Spirit Cruises--Enjoy the Chicago Skyline

There is only one way to really enjoy the Chicago skyline and that is on Lake Michigan.  We took took the Spirit Cruises Lunch Cruise to see the best views of the Navy Pier with its huge ferris wheel, Museum Campus, Soldier Field, the Chicago Lighthouse and the iconic Willis Tower.

We were excited to see the Spirit of Chicago docked alongside Navy Pier on our trip to Chicago.  Since we had tickets to the lunch cruise, we had time to walk around Navy Pier a bit before and after the cruise, and before we headed out to Tommy Guns Dinner Theatre.

This isn't a tiny little tour boat, either.  The Spirit of Chicago can hold groups of up to 600!  With three indoor climate-controlled decks and the observation decks there is plenty of room to move around.    With two hours to spend at your leisure you'll be able to relax and stand at the rail to enjoy the breeze and the view, stroll along the decks or go and dance on the dance floor to music from some of the hottest interactive DJs in the city.  Enjoy top 40s hits from various genres and styles and "rock until you dock."

And, of course, remember that "lunch" in lunch cruise.  Enjoy the buffet style lunch, which is served on all decks so the lines don't get out of hand.  Partake of crisp salads with organic mixed field greens, organic spinach and kale, or Mediterranean couscous and chickpeas. Entrees include roast salmon and tilapia with a garlic parsley crust, chicken Parmesan meatballs seasoned with thyme and oregano, or baked ziti with a cream spinach sauce and Parmesan cheese.

And make sure you save room for dessert.  Enjoy mini pastries, cookies, brownies, and seasonal fruit.  When we went we were treated to a bottle of bubbly.

The dress code is fairly casual, it is suggested that men where slacks and a polo or button down shirt and for women nice slacks, capri pants, or a sundress.  They do discourage collarless t-shirts, jeans, shorts, and sneakers.  And depending on the time of year be sure to bring a jacket or a sweater if you are going to spend time on the outdoor decks.

And relax.

Make sure you check out the specialty cruises as well.  On New Year's Eve they have both a family lunch cruise and and evening cruise to view the fireworks.  Use Chicago Navy Pier's fireworks schedule  and plan your cruise to enjoy this very special view of the fireworks.  They also have full moon cruises, special holiday cruises in December, and Air and Water Show cruises during the summer.  And, imagine this, you can even plan your wedding on the the Spirit of Chicago.

With spectacular views even on a foggy day.

So when you visit Chicago, don't forget that the Spirit of Chicago is available for the best views of the Chicago skyline and some festive fun.

(Disclosure: Spirit Cruises hosted us for a lunch cruise,  which we really enjoyed.)