Cruising Tips
- Bring a jacket to enjoy the cool lake breezes.
- Leashed pets are always welcome.
- Restrooms on our tour boats are on the lower deck and are not handicapped accessible.
No Convenience Fees
or hidden charges
when you buy your tickets on our website!
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We're constantly adding new special event cruises, so check back often or subscribe to get email notification of new events.
Calendar of Events
Visit our Event Calendar for an easy view of special events.
Want some privacy?
Learn More
Host your own private event for 50 to 250 guests aboard one of our Charter vessels. Make your special event extra special, whether you are planning a casual get-together or an elegant dinner with music and dancing!
Did you know?
Sometimes our events are land based ... Shoreline Sightseeing is proud to sponsor the SHORELINE SIGHTSEEING KITE FLYING EXTRAVAGANZA every Tuesday from June 12 through August 21 (except July 3), 10:00 am to 11:30 am. It's free and open to the public, as we invite families to come fly a kite. The fun takes off at Navy Pier’s Gateway Park where Shoreline will be supplying free kites as well as fun facts and tips on successful kite flying. The program is part of the City of Chicago’s “The Art of Play – Summer in Chicago 2007”.
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Our online ticket sales are FREE OF EXTRA FEES!
Answers to Your Questions
Questions
WHERE DOES THE SKYLINE TOUR GO?
WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION DO YOU HAVE ON THE SKYLINE TOURS?
DO I NEED SKYLINE TOUR RESERVATIONS?
WHAT DO YOU COVER ON YOUR ARCHITECTURE CRUISE?
DO I NEED ARCHITECTURE CRUISE RESERVATIONS?
DO YOUR TOURS RUN IF IT RAINS?
IS IT BETTER TO CRUISE IN THE DAYTIME OR EVENING?
DO YOUR BOATS GO THROUGH THE LOCKS?
IS THERE ANYTHING TO EAT OR DRINK ON THE BOATS?
ARE THERE RESTROOMS ON THE BOATS?
ARE YOUR BOATS HANDICAP-ACCESSIBLE?
Answers
WHERE DOES THE SKYLINE TOUR GO?
We cover the entire downtown city
skyline from north to south. The six-mile trip on Lake Michigan
proceeds north past Navy Pier to the Hancock Building, east out
to the lighthouse, and south towards the Sears Tower and Museum
Campus, which includes the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of
Natural History.
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WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION DO YOU HAVE ON THE SKYLINE TOURS?
We have a professionally produced
narration that highlights special events in our city’s history
and points out landmarks on our famous skyline.
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DO I NEED SKYLINE TOUR RESERVATIONS?
Our Skyline Tours run frequently,
but reservations are still a good idea, especially in the busy
summer months. Purchasing a ticket online reserves your place and secures the price at a 5% discount. Prices may vary if you wait to purchase tickets on site. During special festivals such as Taste of Chicago, we will run
extra tours, but we cannot take reservations due to the size of
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WHAT DO YOU COVER ON YOUR ARCHITECTURE CRUISE?
The Architecture Cruise goes down the main branch of the Chicago River, up the north brand to the East Bank Club, and then south past the Sears Tower to the old Post Office Building. Each cruise is led by a professional entertaining docent who will provide detailed descriptions of more than 40 buildings seen on the river cruise. Top of page
DO I NEED ARCHITECTURE CRUISE RESERVATIONS?
Architecture Cruises often sell
out quickly, especially in the height of the summer season, so
advance reservations are strongly advised. Purchasing a ticket online reserves your place at a 5% discount of our normal pricing. Ticket prices may vary is you wait to purchase on site. Again, actual seating is on a first-come
basis. You can click here for general
information and to purchase tickets online with no extra fees.
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DO YOUR TOURS RUN IF IT RAINS?
We will usually run in the summer if it rains; not in the spring or fall. The decision to cancel is left solely to the captain to deem it unsafe to sail. If cruises are canceled due to stormy weather, or any other reason, refunds will be issued for pre-purchased tickets. Top of page
ARE YOUR BOATS COVERED?
The lower decks of the sightseeing boats are partially covered overhead. The water taxis are somewhat covered but open to the elements. Top of page
WHAT TIME IS SUNSET?
Approximate times are:
| March | 7:00pm |
| April | 7:30pm |
| May | 8:00pm |
| June | 8:30pm |
| July | 8:30pm |
| August | 7:45pm |
| September | 7:00pm |
| October | 6:15pm |
IS IT BETTER TO CRUISE IN THE DAYTIME OR EVENING?
The architectural details of our
famous buildings are more clearly visible during the day, but
many people prefer the beauty of the skyline and city lights at
night.
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DO YOUR BOATS GO THROUGH THE LOCKS?
Most Shoreline tours and cruises do not go through the locks, which adds around
30 minutes per round trip, most of which time is spent sitting
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DO YOU SERVE ALCOHOL?
Alcohol is available on most of
our boat tours.
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IS THERE ANYTHING TO EAT OR DRINK ON THE BOATS?
Drinks and small snack items are
available on most Shoreline tours.
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ARE THERE RESTROOMS ON THE BOATS?
Yes, the tour boats have restrooms;
water taxis do not.
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ARE YOUR BOATS HANDICAP-ACCESSIBLE?
The upper decks of our Chicago River Architecture Cruise boats are handicap accessible. However, our vessels are not equipped with elevators. Therefore, restrooms, which are located on the lower deck, are not handicap accessible. Additionally, the upper decks of our Architecture Cruise vessels are open and provide no protection from the elements, although we do have a light-weight awning-type covering in the event of rain. Our Skyline Lake Michigan tour boats are accessible only to wheelchairs with a narrow base and not at all to motorized vehicles. Our Water Taxis are not handicap accessible. If you have additional questions please call.
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DO YOU ALLOW DOGS ON BOARD?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on any of our tours.
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HOW LONG HAS SHORELINE BEEN IN BUSINESS?
Shoreline was founded in 1939
with one touring vessel giving Lake Michigan boat tours. We are
now in our third generation of family ownership, with the largest touring fleet in Chicago.
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WHAT ABOUT GROUP SALES?
Special rates
are available for groups of 20 or more with advance reservations.
Contact our Sales Office at 312-222-9328 and press 3 to reach group sales or
access complete information through Shoreline’s Group Sales
on our web site.
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DO YOU OFFER CHARTERS?
Yes, Shoreline offers private charters
for 50 to 250 guests aboard a choice of premier vessels. We can
handle all arrangements including bar packages, catering, music
and many charter add-ons to make your event complete. Contact our Charter Sales Director at 312.222.9328 and press 4 to reach charter sales, or visit Charters & Events at www.shorelinesightseeing.com or visit our charters website: www.shorelinechartersandevents.com.
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