CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady | Chicago Architecture Center (2024)

FAQs

How long is the River Cruise in Chicago Architecture Center? ›

Explore Chicago's iconic architecture aboard TripAdvisor's #1 rated boat tour of the city. The only Chicago River cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), Chicago's First Lady Cruises offers visitors the city's most engaging 90-minute architectural tour experience.

We suggest you wear casual attire on our Chicago architecture boat tour.

Lauded as a “must-do” activity by locals and tourists alike, the 90-minute CAC River Cruise aboard Chicago's First Lady glides down all three branches of the Chicago River, providing guests with an unobstructed, open-air, 360-degree view of the city's wide variety of architectural styles, including art deco, ...

We purchased a combo ticket for going up in the tram to the Gateway Arch, and then taking an hour long Riverboat cruise. It was an easy 5 minute walk from the Arch, but did go down about 25 steps.

Casting off

Our Architecture River Tours depart from two docks, one at Michigan Avenue and the other at Navy Pier.

Admission to the CAC is $14 for adults, $10 for students with ID and free for CAC members and children under age 5.

Adults $49. Seniors $48. Youths $30 (7-12 years old) Children 6 and under Free.

Led by the Chicago Architecture Center's expertly trained docent volunteers, this 90-minute cruise reveals fascinating stories behind Chicago's majestic buildings in a way no other tour can.

If you're bringing the whole family, a 5 or 7 day cruise might be the best way to make sure everyone has an awesome getaway. And for those lucky folks with even more time to spare, a cruise of 10 days or more will give you an incredible experience of all the best things a cruise has to offer.

How long should you go on your first cruise? ›

What's the ideal cruise length for a first-timer? A week or so is the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers, which will offer three to six ports. Three-day sampler itineraries won't allow you to explore more than one or two destinations, and you can't decompress as thoroughly, either.

Embarkation: It's when you board your cruise ship at the beginning of your trip. Port of call: A port of call is a destination on your cruise and where you'll likely be able to enjoy shore excursions.

If you're the type of person who prefers to vacation at a large resort that has everything you want and you don't have to leave, you'll probably prefer an ocean cruise, but if you're someone who likes to spend your vacation days exploring places you've never been to before—while also enjoying all the benefits of a ...

The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks. Like to be near all the action? Most mega-ships place their lido (pool) areas on higher decks.

Located on the south bank of the Chicago River, the award-winning, pedestrian-friendly Chicago Riverwalk stretches 1.25 miles from Lake Michigan to Lake Street. Along the way you'll discover intimate coves, breezy cafes, wineries and bars, public art, monuments, museums, and a boatload of excursions on the water.

Take Shoreline's award-winning 75-minute Architecture River Tour to discover Chicago's renowned landmarks as presented by our expert and entertaining guides.

Free to the public | Hours 6 am - 11 pm. The 1.25-mile long path has been constructed in phases over time and includes four distinct districts; The Confluence, The Arcade, The Civic, and the Esplanade.

A river cruise can be defined as:

A form of leisure travel that takes guests along inland waterways. Usually there are several port stops over the course of each passage. Typical river cruises often last longer than a week. Carry anywhere from 100 to 250 guests, depending on the ship size.

The Na'vi River Journey is a 4½-minute boat ride through the Pandora jungle.