Sunday brunch, but on the water. This City Cruises Chicago Premier Plus cruise mixes unlimited mimosas and a narrated architecture cruise along the Chicago River. You get a climate-controlled interior deck, plus time to look out from prime waterfront angles while the city’s biggest landmarks slide past.

Two things I really like about this setup: the bottomless mimosas that keep the vibe going for the 2-hour ride, and the steady flow of landmark narration with music between sights. One potential drawback to consider is that this is a premium price for a plated brunch—if you’re expecting a huge, fast-fed meal, some people have felt the portions and timing don’t match the cost.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Unlimited mimosas for guests 21+ with valid ID, with the drink service built into the brunch experience
• 3-course plated brunch menu served during the cruise, not a buffet scramble
• Climate-controlled interior deck for Chicago weather (and yes, you may still want a light layer)
• Major skyline landmarks on the main and south branches of the Chicago River
• Narrated tour with ambient music between stops, so you get context without total silence
• Max 200 travelers, which helps keep it from feeling like a cattle car

Boarding at Cityfront Plaza: the part that can make or break your trip

Your Premier Plus brunch cruise starts at 455 Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL 60611, with a 11:30 am departure. Boarding begins 30 minutes before, and you really do want to be there early—late arrivals can miss the boat.

I like this meeting point because it’s straightforward once you’re there, and it’s near public transportation. Still, Chicago is a city of stairs, turns, and construction zones, so give yourself extra time to find the exact boarding area and get settled before your drink service kicks off.

One more practical tip: even though the deck is air-conditioned, you might feel chilly once you’re in the cabin and moving less than you would on foot. Bring something light you can wear without turning your brunch into a coat-gear production.

The Premier Plus brunch deal: 3 courses, plated service, and bottomless mimosas

This is a real brunch meal, not just snacks. You’re getting a chef-prepared 3-course, plated menu, served while you’re cruising. That matters because you’re less stuck “choosing and grabbing,” and more focused on eating at a table while landmarks pass.

Then there’s the headline: unlimited mimosas. If you’re the type who enjoys a couple drinks and a relaxed pace, this is a strong value layer because the cost includes the drink experience. It’s also a clear rule: mimosas are 21+ with valid ID—so if you’re bringing kids or teens, plan on them eating from the brunch menu while adults handle the drink portion.

One balanced note: the cruise is priced as a premium experience, and some diners have said the food felt limited for what they paid or arrived slowly. Many others have praised the meal quality and service flow, including favorites like French toast. My advice: if you tend to eat slowly or you have a bigger appetite, plan to savor your first course and don’t expect everything to hit the table instantly.

Also important: there’s a cash bar for items like cocktails, wine, and beer, and those aren’t included. So if you want something beyond mimosas, factor that into your budget.

The Chicago River route: main + south branches and why you should expect variations

The cruise journeys along the main and south branches of the Chicago River. From your seat, you’ll get those classic “city views from moving water” moments—skylines, bridges, and tall buildings sliding by at a comfortable pace.

The one thing that can change: if the river has high traffic or if weather gets severe, the cruise route may be modified. That doesn’t usually ruin the experience, but it can shift which skyline angles you see most clearly.

I like the overall pacing because this isn’t a long expedition. It’s about 2 hours approx., which means you can keep the rest of your day easy—ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or a friend trip that mixes sightseeing with a true seated meal.

Tribune Tower: the neo-Gothic moment you’ll recognize fast

One of the key stops is the Tribune Tower. This landmark is a 463-foot-tall, 36-floor neo-Gothic skyscraper at 435 North Michigan Avenue.

From the river, what makes this stop fun is the contrast: you’re floating on water while you’re basically staring up at an old-world style of architecture. It’s also the kind of building you can point out instantly later, because the Tribune Tower is one of those Chicago icons that people already associate with the city’s identity.

If you like photos, aim for a view angle where the tower fills more of the frame than the surrounding buildings. Early on, you’ll be fresh, drinks will be starting, and you’ll have the clearest focus before the deck gets louder.

Wrigley Building across Michigan Avenue: a straight shot you don’t want to miss

Right across from the Tribune Tower area is the Wrigley Building, located at 400–410 North Michigan Avenue on the Magnificent Mile. It’s easy to connect these two because the Wrigley Building sits directly across Michigan Avenue from the Tribune Tower.

On the cruise, this is where the architecture narration really helps. Without a quick guide, it’s just tall buildings. With context, you start seeing why these structures feel different—same corridor, different statement.

This is also a great stop for people-watching. You’ll see the cruise go from sightseeing mode to photo mode as you recognize what you’re seeing and realize you’ve got a front-row seat from the water.

Merchandise Mart: scale and Art Deco angles at the river junction

Next up is the Merchandise Mart, a major downtown building positioned at the junction of the Chicago River’s branches. When it opened in 1930, it was the world’s largest building, at 4 million square feet, and it’s known for its Art Deco design.

