City Cruises Chicago: River Architectural Lunch Cruise
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Get a fresher perspective on the Windy City—and a traffic-free one—with this Chicago River architecture cruise. As you pass by some of Chicago's most notable buildings, you'll dine on a 3-course lunch, listening to onboard narration about the city's architecture and history along the way. Unlike your standard walking tour, you can expect comfort, great food, and endless photo opportunities.
- See Chicago from another perspective on a river cruise
- Learn about the architecture of landmarks like Willis Tower and the opera house
- Eat lunch on the water for a fabulous, scenic meal
- Discover so much about the city while relaxing and dining
What's Included
- LunchPlated Lunch
- Scenic Chicago River views
- Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water
- Guaranteed table for your party size
- Climate-controlled interior deck
- Gratuities
- Creative cocktails, wine, and beer are available for purchase from our fully stocked bar
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Located on the Riverwalk. Look for the line of international flags near the cul-de-sac- there will be a staircase that leads down to the Riverwalk and boat. Parking is available at 219/225 E. North Water Street, on the LOWER level for Odyssey Chicago River. Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Tribune Tower (Pass By)
Merchandise Mart (Pass By)
Chicago Opera Theater (Pass By)
Union Station (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Seating is only guaranteed together for the number of tickets confirmed on this voucher. Reservations may not be combined.
- Boarding begins 30 minutes prior to departure. Guests must arrive early, as late arrivals will likely miss the boat.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (15)
Q:Where is the departure point for the Premier Chicago River Architectural Lunch Cruise?
A:The Lunch Cruise departs from 455 N Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
Apr 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Barbara_P
This was such a wonderful experience with the great food and the outstanding architecture. It was a great vibe for my birthday and I will recommend this to everyone I know.
Reviews
4.3
based on 40 reviews
Sima_P, Apr 2026
It was a nice calm experience. Personally we got cold, the air conditioning was turned up super high. The views were great! It was nice to experience the views, lunch, and drinks all in one. The food wasn’t the greatest and was a bit bland but it was elegant and served its purpose.
Dawn_B, Sep 2025
Nice tour, excellent guide. Food was not my cup of tea but my friend quite enjoyed. Pleasant experience overall.
The ramp to get into the boat is NOT welcoming-super steep
Shaterra_S, Aug 2025
I can confirm that the instructions were awful. The pin that is in the reservation is for another parking lot. I recommend you follow the instructions that Viator gives you to start and then heed mine. The directions will take you to a parking lot on North Colombus Drive. If you stop there, you will miss your reservation. Make that right at the light on N Columbus Drive and go uphill. At the top of the hill, the NBC building should be on your right. If see a draw bridge, DO NOT CROSS IT. When you made it to the top of the hill, cross the street and make another right. You are standing at a parking lot again which is on your left now and facing ahead is the university of Chicago building. Right in front of the building there are some flags, that is where you will find stairs that will take you down to the Odyssey. Your destination will be immediately on your right.
As for the cruise, the food was great. The portions were not small and the service was great. It was very informative, lively and a perfect time to spend the afternoon. Will return in the future for a dinner cruise.
Kathleen_A, Jul 2025
I think guests should receive better info about parking. . we were not familiar with those lots near lower wacker and we didn’t know if we parked in a particular lot, how we would get up to the dock, only snafu!
Annette_S, Jul 2025
Lovely experience, staff very attentive and food excellent . Ship is beautiful inside and air conditioned
Anjail_A, Jul 2025
The competitor was good but the food was terrible. The ride was nice I was unhappy that I was set in a corner. I wanted to pick my own seat.
Donna_G, Jun 2025
The staff on board was very friendly and helpful from start to finish. Our server, Heather, provided outstanding service, and shared local tips for us. We appreciated everything she did for us.
The cruise itself was comfortable and enjoyable. We learned quite a bit along the way.
The link for directions to the meeting point that Viator provided was inaccurate; it brought us to the NBC building. This was problematic and stressful. We tried contacting the tour operator via the chat feature to ask for help, but we never received a response. This was also problematic. We only managed to locate the meeting location because we allowed a lot of extra time to do so.
Both Viator and the tour operator need to do better. I am tempted to give only four stars to make that point, but I am opting instead to rate the tour and staff. I hope this review will prompt them to look into these issues.
Lisa_G, Jun 2025
My sisters and I decided to start doing things we have not done before. The lunch cruise on the Odyssey was just perfect. The food was good, the staff, Heather and Isis, were great and the boat ode relaxing and enjoyable.
Chiquita_J, Oct 2024
It was a great department outing for my team and I. I will be back to plan a cruise for private events as well.
