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 offers an exceptional venue for friends and groups to gather and enjoy memorable experiences on the water. Operating in several major cities across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, City Cruises is part of the renowned City Experiences brand under the Hornblower Group. The company's rich heritage dates back to 1974, with steady growth into a leader in marine hospitality and dining cruises. Guests can enjoy sightseeing tours, dining cruises featuring gourmet meals, private charters, and special events on modern vessels equipped with large windows or glass-covered decks that allow spectacular panoramic views regardless of weather. With a focus on customer service, safety, and quality, City Cruises provides a unique combination of spectacular city and waterfront views complemented by excellent cuisine and entertainment. Their operations include iconic routes such as Alcatraz Island ferry in San Francisco and the Chicago River cruise with onboard dining. These experiences make City Cruises a great place to meet up with friends for celebrations, casual outings, or special occasions where guests can relax and enjoy the water in style and comfort.
Here's what people think of City Cruises
As of recent, City Cruises holds a 4.4-star rating based on 3373 reviews.
Reviews of City Cruises reflect a generally positive guest experience, as indicated by a strong 4.4-star rating across over 3,300 reviews. Many users praise the breathtaking views provided by City Cruises' vessels, noting that the large, wraparound windows and glass roofs offer a great way to enjoy the scenery even on rainy days. Customers frequently commend the professionalism and attentiveness of the staff, highlighting excellent customer service that ensures smooth and enjoyable trips, including accommodating unexpected issues. The food and onboard entertainment also receive favorable mentions, especially on dining cruises like those in Chicago with a restaurant onboard. On the downside, some reviewers mention that while the cruise is enjoyable and good value, it may not feel very special or unique beyond the beautiful views. A few reviews note minor operational hiccups or the desire for even more premium experiences. Overall, the positive feedback about customer service, scenic routes, and dining options outweighs the negatives, supporting City Cruises as a recommended choice for visitors who want a pleasant and scenic marine cruise experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mae Mae
My husband took me on a lunch date at Odyssey to celebrate my birthday, and it was such a lovely experience! We actually had our wedding with Spirit a while back, so it was extra special to be back on the water for another celebration. Compared to Spirit, which has a buffet-style setup that’s more laid-back with more food options, Odyssey is definitely more formal with plated meals and a fine dining feel. We really enjoyed spending time on the open deck. The views were beautiful and added so much to the experience. The service was great, and everything felt relaxed yet elegant. Definitely a must-try for special occasions, date days, or just a unique way to enjoy the city during the day! ☀️🚢💛
arlenne sanchez
he two stars are for the fireworks show experience and the city view. But $500 for two people for the food that they offered? WOW, it tasted as if it was all frozen boxed food. The only thing that was good was the cheesecake. I honestly would suggest to go to a 5star restaurant and only book the fireworks show cruise ride. The food is not worth it at all. Not even the drinks. Plus we were the third couple to walk in and be sat. My drink order was taken and my drink did not come until after my food was served. Which was 1.5hr later.
Bailee Walsh
We did the Premier Dinner Cruise with Fireworks and it was amazing! The views are breathtaking, the customer service was great. There was one lady who took time from her busy workload just to ask if I was enjoying myself! The food was delicious also! We had the tomato bisque and charcuterie board as the appetizer then the salmon as our main entree. The guitar/acoustic music guy on the top level was phenomenal. It was a calm vibe which is exactly what we needed!
Amber Bartels
We did a City Cruise in Chicago from Navy Pierre. The cruise was a lunch cruise with buffet style offerings. Pros: food was delicious! They offer dessert at the end as well. There was plenty of food for seconds if desired. The boat was clean, staff was friendly and it has real flush toilets! They heard we were celebrating a milestone birthday and brought us out a special dessert to share. Cons: Our tour left 25 minutes late waiting on passengers which was very frustrating for those who showed up on time. They gave us "more time back at shore for the inconvenience" which is disappointing. Everything else costs extra! The from the welcome aboard photo, to the sodas and alcohol (tea and water only included), plan to spend at least another $150 per couple of you plan to indulge in their expensive drinks. The entertainment (DJ) was very LOUD. Then he decided he was going to get on the mic and criticize people for not dancing if they requested a song. I thought this was very unprofessional. Maybe people don't like to dance even if they like a song? This cruise ends up being only about 30 minutes outside of the wharf and stays close enough to the shore to see the city skyline. It goes very slow. There was no information on what we were passing along the way or history, if you want to do that you need to do the river sightseeing tours. Overall, I thought it was very over priced for the experience and time we actually go in the lake.
