LESS THAN 20 IN YOUR PARTY?
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This summer, bring your group aboard Spirit for a vibrant and theatrical dining cruise experience. Enjoy a delicious grande buffet, engaging entertainment and dancing, with cruises that fit every budget.
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FAQS
What is the dress attire?
Dress to enjoy the vibrant, theatrical dining experience that is Spirit of Chicago. Please see our recommended dress by cruise type below.
Dinner Cruises:
For evening cruises, appropriate attire is business casual to dressy. Men traditionally wear slacks and sport coats, with or without ties. Women wear dresses or nice pants. We do not recommend T-shirts, jeans, shorts or sneakers in the evening.
Lunch Midday Cruises:
Afternoon cruises are generally more relaxed and casual attire is fine.
What is the difference between “Boarding Time” & “Cruising Time”?
“Boarding Time” is the earliest you and your guests may board the ship. Our lunch cruises typically begin boarding one half hour prior to boarding and our dinner cruises an hour prior.
You are free to board anytime after that up until the “Cruise Time”. The ship will leave port at the “Cruise Time”. No boarding will be allowed once the ship has set sail.
May I bring my own camera or photographer on board?
Guests are more than welcome to bring their own camera for personal pictures aboard the ship. In addition, as you are boarding, the ship’s photographer records the moment for your entire party. These photos may be pre-purchased for your group or purchased independently upon departure. If your group has purchased a full deck or full ship charter you may bring your own photographer on board.
What is your cancellation policy?
All purchases are final and non-refundable. We cruise rain or shine throughout the year.
Are there any age requirements to cruise?
Children are welcome on most of our cruises. Children under 3 are complimentary and a 50% discount is offered for children between the ages of 3 and 11 on our standard Brunch and Lunch Cruises. A discount is not available for our Dinner Cruises. No one under the age of 21 will be permitted on our Moonlight Cruises.
Is there a coat check available onboard the ship?
Coat Check Service is available for purchase for deck and ship charters.
Is the vessel Coast Guard certified?
The Spirit of Chicago is Coast Guard certified and regularly maintained to adhere to strict safety regulations.
What is our cruise route?
Sailing routes may vary. Weather permitting, Spirit of Chicago cruises south along the lake shore, past the Adler Planetarium, north to Montrose harbor, then returns south to Navy Pier. All the while, offering unmatched views of our world-famous skyline, from the Sears Tower, to the John Hancock, to the Museum Campus, Aon Center and more.
What type of Entertainment do you have?
Day or night, the Spirit is alive with entertainment. Your cruise begins with streamers and a Bon Voyage celebration at your table. Intermittent live song performances as well as subtle background music will accompany the dining portion of your cruise. After dessert, Spirit’ star-quality performers stage a live song-and-dance revue, followed by pulsing dance hits played by some of the city’s hottest DJs. For groups chartering a deck or a full ship, a DJ or customized entertainment is also available.
Do you offer Gift Certificates?
Yes, Gift Certificates are available for purchase in increments of $50, $100, $250 and $500 or for any cruise type. Certificates for specific cruise types are not valid for holidays or special events.
What size groups can the Spirit of Chicago accommodate?
Spirit of Chicago can host up to 600 guests.
Is the vessel handicap accessible?
Yes, the second deck on our ship (Jubilee Deck) is wheelchair accessible and provides handicap-accessible restrooms. It is important that you inform us in advance if you are bringing guests in wheelchairs or guests who may need special assistance in any way so that we can ensure seating on our second deck.
Can we bring wrapped gifts or packages onboard?
Yes, you can. Please be aware that Spirit has the right to inspect all bags and packages prior to boarding.
Is there a phone on board that receives calls? Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
The Spirit of Chicago does not have a phone for use by guests. However, most cellular services are available on the water. For the comfort of other guests, we recommend cell phone use on the outside decks only.
How can I make reservations?
For parties of 20 or more, please contact our group sales department at 866.391.8439 or complete our group questionnaire.
Are there restrooms on board Spirit of Chicago?
Yes, restrooms are located on every enclosed dining room on the ship.
When does the season end?
Spirit of Chicago cruises all year round! In fact, December is one of our most popular months due to the many Holiday Parties we have aboard. We also cruise for both New Year’s Eve and Valentines Day!
Can you tell me a little about the ship?
The Spirit of Chicago is spaciously designed with three climate-controlled interior decks, outdoor strolling decks at the bow and stern, and the largest outdoor patio deck in Chicago topside. It is a handicap accessible and Coast Guard approved vessel for up to 700 passengers. Amenities include full service bars, two dance floors (or staging areas), spacious restrooms, flexible seating arrangements and huge panoramic windows.
Is smoking allowed on the cruise?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking. Guests who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks only.
Can I get my group’s tickets in advance?
For parties over 20, tickets can be sent in advance to the planner once the cruise is paid in full. Alternatively, the organizer can pick up tickets for the group at the ticket booth or can provide a guest list to Spirit Cruises allowing their guests to pick up tickets individually. Photo Identification is required to pick up tickets at the ticket booth.
Do you sail in inclement weather? What if it rains or snows?
Spirit of Chicago will cruise in most weather conditions all-year round. Each enclosed deck is climate controlled for your comfort. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the US Coast Guard, the ship will remain dockside for the length of the event.