Linda_T, Sep 2024
Great day. The entire staff was excellent.
The meal and tour, both great. Will definitely schedule again.
Annette_S, Aug 2024
Food delicious, service amazing. Love this cruise . Will definitely do again .
Our waitress was very pleasant and attentive.
Pamela_D, Sep 2023
Food was amazing. Great service. Very comfortable boat. Overall a wonderful lunch boat cruise - definitely recommend.
Linda_H, Aug 2023
The boat was great. Very clean and the glass surrounding was easy to see out. However the sound system was hard to hear and if your back is to the bow of ship, you have to keep turning around to see the buildings that are being talked about.
Our server, Aden, was a gem.
Annette_S, Aug 2023
All wonderful. Boat is clean and staff remarkable. Food great and your very interesting. Pure enjoyment
Brent_J, Jul 2023
Clean boat, cool trip! We was treated like royalty. Our server Edgar was outstanding! What a host he was!!
RSCODY, Jun 2023
Great experience and great lunch beautiful skyline and great service well worth the money spent overall a great experience
Jerry_M, Jun 2023
Friends and relatives had recommended a Chicago river cruise as a great thing to do in Chicago and we decided on a lunch cruise with Odyssey. The service and meal we received was very good! The Guide pointed out several landmark buildings that we would have missed without them. Enjoyed the cruise immensely and have dozens of pictures to document the occasion.
Linda_M, Jun 2023
Best lunch cruise ever!!!! Definitely will go again. Will try the dinner cruise next. Enjoyed every minute of it.
Andrea_G, May 2023
Very amazing experience,kind staff and delicious food. In a price is included appetizers,lunch,dessert and soft drink!
Recommend!
Linda_Y, Oct 2022
We had a beautiful fall day. The boat was very clean and tables were spaced out in such a way that we did not feel crowded. Food was excellent - better than we were expecting! Tour guide was great. Very nice glass enclosure to protect from cold and wind as needed. We enjoyed being able to step outside for photos as well.
Nadia_S, Aug 2022
Relaxed cute boat tour. Staff and crew were so nice. Definitely a bit of upscale feel. Went with family from out of town. They loved it!
Mona_M, Jul 2022
Customer service & food & tour . Great service. Great food abd love the boat. Very entertaining narration
Daniel_G, Jul 2022
Food was great and the view was excellent. In front outside of boat was great. Will recommend it to friends
Tina_C, Jul 2022
I did not make the cruise because of miscommunication, horrible directions and instructions. I will be requesting a refund from you.
Michelle_R, Jun 2022
The tour and meal were excellent. However, I had a terrible experience when I was required to move my reservation from one day to the next due to a delay in my flight to Chicago. When I received no reply to my three text messages to Viator, I spent at least an hour on the phone with Viator personnel and its parent company trying to move the reservation. The date finally was changed, but my communications with Viator were beyond frustrating.
Jyothi_A, Jun 2022
Booked via viator, we went there and cruise saw us but they said they moved the ramp and we need to reschedule . Then they marked us as no show which is a lie . Now cruise won’t refund 890 dollars becoz booked with viator and viator won’t refund as cruise marked no show
I would advise please don’t ever book or even attempt booking with viator
Horrible customer service and no value for almost 1000 dollars wasted
SANDRA_S, Jun 2022
My 2nd tour. Brought my sisters for their birthday, they enjoyed the food, tour, & libations. Loved the glass top/sides graT views from every angle
CATHY_W, Mar 2022
cancelled without any notification and without refunds. I was taking a friend from Seatle Washington. Please refund my money confirmation number 1253648630
Fritzi_B, Aug 2021
Friendly staff, great food, relaxing atmosphere, beautiful views and awesome experience. I absolutely loved it!
Rebecca_L, Jul 2021
Wasn't able to attend. The site gave the wrong address to port out. By the time a worker told me it was at navy pier I missed the boat.
From $73.80
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
City Cruises Chicago: River Architectural Lunch Cruise
40
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$73.80
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Chicago, USA
- Chicago Lakefront Trail Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Temple Tours & Tickets
- The Magnificent Mile Tours & Tickets
- Soldier Field Tours & Tickets
- House of Blues Tours & Tickets
- United Center Tours & Tickets
- Cloud Gate (The Bean) Tours & Tickets
- Rookery Building Tours & Tickets
- Lincoln Park Zoo Tours & Tickets
- Prairie Avenue Historic District Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Pedway Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Chinatown Tours & Tickets
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Tours & Tickets
- Harold Washington Library Center (Chicago Public Library) Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Picasso (The Picasso) Tours & Tickets
- Chicago Board of Trade Building Tours & Tickets
- Shedd Aquarium Tours & Tickets