Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline

From an unbeatable view of the fireworks to summertime cruises with a canine companion, Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline launches its 2022 season on May 14 with a slate of family-friendly daytime and evening cruises on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Founded in the 1930s, Mercury Cruises is a cornerstone of Chicago’s Riverwalk offering city and regional and cross-country visitors front row seats to the city’s breathtaking skyline, moveable bridges and skyscrapers— and kids under five ride FREE!

“When our family started Mercury Cruises 87 years ago, we were committed to offering a cool lakefront respite during the Great Depression. Now in our fourth-generation of family leadership, we’re honored to continue providing opportunities for epic family fun and experiences for our Chicago community and those visiting our beautiful city for a summer getaway,” said Captain Tim Agra, Esq., President of Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline.

Known for lively local tour guides, Mercury Cruises’ tours zip across the Chicago River into the heart of the city and Lake Michigan, offering lively narration and 360-degree, selfie-worthy views of the city’s famous skyline and feature unparalleled views of iconic landmarks and skyscrapers—from the Willis Tower and Marina City to 875 N. Michigan Ave. and Museum Campus. Professional tour guide narrations offer a local’s take on Chicago, informing guests about the city’s best dining options, sports and entertainment destinations and more that will help guests maximize their time in the city.
Mercury Cruises, a fourth-generation family-owned and operated cruise line, has long been an important fixture in the city’s cultural landscape. The original Mercury company, a single speedboat operation founded by Portuguese immigrant Arthur Agra in the 1930s, was a fast success and became Chicago’s first sightseeing boat company.
2022 Schedule
Mercury Cruises offers the following daytime and evening tours, departing from Michigan Avenue and Wacker Dr, 112 E. Wacker on Chicago’s Riverwalk.

Urban Adventure Cruise
Mercury Cruises’ signature tour dazzles guests with stunning views of legendary skyscrapers and bridges while gliding along the main branch of the Chicago River, through the Chicago Harbor Lock and into the downtown harbor of Lake Michigan. The 90-minute narrated cruise is perfect for families of all ages and offers a picture-perfect view of the famous Chicago skyline.

The tour route helps guests plan the remainder of their Chicago trip by orienting themselves to the city and offering views of other must-visit attractions. Tours feature unparalleled views of iconic landmarks and skyscrapers including: Willis Tower, Marina City, 875 N. Michigan (formerly the John Hancock Building), the St. Regis Chicago, and the famed lakefront Museum Campus. Professionally trained local tour guides offer an insider’s take on Chicago, from the best pizza options, to sports and entertainment destinations, and tips to help guests maximize their time in the city! Soft drinks, adult beverages and packaged snacks are available for sale onboard.

• Beginning May 14 through October
90-minute Cruise departs daily at 10:15am, 12:30pm, 2:45pm and select days at 5:00pm. Cost:  $42 for adults; $17 for kids under 15; free for children under five.8

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 featuring live local tour commentary. Feel the City come alive as millions of twinkling lights line the cruise route. Our vessel offers amenities to keep your family comfortable including optional climate-controlled indoor seating, restrooms and a full-service bar to complement the voyage.

• Beginning May 14 through October
90-minute nightly cruise on select nights at 8:15pm: please visit MercuryCruises.com for departure times. Cost: $42 for adults; $19 for kids under 15; free for children under five.

3D Fireworks Cruise
Join us after dinner every Wednesday and Saturday to cap off your day with a fireworks show! This cruise provides a relaxing experience after a busy day at work, at home or out sightseeing. Sit back, relax and enjoy an unbeatable view of a spectacular fireworks display. Complimentary 3D glasses add to the viewing fun. In addition to Chicago’s celebratory fireworks, this 2-hour lakefront experience will showcase our city’s unforgettable nighttime skyline.

• Beginning May 28 – September 3
2-hour Mercury’s 3D Fireworks Cruise: Departs Wednesdays at 8:15pm and Saturdays at 9:00pm. Cost: $42 for adults; $19 for kids under 15; free for children under five; ticket price includes complimentary 3D Fireworks glasses.
Mercury’s Canine Cruise
Named “one of the 10 best dog-friendly vacation destinations in 2021” (Chewy.com), Mercury’s Canine Cruise is Chicago’s only weekend cruise where pooches and their people embark on a 90-minute getaway with plenty of spacious outdoor seating and water bowls. The canine-centric cruise includes a narrated tour of the city’s famous skyline and dog-friendly sites such as dog parks, fire hydrants and dining hot-spots. Leashes are required on this cruise.
• Beginning July 9 – October
90-minute Cruise departs weekly at 10:15 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost: $39 for adults; $17 for kids under 15; Dogs $8 and 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.
• Tour is available for groups only and scheduled on select weekdays by request. Individual tickets are not offered. For group reservations and additional information, please contact 312-332-1368 or [email protected]

Boarding Location
Mercury Skyline Cruises departs from Chicago’s Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Look for the street-level blue awning at the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge and follow the stairs down to the Riverwalk. Discounted parking with validation is located at the Illinois Center, 111 E. Wacker Dr.

Tour Tickets
Guests may purchase tickets online at MercuryCruises.com or the Mercury Cruiseline ticket window, located at 112 E. Wacker Dr., Riverwalk level. For groups, please call 312-332-1368 or email [email protected] for special group rates and additional information.