Can You Take a Cruise From Chicago?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning a vacation and wondering whether you can take a cruise from Chicago? The answer is yes! While Chicago is not a traditional cruise departure port, there are several options available to embark on a cruise from this bustling city.

Chicago Cruise Port

The Chicago Cruise Port is located in downtown Chicago, near the Navy Pier. It is a popular departure point for cruises on the Great Lakes and Canada. The port serves as a hub for several renowned cruise lines like American Cruise Lines, UnCruise Adventures, Blount Small Ship Adventures, Victory Cruise Lines, and Pearl Seas Cruises.

Cruise Destinations

From Chicago, you can embark on various cruises to explore the Great Lakes region. One of the most popular destinations is Mackinac Island in Michigan.

This island boasts stunning natural beauty and historic charm. Another popular destination is Georgian Bay in Canada, which is famous for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery.

Cruise Lines Operating from Chicago

American Cruise Lines – American Cruise Lines offers several itineraries departing from Chicago that take passengers through Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes destinations. These American-flagged ships are spacious and equipped with modern amenities like private balconies and elevators.

UnCruise Adventures – UnCruise Adventures offers adventure-packed small-ship cruises with unique itineraries that explore the Great Lakes region’s hidden gems. Their vessels are designed to navigate through narrow channels, ports, and waterways inaccessible to larger ships.

Blount Small Ship Adventures – Blount Small Ship Adventures offers personalized cruising experiences aboard small ships designed for comfortable travel through shallow waterways. They operate several itineraries departing from Chicago that take passengers to iconic destinations like Niagara Falls.

Victory Cruise Lines – Victory Cruise Lines offer luxury cruising experiences on their all-suite ships. They offer several itineraries departing from Chicago that take passengers on Great Lakes adventures with stops at Mackinac Island, Georgian Bay, and other scenic destinations.

Pearl Seas Cruises – Pearl Seas Cruises offers expedition-style cruising experiences aboard their modern ships. Their itineraries departing from Chicago take passengers to destinations like the Canadian Maritimes and St. Lawrence River.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, you can undoubtedly take a cruise from Chicago and explore the Great Lakes region’s natural beauty and fascinating history. Whether you prefer luxury cruising or an adventure-packed experience, there is a cruise line that caters to your needs. So pack your bags and embark on a memorable voyage from the Windy City!