When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
City Cruises
Why City Cruises is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
City Cruises is a premier provider of charter yacht services, dining cruises, and ferry transportation, offering an unparalleled way to explore iconic waterways across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. As the signature brand under the City Experiences umbrella, part of the renowned Hornblower Group, City Cruises delivers memorable voyages blending stunning cityscape views, elegant dining, and top-tier customer service. Whether you're seeking a relaxing sightseeing cruise, a sophisticated dining event, or a seamless ferry ride, City Cruises provides a versatile and inviting setting perfect for friendly gatherings, celebrations, or leisurely outings. Highlights include spacious boats with panoramic windows that allow beautiful views even in inclement weather, attentive and accommodating staff ensuring excellent guest experiences, and options ranging from sightseeing and dining to special event cruises such as weddings. The company’s deep maritime heritage, modern fleet, and commitment to innovation — including environmentally conscious vessels — make it a unique destination to connect with friends amidst spectacular urban waterfronts. These qualities make City Cruises not only a mode of transportation but an ideal venue for socializing and creating lasting memories on the water.
Here's what people think of City Cruises
As of recent, City Cruises holds a 4.2-star rating based on 176 reviews.
User feedback on City Cruises is largely positive, reflecting broad appreciation for the quality of service, scenic views, and thoughtful staff. Positive reviews highlight exceptional customer service, with staff members going above and beyond to accommodate guests’ needs, ensure smooth boarding, and offer personalized assistance. Many guests praise the panoramic views offered by large windows on the boats, which allow an immersive experience even during rainy weather. Customers have also valued the enjoyable atmosphere, with great music and dining options that elevate the experience, especially when celebrating special occasions like weddings or group trips. Such positive experiences contribute to repeat bookings and strong recommendations. On the other hand, some reviews note that while the cruise experience met expectations at a fair price, it lacked distinctiveness or a feeling of being truly special. This suggests that for a few guests, the ambiance may not have exceeded ordinary sightseeing or dining outings. Despite this, complaints are relatively minor and do not detract significantly from overall satisfaction. In conclusion, the reviews portray City Cruises as a reliable and enjoyable service with standout customer care and beautiful waterborne views, making it a solid choice for social and celebratory events with friends or family.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Danielle S
The bread was really hard, the ravioli was a little under done, but the flavor was great. The waitress Heather was so great and the experience was the best. We have done a few other boat rides by the same company and this was by far the best. Blake was very polite and friendly. He made sure to keep our water glasses full.
MyrealtorPat McGowan
Don’t let the name fool you. It’s called a Premier Dinner Cruise, but there was nothing “premier” about the dinner. The views were amazing, the ship itself is lovely, and the service was outstanding. They also played great music — I’d give the music a solid five stars. But the food? Not for me. I ordered the sea bass and was served the small, thin tail end — the part I typically discard when I cook it at home. It was completely tasteless. The dish came with couscous and asparagus, both served too cold to enjoy. I almost brought out-of-town guests on this cruise, and I’m so glad I didn’t. While the experience itself is nice, the food doesn’t come close to the quality it should be for the price. In a city like Chicago, with so many incredible dining options, this just isn’t one of them. Update: so after I received the response below asking me to contact them, I did indeed call the number. The person who answered the phone, which routed to the UK, was actually shocked that I called, and said “that was just a generic response” He was not concerned or interested in discussing my issue. Very strange.
Erin Meadows
My husband and I recently did the brunch and bubbles architectural river cruise. I will say right off the bat that you need to adjust cost expectations. You are paying higher end restaurant prices and not getting that quality food but you are getting a unique way to experience Chicago. Overall, we enjoyed our food. First course was pretty simple choice or a salad or parfait (we both close the parfait). My husband’s chicken dish was actually quite tasty. I got the lemon gnocchi. It was completely edible to good but something was missing. The cheesecake was good but wasn’t a blow your socks off cheesecake but I could have had another one. Waiters were attentive and sometimes too attentive with the mimosa pitcher. My biggest complaint was the noise level. There needs to be a way to dampen the crowd talking noise because even with the tour guide piped into multiple speakers.
Dr. Mohammad Shamsuddoha
It was a fantastic experience, and we had it right—red toxic cruisers when it was 15°F and so cold whenever the speed increased. But the city tour was very good and informative.
Joceline Paczoski
Booked the architectural cruise to celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. Upon boarding we were led to our table adorned with a rose petaled heart which was a nice touch. The food was delicious, the service was attentive, and the architectural commentary was both informative and humorous. We had a wonderful time and felt very special. 100% recommend this cruise!!!
How to reach City Cruises
None
Website: None
Why City Cruises may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at City Cruises with your friends?
