Brunch, booze, and Chicago skyline—on a boat. This Premier Plus cruise mixes a narrated Chicago River route with a sit-down 3-course brunch and unlimited mimosas as you pass major landmarks from the water.

I also love the comfort factor: you get a climate-controlled interior deck plus the option to step out for skyline photos. One possible drawback to plan for: at this price, a few diners felt the meal pacing and overall portion size didn’t match the cost, so come hungry and don’t assume every course will land instantly.

Key highlights you should know

• Unlimited mimosas included for age 21+ with a valid ID
• 3-course, chef-prepared plated brunch served during the cruise
• Narrated architecture tour with ambient music between landmark moments
• Main and south branches of the Chicago River, with route changes possible for traffic or weather
• Cocktail attire dress code and a mostly enclosed, climate-controlled experience

Getting on board at Cityfront Plaza (and why timing matters)

Your departure point is 455 Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL 60611. Boarding starts 30 minutes before 11:30 am, so treat that “arrive early” note as real life, not a suggestion. If you roll in late, you can miss the boat, and there’s no cool alternative ride.

This is a Premier Plus setup on a City Cruises vessel. The ship has a climate-controlled interior deck, which is a big deal in Chicago, where the wind can change your mood fast. You’re also not stuck staring from one spot; people have space to move around for photos, and there’s usually a better view when you step closer to the water level.

There’s also a max capacity of 200 people, so it won’t feel like a giant floating warehouse. Still, it’s not tiny, so expect some waiting between courses and announcements when the full group boards and settles in.

The 2-hour Premier Plus brunch flow: plated meal, narration, and mimosas

This cruise runs about 2 hours and centers on a simple promise: good views + a guided architecture loop + a plated brunch you don’t have to hunt for yourself.

Here’s how it typically feels. You’ll be greeted, seated, and then the unlimited mimosas start flowing. The mimosas are included, but they require age 21+ with valid ID. The food is a brunch 3-course, chef-prepared plated menu—so it’s not buffet-style grabbing, and it’s not random snacks. It’s designed for a sit-down meal while the narration keeps you oriented.

Between landmark stops, the tour includes narrated commentary with ambient music. That’s a nice touch because it keeps the atmosphere from feeling like a loud bus tour, but it also means the guide’s voice is part of your soundtrack for most of the ride. Some people like that structure. Others prefer more music and less talking, so if you’re the type who wants a party vibe, you’ll want to time expectations accordingly.

Staff names came up in the feedback in a big way. One standout was Leslie, who helped keep mimosas filled and the mood upbeat. Another highlight was Artisha, described as both a friendly server and someone who helped with photos. Edward was praised as a waiter, and Michelle was noted as the chef. Those kinds of staff moments matter on a cruise because they shape whether the experience feels smooth—or rushed.

Architecture stops along the Chicago River: Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart

The cruise covers Chicago’s main and south branches of the river, which is where you start to feel the city’s layout. You’re not just cruising past random waterfronts. You’re being pointed toward buildings with clear identities and skyline impact.

One practical note: if the river has high traffic or if there’s severe weather (rare, but possible), the cruise route may be modified. That’s worth remembering if you’re counting on a very specific side of the river for photos.

Tribune Tower: neo-Gothic landmark energy

The Tribune Tower is a 463-foot-tall, 36-floor neo-Gothic skyscraper at 435 North Michigan Avenue. Its story includes an international design competition in the early 1920s, which was a big moment for 20th-century architecture.

Why it’s a great stop from the water: you get scale without craning your neck upward. The tower’s height is obvious, and the neo-Gothic style reads differently when you’re not standing at street level.

Potential downside: on a moving boat, you’re always balancing. You’ll want to keep your phone ready, but you also don’t want to miss the guide’s explanation while you’re scrambling for the perfect angle.

Wrigley Building: across Michigan Avenue with major skyline drama

Next up is the Wrigley Building, located at 400–410 North Michigan Avenue on Chicago’s Near North Side. It sits right on the Magnificent Mile, directly across Michigan Avenue from the Tribune Tower.

What this means for you: you get a quick visual comparison between two landmark styles without having to relocate. From the water, the contrast feels sharper. It also helps you understand why this corridor is such a magnet for skyline sightseeing.

Practical tip: if you’re sensitive to noise or crowds, aim for a spot where you can hear the narration without being forced into the densest pocket of people. The boat can get lively as the group finds its rhythm.

Merchandise Mart: Art Deco at a major river junction

The Merchandise Mart is a downtown commercial building at the junction of the Chicago River’s branches. It opened in 1930 and was once the world’s largest building, with 4 million square feet of floor space. It’s known for its Art Deco look.

Why this stop matters: the river branches are where Chicago’s geography turns into architecture. If you like city planning and how structures relate to waterways, this is the moment where everything clicks: buildings, river flow, and downtown layout all meet in one view.

Possible drawback: this is a busy part of the route. If you’re photo-focused, you’ll likely want to be ready during this portion, because the boat can reposition you slightly as the cruise moves through the river channels.

