Mercury Cruiselines 2017 Season Cruises

Photo Cred: Mercury Cruiselines

Summertime Chi is in full effect and that means…….BOAT TIME! I cannot go a summer without taking a boat ride and taking in the full effect of our BEAUTIFUL CITY. I’m going to start my first summer cruise off aboard Mercury Crusieline Canine Cruise. I think it’s awesome to be able to bring your pooch on a 90 minute boat ride. Animal cruise not for you? Well….you’re in luck because Mercury Cruiseline has various boat cruises to choose from. Check out the press release below!

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline Announces 2017 Season
Schedule Filled with Family Fun
Chicago’s premiere sightseeing experience begins special-themed cruises April 28

Chicago — Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline embarks on its 82nd season on Friday, April 28, with a schedule full of fun-filled daytime and evening tours for all ages. Known for lively narrations and panoramic, picture-perfect views, Mercury Cruises offers tourists and locals front row seats to the city’s breathtaking skyline from the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

“As a fourth-generation, local family-owned and operated company, we are excited to offer a variety of excursions for families again this year, allowing them to experience the city’s vibrant beauty and culture from the water,” said Holly Agra, Mercury Cruises’ vice president.

The tours feature unparalleled views of Chicago’s most magnificent landmarks and skyscrapers – from the Willis Tower and Marina City to John Hancock Building and Museum Campus – and are narrated by professionally-trained guides who bring the city’s rich history to life.

Mercury Cruises offers the following daytime and evening tours for the 2017 season. For a complete schedule and to purchase advance tickets, visit MercuryCruises.com.

Urban Adventure Cruise ®
The Urban Adventure Cruise ®, Mercury Cruises’ signature tour, dazzles guests with stunning views of legendary skyscrapers and bridges while sailing along the main branch of the Chicago River, through the Chicago River Lock and into the downtown harbor of Lake Michigan. The 90-minute narrated cruise is a family favorite and offers a picture post-card view of the famous Chicago skyline.

• April 28 – Oct. 9: Departs daily at 10:15 a.m.; 12:15 p.m.; 2:15 p.m.; 4:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.

• $35 for adults; $14 for kids under 15; free for children under five.

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 with live commentary. All guests receive a complimentary neon light wand.

• May 26 – Sept. 3: Departs at 8:15 p.m. (excludes Wednesdays and Saturdays).

• Sept. 8 – Oct. 8: Departs at 8:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays only.

• $36 for adults; $15 for kids under 15; free for children under five.

Photo Cred: Mercury Crusielines

Canine Cruise
Pooches and their people embark on a 90-minute getaway aboard Mercury’s Skyline Queen with plenty of spacious outdoor seating, water bowls and newspaper-lined restrooms. The canine-centric cruise includes a narrated tour of the city’s architecture and dog-friendly sites. Leashes are required on this cruise. Guests receive a Chicago Dog-Friendly map and guide at the conclusion of the tour.

• May 20: Special Riverwalk Opening Day Cruise at 10:15 a.m. Dogs and children ride free on this special day.

• July 8 – Sept. 24: Departs at 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only.

• $35 for adults; $14 for kids under 15; $8 for dogs; free for children under five.

3D Fireworks Cruise
The two-hour evening cruise spectacle begins with a lakefront tour of the skyline and concludes with the most unique way to see Chicago’s fireworks – through the lens of 3D glasses.

May 27 – Sept. 2: Departs Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:00 p.m.

• $36 for adults; $15 for kids under 15; free for children under five.

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.

• April 28 – Oct. 9: Tour is available for groups only and scheduled 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 Cruises departs Chicago’s Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive at the dock with the blue awning (112 E. Wacker Dr.). Follow the stairs on the street level of the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Discounted parking is located across the street at 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Tour Tickets

Guests may purchase tickets in the following ways:

• Online at MercuryCruises.com, beginning April 1

• At the Mercury Cruises ticket window, 112 E. Wacker Dr., Riverwalk level, beginning April 27

• For groups of 20 or more, please call 312-332-1368 for special rates and additional information

About Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline

Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, brings Chicago’s stunning views and vibrant culture to life through a variety of narrated family-friendly cruises and special tours for both visitors and locals. A cornerstone of the city’s Riverwalk for more than 80 years, Mercury Cruises is a fourth-generation owned and operated cruise line. It is also the sister company of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, an authentic tourism experience that explores the city’s rich architecture history through the official Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. Both cruise lines are committed to green initiatives and fuel their vessels with only clean energy sources. All vessels are operated by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and crew. For more information on Mercury Cruises, visit MercuryCruises.com or call 312-332-1353.