Chicago River Cruises: 4 Ways to Save Up to 35% Off

Fall in love with Chicago aboard some of the best Chicago River cruises! Delight in stunning Lake Michigan views and the captivating Chicago skyline without breaking the bank by using these money-saving discount tickets.

Wondering what a trip to Chicago will be like? Let us paint a picture of one of your days exploring the Windy City.

As the sun casts its golden hues over Lake Michigan, you’re comfortably nestled aboard a Chicago River Cruise. Sailing under the iconic Michigan Avenue bridge, your heart skips a beat as the jaw-dropping views of the Chicago skyline come into play. And with each curve of the river revealing a new spectacle, your friendly tour guides impart captivating tales of the Windy City’s rich history.

Now, wouldn’t it be even more delightful to enjoy this captivating experience without breaking the bank? Follow along as we unveil insider tips on securing discount tickets for some of the most sought-after Chicago River Cruises. Enjoy the dazzling sights of Chicago should not have while saving you a pretty penny!

Where Can I Find the Best Chicago River Cruises Discount Tickets?

Shoreline Sightseeing Boat Tour: Explore Windy City by boat with discount tickets to the Chicago Architecture River Cruise by Shoreline Sightseeing! No need to keep searching for those Shoreline Sightseeing coupons.

Immerse yourself in the city’s riveting past, acclaimed skyline, and impressive architecture, reminiscent of exhibits at the Chicago Architecture Center.

Depending on the season, this architecture tour lasts between 60 to 75 minutes and embarks from two convenient locations, Michigan Ave. or Navy Pier.

Board the boat and learn from the tour guide’s captivating stories about Chicago’s architectural prowess and the birth of modern American skyscrapers. Snap up your discounted tickets today and set sail on a Chicago adventure like no other!

Fun Fact: Ever heard of the “Chicago River blue”? Chicago is known for dyeing its iconic river blue, green, and other colors too!

Depending on the cause for celebration, from a Cubs World Series championship parade to a grand St. Patrick’s Day festival. So don’t be surprised when the river is dyed when you hop aboard Chicago River Boat Tours!

Urban Adventure Cruise: Dive into a world of epic fun with discounted tickets to the Urban Adventure Cruise!

This 90-minute river tour offers a unique vantage point to experience the world famous Chicago skyline, iconic bridges, and architectural masterpieces. Of course, local experts will join the cruise with you to provide a lively narration about Chicago’s illustrious history and its notable citizens.

Related Post: Chicago Food Tours – Ultimate Foodie Guide

Ideal for the whole family, this Chicago cruise presents the perfect opportunity to appreciate the city’s modern architecture and historic buildings in an exciting and educational way.

Secure your discount tickets to one of the best Chicago cruises today and prepare to embark on a delightful Chicago adventure!

Mercury’s Canine Cruise: Looking for an un-fur-gettable experience? Enjoy a delightful outing on Mercury’s Canine Cruise with your four-legged friend without breaking the bank when you score discount tickets to Mercury’s Canine Cruise!

Soak in Chicago’s architectural marvels and rich history as you cruise along its stunning waterways with your pooch. This dog-friendly journey offers safe outdoor seating, water bowls, and newspaper-lined restrooms for your pet’s comfort, plus a dog-friendly map to help your pet explore the neighborhood.

Grab your leash, get your discounted tickets, and prepare to embark on a paw-some adventure with your furry friend!

A sailing boat with a building behind it
photo credit: Shoreline Sightseeing via Facebook

Are There Any Other Chicago River Cruises Coupons and Discounts?

Chicago River Cruises Military Discount: Good news for our brave service members! No need to keep searching for a Chicago architecture boat tour discount.

Most Chicago river cruises, including Shoreline Sightseeing and Urban Adventure Cruise, honor your commitment with a special military discount from Monday to Thursday. Remember to bring your military ID on the day of your cruise to claim your well-deserved Chicago River cruise discount.

Chicago River Cruises AAA Discount: Unfortunately, these spectacular Chicago River cruises do not offer AAA discounts at this time, nor is there a Chicago River Cruise coupon.

Alternatively, purchase your discounted tickets through Tripster to save on travel, whether you prefer Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Urban Adventure Cruise, or Mercury’s Canine Cruise.

Chicago River Cruises Senior Discount: Although some Chicago River Cruises offer a senior rate, Architectural River Cruise Chicago by Shoreline, Urban Adventure, and Mercury’s Canin Cruise does not offer any.

Alternatively, purchase your discounted tickets through Tripster to save on travel, whether you prefer the Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Urban Adventure Cruise, or Mercury’s Canine Cruise.

Are There Any Money Saving Chicago River Cruises Vacation Packages?

