The official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center (CAFC) River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady offers locals and visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago’s riverfront architecture – one of the world’s great urban landscapes – with unmatched cruise commentary. The 90-minute tour is brought to life by CAF-certified volunteer docents – Chicago’s architectural ambassadors – who share their passion and knowledge of more than 50 significant buildings along the cruise route. This official cruise – the #1 ranked tour in Chicago based on Trip Advisor user reviews – is the best way to see the world-famous architecture in Chicago, the birthplace of the skyscraper. Additional summer cruises include the Capture Chicago Photography Cruise on Saturdays and Sundays, and the Twilight Cruise Sunday – Friday.
All cruises depart from the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, located near the Chicago Architecture Center, a world-class gateway connecting visitors and locals with all things Chicago architecture. Cruises travel along all three branches of the Chicago River offering unparalleled photo opportunities. Guests enjoy the experience with open-air seating on luxurious vessels complete with a state-of-the-art sound system, a temperature controlled interior salon deck, full service bar and marble and granite restrooms. Chicago’s First Lady Cruises’ fleet of six passenger yachts are also available to rent for weddings, corporate events and other special occasions.
CAFC River Cruise times vary throughout the season:
- The opening schedule lasts from March 30 – April 11 and offers cruises from Monday –Sunday at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Early spring cruises run daily from April 12 - May 2 and depart at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Additional cruises depart at 11 a.m. on Thursday – Sunday and 5 p.m. on Friday – Sunday.
- Late spring cruises run daily from May 3 - May 16 and depart every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional cruises depart on Thursday at 5 p.m. and Friday – Sunday at 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
- Summer cruises run daily May 17 - Oct. 14 and depart Monday – Thursday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and every half hour from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., 5 and 5:30 p.m. Friday - Sunday. Additional cruises depart at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Sunday.
o The Capture Chicago Photography Cruise runs on Saturday and Sundays only at 9:00 a.m.
o Twilight Cruise runs at 7:30 p.m. Sunday – Friday only.
- Early fall cruises run daily Oct. 15 – Nov. 3 and depart at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. with additional cruises Friday – Sunday at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Late fall cruises run daily from Nov. 4 – Nov 24 and depart at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with additional cruises departing at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday – Sunday.
Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Yoga Cruise:
- The Yoga Cruise runs every Sunday from June 16 – Sept. 15 and departs at 8:00 a.m.
For more schedule information please visit CruiseChicago.com.
Admission is $47 for the daytime cruise and Capture Chicago Photography Cruise, and $52 for the Twilight Cruise. Additionally, include a visit to the new Chicago Architecture Center for just $5 (save $7 off regular price). Tickets can be obtained the following ways:
- Bypassing the box office with e-ticket purchases at ticketmaster.com/rivercruise (highly recommended option due to tour popularity)
- By phone at 1-800-982-2787 (within the U.S.) or 011-949-333-4001 (outside the U.S.)
- In-person at Chicago’s First Lady Cruises’ dockside box office, 112 E. Wacker Dr., Riverwalk level
Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline 2019 Season
Known for lively narrations and panoramic, picture-perfect views, Mercury Cruises offers Chicago visitors and residents front row seats to the city’s breathtaking skyline along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The tours feature unparalleled views of Chicago’s most magnificent landmarks and skyscrapers – from the Willis Tower and Marina City to John Hancock Building and Museum Campus – and are narrated by professionally-trained guides who bring the city’s rich history to life. The 2019 cruise season’s offerings include:
- Urban Adventure Cruise ® April 26 – Oct. 14
Mercury Cruises’ signature tour dazzles guests with stunning views of legendary skyscrapers and bridges while gliding along the main branch of the Chicago River, through the Chicago Harbor Lock and into the downtown harbor of Lake Michigan. The 90-minute narrated cruise is perfect for families of all ages and offers a picture post-card view of the famous Chicago skyline.
-
- April 26 – Oct. 14: Departs daily at 10:15 a.m.; 12:15 p.m.; 2:15 p.m.; 4:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
- $36 for adults; $15 for kids under 15; free for children under five.
- CHICAGO BY NIGHT! Cruise May 24 – Oct. 11
Guests will be captivated by the sparkling skyline and Buckingham Fountain’s dazzling light display on this 90-minute, river and lakefront evening cruise with live commentary. Wave your complimentary “neon light wand” as you feel the night breezes and see Chicago’s skyline transformed into a glittering jewel.
- May 24 – Aug. 30: Departs at 8:15 p.m. (excludes Wednesdays and Saturdays).
- Sept. 6 – Oct. 11: Departs at 8:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays only.
- $38 for adults; $16 for kids under 15; free for children under five.
- 3D Fireworks Cruise May 25 – Aug. 31
Cruise on to Lake Michigan for a two-hour evening getaway that begins with a lakefront tour of the skyline and concludes with the most unique way to see Chicago’s Wednesday and Saturday night fireworks – through the lens of “3D” glasses.
- May 29 – Aug. 28: Departs Wednesdays at 8:15 p.m.
- May 25 – Aug. 31: Departs Saturdays at 9:00 p.m.
- $40 for adults; $16 for kids under 15; free for children under five.
- Mercury’s Canine Cruise July 6 – Sept. 29
A fan favorite, pooches and their people embark on a 90-minute getaway with plenty of spacious outdoor seating, water bowls and newspaper-lined restrooms. The canine-centric cruise includes a narrated tour of the city’s famous skyline and dog-friendly sites. Leashes are required on this cruise. Guests receive a Chicago dog-friendly map and guide at the conclusion of the tour.
- July 6 – Sept. 29: Departs at 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only.
- $36 for adults; $15 for kids under 15; $8 for dogs; free for children under five.
- Pet owners can also bring their dogs aboard for two Halloween Canine Cruises departing at 10:15 a.m. on Oct. 5 and 6.
- Science is Fun Cruise April 26 – Oct. 14
School, summer camp and scout groups can reserve this 90-minute science-themed cruise that gives children a memorable, educational experience through hands-on, interactive science experiments and sweeping skyline views. The cruise turns kids into scientists for the day and educates them about the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, how a skyscraper is built and the invasive species that threaten city waters. Tour is available for groups only and scheduled by request. Individual tickets are not offered. For group reservations and additional information, please contact 312-332-1368 or [email protected].
Guests may purchase tickets in the following ways:
- Online at MercuryCruises.com, beginning mid-April
- At the Mercury Cruises ticket window on the Chicago Riverwalk at Michigan Ave. and Wacker Dr., beginning April 26
- For groups of 20 more, please call 312-332-1368 for special rates and additional information