Frequently Asked Questions for Private Cycleboat Party Cruise on the River: The Ultimate Party Adventure with Captain & BYOB

Question 1

Can we play music on board?

Accepted Answer

Of course, a river cruise isn’t complete without that perfect playlist! If you book a public cruise, the music time will be split between each group. If you book a guided tour, there is a tour guide and music will not be allowed.

Question 2

How many people fit on the boat?

Accepted Answer

90-Minute Cycleboats	16 Passengers
120-Minute Party Barge	18 Passengers
120-Minute Lakefront Cruise	20 Passengers
120-Minute River Cruise	26 Passengers

Question 3

Is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

No, but this activity is not recommended for kids.

Question 4

Do the canopies come off?

Accepted Answer

The overhead canopies must remain on the boats at all times.

Question 5

Are the boats temperature controlled?

Accepted Answer

No, our boats don’t have heat or air conditioning. They are open except for the canopy overhead. We recommend dressing according to the weather outside.

Question 6

How much of the Chicago River can I see on my cruise?

Accepted Answer

This route is up to your captain, if there is a specific place that you would like to see, let your captain know and they can see if it works well with their route.

Question 7

Are there bathrooms on board the boats?

Accepted Answer

Only the cruises on the Party Barge, the Lakefront Cruise, and the 120 Minute Cycleboat Cruise have bathrooms (or “heads” for you nautical types) onboard.

Question 8

Are the boats handicap accessible?

Accepted Answer

Our Riverwalk location is wheelchair accessible, unfortunately our boats are not designed to be wheelchair accessible. But we have been able to accommodate some handicapped passengers in the past - please call our office for more details.

Our Lakefront location is NOT handicap accessible.

Question 9

When are the fireworks and when is the best place to view them?

Accepted Answer

One of the most popular times to rent a boat is on Wednesday and Saturday evenings during the summer so that you can see the Navy Pier fireworks show from the water. The Fireworks show runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. Wednesday shows are at 9:00pm-9:10pm and Saturday shows are at 10:00pm-10:10pm. The best place to see the fireworks is just east of Lake Shore Drive, near the locks or from our lake boat in Monroe Harbor! There will most certainly be lots of other boats enjoying the show from there!

Question 10

How can I book more than one boat at a time?

Accepted Answer

If you have a group that will need multiple boats, reach out to our event planning staff to help you create the perfect outing for your large group!

Question 11

What is the security deposit charge?

Accepted Answer

Duffy, Donut, Retro, Pontoon, Cycleboat, Party Barge and Yachts

$250 security deposit hold will be placed to the credit card on file 24 hours prior to your departure time to ensure the boat is returned without damage. If you would like to see a break down of these fines, please see our Terms & Conditions and the waiver.

The hold will be released 24 hours after your return time, given that there were no damages to the vessel or any additional fines. Please note that depending on your bank this may take uo to 3-7 business days to return the deposit. If you used a debit card, it can take longer.

Question 12

When will my card be charged?

Accepted Answer

Your card will be charged in full as soon as the reservation is fully booked. We do not accept partial payments or cash.

Question 13

Where should I park

Accepted Answer

RIVERWALK LOCATION: There are plenty of parking garages in the downtown area. We recommend using SpotHero to find the best price closes to our docks.

LAKEFRONT LOCATION: There is a paid public parking at Millennium Park Garage; 6 S Columbus Dr Chicago IL 60601.

Question 14

What other amenities do you offer?

Accepted Answer

WATER PLAZA AND LAKEFRONT LOCATIONS: Ice and coolers are complimentary on the boats.

Question 15

Can I decorate the boat for a special occasion?

Accepted Answer

Our boats make great venues for special celebrations and we are happy to do what we can to make these occasions even more memorable! If you would like to decorate your boat for your cruise, please call ahead and speak to a manager to get permission and make arrangements. Please understand that, especially on busy days, this may not be a possibility.

Question 16

What time should I show up for my reservation?

Accepted Answer

We require the entire group is at our location promptly 25 minutes prior to your departure time.** For times of normal operation, we highly recommend that you arrive 20-25 minutes prior to your reservation time. This will allow ample time for the check in process, the use of bathrooms prior to your departure. If you have never visited us before, then you may want to allow a couple of extra minutes to find the locations since they can be a little tricky to find. Please arrive as requested as late arrivals will not be guaranteed an extension of time.

Question 17

Are there places to buy food and drinks nearby?

Accepted Answer

RIVERWALK LOCATION: we are a 2 minute walk from Goddess and the Baker (225 N LaSalle St.), 5 minute walk from Dunkin' (205 W Wacker Dr.) and several other take out restaurants.

LAKEFRONT LOCATION: There is not much along the lakefront to purchase food and drinks, so please come prepared for your cruise with all your favorite essentials.

Question 18

What should I bring the day of my rental?

