Offering Dining and Sightseeing Experiences on Chicago’s Iconic Waterways to Celebrate Fourth of July
Chicago, June 24, 2020 – Following the resumption of Seadog sightseeing tours earlier this month, Hornblower Cruises and Events is restarting its Chicago dining operation from Friday, July 3, offering aselection of dining cruise experiences on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River to coincide with those looking to celebrate Independence Day on the water.
With guest spaces spread over several levels, the company’s fleet of luxurious vessels offer expansive decks inside and out, providing plentiful space and fresh air. There is more than enough room on board for everyone to stay safely apart.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer an expanded range of on-water experiences from our Chicago location,” said Hornblower’s Regional Vice President, Dan Russell. “It’s been truly rewarding to welcome our Guests back on board – and what better way to rediscover the Midwest’s largest and most iconic city than from the spacious deck of one of our cruise vessels!”
Lake and River Dining Cruise Experiences Resuming July 3
Dining aboard the company’s fleet of sleek and modern yachts combines delicious cuisine with sensational vistas of Chicago’s famed skyline. All feature freshly prepared multi-course menus complemented by a sophisticated selection of award-winning wines, craft beers and specialty cocktails. Spread over four spacious decks, Odyssey Lake Michigan offers ever-changing 360-degree views of the lake, the shoreline and the city, whereas the unique dining experience aboard Odyssey Chicago River transports guests on an up-close and immersive exploration of the River and its spectacular architecture.
For those looking to set sail this Fourth of July holiday weekend, both Lake and River experiences are offered select weekend dates (Friday through Sunday) alongside the ever-popular weekend Brunch experience. To reflect current requirements, some of the usual elements like dancing and walk-up bar service won’t be permitted, though there will be a DJ playing music for guests to enjoy while at their tables.
Cruise prices start from *$88.26 for lunch, *$108.66 for brunch or $156.26 for dinner. Cruises depart from Navy Pier or just off the Magnificent Mile, next to NBC Tower. For private groups, Hornblower Private Yachts also operates a choice of luxurious charter experiences.
Seadog Tours
Restarted several weeks ago, Seadog operates exciting and informative sightseeing cruises and speedboat rides from Navy Pier. Available within Pier opening hours of 10am to 8pm, a choice of Lake and River excursions are available each day.
The 30-minute Lakefront Speedboat Tour and Extreme Thrill Ride – the ultimate adventure tour on Lake Michigan – is also offered and features entertaining narration presented by an onboard guide. Prices start at: *$27.95 adult, *$21.45 child (Lakefront Tour); *$35.45 adult, *$25.45 child (Extreme Thrill). One of the best ways to enjoy Chicago’s unique architecture and incredible skyline is the popular 75-minute narrated River and Lake Architectural Tour – the only tour that travels from the lakefront, through the locks and along the Chicago River. Prices start at: *$42.95 adult, *$25.95 child.
To provide reassurance in the current pandemic environment, Hornblower has expanded its industry defining SafeCruise by Hornblower program, building on already stringent sanitation processes, to incorporate further health-driven measures to guard against the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. These include, but are not limited to:
- Mandatory daily crew member health screening, and wearing of appropriate PPE
- Revising boarding and ticketing procedures to allow for social distancing and touchless entry
- Requiring guests to wear face masks while cruising, except while eating and drinking
- Reducing the number of guests on board, and adapting all seating and table spacing to allow for a minimum 6-foot distance between guests while they cruise
- Implementing enhanced sanitation and disinfection procedures, with hand sanitizing stations available throughout
For more information visit www.hornblower.com [https://www.hornblower.com/chicago/] or call 888-957-2634.
About SafeCruise by Hornblower
Established over 25 years ago, SafeCruise by Hornblower delivers industry-defining standards for health, safety and security across the Hornblower Group of companies. Continuously improving, the program follows the most up to date government and industry guidelines and applies decades-long operational expertise to ensure a safe environment for guests and crew members, while maintaining Hornblower’s excellent record of safety. www.hornblower.com/safecruise
About Hornblower Cruises and Events
Hornblower Cruises and Events is North America’s largest and leading provider of water-based dining, sightseeing, private charter and transportation experiences. 22 coveted destinations are offered in the US, Canada and the UK, where the company employs over 4,300 shipmates who operate a fleet of 157 vessels serving upwards of 9.8 million guests each year. Hornblower Cruises and Events is a division of Hornblower Group which operates the official ferry boat service to Alcatraz Island, the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Memorial Museum on behalf of the National Park Service as well as the New York NYC Ferry, American Queen Steamboat Company, Hornblower Niagara Cruises, Victory Cruises Lines and HMS Global Maritime. The expansive portfolio reflects almost a century of sector expertise and innovation – from pioneering the earliest river sightseeing tours and dining cruises to developing the revolutionary Hornblower Hybrid, a vessel powered by wind, solar and battery electricity. For more information visit www.hornblower.com