Willis Tower from the water: a Loop skyline moment

The finale stop in the landmark set is the Willis Tower (still commonly called the Sears Tower). It’s a 110-story skyscraper that rises to 1,451 feet in the Loop.

From the river, Willis Tower isn’t just tall—it’s dominant. You tend to see it less like a single building and more like the anchor of a whole skyline. It also helps you connect the river route to the downtown core you’ll likely recognize from Chicago postcards.

What to watch for: because it’s a huge landmark, your best photos depend on your side of the boat and the exact moment the vessel turns. If you care about photography, stay flexible. Move only when it’s safe and easy, and keep one eye on the guide so you don’t miss the narration cues.

Food and drinks: what’s included, what costs extra, and what to eat

Let’s talk about the part people actually wait for: food and mimosas.

Included: plated brunch plus unlimited mimosas

You get a brunch 3-course, chef-prepared plated menu. That matters because it changes the whole feel from typical booze-and-snacks cruises. You’re seated and served.

You also get unlimited mimosas—but with the legal gatekeeping: 21+ with valid ID.

Not included: the cash bar for wine and cocktails

The cruise does not include creative cocktails, wine, and beer. Those come from the well-stocked cash bar. This is common for dining cruises, but it’s useful to budget. If you’re thinking about adding wine to your drink plan, you’ll want to treat it as an extra expense.

One practical detail that popped up in the feedback: some people noted the mimosas can include a lot of orange juice. If you’re not an orange-juice person, consider spacing drinks out, or order something else from the bar once your included mimosas are done.

Portion and pacing reality check

This is where you should set expectations. Many people said the food was delicious, and the service kept things moving. At the same time, a few people felt the overall quantity or timing didn’t justify the price, and that they’d like courses to arrive faster.

My advice: if unlimited mimosas are part of your plan, eat the first course promptly. Don’t treat the drinks like a breakfast starter that will magically arrive with your food later. The menu is plated, and timing can vary when the full group is dining.

Service, comfort, and the onboard vibe (noise included)

This cruise is designed to be comfortable first, party second. You’re in a climate-controlled space, and the tour includes ambient music between landmark explanations.

That said, it’s still a social scene. Some feedback described it as classy and relaxed, with music in the background and the guide alternating short talk moments with pauses. Other feedback pointed out that the atmosphere can be louder when the boat is full, and the narration can dominate if you want more sound and less commentary. A few people also mentioned music later in the cruise and even dancing toward the end.

If you want a calmer experience, pick a seat that lets you hear the guide without facing a crowd spillover. If you want a fun, lively vibe, lean into it. The front of the boat is often where people congregate for photos, so don’t be surprised if that area gets popular.

Staff can make or break the feel. Names like Leslie and Artisha came up for keeping the mimosas flowing and helping people enjoy the moment. Edward was praised for service, and Michelle for the food.

Is $84.74 worth it? Value and who should book

At $84.74 per person, you’re not just paying for a view. You’re paying for a packaged experience: a guided river route, a plated 3-course brunch, and unlimited mimosas included for eligible drinkers.

For the value to land well, you need the right mindset:

• You should want a structured brunch experience, not a free-form self-guided meal.
• You should be okay with narration taking some airtime during a 2-hour cruise.
• You should plan to eat, not only drink.

Who it’s best for: couples celebrating something, birthdays, anniversaries, and friend groups who want an easy win with minimal planning. It also fits people who like architecture but don’t want to coordinate multiple stops on foot.

Who might hesitate: if you’re extremely food-quantity driven or you hate any waiting between courses, the plated format could feel slow. And if you strongly prefer pure music-over-talk, this style of narration-led cruise may feel more instructional than party.

Booking tends to happen about 25 days in advance on average, so if you’re aiming for a specific day, don’t leave it to the last minute.

Should you book this Chicago River brunch cruise?

Book it if you want a low-effort way to see major Chicago landmarks from the water while getting a real sit-down brunch and unlimited mimosas. The climate-controlled deck helps, and the combination of guided narration plus scenic river views makes the time feel purposeful.

Skip or think twice if you’re paying for brunch first and entertainment second, and you’re worried about portion size or pacing. In that case, you might prefer a different dining option where you control the timing and quantity more directly.

If you do book, go with one simple rule: come hungry, and let the plated brunch do its job before you fully commit to the mimosas.

FAQ

What time does the Premier Plus brunch cruise start?

The cruise starts at 11:30 am, and boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 2 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is 455 Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL 60611.

Are unlimited mimosas included?

Yes. Unlimited mimosas are included, but you must be 21 or older and show a valid ID.

Is there a cash bar?

Yes. Creative cocktails, wine, and beer are available from a cash bar, but they are not included.

What food is included?

The cruise includes a brunch 3-course, chef-prepared plated menu.

Can they accommodate dietary restrictions?

They do their best to accommodate dietary restrictions. You’ll want to share details ahead of time when possible.

Does the cruise ever change its route?

Yes. The cruise route may be modified due to high river traffic or rare cases of severe weather.

What dress code should I follow?

The dress code is cocktail attire.

How many people can be on the cruise at once?

The maximum capacity is 200 people.