Odyssey Chicago River Fireworks Dinner Cruise-City Experiences

Summary Description

Savor every unforgettable moment aboard Odyssey Chicago River Fireworks Dinner Cruise. Board our newest boat Odyssey Chicago River. Delight in upscale, sophisticated dining and entertainment during a dinner cruise on the Chicago River, and watch the sun set between the infamous Chicago skyscrapers. Watch the city drift by from your table, or head to the outdoor observation deck and take in the breathtaking views. Relax with some light music and take in stunning views from the outdoor deck. Near the end of your cruise, the sky above the lakefront will fill with spectacular displays of color and the thundering sounds of Navy Pier's outstanding fireworks show. (fireworks display dependent on weather conditions).

Description

Discover fine dining, upscale entertainment and unparalleled riverfront views aboard the brand new Odyssey Chicago River! The Odyssey Chicago River is a brand new, glass enclosed boat, exclusively on the Chicago River – being the first of its kind! This beautiful glass ship provides panoramic views of the Chicago River and its famous architecture right from your table all year round! Included is 3-course plated meal, entertainment, outdoor lounge, high-end table side service, and 3-hour cruise with the best views of the Chicago River! Your Chicago Dinner Cruise experience will include a spectacular fireworks display on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You will observe the show from the decks of the ship and see the magnificent sky lit up at night.

For an experience that begins well before the cruise departs, arrive early dressed to impress! Explore and enjoy the beautiful Chicago Riverwalk as it comes to life, with remarkable views that offer a taste of the experience to come. This river cruise will depart from the dock near NBC tower on Chicago's revitalized River Esplanade 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive., between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.

The Captain and crew will greet you as you step aboard, and the ship's photographer will record the moment for your party. Once on deck, your host will greet you and escort you to your table, where your wait staff will introduce themselves and give you the opportunity to decide how you'd like them to pace your service. This dinner cruise offers a unique setting with its gorgeous glass enclosed design, to showcase Chicago's incredible architecture.

A celebrity-chef inspired menu of seasonal hors d'oeuvres, entrées, accompaniments and desserts is freshly prepared onboard daily, Complement your sumptuous meal with a drink from the new full service bar featuring an expanded microbrew selection, creative new cocktails and a refreshed wine list (own expense). DJ entertainment will set the mood for an unforgettable evening on the water.

Chicago Fireworks Dinner Cruise

In the summer months, starting May 29th-August 31st upgrade your Chicago Dinner Cruise experience to include a spectacular fireworks display on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You will observe the show from the decks of the ship and see the magnificent sky lit up at night.

Please see below for a sample menu:

First Course: (choice of one)

Caesar Salad Buttermilk Caesar Dressing | Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese | Herb Croutons | Italian Parsley

Lobster Soup Brioche Croutons | Scallions

Entree: (choice of one)

Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes Sweet Corn, Red Bell Pepper & Thyme Succotash | Cajun Cream Sauce

Maple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast Fingerling Potatoes & Chives | Haricot Verts | Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce

Braised Beef Short Rib Idaho Potato & Horseradish Mash | Baby Carrots | Pearl Onions & English Peas | Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce

Jumbo Forest Mushroom Ravioli Spanish Red Lentils & Sage | Arugula | Shallot’s | Toasted Walnuts | Basil Oil

Dessert: (choice of one)

Eli’s Original Cheesecake Strawberry Sauce

Duo of Sorbet Seasonal Sorbet | Fresh Cut Fruit

Chocolate Decadent Cake Mixed Berries | Raspberry Sauce

Odyssey Signature Warm Butter Cake Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | Blackberry Sauce

Start / End Location

Start Location: 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Dr., Chicago, IL, 60611

Start Location Notes: Preferred Parking The closest parking garage to Odyssey Chicago River is located at 219/225 E. North Water Street, on the LOWER level. For your convenience, we have secured discounted cruise parking rates. This is the preferred lot for Odyssey Chicago River. Please read below for more details regarding directions, rates, validation and additional parking options. NOTE: This is the outdoor parking lot. If you pull into an indoor NBC Parking Garage with a garage door entry, this is not the correct garage and you WILL NOT receive a validated parking rate. GPS is notoriously unreliable on the lower levels, please familiarize yourself with some helpful tips: There are two entrances to the preferred parking lot located at 219/225 E. North Water Street. PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS AN OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. One entrance can be accessed at intersection of lower E. North Water and lower St. Clair. The entry gate is located on the south side of the intersection. Look for the black sign reading “NBC Tower Parking” in white text. You will also see black and red signs for Legacy Parking. The second entrance to the lot can be accessed if you continue traveling east on E. North Water St. You will reach the entrance, which is on the south side of the street. Note, this is not a covered garage. You may also enter if you are coming from the intersection of Columbus and Illinois St. PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS AN OUTDOOR PARKING LOT. Take Illinois St. east for roughly 2 blocks, until you reach N McClurg Ct. Make a right on McClurg Ct, and continue driving south. Take your first right onto E. North Water, and continue traveling west down E. North Water St. into the "underground tunnel". Once you are "underground," continue driving west on E. North Water St. for roughly 2 blocks and the facility entrance will be on the south side (left-hand side) of E. North Water St. The entrance to the lot will have a black sign stating "NBC Tower Parking LEGACY PARKING". Please note, you are parking in an OPEN LOT, not an indoor garage. Validated Rates Early Lunch Rate — $20.00 In between 9 a.m. and out before 4 p.m. Lunch Rate — $16.00 In between 11 a.m. and out before 4 p.m. Cocktail Rate — $16.00 In between 11 a.m. and out before 1 a.m. Dinner Rate — $12.00 In between 5 p.m. and out before 1 a.m. Validation Process Please refer to the directions below for how to validate your parking ticket at the 219/225 E. North Water Street garage. Validation is necessary to receive the discounted rate. Simply self park within the discounted hours that best accommodate your cruise. Provide your ticket to the agent at the Odyssey Chicago River ticket booth who will provide validation. When you insert the ticket at any of the payment machines after your cruise, your rate will be automatically discounted to the applicable rate listed above. Additional Parking Options We have secured additional discounted parking at the lot located at 201 E. Illinois St., on the LOWER level. The same rates and times listed above are valid for this garage as well. Parking validations directions are the same. Additional nearby parking is located at 284 E. North Water Street, however, this is not discounted.

