FAQs

Question

What is the Spirit of Navy Pier?

Answer

The Spirit of Navy Pier is City Cruises' newest four-level dining luxury yacht with three interior climate controlled dining decks and two exterior observation decks. Onboard cuisine includes buffet-style dining with onboard DJ entertainment and interactive games throughout the yacht. For more information about the vessel, please visit the below website for photos and a video: https://www.cityexperiences.com/chicago/city-cruises/our-fleet/spirit-of-navy-pier/

Question

Where do I park?

Answer

We recommend you park in the East Parking Garage near door 10 to most easily access Spirit of Navy Pier. For current parking rates, visit: navypier.org/plan-your-visit/getting-here-and-parking/parking-and-valet

Question

Does Navy Pier validate parking?

Answer

Navy Pier does not offer validation for parking.

Question

What if I’m being dropped off?

Answer

If you are arriving by ride-share or taxi, you can be dropped off at the main entrance of Navy Pier, on the north dock at the Family Pavilion entrance, and Entrance 1. All locations are equipped with ramps.

Question

Public transportation?

Answer

Navy Pier is served by several bus lines from the Loop, including: 29 - State 56 - Milwaukee 65 - Grand 66 - Chicago routes

Question

How do I find the boat?

Answer

Please view the map above, which shows the location of the vessel and parking information. Once you arrive to the dock, look for the ticket booths – these are branded with the name of the vessel, and the boats dock directly next to them.

Question

What should I expect at boarding?

Answer

All guests (including us) will need to present a physical ticket to board the vessel during both early boarding and regular boarding. A physical ticket is required due to port policy. Upon boarding, guests will be greeted by the captain and all backpacks, bags, purses, etc. are subject to search. Please be aware that boarding starts promptly at the scheduled time, and cannot wait for any late guests. Please arrive early to ensure nobody misses the boat.

Question

How do I receive my boarding ticket?

Answer

Your ticket will be at the ticket booth right next to the vessel.

Question

When does boarding begin?

Answer

Boarding begins at 6:15PM.

Question

Can I disembark the Spirit of Navy Pier after I've boarded?

Answer

If you depart the vessel after you've boarded, you will not be allowed back on. The Spirit of Navy Peir is required to strictly monitor guest attendance for safety and security reasons.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Please arrive NO LATER than 6:00PM to ensure you are given ample time to park your vehicle (if applicable) and obtain your boarding pass prior to the scheduled boarding time.

Question

When/Where will the ceremony be held?

Answer

The wedding ceremony will take place on the observation deck (weather dependent) of the Spirit of Navy Pier at 6:45PM. This space will be private to us for 60 minutes before general boarding commences.

Question

When/Where will cocktail hour be held?

Answer

Cocktail hour will take place on the Escapade Deck of the Spirit of Navy Pier - the deck you will be boarding on - at 7:15PM.

Question

What time should I arrive at the reception?

Answer

If you are not attending the ceremony, please arrive NO LATER than 7:30PM to allow ample time to park your vehicle (if applicable), obtain your boarding pass, and have your bags searched prior to boarding. The vessel does not wait for late arrivals. If you are not on the boat by 8PM, the vessel will depart without you.

Question

When/Where will the reception be held?

Answer

The reception will take place on the Escapade Deck of the Spirit of Navy Pier - the deck you will be boarding on - at 8PM promptly. If you are not attending the ceremony, please arrive early so you do not miss the boat!

Question

When does the Sprit of Navy Pier depart?

Answer

The vessel departs at 8PM, promptly. If you are not on the boat by 8PM, the vessel will depart without you.

Question

When does the Sprit of Navy Pier return?

Answer

The vessel returns to the dock at 11PM

Question

Can I access the observation/outer decks?

Answer

Yes! The observation/outer decks are open to everybody on board. If there are groups on other decks, they will also be able to access these areas of the boat. The vessel cannot rope off or reserve any decks for private space. This also applies to any outer deck furniture.

Question

Will I get seasick?

Answer

Most guests experience no discomfort. If you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, you may experience seasickness. We recommend that if you are prone to motion sickness, take advantage of several preventative measures that are available to you.

Question

Is smoking allowed on board the vessel?

Answer

Yes - Smoking is permitted on the top-level observation deck only.

Question

Are there stairs?

Answer

There are no stairs to board the vessel - only a ramp that takes you up to our reception and cocktail hour space. To get to the wedding ceremony space, there are two flights of stairs.

Question

What time do the fireworks start?

Answer

The fireworks show begins at 10PM.