Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline

From an unbeatable view of the fireworks to summertime cruises with a canine companion, Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline launched its 2024 season on May 24 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.

2024 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.

Through October 14

90-minute Cruise departs
Monday – Thursday at 10:15am, 12:15pm, 2:15pm, 4:15pm & 6:15pm;
Friday at 11:15am, 1:30pm, 3:45pm, & 6:00pm;
Saturday – Sunday at 1:30pm, 3:45pm, & 6:00pm;
and select weekends at 10:15am, 12:15pm, 2:30pm, 4:45pm, & 7:00pm.

Cost: $47 for adults (priority boarding) $42 for adults (general); $24 for kids under 15 (priority boarding) $19 for kids under 15 (general); free for children under five

CHICAGO BY NIGHT! Cruise

Guests will be captivated by the sparkling skyline and Buckingham Fountain’s dazzling light display on this 90-minute river and lakefront evening cruise featuring live narration.

Through October 14

90-minute nightly cruise on Monday, Thursday, Friday, & Sunday at 8:15pm.

Cost: $47 for adults (priority boarding) $42 for adults (general boarding); $24 for kids under 15 (priority boarding) $19 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.

Through August 31

2-hour Mercury’s 3D Fireworks Cruise (cruises the lake only): Departs Wednesday at 8:00pm and Saturday at 8:30 (Saturday tours are approximately 2.5 hours, depending on harbor lock traffic).

Cost: $59 for adults (priority boarding) $49 for adults (general boarding); $34 for kids under 15 (priority boarding) $24 for kids under 15 (general boarding); free for children under five; ticket price includes complimentary 3D Fireworks glasses.

Creepy Cruise

From mysterious sightings, creepy haunts, mobsters and more, you’ll hear stories of Chicago’s darker side on our newest nighttime tour. Cruise the Chicago River amidst twilight tales of the city you never knew existed… and might wish you could forget.

Through October 13

90-minute nighttime lake and river cruise: Departs Friday at 9:00pm & Saturday at 9:30.

Cost: $47 for adults (priority boarding) $42 for adults (general boarding); $24 for kids under 15 (priority boarding) $19 for kids under 15 (general boarding); free for children under five.

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.

Through October 13 (Howl-O-Ween Cruise Dates TBA)

90-minute Cruise departs Saturday & Sunday at 11:15am.

Cost: $47 for adults (priority boarding) $42 for adults (general boarding); $24 for kids under 15 (priority boarding) $19 for kids under 15 (general boarding); Dogs $10 and 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.