Great Lakes Treasures

Discover Chicago during a panoramic walking excursion along its Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile. Meet your guide at the pier and board a shuttle for the brief journey to the downtown area. Take in the sights, from towering skyscrapers to riverfront bars and restaurants, and the bustling boat traffic navigating the Chicago River. Gain insight into the history of the “Windy City,” from its days as the “land of stinky onions” to a modern-day metropolis. At the bridge, cross the river and continue along the world-famous Magnificent Mile, a grand boulevard lined with stunning architecture and upscale shopping opportunities. Cap your tour with a stop at the John Hancock Center, where you will ascend to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, a tilted glass lookout 1,030 feet above the street, for sweeping views over the city. Afterward, return to your ship via a shuttle service.

Admire the works of a bygone era during an excursion focused on Chicago’s Golden Age and art deco masterpieces. The late-19th and early 20th centuries were a period of unprecedented growth and cultural vitality for Chicago. Its Golden Age birthed the modern skyscraper and embraced the Arts and Crafts movement, resulting in stunning works that can still be appreciated today. Marvel at the remarkable Tiffany Domes at Macy’s and the Chicago Cultural Center. Comprised of millions of individual pieces of iridescent glass set in intricate patterns, they are among the world’s largest glass mosaic domes. Learn the fascinating stories behind the art deco skyscrapers that dot the city’s skyline during a guided stroll along the Riverwalk. Cap your tour at the historic Driehaus Museum, where the opulent Golden Age wealth of the late-19th century Nickerson family is on display.

Explore Chicago’s “front yard” and admire the vast collection of one of the world’s foremost art museums. Meet your guide and transfer by shuttle to Millennium Park, a beautiful, 24-acre green space built on a derelict former railyard next to the shores of Lake Michigan. Gain insight into the park’s history and as you stroll, pausing to interact with the Crown Fountain sculpture and admire such landmarks as the iconic Cloud Gate—also known as “The Bean”—and the ever-changing floral displays in the Lurie Garden. Continue on foot to the nearby Art Institute of Chicago, home to the largest assemblage of Impressionist and Postimpressionist artwork outside of the Louvre. Take a docent-led tour of the highlights of the 300,000 pieces in the museum’s permanent collection, then enjoy free time to explore further on your own. Afterward, return to your ship via shuttle service.

Delve into the storied past of the Cubs, the Bulls and the Bears and the legendary athletes who played for them. Revel in the rich history and lore of Chicago’s sports teams during this journey through the city's athletic heritage. Chicago’s sports legacy stretches back to the establishment of the Chicago White Stockings baseball club in 1870—the present-day Cubs. Begin in the North Side with a stop outside Wrigley Field, the Cubs’ home since 1914, to glimpse its famed red marquee and explore the surroundings of this historic ballpark. View statues of Cubs legends including Ernie Banks and Billy Williams, and enjoy time for photos of the stadium’s facade. Continue to the United Center, the “House That Jordan Built” to view its exterior before finishing along the shores of Lake Michigan. Take in the views as you stroll around Soldier Field, its gridiron hosting the Bears since 1924.

Follow an expert guide on a tour of Chicago’s architectural masterpieces from both land and water. Depart by shuttle for the Merchandise Mart, a colossal structure covering more than 4 million square feet; upon its opening in 1930, it was the largest building in the world. Admire its sleek Art Deco exterior and expansive collection of interior spaces before continuing your walk to view landmarks not visible from the river. See the iconic Chicago Theatre’s facade and the grand Marshall Field & Co. Building before visiting the Chicago Architecture Center. Enjoy an opportunity to explore its super-sized models, including the largest scale model of Chicago with more than 4,250 miniatures. Afterward, board a boat for a leisurely ride on the Chicago River, learning intriguing details and the stories behind the buildings and skyscrapers that dot the city’s skyline.

Paddle Chicago’s historic waterway by kayak for a unique perspective of this vibrant Midwestern metropolis. Embark on a brief shuttle ride to your kayak launch site, where you will receive your kayak and paddle, then a short safety briefing before paddling out onto the Chicago River with your historical waterways guide.  Explore from the water, learn about the history of the “Windy City” and gain insight into the engineering significance and intriguing feat of reversing the river’s flow in 1900. As you leisurely paddle, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with stories of the city’s famous residents and the iconic architecture that lines the river’s shoreline. Upon your arrival at Wolf Point, leave the water and enjoy a light snack, then transfer back to your awaiting ship.

Tantalize your taste buds during a culinary excursion to savor several slices of Chicago-style pizza. Meet your guide at the pier, then set out for the first of four eateries. Along the way, you will learn about the history of pizza and Chicago’s role in popularizing one of the world’s favorite dishes. The city’s love affair with pizza—or “zzza” as locals like to call it—can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants settled in the city and brought their pizza recipes with them; in 1943, its signature Chicago deep-dish pizza was created at Pizzeria Uno. But the city’s pizzerias serve up more than just deep-dish pizza. Gain insight into the characteristics that make pizza here unique—from the flaky crust and the layering of toppings to the robust tomato sauce—as you sample several different delicious slices. Appetite sated, you will return to your ship.

Walk along the Bloomingdale Trail, one of Chicago’s great urban transformation success stories. A former rail line dating to the late-19th century, the 606 helped fuel Chicago’s industrial rise for more than a century. By the 1990s, the elevated line had fallen into disuse, becoming an eyesore, with much of it rusting away and being reclaimed by nature. After an extensive public works project, the Bloomingdale Trail is now one of the city’s most scenic strolls. Meet your guide and transfer to the trailhead, where you will set out along its 2.7-mile path. Learn about the local history as you pass through the West Side neighborhoods of Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Wicker Park and Bucktown. Admire views of the city skyline, as well as several parks, art installations and scenic outlooks. Enjoy a coffee stop before returning to the trailhead, then back to your ship.

Uncover the city of Chicago from the perspective of the 1893 World’s Fair. Held from May 5 to October 31, 1893, the exposition celebrated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the New World and brought more than 27 million visitors to the city. Set out to discover the effect of the fair on Chicago as you visit several attractions throughout the city. Stop for photos of the Museum of Science and Industry and Yoko Ono’s sculpture at the Japanese Garden, and glimpse the fair’s Palace of Fine Arts. See remnants of the fair on a scenic drive through Hyde Park and Millionaires Row. After lunch, visit the Field Museum, where you have an opportunity to view exposition-related artifacts, followed by free time. Cap your tour at the historic Palmer House, North America’s longest continuously operating hotel, before returning to your ship.