Odyssey FAQ's

Are children allowed?
Children are allowed on all cruises, except Moonlight cruises where all guests must be 21 years of age.

Do you offer any children discounts?
Yes, on our lunch and brunch cruises, children 2 and under are complimentary and children 3-11 are half price. There are no children discounts for dinner cruises.

Is there a children's menu?
Yes, the children's menu is available on all cruises except Moonlight Cruises and includes items such as chicken tenders, pizza, and macaroni & cheese. Please notify your Odyssey Event Planner of any children attending your event.

When does the season end?
We cruise all year round! In fact, December is one of our most popular months due to the many Holiday Parties we have aboard. We also cruise for both New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day!

What is our cruise route?
Weather permitting, Odyssey cruises south along the lake shore, past the Adler Planetarium, north to Evanston, then returns south to Navy Pier. All the while, Odyssey offers unmatched views of our world-famous skyline, from the Sears Tower, the John Hancock, to the Museum campus, Aon Center and more.

What décor does Odyssey provide?
Our greatest décor is unquestionably our unmatched views, however Odyssey also provides elegant white linen and seasonal florals. Dinner cruises also include a candle votive on every table.

Can we bring our own decorations?
Small groups without private space can bring table decorations. Groups with a charter may decorate their space with their own decorations and themes. Odyssey is proud to offer Eved Services for all of your specialized decoration details. They are experts and have the experience and knowledge to best assist you in enhancing your event. Eved can provide you with themed decor, chair covers, additional floral, photography and more. For additional information on enhancing your Odyssey Wedding decorations, please visit www.eved.com

What type of dessert will be provided for my Wedding Reception?
The full menu of Odyssey desserts is included in your ticket price. However, if you choose you can bring your own cake aboard for the event. Odyssey will cut your cake and serve it with our chocolate dipped strawberries for a small additional charge in place of our Odyssey desserts.

Are there Vegetarian Options available?
Yes, our chef will be happy to prepare a vegetarian option, simply notify your server. If you have a group with many vegetarians or if you have any vegans please notify your Odyssey Event Planner two weeks prior to your event.

Are there Kosher Options available?
Yes, kosher meals are available for an additional charge. Please notify your Odyssey Event Planner two weeks prior to your event to arrange Kosher Meals.

What is the dress attire?
Dinner Cruises: Jackets are strongly recommended for men and cocktail attire for women.

Lunch, Brunch or Midday Cruises: We recommend dressy-casual attire, such as nice slacks and collared shirts.

No jeans, shorts, sneakers, tank tops, or halter-tops will be allowed.

Is there a dressing room on the ship for the Bride and Bridal Party?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of our venue we do not have dressing rooms available for the Bride and Bridal Party. If necessary, the bride may change into her gown in one of our restrooms; however, we require all other members of the bridal party to be dressed with completed hair and make-up upon boarding.

What kind of entertainment is on board?
Odyssey offers inviting dance floors and a variety of live music - from classic jazz to contemporary favorites; from a five-piece band to soft piano music. Please refer to the Entertainment Page for more details.

How far in advance should I begin planning the details of my event with my Odyssey Event Planner?
Event planning should begin as far in advance as possible in order for us to have ample time to meet all of your event needs. Final details should be provided to your Odyssey Event Planner one month prior to your event date.

Do we need to pre-select the menu before the day of cruising?
No, you do not need to pre-select your menu. Each guest will be presented a menu to order from and each order will be prepared fresh in our full service galley.

Where is the best place to park?
Navy Pier's West Parking is located on the North side of the pier. Closest access to ship is on Level 1 near Door 4. Please visit the Navy Pier website at www.NavyPier.com or call (800) 595-PIER

When is our final passenger count and payment due?
Final Payment and passenger count are due 30 days prior to the event.

Are boarding photos available for my event?
Boarding Photos will be taken of your guests as they arrive and are available for purchase at the end of the event. You may pre-purchase the photos as mementos for your guests at a discounted price. Ask your Odyssey Event Planner for more details.

How will my group be seated? Will we all be together?
All seating is assigned in advance of your cruise. Your group will be seated together in the same section of the deck or ship. Unless you have privately chartered the deck, there may be other parties at tables surrounding your group.

If I charter a deck, can others walk onto our deck? How do guests get to the public areas of the ship?
Public stairs are located on the inside bow and outside stern of the ship; therefore, other guests do not need to walk through your private space to get to the other public decks. We also provide "Private Party" signs that are placed on all entrances into private decks.

Can my event last longer than the scheduled cruise time?
If you privately charter a deck or ship, you may be able to extend the length of your event based on our availability. Additional dockside may be purchased for either before or after the scheduled cruise time and must be included in your reservation prior to cruising. Ask your Odyssey Event Planner for more details.

What happens during rain or snow?
The Odyssey cruises rain or shine. In the case of severe weather conditions or upon the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard, the ship will remain dockside for the length of the event.

Can the Captain marry us?
Unfortunately, the Captain is not licensed to be a wedding officiant.

How do we plan deliveries?
Please plan to set up all deliveries for the morning of the event between 8am - 10am. This is the only time that vehicles are allowed to drive directly on the pier next to the boat. Please let your Wedding Consultant know if deliveries will be taking place, so that we can plan accordingly.

Additionally, any items you have delivered to the boat need to be removed at the end of the cruise.

Can we have our rehearsal on board?
Due to heavy cruise schedules, unfortunately we cannot host your rehearsal on board.

What kind of music does the band play? Can we request songs?
For the most up to date song list please visit www.frostsounds.com. Yes, songs can be requested.

How do we word our invitations?
Sample invitations are available upon request.

Upgrades:

Wine Upgrade $7.92-$10.56 (included in Deluxe Package)
Champagne Service $5.28-$7.92 (included in Premium and Deluxe Packages)
Gourmet Coffee Station $9.24 with purchase of House-Deluxe Brand Packages
Martini Bar $7.92 with purchase of House-Deluxe Brand Packages
-Create a signature martini unique to your event!
Hand-Dipped Chocolate Strawberries $1.65
Seasonal Upgrade Appetizer $9.24
Extra Dockside $1,000 per Extra Hour
(Additional Charge to extend Bar Packages or Entertainment)
Entertainment Upgrades - Deck Charters Only
-Vocalist for Ceremony - $200
-Harpist - $500
-Karaoke - $500
-Steel Drum Band - $1,000
-Caribbean Band - $1,400
-Magician - $600
Chocolate Fountain - $400
-With an assortment of cookies, cakes, pastries and fruit - $7/person
Wedding Favors
-Boarding Photos
-Champagne Flutes - $6.50 (Engraved)

Enhancements are priced per person. Coffee, tea and iced tea are complimentary. Soda and juice are complimentary for children under 12.

All prices include taxes, fees and prepaid service charges.