Two hours on Lake Michigan, food included. This Chicago cruise turns a skyline sightseeing ride into a full sit-down meal with DJ energy.

You get 360-degree rooftop deck views while the boat glides past major landmarks, so the photos feel effortless.

What I like most is the food setup. You’ll eat from a freshly prepared buffet with lots of variety, and brunch options add bottomless mimosas. Plus, the service vibe tends to be on the ball—names like Artisha and Jacky show up in the kind of praise you want to hear.

One thing to plan around: weather. If it’s cold or rainy, you may spend less time on the open-air deck for views and pictures, and you’ll want a jacket.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Rooftop skyline time with open-air views plus climate-controlled indoor decks
• DJ + dance floor plus onboard activities like giant Jenga and shuffleboard
• Buffet meal built around brunch, lunch, or dinner menus (menu can change)
• Cash bar drinks with unlimited coffee and tea included, and mimosas only on brunch
• A set table for your group size, but make one reservation to sit together
• Navy Pier departure with clear steps to find the right Spirit yacht and ticket booth

Setting Sail From Navy Pier: What the 2-Hour Cruise Feels Like

The whole idea here is simple: you trade a typical meal for a moving viewpoint. You start around 600 E Grand Ave and then head out from Navy Pier, where the yachts line up along the south-side dock. The cruise duration is typically 2 hours (some options run 2 to 3 hours, depending on schedule), which makes it a good fit when you don’t want to give up half a day.

The boat itself gives you options. There are climate-controlled interior decks for comfort, and open-air rooftop decks when the sky cooperates. That matters in Chicago, because the weather can flip fast. Even if you end up mostly inside, you’ll still get skyline views through the ship areas and as you pass the shoreline.

If you’re the type who likes a “plan” but not a stiff one, this cruise has that sweet spot. You eat, you look, you listen, and you get a little entertainment built in without it being a formal show.

The Buffet Meal: Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner Menus That Actually Fill You Up

This is not a tiny cocktail-snack situation. It’s a multi-course buffet style meal with hot entrees, salads, sides, and desserts. The cruise includes unlimited coffee, hot tea, and iced tea, so you can keep your drink plan simple.

Brunch cruise (best for a longer hangout vibe)

Brunch includes bottomless mimosas, which is a big value add if you drink. The menu sample leans classic plus some upgrade dishes, like:

• Scrambled eggs and breakfast meats
• Roasted vegetables and baked pasta options (like baked ziti)
• Main proteins such as slow-roasted strip loin and atlantic flounder
• Desserts like raspberry mousse and lemon pound cake (strawberries included)

The brunch version also tends to feel more social because people settle in, refilling plates and drinks while the boat moves.

Lunch and dinner cruises (more savory, fewer morning vibes)

Lunch and dinner menus shift toward salads and hearty mains:

• Multiple salad choices and pasta salads (like bow tie pasta salad)
• Hot comfort sides such as mashed potatoes and creamed corn and cheddar casserole
• Mains like honey and sesame chicken, Italian beef meatballs
• Dinner-only protein options like braised beef short ribs

Dessert stays strong with rotating favorites like carrot cake, red velvet cake, and more chocolate-forward choices.

A practical buffet tip

I’d come a little earlier in the meal window if you’re picky about specific items. One concern that pops up from people who went is that some items may not get replenished quickly near the end of the buffet line. You don’t need to panic, but if you want first pick—especially for meat and rolls—hit the buffet earlier rather than later.

Also, the menu is subject to change, and it’s smart to tell your server about food allergies.

Rooftop Views, Landmark Route, and Photo Opportunities

This is a “you can’t really miss Chicago” kind of cruise. As you sail, you’ll pass a sequence of skyline spots that are easy to recognize even if you don’t know the full architecture list.

From the top of the deck, you’ll likely spot views tied to:

• John Hancock Center
• Water Tower Place
• Lake Point Tower
• Aon Center
• 311 S Wacker and Crain Communications Building
• Shedd Aquarium
• Adler Planetarium
• CNA Center
• Willis Tower

Why this matters: you’re not just looking at buildings from a distance. You’re moving through the harbor view, so the skyline changes angles every few minutes. That gives your photos more variety without you needing to hop around the city.

A small note about pictures: there’s a ship photographer you can meet after boarding for a photo opportunity (souvenir photos cost extra). If weather is rough, lean on indoor decks for comfort, and use the rooftop only when it’s safe and comfortable.

If it’s cold or rainy, bring a light jacket or blazer-style layer. A warm layer can turn “we stayed inside” into “we got a real deck moment.”

DJ Energy, Dance Floor, and Games: How Entertainment Fits the Meal

This cruise doesn’t treat entertainment like a separate event. The live DJ and dance vibe are part of the onboard rhythm, happening on each interior deck.

