CHICAGO – Now in its 90th season, Chicago's iconic First Lady invites locals and visitors alike to rediscover the magic of the city, from the shimmering waters of the Chicago River to the open expanse of Lake Michigan. With stunning skyline views, rich history, and lively narration, First Lady offers guests unforgettable experiences on the water. 

There's something for everyone to choose from with a variety of unique cruises, including the award-winning Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruise Aboard First Lady, the tail-wagging fun of the Canine Cruise, the spine-tingling Creepy Cruise, or the dazzling 3D Fireworks Cruise that brings the city to life after dark. 

The First Lady 2025 season runs from April through November. First Lady is located on Chicago's River Walk at 112 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago IL 60601. Access via Columbus Drive stairs at Upper or Middle Wacker Drive. More information can be found at https://firstlady.com/ 

About First Lady Cruise Offerings  

• Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) River Cruise Aboard First Lady: The cruise that puts architecture first. Crowned by USA Today 10 Best readers as the #1 boat tour in the U.S. in 2024 and 2025 and voted Chicago Reader's Best Tour and Best Outdoor Attraction in 2024, this is the only river architecture cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) and led by expert CAC-certified volunteer docents, who bring unmatched architectural knowledge and captivating storytelling. 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. 

• • Cruise Schedule: Running from March 16 through November 23 with multiple departures daily.  

• • Pricing Information: Priority Boarding (Adult from $71); General Boarding (Adult from $56) 

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

• • • A portion of the CAC River Cruise ticket fee supports the nonprofit educational mission work to help provide design education tools and programs to tens of thousands of Chicagoans annually.     

• Creepy Cruise: From mysterious sightings, creepy haunts, mobsters and more, guests will hear stories of Chicago's darker side on this nighttime tour. Guests will cruise the Chicago River amidst twilight tales of the city they never knew existed… and might wish they could forget. 

• • Cruise Schedule: Fridays, Saturdays and Select Thursdays and Sundays; through November 2025 

• • Pricing Information: Priority Boarding (Adult from $50; Kids from $25); General Boarding (Adult from $45; Kids from $20)  

• Sightseeing River & Lake: Guests will experience Chicago's epic skyline on a scenic Chicago River and Lake Michigan cruise while lively guides bring the city to life with stories of its rich history. Views include Chicago's glorious skyscrapers, iconic bridges and buildings and other modern marvels.  

• • Cruise Schedule: Multiple departures daily; through November 2025 

• • Pricing Information: Priority Boarding (Adult from $50; Kids from $25); General Boarding (Adult from $45; Kids from $20)  

• Chicago By Night River & Lake: This cruise glides along the Chicago River and Lakefront leaving guests dazzled by the sparkle of the city at night. Lively commentary accompanied but the night breezes sets the stage for seeing Chicago's dramatic skyline transformed into a glittering jewel.  

• • Cruise Schedule: Through November 2025  

• • Pricing Information: Priority Boarding (Adult from $50; Kids from $25); General Boarding (Adult from $45; Kids from $20)  

• 3D Fireworks Cruise: Experience a getaway without leaving the city on this 3D Fireworks Cruise, departing Wednesdays and Saturdays from the Chicago Riverwalk every week during the summer months. Guests will enjoy a lively narration to the Chicago Harbor Lock and will then be offered complimentary “3D” glasses to take in an unbeatable view of Chicago's fireworks display from Lake Michigan. 

• • Cruise Schedule: Wednesdays and Saturdays; Cruises begin May and run through August 2025 

• • Pricing Information: Priority Boarding (Adult from $62; Kids from $35); General Boarding (Adult from $52; Kids from $25)  

• Canine Cruise: Guests can bring their pooches (on a leash) and enjoy quality time with their dogs while cruising on Chicago's waterways. Humans and dogs alike can sit back, relax and soak in the city while listening to a lively narration of Chicago's rich history and architectural marvels with dog-friendly highlights. 

• • Cruise Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays; Cruises begin July and run through October 2025  

• • Pricing Information: Priority Boarding (Adult from $50; Kids from $25); General Boarding (Adult from $45; Kids from $20)  

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 official 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 2025 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.