Why this stop is worth your attention: it’s not just a tall building moment. It’s a “this city loves big scale” moment. Seeing it from the water also helps you grasp how the river splits and recombines around downtown.

If you want more than pictures, treat this stop like a geography lesson. Watch the river split logic while the guide ties the architecture into the setting. Even if you’re not an architecture nerd, it makes the cruise feel smarter, not just scenic.

Willis Tower from the Loop: the skyline photo most people aim for

The cruise includes the Willis Tower, originally called the Sears Tower, in Chicago’s Loop area. It’s 110 stories and 1,451 feet tall.

This is your big skyline payoff. You’ll likely see people drifting toward the rail area with phones up, because the Willis Tower is the kind of landmark that reads instantly in a photo. It’s also one of the easiest to use as a “time check” landmark—you’ll know the cruise is moving toward its most iconic view moments when you see it.

If you’re traveling with someone who just wants the skyline without too much commentary, Willis Tower is often the best balance point: you get the landmark, then you get space to enjoy it as the boat continues.

Service pace, music, and how loud the experience can get

The tour combines a narrated architecture presentation with ambient music between landmarks. That’s designed to keep the experience from feeling like a lecture. In practice, the sound mix can affect your comfort: if you want quiet conversation the whole time, narration may take more space than you’d like.

Service is another mixed bag depending on the day and how your meal timing lines up with the cruise. Many people praise friendly, attentive staff and mimosas kept full. Others have reported slower service when the main entrée took time to arrive.

Here’s the practical way to handle that: once you board, settle in, eat at a steady pace, and don’t treat this like a fast lunch break. The experience is built around cruising + brunch + sightseeing context, so you’ll enjoy it more if you match your expectations to that rhythm.

Also, the deck setup matters. There’s inside seating in A/C, and you can likely move around for photos. On a boat, movement is limited compared to walking around a neighborhood, so don’t wait until the perfect second if you want the shot.

Who this cruise is best for (and who might want a different option)

This Premier Plus cruise fits best if you want a low-effort way to see Chicago’s big landmarks with a true seated meal and included mimosas.

You’ll probably love it if:

• you’re going for a birthday, anniversary, or girls trip where drinks and views are the point
• you like guided structure but not a heavy lecture style
• you want a weather-smart option thanks to the climate-controlled deck
• your group can share a table and enjoy a lively experience

You might skip it if:

• you eat a lot and worry about portion size versus premium pricing
• you prefer a calmer atmosphere with minimal narration
• you’re someone who gets impatient with meal pacing on a moving boat

Staff names come up in feedback—Leslie and Artisha get called out for keeping mimosas filled and making the experience feel special, while Edward and the kitchen team member Michelle are mentioned in positive ways. Those details signal that service quality can vary by shift, but the company clearly aims for a high-touch brunch vibe.

Value check for $84.74: when the price feels fair

At $84.74 per person, this isn’t a budget brunch. The value only makes sense if you’ll take advantage of what’s included: the 3-course plated menu plus unlimited mimosas during the cruise.

So here’s how I’d judge the deal before you book:

• If you’ll drink mimosas and enjoy being served rather than hunting food: this can feel worth it.
• If you don’t drink much, or you’re mainly chasing a big-volume meal: you may feel it’s overpriced.
• If you’re sensitive to slow service timing: build in patience and come hungry—but not in a rush.

I also like that the cruise limits group size to 200, which should help keep the experience from turning into pure chaos. Still, boats can get loud, especially with music and a full deck.

Should you book City Cruises Chicago Premier Plus Brunch?

Book it if you want a classic Chicago skyline + river architecture cruise with a real plated brunch and included unlimited mimosas in a comfortable indoor setting. It’s a strong choice for celebrations, friend groups, and anyone who wants to feel taken care of without coordinating a complicated itinerary.

Pass or look for another option if you’re price-sensitive, you want a bigger-feeling meal, or you dislike narration-heavy experiences. And if you do book, plan your timing like a pro: arrive early for boarding, dress for cocktail attire, and bring a light layer so you’re comfortable in the A/C.

FAQ

What’s included in the Premier Plus brunch cruise?

You get unlimited mimosas for eligible guests, a chef-prepared 3-course plated brunch menu, scenic Chicago River views, narrated tour with ambient music between landmarks, and a climate-controlled interior deck.

Are the mimosas really unlimited?

Yes. Mimosas are unlimited, but guests must be 21 or older and show valid ID.

How long is the cruise, and when does it start?

The cruise runs about 2 hours and starts at 11:30 am. Boarding begins 30 minutes prior.

Where do I meet for boarding?

Meet at 455 Cityfront Plaza Dr, Chicago, IL 60611. The cruise ends back at the meeting point.

What isn’t included in the price?

A cash bar is available, but creative cocktails, wine, and beer are not included.

Can the cruise accommodate dietary restrictions?

They do their best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Let them know your needs ahead of time if you have specific requirements.

What if weather is bad or plans change?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.