There’s also a built-in play component: giant Jenga and shuffleboard on the rooftop games setup. It’s low-pressure fun. You’re not trying out for a competition; you’re just breaking up the meal and sightseeing with something active.

The result is that the time moves quickly. Two hours can feel long on land with crowds and walking. On this boat, you’re busy eating, watching the skyline, and then you have something to do between passes at the buffet.

One consideration: the “music taste” may not match every culture preference. If DJ playlist matching matters a lot to you, keep that in mind and treat the vibe as general party energy rather than a music-nerd deep cut.

Drinks and Value: Cash Bar, Unlimited Mimosas (Brunch Only), and What You’ll Pay

Let’s talk money the way you actually experience it on board. The cruise price is about $130 per person, and what you’re getting includes a buffet meal, entertainment, the cruise itself, and unlimited coffee/tea. That’s the baseline value.

Alcohol works a bit differently:

• Drinks are available at a fully stocked cash bar (so expect additional cost)
• Unlimited mimosas are included for brunch only
• For lunch and dinner, alcoholic drinks are not included in the price

If you choose the brunch option and you’ll drink mimosas anyway, that’s a strong value play. If you’re not a drinker, you may prefer focusing on the included meal and keeping alcohol as an occasional treat.

Either way, it helps to set expectations: the cruise gives you a great meal and good atmosphere. The bar is where spending ramps up.

Getting On Board: Meeting Point, the Right Yacht, and Seating Together

Logistics can make or break a trip like this, especially with multiple ships at the same dock.

Here’s what matters:

• Boarding starts 30 minutes prior to departure.
• You enter Navy Pier through the main entrance, then go down the south-side dock. The correct yacht will be near the end of the dock.
• There are two possible yachts: Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier. Your order details tell you which one.
• Check in at the ticket booth with the yacht name displayed clearly.

You’ll also get a guaranteed table for your party size. The key detail is this: to seat everyone together, you should make one reservation for the entire group. If your group books separate reservations, the company can’t guarantee you’ll sit together.

Before you board, have your ID handy. A passport or ID card is what you need based on the info provided.

Climate-Control, Non-Smoking Rules, and What Shoes to Wear

This is a real boat trip, so comfort rules apply:

• Indoor areas are non-smoking
• Smoking is only allowed on outdoor observation decks
• Flat, closed-toed shoes are recommended for safety

In practice, that means skip sandals. Closed-toe shoes keep you steady around the deck areas and stairs.

If you’re sensitive to cold, plan for it. Even when the day looks fine, Lake Michigan wind can cut fast once you’re moving.

Who Should Book This Lake Michigan Lunch or Dinner Cruise (and Who Should Think Twice)

I think this cruise fits best when you want:

• A meal with a view and entertainment included
• Easy skyline sightseeing without hopping between neighborhoods
• A social atmosphere with a DJ, plus games like giant Jenga
• A clear “do this, then eat, then enjoy” plan

It may be less ideal if you’re hoping for a quiet, adults-only sunset cruise. The vibe can include families, and kids may move around the ship during the event. If you’re craving silence and slow conversation, you’ll want to pick your day and time with care.

Also, if your main goal is rooftop photography, weather becomes the biggest deciding factor. On a cold or rainy day, you’ll still enjoy the cruise, but you may not get as much open-air time as you wanted.

Should You Book City Cruises Chicago for a Lake Michigan Buffet Cruise?

If you want a straightforward, value-heavy Chicago plan—eat well, see big skyline hits, and get a party-like atmosphere with minimal effort—this one is worth booking. The included buffet, DJ entertainment, and rooftop-to-indoor flexibility make it a strong choice for a weekend meal that doesn’t feel like just another restaurant.

I’d book the cruise if:

• You’re okay paying extra only for alcohol at the bar
• You can handle a bit of weather (and you’ll bring a layer)
• You’d enjoy the energy of a DJ and onboard games

I’d think twice if:

• You’re chasing a quiet, adults-only mood
• You need lots of time on the open-air deck no matter what
• Your schedule or group planning can’t handle the seating-together rule (one reservation per group)

FAQ

How long is the City Cruises Chicago Lake Michigan lunch or dinner cruise?

The cruise is listed as about 2 hours, with some schedules running 2 to 3 hours. Check your selected departure time for the exact duration.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Navy Pier. The meeting point information includes 600 E Grand Ave, and boarding happens at the Navy Pier docks.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Included items are the cruise on the Spirit of Chicago or Spirit of Navy Pier, a brunch/lunch/dinner buffet, onboard DJ entertainment, dance floor, rooftop games, unlimited coffee and tea, service fee, and (brunch only) unlimited mimosas.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. You can buy drinks at the cash bar. Only unlimited mimosas for brunch are included.

Is there a dress code?

There’s no strict formal dress code. Most people wear comfortable, casually stylish attire. Flat, closed-toe shoes are recommended.

What should I bring for boarding?

Bring a passport or ID card.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

This activity is listed as non-refundable.