Valetta Taylor
Review: Chicago River Brunch Cruise – Beautiful Views, But Several Misses I recently attended the Chicago River Brunch Cruise with a friend and his wife, and while the skyline views were lovely, there were several aspects of the experience that left a lot to be desired. Let’s start with the directions — or lack thereof. If you’re from out of town, plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early. We spent an extra 12 minutes walking around trying to find the correct location because the directions provided were unclear and unhelpful. We arrived just 10 minutes before departure and missed out on most of the early service. Once onboard, it took quite a while before we were even acknowledged. I actually had to ask someone to help us find our waitress — not the best way to start a brunch experience. It became clear that 90% of the boat had already received mimosas and appetizers, while we were just getting settled. Some basic communication or signage before boarding would go a long way. Our waitress was kind, but by the end of the cruise, we were informed the kitchen was behind and were asked if we’d like our dessert boxed to go. Then it arrived on plates — confusing. I had the cheesecake, and sadly, it was disappointing: very lumpy, not creamy, and no graham cracker crust. Definitely not the indulgent dessert I was expecting on a brunch cruise. Another issue: the bathrooms. They were technically clean, but the odor was overwhelming — enough to disrupt the dining experience. Now for the silver lining — Edgar Santa. If there was one redeeming element of this experience, it was Edgar. His infectious smile, uplifting energy, and genuine care for every guest stood out. He made a point to brighten everyone’s day and ensured we felt welcomed, even when other parts of the experience fell flat. He’s a star — do not let this gem of a human go unnoticed. He saved the day. Final thoughts: Beautiful views, but poor guest orientation, delayed service, subpar dessert, and foul-smelling restrooms make it hard to recommend this without major improvements. That said, if you go — ask for Edgar!
How to reach City Cruises
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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 your friends for a memorable outing is about more than just spending time together—it’s about sharing an experience unique enough to create lasting memories. City Cruises delivers exactly that by combining picturesque settings, comfortable amenities, and engaging activities on the water. Whether you’re in London, New York, or another major city with City Cruises, there’s a natural appeal to escaping the everyday bustle and seeing the city from a stunning river or harbor viewpoint. The vibe on a City Cruises boat encourages excitement and relaxation alike, creating the perfect atmosphere for conversations, laughter, and bonding. Moreover, the crew’s friendliness and attention to guest safety ensure that your group’s well-being is prioritized, letting everyone enjoy the getaway worry-free. Importantly, City Cruises offers a variety of options, from sightseeing tours to festive party cruises, tailored to different group preferences and sizes. This versatility makes it easy for any group, whether family, friends, or colleagues, to find a perfect fit for their meetup. Choosing City Cruises means transforming a simple meet-up into an experience rich with scenic beauty, history, and fun—an ideal rally point for friends wishing to connect and celebrate together on the water.
What activities can you do on City Cruises?
City Cruises specializes in delivering a variety of engaging activities designed to cater to groups looking for both sightseeing and socializing opportunities. One of the main attractions is the sightseeing river tour, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of iconic city landmarks from the comfort of a clean, safe boat. For example, in London, you can cruise past famous sights like the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge, accompanied by informative live commentary that enriches your understanding of the city’s history and culture. In New York, City Cruises offers trips to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, including immersive audio guides that provide a fascinating narrative about immigration and American history. Beyond sightseeing, City Cruises also offers themed party excursions, such as fireworks celebrations or seasonal holiday cruises, which create lively atmospheres perfect for groups wanting to celebrate special occasions. These events often include live DJs and food and drinks, designed for a social and festive mood, although group experiences vary depending on the location. Additionally, City Cruises provides flexible ticket options, including hop-on-hop-off day passes, allowing groups to customize their adventure and explore multiple stops at their own pace. Whether your group is interested in culture, celebration, or casual cruising, City Cruises has activities well suited to make your meetup engaging and memorable.
Why is City Cruises perfect for a group meetup?