Start Location Direction: Drop Off If you are arriving by ride-share or taxi, we recommend asking your ride to drop you off at the Cityfront Plaza roundabout between NBC Tower and the Gleacher Center. There are stairs on the south side of the roundabout, closest to the river. You’ll find the Odyssey Chicago River ticket booth at the bottom of the stairs.

Safety Measures

Covid 19 Safety Measures

Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Know before you book

-Fireworks display dependent on weather conditions

Know before you go

-Valid photo ID required

Cancellation

Cancellation Policy: none

Cancellation Cut-off: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: All sales are final.

Additional Information

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
All interior areas of the ship are non-smoking. Guests who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks only
FIREWORK CRUISES
View the spectacular fireworks display with the world famous Chicago Skyline as a backdrop for your unforgettable evening.
Firework Schedule from Memorial Day - Labor Day
Odyssey can be your opportunity to dress up. For women, cocktail wear, a dress, or dressy-casual attire is appropriate. For men, collared shirts and dress pants are recommended. Dressier jeans are acceptable. However, casual jeans, t-shirts, athletic shoes, or flip flops are discouraged.

Required to bring: Valid photo ID

Redemption Information

Voucher Info

On the day of the cruise, Guest will check in at the ticket booth at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Voucher and photo identification is required to check in.

Tickets will be held at the box office

FAQ

What payment options do I have?

PLEASE NOTE: Only credit cards will be accepted for additional on-board purchases.

Are your ships wheelchair accessible?

There is an accessible outdoor elevator that allows easy access to the lower riverwalk level where our ship is docked. The elevator is located between the ship and the new Apple store, just south of the Gleacher Center. The restrooms aboard Odyssey Chicago River are located on the interior, lower level of the vessel. The vessel is not equipped with a wheelchair elevator, however, it does have a portable wheelchair stair master that accommodates manual, standard wheelchairs only. Please note, we do have a manual, standard wheelchair onsite to be used with the lift should it be needed.
*Please call 888-345-6660 to discuss any accessibility concerns and ensure that you are seated on an accessible deck.

Is there entertainment onboard?

Yes! While boarding and dining, you'll enjoy some light music that will whisk you away to a more relaxed state and help you unwind. After dining, our DJ will turn up the tunes, spin some recognizable favorites, and encourage guests to make their way to do the dance floor. If you're not in the mood for dancing, our outdoor decks are a perfect place to relax with some light music and take in Chicago's world-famous skyline.

What attire do you recommend?

Odyssey can be your opportunity to dress up! For women, cocktail wear, a dress or dressy-casual attire is appropriate. For men, collared shirts and dress pants are recommended. Dressy jeans are acceptable. Casual jeans, t-shirts, athletic shoes or flip flops are discouraged.

What is the difference between "Boarding Time" and "Cruising Time" ?

"Boarding Time" is the earliest you and your guests may board the ship. You are free to board any time after that up until the "Cruise Time." The ship will leave port at the "Cruise Time." We recommend allowing plenty of time for parking and getting to the ship. The ship leaves promptly at the listed “Cruise Time” and passengers will not be able to board once the ship sets sail.

What is your rescheduling policy?

All cruise tickets are non-refundable. All Specialty and Holiday Cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Are children allowed?

Children are allowed on all cruises.

Do you offer any children discounts?

There are no children discounts for dinner cruises. On all cruises, children 2 and under are complimentary but require a boarding ticket so please mention when making a reservation. Discounts may not offered on fireworks cruises.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Please check our menu for our vegetarian options. While we offer gluten and allergy free products and gluten sensitive menu items, we openly handle several allergens throughout our galleys. While we take precautions to keep ingredients separate, we cannot guarantee a gluten free environment. We do not have separate prep surfaces, cook tops or equipment. Our chef prepare and cook in common areas with shared equipment, therefore the items may come in contact with other food products. If you have any other special dietary concerns, please contact your event planner or guest services at 866-305-2469.

Is smoking allowed on the cruise?

Smoking is allowed on our observation deck.

Where do I pick up my tickets?

Your tickets will be at the Odyssey Ticket Booth, located next to the ship. For your convenience, you can pick up your tickets 30 minutes prior to boarding.

What kind of security check is required when I pick up my tickets and board the ship?

Your photo identification and reservation number are required at our Ticket Booth when picking up your tickets. In accordance with US Coast Guard Regulation, all passengers and their belongings being brought on to our vessels are subject to search and screening. In order to expedite the boarding process we ask that you please do not bring any unnecessary bags on board and please make sure that all gifts are in gift bags or unwrapped for easy screening.

What if it rains or snows?

Odyssey will cruise in most weather conditions all year round. Each enclosed deck is climate-controlled and the weather will not affect your cruise. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, the ship will remain dockside for the length of the event.