FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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Jacob Majka 
Public Communications Inc. 
cruises@pcipr.com 
716.785.9505 

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Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady Kicks Off 2025 Season on March 16 
Tickets for “The Cruise That Puts Architecture First” now available for purchase in person, via phone or online 

CHICAGO – The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruise aboard First Lady kicks off its 2025 cruise season on Sunday, March 16, continuing its legacy as the premier architecture cruise on Chicago's River. Crowned by USA Today 10 Best readers as the #1 boat tour in the U.S. in 2024 and voted Chicago Reader's Best Tour and Best Outdoor Attraction in 2024, this is the only river architecture cruise led by expert CAC-certified volunteer docents, who bring unmatched architectural knowledge and captivating storytelling.  

Now in its 32nd season, the CAC River Cruise remains an essential Chicago experience, operated in partnership with First Lady (formerly Chicago's First Lady Cruises) and the CAC. More than 150 CAC-certified volunteer docents undergo nearly 100 hours of training plus 12 weeks of study about Chicago's architecture to bring Chicago's iconic skyline to life. Each docent brings their own perspective and unique insights to their tour narration, so no two tours are alike. 

The 90-minute tour glides along all three branches of the Chicago River, offering guests an open-air, 360-degree view of the city's stunning skyline. With narration that evolves alongside Chicago's ever-changing architectural landscape, as noted by Business Insider, guests will learn the fascinating backstories of more than 50 iconic buildings, spanning Art Deco, Neoclassical, Mid- Century Modern and Postmodern styles. The tour also showcases 13 historic bascule bridges and highlights the visionary architects and engineers who shaped the city's skyline, making it an essential experience for architecture and history enthusiasts alike. 

Beyond offering breathtaking views and expert insights, the CAC River Cruise supports the future of architecture and design. A portion of CAC River Cruise proceeds support CAC's nonprofit mission and enables CAC to provide design education programs and tools to tens of thousands Chicagoans each year. Support also goes towards CAC's youth programs such as Girls Build!, Teen Fellows and the annual Engineering Fest, all offered at no cost to students interested in learning about architecture and design. 

CAC River Cruise 2025 Boarding and Ticket Information 

The CAC River Cruise aboard First Lady runs from March 16 through November 23 with multiple departures daily. 

• Departure Location: Northeast corner of Michigan Ave. and E. Wacker Dr (112 E. Wacker Drive). Look for the black awning at the stairway entrance. 

• Pricing: Tickets start at $56 and can be purchased in person, via phone or online through Ticketmaster. 

• Note: Because tours frequently sell out, advanced ticket purchase is recommended, especially on weekends, on holidays and for evening tours. 

• Ticket Upgrade: Visit the award-winning CAC for an additional $5 (regular price $15) by adding as an event extra in your Ticketmaster cart. 

• Priority Boarding: Tickets start at $71 and include access to exclusive early boarding period, skip the queue during the general boarding period and admission to the Chicago Architecture Center Exhibits. 

 For additional information on the 2025 season, tickets, boarding location, parking and other details, please visit architecturecruise.com. 

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About First Lady 

A cornerstone of the city's Riverwalk for 90 years, First Lady (formerly Chicago's First Cruises and Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline) is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated cruise line. It is home to the CAC River Cruise aboard First Lady, which has earned national acclaim, consistently recognized as one of the best boat tours in North America (USA Today Readers' Choice 2023 Awards) and voted the Best Tour and Best Outdoor Attraction (Chicago Reader 2024). Building on decades of first-class experiences, trust and recognition, First Lady continues to innovate providing unique experiences on Chicago's waterways from the CAC River Cruise architecture cruise to the beloved Canine Cruise. Committed to sustainability and excellence, First Lady operates a fleet of nine well appointed vessels, available for private charters and special events, accommodating groups from two to 250 guests, with premium catering and beverage options. All vessels are powered by cleaner energy sources and operated by a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain and crew. For cruise schedules and more information, visit firstlady.com or call 847-358-1330. 

About the Chicago Architecture Center 

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1966, dedicated to inspiring people to discover why design matters. A national leader in architecture and design education, the CAC offers tours, programs, exhibitions, and more that are part of a dynamic journey of lifelong learning. Opened to the public in 2018, its riverfront location is in the heart of the city, where Michigan Avenue meets the Chicago River, featuring nearly 10,000 square feet of exhibition space with views of a century of iconic skyscrapers. 

Through partnerships with schools and youth-serving organizations, the CAC reaches more than 7,500 K-12 students annually, while teacher workshops provide educators with tools and resources they need to advance STEM curricula in their classrooms. Committed to serving under-represented communities in construction, engineering, and design professions, the CAC offers many of its education programs—and all its programs for teens—at no cost to participants. CAC programs for adults and members include talks with acclaimed authors and practicing architects, in-depth presentations on issues and trends in urbanism, and classes unlocking subjects related to the built environment.  

 Proceeds from programs, tours, and the CAC Design Store, as well as from grants, sponsorships, and donations, support its educational mission. Visit architecture.org to learn more and follow @chiarchitecture and #chiarchitecture on social media.