Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, brings fun to the water! Get the inside scoop on Chicago’s tall buildings and taller tales aboard a variety of family-friendly cruises that cruise the Chicago River and lakefront.

Don’t miss the popular Canine Cruise, the pawfect opportunity for your favorite companion to cruise with you on Chicago’s waterways while enjoying a live narration of the city’s history and skyscrapers with dog-friendly highlights.

2022 Schedule
Chicago’s premiere sightseeing experience for epic family fun announces its 87th season schedule. Mercury Cruises offers the following daytime and evening tours, departing from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Dr, 112 E. Wacker on Chicago’s Riverwalk.

Mercury’s Canine Cruise
Named “one of the 10 best dog-friendly vacation destinations in 2021” (Chewy.com), 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 hot-spots. Leashes are required on this cruise.

The 90-minute Canine Cruise runs through October and departs weekly at 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost: $39 for adults; $17 for kids under 15; Dogs $8 and free for children under five.

Urban Adventure Cruise
Mercury Cruises’ signature tour dazzles guests with stunning views of 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. The 90-minute narrated cruise is perfect for families of all ages and offers a picture-perfect view of the famous Chicago skyline.

The tour route helps guests plan the remainder of their Chicago trip by orienting themselves to the city and offering views of other must-visit attractions. Tours feature unparalleled views of iconic landmarks and skyscrapers including: Willis Tower, Marina City, 875 N. Michigan (formerly the John Hancock Building), the St. Regis Chicago, and the famed lakefront Museum Campus. Professionally trained local tour guides offer an insider’s take on Chicago, from the best pizza options, to sports and entertainment destinations, and tips to help guests maximize their time in the city! Soft drinks, adult beverages and packaged snacks are available for sale onboard.

The 90-minute Cruise, runs through October, and departs daily at 10:15am, 12:30pm, 2:45pm and select days at 5:00pm. Cost: $42 for adults; $17 for kids under 15; free for children under five.8

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 local tour commentary. Feel the City come alive as millions of twinkling lights line the cruise route. Our vessel offers amenities to keep your family comfortable including optional climate-controlled indoor seating, restrooms and a full-service bar to complement the voyage.

The 90-minute nightly cruise, runs through October, on select nights at 8:15pm: please visit MercuryCruises.com for departure times. Cost: $42 for adults; $19 for kids under 15; free for children under five.

3D Fireworks Cruise
Join us after dinner every Wednesday and Saturday to cap off your day with a fireworks show! This cruise provides a relaxing experience after a busy day at work, at home or out sightseeing. Sit back, relax and enjoy an unbeatable view of a spectacular fireworks display. Complimentary 3D glasses add to the viewing fun. In addition to Chicago’s celebratory fireworks, this 2-hour lakefront experience will showcase our city’s unforgettable nighttime skyline.

Mercury’s 2-hour Mercury’s 3D Fireworks Cruise runs through September 3 and departs Wednesdays at 8:15pm and Saturdays at 9:00pm. Cost: $42 for adults; $19 for kids under 15; free for children under five; ticket price includes complimentary 3D Fireworks glasses.

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.

Boarding Location
Mercury Skyline Cruises departs from Chicago’s Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Look for the street-level blue awning at the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge and follow the stairs down to the Riverwalk. Discounted parking with validation is located at the Illinois Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Tour Tickets
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.