Experience the best of the Windy City with a money-saving Chicago River Cruises vacation package! These packages not only give you access to an unforgettable river cruise or boat tour of your choice but also include tickets to another Chicago attraction that you’ve been yearning to explore.

Here are some of the most popular mixes and matches you can do with our Chicago River Cruise vacation package:

Where Can I Find Hotels Near Chicago River Cruises?

Most Chicago River cruises depart either from Michigan Avenue or at the Navy Pier. If you’re looking for convenience, these hotels are just steps away from the departure points of the river cruises.

So you won’t have to worry about transportation or traffic:

My Go-To Chicago River Cruises Hotel Packages: Ready for an unforgettable trip to the Windy City? Take advantage of our money-saving Chicago River Cruise hotel package! This all-inclusive deal lets you select not only the river cruise of your dreams but also your choice of Chicago hotel.

Cruise the mesmerizing waterways, marvel at the city’s world-renowned architecture, and then retreat to the comfort of your chosen hotel nestled in the heart of the city. These packages simplify planning, save you money, and allow you to fully immerse yourself in everything that Chicago has to offer:

exterior of Congress Plaza Hotel at night with neon red sign and street lamps on ground and statue of man on horse in foreground in Chicago, Illinois, USA
photo credit: Pam Pole via Facebook

What Other Attractions to Do in Chicago?

Blue Man Group Chicago: Immerse yourself in a dazzling blend of music, comedy, and multimedia artistry at Blue Man Group Chicago!

With vibrant rhythms on unique, homemade instruments, comical audience interactions, and a breathtaking visual feast of lights and colors, every moment becomes a captivating sensory experience led by the most charismatic Blue Trio you’ll ever meet!

Chicago’s Ultimate City Bike Tour: Cruise through the heart of the Windy City with Bobby’s Bike Hike, one of America’s leading city bicycle tour operators.

This thrilling 2.5-hour Chicago Bike Ride promises an unforgettable picture of Chicago’s architectural gems and verdant landscapes.

Ideal for the adventurous traveler looking to stay active while drinking in the city’s sights, this bike tour offers a fun, fitness-friendly way to pack a multitude of must-see landmarks into your Chicago itinerary.

Art Institute of Chicago Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: Step into a world of artistic wonder with the Skip-the-Line Guided Tour at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Bypass queues and dive straight into the Institute’s diverse treasure trove, where your knowledgeable guide will weave tales behind the masterpieces that span 5,000 years. More than just a museum visit, this tour is your fast-track ticket to an immersive art odyssey!

Woman looking at a piece of art while others look at more art along other walls

Don’t Just Take My Word For It: Read Chicago River Cruises Reviews

Want to find out what other readers think of Chicago River Cruises? Check out the most recent River Cruise Chicago reviews:

From discounted tickets to handy tips, hopefully, you’ve found all the information you need to make your Chicago River Cruise an unforgettable experience!

And remember, whether you’re bringing your canine companion, planning a family outing, or seeking a romantic evening cruise, there’s a perfect cruise waiting just for you. Book Chicago Boat Tours on Tripster while discounts are on!

Chicago River Cruise FAQs

Before packing your picnic, it's best to confirm with the specific cruise line you’re eyeing about their policy on outside food.

However, most cruises, including Chicago Architecture River Cruise, Urban Adventure Cruise, and Mercury's Canine Cruise, offer snacks and drinks for purchase during the voyage. Mercury’s Canine Cruise also offers tasty treats for your four-legged furry friend!

There are numerous parking garages available near both the Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier departure points, though availability and prices vary.

LAZ Parking Garage at 111 E. Wacker Drive is one of the closest parking spaces. Discount rates are available if you have tickets to Mercury's Canine Cruise. To ensure a stress-free start to your cruise, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before boarding time.

Chicago River cruises typically leave from docks along the Chicago Riverwalk, near popular landmarks like Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

Some companies, like Shoreline Sightseeing, also offer Shoreline Cruises in Chicago from Navy Pier. You can check the specific departure location for your chosen cruise on the company's website or when booking your tickets.

The duration of a Chicago Riverboat tour can vary depending on the company and the type of tour you choose. Most architecture tours last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, covering the main branches of the river and highlighting iconic buildings.

There are also shorter options and specialized tours, such as sunset or cocktail cruises, that may have different durations.

Yes, Chicago River tours are worth it for first-time visitors and architecture enthusiasts alike. It offers a unique perspective of the city's iconic skyline and landmarks, providing interesting insights into the history and architecture of Chicago.

Many consider it a must-do activity, especially for those interested in photography, history, or simply enjoying a relaxing boat ride on the river.

Have You Taken a Chicago River Cruise?

Tell us about your experience! Leave us a comment below!

PS: These are affiliate products, so if you choose to buy, Tripster might earn a commission.


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Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...


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