City Cruises provides an ideal setting for group meetups due to its combination of spacious venues, professional service, and unique waterborne environment. The boats are designed with ample seating and open decks, allowing groups to gather comfortably without feeling cramped. This flexibility means you can socialize in private booths or mingle freely in open-air areas, adapting the space to your group’s dynamic. The crew members are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, taking extra care to ensure guests feel welcomed and that everyone adheres to safety protocols, which adds peace of mind especially for larger groups. Safety, cleanliness, and excellent customer service ensure the experience is seamless, letting your group focus on enjoying each other’s company. City Cruises’ variety of cruise types—from relaxed sightseeing tours to upbeat party cruises—caters to different group moods, making it easy to pick an option that best suits your event’s tone, whether it’s low-key or celebratory. Lastly, the shared experience of cruising on a river or harbor against the backdrop of dazzling city skylines fosters connection and conversation, making it more than just a gathering spot but a memorable destination itself.
How do City Cruises accommodate different group sizes and needs?
City Cruises offers flexibility to accommodate different group sizes ranging from intimate gatherings to large celebrations. Their vessels come in different sizes, some designed for more exclusive, cozy experiences, while others hold more than a hundred passengers, ideal for bigger events like corporate meetups or family reunions. This range of options means you can select the boat size that best fits your group, ensuring comfort and accessibility. They also provide options for private charters if your group seeks exclusivity, allowing a personalized itinerary and onboard services tailored specifically to your needs. In terms of accessibility, City Cruises pays attention to safety and ease of boarding, although some locations note challenges with steep ramps, so it’s advisable to check in advance if your group has members with mobility concerns. Food and beverage packages are often customizable, providing options from light snacks to full meals, which can accommodate various dietary preferences and allergies when informed ahead of time. Additionally, customer service is generally responsive in assisting with special requests, helping plan a smooth and enjoyable outing for groups with diverse needs and expectations.
What sets City Cruises apart from other meetup venues?
City Cruises stands out from typical meetup venues by combining extraordinary sightseeing with the dynamic environment of being on the water. Unlike traditional restaurants or event spaces, City Cruises offers a constantly changing backdrop as you cruise past breathtaking landmarks and cityscapes, which naturally enhances the social experience. This makes it especially appealing for groups who want more than just a place to gather but an activity everyone can enjoy together. The inclusion of informative live commentary and audio tours adds an educational dimension that enriches the outing. Furthermore, City Cruises’ commitment to safety, cleanliness, and outstanding customer service creates a reliable and pleasant environment for groups. Friendly and attentive staff contribute to a warm atmosphere, as highlighted by many positive guest reviews. The versatility of cruise types — from serene sightseeing to high-energy parties — caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and occasions, positioning City Cruises as a flexible and engaging venue. Overall, when compared to other meetup locations, City Cruises offers a unique blend of entertainment, culture, and relaxing ambiance that makes any group meetup feel special and memorable.
What tips will help you get the best experience at City Cruises?
To maximize your City Cruises experience when meeting up with friends or family, planning ahead is key. First, purchasing tickets online in advance saves time and guarantees your preferred cruise, especially for popular routes like the Statue of Liberty or New Year’s Eve fireworks. Consider the time of day as morning or early afternoon cruises tend to be less crowded and allow your group to enjoy the sites with more comfort. If your group includes members with dietary restrictions, make sure to communicate them to the cruise operator well before embarking to arrange suitable food options. Pack comfortable clothing and be prepared for changing weather since some areas of the boat are outdoors; layering is advisable. Finally, encourage your group to be punctual and attentive during safety briefings to ensure a smooth boarding process. Taking advantage of features like live commentary accessible via smartphones can enhance the sightseeing aspect of your trip. These small steps ensure your City Cruises meetup will be well organized, enjoyable, and memorable for all participants.
What do guests commonly say about City Cruises?
Guests consistently highlight City Cruises’ friendly and professional crew as a standout feature, which greatly enhances their experience on board. The boats are frequently described as clean and well-maintained, contributing to a comfortable environment for all ages. Many reviewers praise the live or audio commentary as informative and engaging, adding value to the city's visual landmarks seen from the water. Safety is often mentioned as a high priority, with staff attentiveness reassuring guests throughout the cruise. Special events like fireworks cruises or holiday-themed trips receive enthusiastic feedback for their festive ambiance and quality entertainment. While the vast majority of reviews are positive, some guests note that experiences may vary depending on location; for example, some Chicago cruises received criticism regarding service and food quality, suggesting it’s worth reviewing recent feedback for specific routes. Nonetheless, the general consensus is that City Cruises offers an enjoyable, unique way to explore the city and celebrate with friends or family, making it a reliably recommended choice for group outings.