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions during your cruise.
  • As you navigate through the Chicago Harbor Lock on this journey, listen to fascinating stories while witnessing how the boat ascends into Lake Michigan before returning to the river.
  • Enjoy onboard amenities such as restrooms, free stroller storage, a full-service bar, snack options, and early boarding for guests with limited mobility. Children under 4 can ride at no extra cost when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
  • Opt for Priority Boarding to gain early access and select the best seats before general boarding begins, allowing you to choose between open-air or enclosed viewing areas.

Your Experience

Chicago at Night: River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise by First Lady Image 1
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Cruise through Chicago's iconic skyline at night aboard a 90-minute guided journey on the First Lady vessel. This distinct experience offers illuminated views of both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan from open-air upper decks as well as climate-controlled lower decks, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions.

As you sail past landmarks like the Chicago Harbor Lock, your guide will share engaging stories while live commentary enhances your understanding of this lively city. Onboard amenities include restrooms for convenience, a full-service bar with snacks available for purchase, and free stroller storage to make it easier for families traveling together.

For guests requiring additional assistance, early boarding support is provided, ensuring accessibility for those with limited mobility. Children under 4 enjoy the cruise at no extra cost when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. If you prefer a more relaxed start to your evening, consider upgrading to Priority Boarding for skip-the-line access and optimal seat selection.

Whether choosing general boarding or opting for early priority access, this night-time sightseeing cruise offers both open-air and enclosed viewing areas to suit all preferences. With the chance to see Chicago's city lights from a unique perspective, it’s an excellent way to experience one of America’s most dynamic cities.

Inclusions & Exclusions

  • 90-minute guided evening cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan
  • Local guide onboard providing commentary
  • Live commentary during the cruise
  • Access to both open-air upper deck and enclosed lower deck
  • Restrooms available onboard for convenience
  • Full-service bar and snack bar (available for purchase)
  • Free stroller storage provided on board
  • Wheelchair accessible restrooms located on select vessels
  • Children under 4 years old ride free of charge
  • Priority boarding with skip-the-line access (as per option selected)
  • General boarding available as an alternative (as per option selected)
  • Food and drinks available for purchase on the vessel
  • Tips are not included in the price
  • Parking facilities

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Must Know

  • Bring a valid ID if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages from the onboard bar.
  • Carry a light jacket for added comfort during your cruise.
  • Oversized bags and luggage are not permitted at the dock or on board, as there is no storage available.
  • Outside alcoholic drinks are prohibited; only bring what's allowed onboard.
  • Please note that emotional support animals and pets aren't allowed except for ADA-defined service dogs and those on designated Canine Cruises.

Ticket Delivery

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
  • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

Cancellation Policy

These tickets can't be rescheduled or cancelled.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

Bring a valid ID as proof of age if you want to purchase alcoholic beverages from the onboard bar. Carry a light jacket along for comfort.

Oversized bags and luggage are not allowed at the dock or onboard, and there is no luggage storage available. Guests may not bring outside alcoholic drinks onto the vessel. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted, except for ADA-defined service dogs and dogs on designated Canine Cruises.

Select vessels, including the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady, feature wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Since the Riverwalk does not include elevators, ADA access is available through the ramp at State Street and Wacker Drive within Vietnam Memorial Park. Guests with limited mobility may request staff assistance and early boarding services. Changing tables are available only on the Classic Lady, Leading Lady, and Emerald Lady vessels.

Check-in begins at least 30 minutes before departure, with priority boarding opening 20 minutes prior and general boarding beginning 15 minutes before sailing. All seating is first-come, first-served, and every guest is guaranteed access to outdoor seating areas. Cruises run in all weather conditions, with enclosed lower decks providing climate-controlled comfort if needed. Children younger than 4 cruise free with a ticket, and strollers must be folded and stored during the journey. Onboard restrooms close 15 minutes before the end of the tour for safety reasons. Guests can access discounted parking at 111 E. Wacker Dr. when validated by the ticket office or the boat bartender. Tickets are final sale and cannot be refunded or exchanged. The cruise lasts around 90 minutes and travels through the Chicago Harbor Lock while showcasing major city landmarks and skyline views. Printed tickets are unnecessary, as mobile tickets are accepted for boarding. Food and beverages are sold onboard, but they are not included in the ticket price.

Yes, the Chicago at Night: River & Lake Sightseeing Cruise by First Lady includes a local guide onboard who provides live commentary throughout the 90-minute journey.

A valid ID is required if you wish to buy alcoholic beverages from the full-service bar available during your cruise.

No, mandatory security checks cannot be skipped. Priority Boarding allows early access but does not bypass these necessary procedures.

Oversized bags and luggage are prohibited at both the dock and onboard due to lack of storage facilities, so please ensure your belongings fit within allowed size limits.

It's recommended to bring a light jacket along for comfort as you enjoy the illuminated skyline views from open-air upper decks and enclosed lower decks.

Children under 4 years old can ride free with a ticket. There are no specific restrictions mentioned for older children beyond general safety guidelines.

A valid ID is necessary if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages from the onboard bar, and it's advisable to carry a light jacket for comfort during your tour.

The cruise offers restrooms, free stroller storage, a full-service bar with snacks (available for purchase), and early boarding support for guests with limited mobility.

Yes, you can upgrade to Priority Boarding for early access and better seat selection before general boarding begins. This is optional but allows more flexibility in choosing your preferred viewing area.

Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted onboard, though snacks and drinks can be purchased from the bar during the cruise.

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