Need feeback,

We are a family of two adults and one 6 year old. We are interested in taking a architecture cruise of Chicago. Which is better for our situation ; a speedboat cruise from The Navy Pier or a cruise along the Chicago River downtown?

Thanks for your help.

You won't see much detail from a speedboat out on the lake. The architecture cruise goes much closer to the buildings being discussed. The CAF (River Cruise) docents are volunteers with a real love for what they do, plus incredible knowledge.

The problem is that architecture cruises are fairly long and not pitched to children. I usually discourage people from bringing youngsters because there is no way to "jump ship" if there is a problem.

I couldn't disagree more about not bringing kids.

We had reservations for the river tour when my mother in law was scheduled for a visit the month after 9-11. She cancelled her trip, but my husband and I took our then 8 and 5 year old boys anyway.

We all loved it, even the boys. I thought they might get antsy or bored with the tour narration, but they were very interested in seeing the city from this unique perspective.

I'm planning to take them again, perhaps the next time Nana visits!

According to the website;http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/

The Architecture Cruise is only one hour. If your kids can't handle that, something is wrong.

Curious

The CAF tour (architecture.org) is 90 minutes long.

I'm not saying that kids can't handle it, but the tours are not kid-oriented.

Are the cruises available in late October?

I really like them both but to compare them is like comparing apples to oranges. The architectural tour is very nice and interesting - if you think your 6 year old will not get too bored. The sea dog is alot of fun but does go pretty fast - you will not be able to sightsee and it might even be too fast for your child.

OK, having done further research, it seems there are two "Architecture Cruises". One leaves from Navy Pier. It is approx. 60 minutes and cost $18.00/pp. http://www.shorelinesightseeing.com/


The other is from Wacker and Michigan. It is 90 minutes long and costs $23.00 PLUS $5.00 service fee by "ticketmaster"!
According to their website,(architecture.org, the cruise is not child friendly.

That is fine with me, but which one is the better cruise for two adults? We will be there the end of July and plan to go on one of them. I just want to get the best value, and the best cruise.

Dick

We (two adults) did the Sea Dog from Navy Pier - their Architecture Tour last summer(Sept). Enjoyed every minute of it. Did the tour through the city (amazing views) and then a quick zip along the water front. I think your 6 year old would love it-I know my 6 year old granddaughter would! Took about an hour and was less than $20. We felt it was well worth it! Enjoy..........

The CAF's is the original architecture cruise; it is run by a non-profit. I can vouch for their excellent training.

We did the CAF tour when we were in Chicago a few years back. We went down (or up? since it runs the wrong way) the river and then into the Lake and back. It gave us a perspective from all angles.

Actually, one of the more enjoyable parts of the trip