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Chicago’s a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! There are so many fun activities and events going on to celebrate all things Irish.
There are also some great St. Patrick’s Day cruises. Here are the 4 cruises we think are the best.
1. Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing Cruise
One reason why St. Patrick’s Day is so popular in Chicago is because the Chicago River is dyed green. One way to really appreciate that green water is by taking a St. Patrick’s Day River Dyeing Cruise! You’ll get to see the green Chicago River as well as the architectural landscape of Chicago. On top of that, the cruise will be playing classic Irish tunes and top hits.
The cruise is available at multiple times throughout the day on March 15, 2025:
- 10:30 – 11:15 AM (Board: 9:45 AM)
- 11:15 – 12:00 PM (Board: 11:00 AM)
- 12:00 – 12:45 PM (Board: 11:45 AM)
- 12:45 – 1:30 PM (Board: 12:30 PM)
- 1:15 – 2:00 PM (Board: 1:00 PM)
- 2:00 – 2:45 PM (Board: 1:45 PM)
- 2:45 – 3:30 PM (Board: 2:30 PM)
- 3:30 – 4:15 PM (Board: 3:15 PM)
- 4:15 – 5:00 PM (Board: 4:00 PM)
But here’s a hint: if you want to see the actual dying of the river, book the first cruise (the 10:00 AM one). The boat is actually docked during the dyeing, so you’ll get a great view of the historic event – and afterward, you’ll get to cruise along the newly dyed green river!
You can book the cruise here.
2. Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Afternoon Cruise
Enjoy an afternoon cruise on Saturday and Sunday of St. Patrick’s Day Weekend. See Chicago from the water and party with DJ Tecknique. There are two levels of two levels of music and drinks on the ship. You can drink and dance the afternoon away. Videographers and photographers will be there to capture moments with you and your friends. You could even get free St. Patrick’s Day sunglasses and green beads (provided supplies still last, so get there early!).
Speaking of getting there early, here are the times this cruise is available:
- Saturday, March 15th, 2025
- 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday, March 16th, 2025
- 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
If you book now, you can take advantage of an early bird price. The price will go up as the date approaches.
3. Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Premier Brunch Cruise Bottomless Mimosas On The Chicago River
Take a green Chicago River Cruise and enjoy Premier Plus Brunch. You’ll see landmarks like the Willis Tower and listen to a light architectural narration. Enjoy the cruise in the comfortable interior decks or the scenic outer decks. A DJ will provide the entertainment on this 2 hour cruise.
Menu
- Starter (Choice of One)
- Butternut Squash and Kale Salad
- Red Oak Lettuce
- Aged White Cheddar
- Marcona Almonds
- Maple Sherry Vinaigrette
- Greek Yogurt and Granola Parfait
- Chobani Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
- Honey Granola
- Fresh Blueberries and Strawberries
- Butternut Squash and Kale Salad
- Main (Choice of One)
- Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Breast
- Mustard Glazed Marble Fingerlings
- Marinated Artichokes
- Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
- Apricot
- Scrambled Eggs (G*)
- Nueske’s Applewood Triple-Thick Cut Bacon
- New Red Potatoes & Cauliflower Hash
- Arugula Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette & Red Onions
- Brioche French Toast (V)
- Stuffed with Nutella Cream
- Fresh Strawberries
- Maple Syrup
- Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Ragu
- Rosemary Whipped Ricotta
- Fresh Herbs
- Shaved Parmesan Reggiano
- Buttermilk-Brined Chicken Breast
- Dessert (Choice of One)
- Tiramisu
- Whipped Mascarpone Cream
- Espresso
- Mixed Berries and Pineapple
- Fresh Mint
- Lime Spritz
- Basque “Spanish Style” Cheesecake
- Mascarpone Whip Cream
- Pomegranate Fig Reduction
- Tiramisu
There will be bottomless Mimosas on this cruise. Other alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. There will also be unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water.
Times
Sunday, March 16, 2025:
- 11 am to 1 pm
- 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
You’ll need to board 30 minutes before cruise time.
You can book your ticket here.
4. St. Patrick’s Day Signature Lunch Cruise On Lake Michigan
Have a fun filled celebration with a St. Patrick’s Day Signature Lunch Cruise. Get stunning views of Chicago’s landmarks, like Adler Planetarium and Navy Pier. Have a delicious buffet lunch with salads, pasta, chicken, salmon and Caribbean Jerk Braised Pork, plus desserts. Unlimited iced tea, hot tea and coffee go with the lunch. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Interactive games will be played on the deck. Children are welcome and those under two are free. You’ll get great views of the newly dyed Chicago River.
Date & Time
- Sunday, March 17, 2024
- 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
You can board at 12 pm.
You can book this cruise here.
Other Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Activities
And, if you are a land lover, we’ve got some other great activities for you.