One the fun things about having visitors from out-of-town is being equal part tour guide and equal part tourist. Even though I’ve done some of the staple touristy things around Chicago many, many times now, I still see or learn something new each time. Besides, Chicago is such a beautiful and amazing city, it just never gets old.
When my friend Neelam from Mexico City told me she was coming to visit, the tour guide wheels were immediately set into motion on what to take her to see and do while she was in town. To the top of the John Hancock Building? A visit to Buckingham Fountain? Take the Water Taxi to Chinatown? Picnic in Millennium Park? See the fireworks at Navy Pier? (Just so you know we did ALL of those things, plus a whole lot more). One other thing we did was take a brunch cruise on the Odyssey boat from Navy Pier. And let me tell you, it was awesome!
Odyssey Cruise From Navy Pier
To be upfront, I’ve been on many cruises from Navy Pier over the years and have enjoyed them. I wasn’t really expecting anything that out of the ordinary for our trip, but wow, was I in for a treat!
Odyssey Cruise Tickets
From the moment we stepped on the boat, we were already blown away by the service. Everything from the captain greeting us while we got on the boat, to the lovely folks checking us in, to the wait staff that greeted us immediately as we were directed to our table, it was all flawless. Our waiter for the cruise, Ignacio, welcome us, introduced himself and went over the logistics of the brunch buffet. In addition to the welcome mimosa he brought over right away, he also reminded us we had open premium bar included with our brunch. Woo hoo!
Mimosa Cheers With Neelam
As we scoped out the buffet, both Neelam and I were impressed at the sheer variety and number of vegetarian options available for both us. Everything from muffins and bagels to scrambled eggs with cheese and hash browns, to lunch items including a few different salads, pasta, pizza and an assortment of grilled veggies. There was definitely no way we were going to leave hungry! And dessert? So many to choose from!
Odyssey Cruise Brunch Buffet
Our Odyssey Cruise Brunch
Brunch With A View
Desserts And The Dance Floor
After our brunch we decided to go on the upper deck and enjoy the unbelievable city views on such a perfect, sunny day. Seriously, we could not have asked for a better day to be out on Lake Michigan! This day was one for the books and now I have the pictures to prove it.
Upper Deck On Odyssey Cruise
Stunning Chicago Skyline
View Of Light House From Odyssey Cruise
The entire time on the cruise, I just couldn’t get over what an unbelievable experience this was. The Odyssey boat was recently renovated and I have to say, the upgrade has made a huge difference. I guess I always thought these “touristy” boat cruises from Navy Pier were maybe a little cheesy and not worth the money because there was not going to be anything for me to eat as a vegetarian. But, I am here to tell you that it is probably one of the best excursions I’ve been on in a long time in Chicago and I can’t wait to bring other out-of-town guests on the cruise. I’ve already planned to take my parents next time they visit because I know they will LOVE it.
And, did you know the Odyssey runs all year long? I had no clue either!! Hmm, maybe a New Year’s Eve cruise?
Moral of the story: go on an Odyssey cruise…brunch, lunch, dinner, whatever suits you. I hope you have as much of a blast as I did!
Please Note: I was invited by Odyssey Cruises for this excursion, but all opinions are my own.