Spirit of Chicago FAQs
Before you cruise, let us answer some important questions for you!
Attire. What is the dress code on the Spirit of Chicago?
Dinner Cruises - For men, appropriate attire includes slacks and a polo or button down shirt. For women, nice slacks, Capri pants or a sundress is recommended. Although allowed, we strongly discourage collarless t-shirts, jeans, shorts or sneakers.
All Other Cruises - These cruises are more relaxed and casual attire is fine.
Boarding. What is "Boarding Time" and "Cruising Time?"
"Boarding Time" is the earliest our guests may board the ship. Typically we begin boarding 1/2 hour prior to the "Cruise Time." Tickets may be picked up at our dockside kiosk up-to one hour prior to the cruise.
Cancellations. What is your cancellation policy?
We regret there are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise rain or shine all year long. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.
Children. Are there any age requirements?
Children are welcome on almost all our cruises and discounts are offered for children age 12 and under on lunch cruises. On late-night cruises, passengers must be 21 years or older with valid ID.
Coast Guard Regulations. Is the vessel Coast Guard certified?
Yes. The Spirit of Chicago is Coast Guard certified and maintained regularly to adhere to strict safety regulations.
Cruise Route. Where does the Spirit of Chicago go?
The ship departs from the South Side of Navy Pier. While sailing routes may vary, the Spirit of Chicago cruises as far south as McCormick Place and as far north as Montrose Harbor along the Chicago skyline. See our cruise route.
Dancing. What kind of dance music do you play?
Our lunch and dinner cruises feature a full range of popular dance tunes spun by some of the city’s hottest DJs. Selections may include Rock, Blues, Line Dances, Motown, Oldies, Salsa, Hip Hop, Country, and current chart-toppers from every musical genre.
Directions. How do I get to the ship?
The Spirit of Chicago is conveniently located at Navy Pier just off Lake Shore Drive. Ample parking with shuttle service to Navy Pier is available just off Illinois St. and Grand Ave. Downloadable directions and a parking map are available. Click here.
Drinks. What do drinks cost?
Mixed drinks start at $5.75 for standard brand liquors, $6.75 for premium drinks. All beer is sold by the bottle, with domestic beers for $4.75 and imported for $4.75. Wine begins at $5.00 per glass. Soft drinks are $2.20 each and juice is available for $2.50 each. These prices do not include tax or fees.
Entertainment. What type of entertainment is offered?
Sit back and relax on one of our climate-controlled decks. Dine on the bountiful buffet. Watch your talented wait-staff as they delight you with their up-beat renditions of popular favorites. Then kick it into high gear as your Spirit DJ spins popular dance hits.
Day or night, Spirit is alive with vibrant entertainment.
Gift Certificates. How can I purchase gift certificates?
Spirit Gift Certificates are available from $50 to $400 and may be purchased online or by calling 866.273.2469. Printed gift certificates come with an elegant presentation holder. Spirit Cruises will continue to honor any previously issued Gift Certificates that contained a listed expiration date.
Purchase gift certificates
Groups. What size group can Spirit of Chicago accommodate?
The Spirit of Chicago can host up to 600 guests. Parties of 20 or more should visit our group website or contact our group sales department at 866.835.7245 for reservations. Groups of 1-19 can call 866.273.2469 or use our Reservations System to Book your Cruise Online!
Handicap accessibility. Is the ship handicap accessible?
Yes, the second deck on our ship 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.
Menu. What type of food is served?
Our cruises feature all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner buffets with delicious choices prepared on board by our executive chefs and their galley staffs. With advance notice, we can accommodate requests for kosher meals, and we can arrange special meals for guests with allergies. Other specialty menus are available for deck or full-ship charters.
Packages. Do you offer packages to make my cruise extra-special?
Yes. We offer several enhancements and packages that can be added on to your lunch or dinner cruise package. You can choose from a private table for two, balloons, roses, bar packages and more.
Parking. Is parking available close to the ship?
The Spirit of Chicago is conveniently located at Navy Pier just off Lake Shore Drive. Ample parking is available at Navy Pier. Alternative parking is available at 460 E. Illinois and 403 E. Grand (one block from Navy Pier). Free Navy Pier Trolley Service runs continuously from parking lot to Navy Pier along Illinois & Grand. Find out more.
Payment. What type of payment do you accept?
Payment is required in full at the time of the reservation. We accept major credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club. We also accept traveler's checks, money orders, and certified checks. Please send checks or money orders to the address below:
Spirit of Chicago
River East Plaza
Suite 310
401 E. Illinois Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Phones. Will my cell phone work on the cruise?
Yes, your cell phone will work on the cruise. For the comfort of other guests, we allow cell phone conversations only on the outside decks.
Pricing.
Prices do not include taxes or fees. Prices and schedules are subject to change. Some more popular cruises and dates may be priced higher. Below prices exclude specialty, holiday and premium cruise dates.
Call 866.273.2469 or use our Reservations System to Book your Cruise Online!
Refund Policy. What is your refund policy?
We regret there are no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final. We cruise rain or shine all year long. In the rare event the Coast Guard prohibits cruising because of weather, we will contact you to make other arrangements.
Reservations. How can I make reservations for a cruise?
While parties of 19 or fewer are often able to walk up and purchase tickets at our dockside kiosk on the day of a cruise, reservations are highly recommended. You can purchase tickets online via our reservations systems or by phone.
Individuals call:
• Call 866.273.2469 or use our Reservations System to Book your Cruise Online!
Groups of 20 or more call:
• 866.835.7245
• Monday - Friday between 8:30am - 5:30pm
Seasickness. Will I get seasick?
It's unlikely. The Spirit of Chicago is one of the largest and most stable cruise ships on the Chicago waterfront. On rare occasions when the water is very rough, our Captain will sail the vessel within the breakwater area.
Seating. How is seating arranged on board?
Our ships feature cabaret-style seating. The majority of our tables accommodate four to eight people and guests are sometimes seated with other parties. Review our enhancement packages for private seating upgrades.
Ship Information. 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 handicap accessible and Coast Guard approved for up to 600 passengers. Amenities include full service bars, two dance floors (or staging areas), spacious bathrooms, flexible seating arrangements and huge, panoramic windows.
Smoking. What is your smoking policy?
All interior areas of our ship are non-smoking areas. Passengers who smoke may do so on the outdoor observation decks.
Tickets. Where can I pick up the cruise tickets?
Tickets can be conveniently picked up at the dock, up to one hour prior to boarding, on the day of the cruise. The credit card used for purchase and photo ID will be required.
Weather. Do you sail in inclement weather?
Absolutely. Our ships are fully enclosed and climate-controlled for your comfort. We sail rain or shine year round.
Wedding Events. How much does a wedding event on the Spirit cost?
It depends on the event (engagement party, shower, bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception, post-wedding luncheon, etc.), the number of guests, the time of year and the package you choose. Our expert wedding planners will be happy to give you a cost proposal and arrange a site inspection. Find out more online or call 866.835.7245.
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