CHICAGO’S ICONIC FIRST LADY CRUISES CELEBRATES 90 YEARS OF SAILING

By: Sorin Dutoiu | 12 June, 2025

Chicago’s legendary First Lady cruise line has officially launched its 2025 season, inviting both locals and travellers to take in the city’s skyline from the best vantage point possible: the water.

Celebrating 90 years of sailing through the heart of the Windy City, the family-owned cruise company offers a dynamic lineup of river and lake adventures that merge history, architecture, and pure summer magic.

Located along the bustling Chicago Riverwalk at 112 E. Wacker Drive, First Lady cruises run through November and cater to all interests—from curious architecture buffs to night owls, pet lovers, and thrill-seekers. Among the highlights is the award-winning Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruise, the only river tour in partnership with the CAC and narrated by expertly trained docents. Voted the top boat tour in the U.S. two years in a row by USA Today readers, this cruise offers a fascinating, in-depth exploration of the city’s famed skyline, with multiple daily departures available through late November.

For a more adventurous twist, the Creepy Cruise shines a light on Chicago’s dark past—complete with tales of mobsters and hauntings as the boat glides down the river under the moonlight. Families and casual sightseers can opt for the Sightseeing River & Lake Cruise, where guides animate Chicago’s rich architectural and cultural stories, or join the Chicago by Night tour, which captures the city in all its glittering evening glory.

Summer evenings get an extra spark with the 3D Fireworks Cruise, running on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to August. Guests don 3D glasses to view the city’s dazzling pyrotechnics from the open waters of Lake Michigan. And if you’re a dog lover, don’t miss the popular Canine Cruise, where pups are welcome aboard for a narrated adventure tailored to both two- and four-legged guests.

Each cruise offers options for general or priority boarding, and tickets can be upgraded to include admission to the nearby Chicago Architecture Center for just $5—a move that also supports the Center’s educational initiatives across the city.

First Lady Cruises continues to be a cornerstone of Chicago’s tourism and cultural scene, operating a fleet of nine environmentally conscious vessels. The cruise line also offers private charter services, perfect for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations.

Whether you’re visiting Chicago for the first time or rediscovering it through a new lens, the 2025 season aboard First Lady offers a memorable journey through the city’s past, present, and future—one scenic cruise at a time.