Gathering with friends at City Cruises offers a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate together while enjoying breathtaking scenic views of iconic city skylines and landmarks. Whether you are in New York or London, City Cruises provides a vibrant, engaging environment that combines the charm of waterfront cruising with excellent amenities and attentive customer service. Meeting here means escaping the usual bars or restaurants and instead bonding amid stunning backdrops like the Statue of Liberty or the Thames River, creating lasting memories amidst natural beauty and architectural wonders. The spacious, comfortable boats with wraparound windows allow groups to stay cozy indoors during all weather conditions, keeping the atmosphere lively regardless of rain or shine. Furthermore, the staff’s dedication to accommodating groups, as reflected by rave reviews, ensures a hassle-free and personalized experience, letting your group focus on enjoyment and connection. Whether a casual hangout, a special celebration, or a family reunion, City Cruises blends entertainment, sightseeing, and quality time in one perfect package, making it a prime choice to rally friends together for fun and meaningful moments.
What fun activities and experiences does City Cruises offer for group meetups?
City Cruises is not just a boat ride; it’s an experience packed with a variety of enriching and enjoyable activities that are perfect for groups. First and foremost, sightseeing is a highlight — passengers can marvel at unforgettable landmarks such as New York’s Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island or London’s iconic riverside attractions. These tours often include options for guided commentary either live from enthusiastic crew members or through conveniently accessible audio guides, offering insightful stories that bring history and culture to life for all ages. For engaging and social experiences, themed cruises such as New Year's Eve fireworks or party cruises bring festive vibes that help groups celebrate in style. Additionally, onboard amenities like great music, catering, and spacious seating areas provide the perfect setting to mingle and create a joyful ambiance. The boats are safety-conscious and well-maintained, making them suitable for all age groups and ensuring everyone in your group feels comfortable. With flexible ticket options, including hop-on-hop-off services in some locations, City Cruises adapts to different preferences and schedules, providing a seamless, memorable group outing.
How does City Cruises ensure a great group experience through its customer service and facilities?
Superior customer service and thoughtful facilities play a crucial role in making City Cruises an ideal meetup choice for groups of friends and families. Countless reviews emphasize the friendly, professional, and attentive nature of the City Cruises staff, who go the extra mile to accommodate group needs and ensure a smooth, enjoyable journey from start to finish. Whether dealing with travel hiccups, special requests, or assistance with boarding, the crew’s commitment to excellent service shines through and greatly enhances the overall experience. Moreover, City Cruises boats are designed with comfort and inclusivity in mind, featuring large panoramic windows for optimal sightseeing, spacious interiors that allow social gatherings, and clean, safe environments that are welcoming to guests of all ages. The company’s emphasis on safety—always briefing passengers on protocols and maintaining high cleanliness standards—helps groups feel secure and relaxed during their adventure. This combination of attentive staff and quality facilities guarantees a memorable trip where logistics don’t get in the way of social fun and exploration.
Why is City Cruises a perfect place for celebrating special occasions with friends or family?
City Cruises offers a distinctive setting for marking life’s milestones that goes beyond traditional venues. Whether celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, or holidays, the cruise experience adds a picturesque and festive dimension that few other venues can match. The dynamic movement of the boat and constantly changing views make the ambiance lively and fresh, perfect for capturing photo-worthy moments with your group. The availability of food and drink options, combined with music and friendly atmosphere, transforms the cruise into a festive party venue on water. Group celebrations here can be customized with themed cruises, private event options, or simply by gathering to enjoy the spectacular natural and urban landscapes. The ability to combine sightseeing with celebration means everyone feels engaged and entertained throughout the event. This unique venue, coupled with the warmth of a friend-focused outing or family gathering, ensures your special occasion feels both extraordinary and intimate.
How accessible and convenient is City Cruises for group meetups?
City Cruises is highly accessible and convenient, making it easy for groups of friends or family to organize meetups with minimal hassle. Located in iconic and well-connected waterfront areas such as New York’s Pier 15 or London’s river terminals, the starting points are easy to reach via public transportation, taxi services, or private cars. The company offers a variety of ticketing options, including advance online purchases, group discounts, and packages that help streamline planning and reduce waiting times. This flexibility allows groups to choose the best itinerary that fits their schedule and interests, whether opting for shorter sightseeing trips, day-long passes, or special events. Boarding and disembarking processes are efficiently managed to accommodate large groups smoothly, further supported by helpful staff who assist with logistics and ensure no one in your party gets left behind. Additionally, the design of the vessels caters to mobility needs, making it inclusive for all attendees. This level of convenience paired with excellent location makes City Cruises an effortless and attractive option for group outings.
What atmosphere and social vibe can groups expect on a City Cruises outing?
On City Cruises, groups can expect a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere that encourages social interaction, exploration, and shared enjoyment. The cruise environment balances casual comfort with exciting sights, fostering an ambiance that suits a variety of group dynamics—from lively friend gatherings to quieter family adventures. Music onboard, whether live or curated playlists, sets the tone for celebration without overwhelming conversation, allowing groups to chat, laugh, and connect while soaking in the views. The seating arrangements and open layouts promote mingling and movement around the boat, helping groups spread out or come together as they prefer. Even on rainy days or cooler weather, the large, panoramic windows keep the stunning outdoor views in clear sight, maintaining an uplifting mood and a sense of openness. Overall, the social vibe is friendly, welcoming, and inclusive, making it easy for all attendees to relax, have fun, and build collective memories that will be cherished long after the cruise ends.