From an unbeatable view of the fireworks to summertime cruises with a canine companion, Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline launched its 2023 season on May 13 with a slate of family-friendly daytime and evening cruises on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Founded in the 1930s, Mercury Cruises is a cornerstone of Chicago’s Riverwalk offering city, regional and cross-country visitors front row seats to the city’s breathtaking skyline.
To further enhance accessibility for guests, Mercury Cruises will provide complimentary language translation services for the first time. Guests will have the opportunity to listen to a pre-recorded tour narration on their smartphone in four different languages, including Spanish, French, Japanese and Korean. The translation service is accessible by downloading a free app that connects directly to a special wi-fi network onboard. The narration is triggered based on the location of the vessel at that time in the tour’s route, which will help ensure those who use the technology have the same experience as others listening to live narration.
Known for lively local tour guides, Mercury Cruises’ tours zip across the Chicago River into the heart of the city and onto Lake Michigan, offering guided narration and 360-degree, selfie-worthy views of the city’s famous skyline. The tours feature unparalleled views of iconic landmarks and skyscrapers—from the Willis Tower and Marina City to 875 N. Michigan Ave. (formerly the John Hancock Building), the St. Regis Chicago and famed lakefront Museum Campus. Professional tour guide narrations offer a local’s take on Chicago, informing guests about the city’s best dining options, sports and entertainment destinations, in addition to its storied architecture. Mercury’s vessel offers amenities to keep your family comfortable including optional climate-controlled indoor seating, restrooms and a full-service bar to complement the voyage.
Mercury Cruises, a fourth-generation family-owned and operated cruise line, has long been an important fixture in the city’s cultural landscape, serving as a lakefront respite for locals and tourists. The original Mercury company, a single speedboat operation founded by Portuguese immigrant Arthur Agra in the 1930s, was a fast success and became Chicago’s first sightseeing boat company.
2023 Schedule
Mercury Cruises offers the following daytime and evening tours, departing from 112 E. Wacker on Chicago’s Riverwalk, near the corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Priority boarding tickets are also available.
Guests may purchase tickets online at MercuryCruises.com or the Mercury Cruiseline ticket window, located at 112 E. Wacker Dr., Riverwalk level. For groups, please call 312-332-1368 or email grouptours@mercurycruises.com for special group rates and additional information.
Urban Adventure Cruise
Mercury Cruises’ signature 90-minute narrated tour dazzles guests of all ages with stunning views of Chicago’s legendary skyscrapers and bridges while gliding along the main branch of the Chicago River, through the Chicago Harbor Lock and into the downtown harbor of Lake Michigan.
-
Now through July 7
-
90-minute Cruise departs daily at 10:00am, 12:15pm, 2:30pm and select days at 4:45pm and 7:00pm.
-
-
-
Cost: $49 for adults (priority boarding) $44 for adults (general); $25 for kids under 15 (priority boarding) $20 for kids under 15 (general); free for children under five
-
-
Now through October 1
-
Departing at 10:00am, 12:15pm, 2:30pm & select days at 4:45pm & 7:00pm
-
CHICAGO BY NIGHT! Cruise
Guests will be captivated by the sparkling skyline and Buckingham Fountain’s dazzling light display on this 90-minuteriver and lakefront evening cruise featuring live narration.
-
Beginning May 27 through September 2
-
90-minute nightly cruise on select nights at 8:15pm: please visit MercuryCruises.com for departure times.
-
-
-
Cost: $55 for adults (priority boarding) $47 for adults (general boarding); $27 for kids under 15 (priority boarding) $22 for kids under 15 (general boarding); free for children under five.
-
3D Fireworks Cruise
This 2-hour cruise provides a relaxing experience along the city’s unforgettable nighttime skyline after a busy day at work, at home or out sightseeing capped off with a spectacular firework display every Wednesday and Saturday. Complimentary 3D glasses add to the viewing fun.
-
Beginning May 27 through September 2
-
2-hour Mercury’s 3D Fireworks Cruise: Departs Wednesdays at 8:15pm (river only) and Saturdays at 8:45 (lake only).
-
Cost: $55 for adults (priority boarding) $47 for adults (general boarding); $27 for kids under 15 (priority boarding) $22 for kids under 15 (general boarding); free for children under five; ticket price includes complimentary 3D Fireworks glasses.
-
Mercury’s Canine Cruise
Mercury’s Canine Cruise is Chicago’s only weekend cruise where pooches and their people embark on a 90-minute getaway with plenty of spacious outdoor seating and water bowls. The canine-centric cruise includes a narrated tour of the city’s famous skyline and dog-friendly sites such as dog parks, fire hydrants and dining hotspots. Leashes are required on this cruise.
-
Beginning July 8 through October 1 (Howl-O-Ween Cruise Dates TBA)
-
-
90-minute Cruise departs weekly at 10:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
-
Cost: $49 for adults (priority boarding) $44 for adults (general boarding); $25 for kids under 15 (priority boarding) $20 for kids under 15 (general boarding); Dogs $10and free for children under five.
-
Science Is Fun! Cruise
School, summer camp and scout groups can reserve this 90-minute science-themed cruise that gives children a memorable, educational experience through hands-on, interactive science experiments and sweeping skyline views. The cruise turns kids into scientists for the day and educates them about the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, how a skyscraper is built and the invasive species that threaten city waters.
-
Tour is available for groups only and scheduled on select weekdays by request. Individual tickets are not offered. For group reservations and additional information, please contact 312-332-1368 or grouptours@mercurycruises.com.
About Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline
Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, brings Chicago’s stunning views and vibrant culture to life through a variety of fun, narrated family-friendly cruises and special tours for both visitors and Chicagoland residents. A cornerstone of the city’s Riverwalk for more than 80 years, Mercury Cruises is a fourth generation owned and operated cruise line. It is also the sister company of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, an authentic tourism experience that explores the city’s rich architectural history through the official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise. Both cruise lines are committed to fueling their vessels with only clean energy sources. All vessels are operated by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and crew. For more information on Mercury Cruises, visit www.MercuryCruises.com or call 312-332-1353.