Chicago dinner cruises offer guests a unique dining experience while cruising past iconic landmarks like the DuSable Bridge, Merchandise Mart, and Willis Tower. With delicious plated dishes, specialty cocktails, and DJ entertainment, these river cruises provide an enchanting atmosphere, whether on the climate-controlled interior or open-air decks. Departing from Navy Pier, the cruises showcase the beauty of the Chicago skyline and architectural wonders, making them a top choice for city cruises.

Perfect for special occasions like Mother’s Day, these cruises often sell out quickly. With free cancellation and a focus on guest privacy, they offer a hassle-free way to enjoy an unforgettable night on the water.

SAMPLE PLATED DINNER MENU
*subject to change

STARTER (choice of 1)

• Cauliflower and Leek Chowder (V)
• Italian Sausage Ravioli all'Amatriciana

MAIN (choice of 1)

• Atlantic Striped Bass (G*)
• Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Breast (G*)
• Cioppino
• Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Ragu (V)(G*)
• Osso Buco

DESSERT

• Chocolate Mousse Dome (V)
• Basque 'Spanish Style' Cheesecake (V)
• Tiramisu (V)
• Mixed Berries and Pineapple (G*)(VG)(V)

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome. All minors require adult supervision.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: Free for children under two.
• Pets: Service animals are allowed on board.
• Individuals with disabilities: We do have accessible vessels in our fleet. However, not all vessels and decks are considered accessible. Please call in advance to determine if the cruise is handicap accessible.
• Dietary restrictions: Vegetarian meals are available on dining cruises and can be arranged at the time of booking. If there are many vegetarians in your group, or if there are any vegans, please indicate this at the time of booking.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: 2.5 Hours
• What’s included:  Admission to the cruise with food is included. Drinks are available for purchase.
• Who will be present: You will be on board with crew members as well as other cruise participants.
• Photo/ video: You can take your own photos and videos.
• Specific rules to follow: Smoking is not permitted inside the boat, and we cannot guarantee there will be a designated space to smoke on every boat.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: Rain or shine, the experience will be running.
• Arrival: Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes in advance to board the boat.
• What to wear: Cocktail attire (Collared shirts, blouses, sports coats, slacks and dresses)
• What to bring: You may not bring explosives, firearms, illegal substances, or any articles of a dangerous or damaging nature, as determined in our sole discretion, that could be harmful to yourself or others.
• Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: There will be restrooms on board.

How do I book a cruise?

Booking a cruise through Giftory is easy and straightforward:

1. First, purchase your desired City Experiences cruise.
2. The recipient will receive an email with a link to claim the experience.
3. Upon clicking the link, they can submit their booking request for their preferred date and time.
4. Our customer service team will then confirm the booking and send a confirmation email with all the necessary details.
   Once confirmed, both Giftory and City Experiences will provide the ticket information via email.

How will I receive confirmation of my tickets from City Experiences?

After booking your experience, you will receive a confirmation email from City Experiences. This email will contain all the essential details about your booking, including the date, time, and departure location of your cruise. Please review this information carefully, and bring the QR code included in that email on the day of your cruise. You will need this in order to board the cruise.

What should I expect on the day of the cruise?

On the day of your cruise, please arrive at the departure location at least 30 minutes before the scheduled boarding time. You’ll need to check in with the dock staff (using the QR code you received in the confirmation email), who will guide you to the boarding area. The crew will be available to assist you throughout the experience, ensuring you have a memorable time. Expect a relaxing and enjoyable journey with stunning views, whether you're on a sightseeing cruise or a dining experience.

What is the dress code for City Experiences cruises, and why is it important?

The dress code for City Experiences cruises varies depending on the type of cruise you book, but it's essential to follow it to match the ambiance of your experience. For example, sightseeing cruises typically have a smart casual dress code, where comfortable attire is encouraged. For dining cruises or special events, a more formal dress code may be required, such as collared shirts, dresses, or dress shoes. Adhering to the recommended dress code enhances your overall experience and ensures that you and your fellow guests enjoy the intended atmosphere of the cruise.

What safety measures are in place on City Experiences cruises?

City Experiences takes safety very seriously. Each vessel is equipped with lifejackets for all passengers, and the crew is trained to handle emergency situations. During the cruise, a safety briefing may be provided to familiarize you with the location of lifejackets and emergency exits. Although seasickness is rare due to the stable nature of the vessels, those prone to motion sickness may want to take preventive measures, such as taking motion sickness medication before boarding. The crew is also available to assist if you feel unwell during the cruise.

What if I have special requests or dietary restrictions for my cruise?

If you have any special requests or dietary restrictions, please let us know when you submit your booking request, and our team will pass those requests over to City Experiences. They are usually able to handle various requests with advance notice, ensuring your experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 30 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 48 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 48 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.