Accepted Answer

Prior to rental, make sure that everyone in your party has completed the waiver online and is able to display the confirmation email to the captain upon arrival. The responsible party must bring the following: their valid driver's license, the credit card in their name that was used to make the reservation and any printed gift certificates/vouchers. We also suggest bringing food and drinks, utensils, plates and cups. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing and layers if necessary, camera, smartphone or music device with your cruising playlist and, of course, your smiles!

Question 19

What are the best public transportation options?

Accepted Answer

RIVERWALK LOCATION is a 4-minute walk from the Clark and Lake stop for the Blue, Green, Orange, Purple and Pink Lines and a 4-minute walk from the Brown Line Merchandise Mart station.

LAKEFRONT LOCATION is a 20-minute walk from the Red, Green, Brown, Pink, Purple, Orange lines. Driving/Uber/ Lyft are the best options.

Question 20

Can I order food and drinks to the boat?

Accepted Answer

We are not able to hold food or drink orders at the Chicago Cycleboats office as we cannot ensure that it will be attended to at all times. If you would like to order food and drinks to arrive on the day of your cruise, please have yourself or a member of your party available at the location of your departure to receive the delivery.

Question 21

What should I do if there is a problem with the boat during my rental?

Accepted Answer

Please notify your captain and crew right away.

Question 22

What are he busiest times on the Chicago River?

Accepted Answer

The Chicago River is generally busiest on weekends, holidays and after 5pm on weekdays.

Question 23

What am I allowed to bring on the boat?

Accepted Answer

As you’ve likely read, all of our rentals are BYOB! We encourage you to bring food and drinks, though advise against bringing glass bottles and cups, as you will be responsible to pay a clean up fee should they break. We recommend wine, champagne, beer and soda in cans and bottled water. No hard alcohol is permitted on our boats. Safety of our passengers is our number one concern and we reserve the right to restrict customers who are departing with excessive alcohol. For lack of a better phrase, please drink responsibly.

You may not bring: firearms, illegal drugs, anything that can be lit (i.e., candles, cooking heaters,) fireworks, flammable liquid/gel/aerosol paint and/or dangerous chemicals. There is also no smoking (of any kind) permitted on the boats.

Question 24

Can I take the boat onto Lake Michigan?

Accepted Answer

We do have a Lakeside cycleboat out of Monroe Harbor. Our two hour cruises riverside can go on the lake, however, you would have to purchase two time slots to accomidate going through the Chicago Harbor Lock twice.

Question 25

Are pets allowed on the boats?

Accepted Answer

With the exception of registered service animals. Pets are not allowed on any of our cycleboats. Pets are allowed on our Party Barge, there is a $26 pet fee that is paid at check-in.

Question 26

Can we dock or drop off anyone during our rental period?

Accepted Answer

We do not allow our boats to dock or tie up for any reason anywhere along the Chicago River except at our docks. This is not only for your safety, but to minimize damage to our boats. If you need to come back to the dock at anytime during your rental, simply radio ahead or call the office and your crew member will be waiting to assist you.

Question 27

What is the orientation process?

Accepted Answer

When your whole group is onboard, your captain will give you a safety orientation.

Question 28

Are life jackets provided and must they be worn?

Accepted Answer

Since we are US Coast Guard inspected vessels life jackets are not required to be worn during the cruise. We do have plenty stored onboard for our guests in marked bins.

Question 29

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

For those who DO NOT PURCHASE OUR CANCELLATION PROTECTION Private cruises must be canceled one week (7 Days) prior to the scheduled departure time to receive a full refund, minus the non-refundable booking fee. All cancellations must be submitted via email to rentme@chicagoboatcompany.com. For those who DID PURCHASE OUR CANCELLATION PROTECTION Private cruiese can be cancelled 24 hours before departure time. All cancellations must be submitted via email to rentme@chicagoboatcompany.com. Cancellation Protection is only available to purchase when booking the reservation and can not be added to an existing reservation.

Question 30

What is the cancellation protection?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation Protection is a $100 add-on that will allow any guest to cancel their cruise for any reason. Cancellation Protection allows a reservation to be cancelled up to 24 HOURS prior to the scheduled departure time for a full refund, minus the Callcelation Protection Fee and the non-refundable boooking fee. Otherwise, private cruises must be canceled one week (7 Days) prior to the scheduled departure time to receive a full refund. All cancellations must be submitted via email to rentme@chicagoboatcompany.com. It can be added on to a reservation after the reservation is booked but must be at least 7 days before depature time slot.

We do not offer Cancellation Protection for public cruises. We also do not offer refunds for public cruises within 48 hours of the departure time.

Question 31

Can we play music on boat?

Accepted Answer

Of course! A river cruise isn’t complete without that perfect playlist! All boats come equipped with Bluetooth to attach your device of choice.

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