A Glass-Domed Dinner Cruise Ship Will Soon Hit The Chicago River, Because Of Course

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 27, 2017 8:04PM

Well, it's not cross-river zip-lines or a floating performance venue, but it's something.

Perhaps inevitably, the Chicago River will see its first dining riverboat, replete with a sweeping, glass-dome exterior, hit the waters, starting next year.

Odyssey Chicago—which has long chartered upscale dining cruises from Navy Pier—recently unveiled renderings of its vision. The glass dome will apparently be climate-controlled, so the boat can sail the river year-round, is designed to maximize views. The single-level ship, which is currently under construction, will stretch 140 feet and hold 200 people.

The boat will serve lunch, brunch and dinner, and is expected to hit the waters next summer, beginning July 1, perfect timing for the tourist season that the downtown river stretch now ably caters to. According to the Tribune, diners/river-farers will board near the NBC Tower, and the ship will serve seasonal dishes and have a DJ—who we hope is versed in the yacht-rock canon, or at least this.

And remember: if you can't wait for luxe, weather-protected dome isolation on the river, you can always book one of City Winery's wacky pod hangouts.