1. Chicago’s Navy Pier is older than the Lincoln Memorial
Originally opened in 1916 as Municipal Pier No. 2, it served as a military training facility and shipping dock before evolving into today’s iconic lakefront attraction.
2. It’s the birthplace of the skyscraper
The Home Insurance Building, built in 1885, is widely recognized as the world’s first skyscraper, and kicked off a revolution in architecture that continues to define Chicago’s skyline.
3. The Chicago River flows backwards
Thanks to a major engineering feat in 1900, the river was reversed to improve sanitation, and you can cruise it in comfort with a guided architecture tour.
4. It’s home to the country’s largest collection of impressionist art outside of Pars
The Art Institute of Chicago is a cultural marvel, housing masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Degas, just steps from the riverfront.
5. Frank Lloyd Wright left a bold legacy here.
The Chicago area is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings in the world, including his former home and studio in nearby Oak Park. It’s a must-visit for lovers of design and American innovation.
In the News: Victory Cruise Lines Featured in the Chicago Tribune
“Exudes luxury.” “Unforgettable.” “Why did we go so far when there’s so much to see right here?” That’s just a sampling of the rave reviews Victory Cruise Lines earned in a recent Chicago Tribune feature by travel writer Tracey Teo, which spotlights everything from high-flying adventures by helicopter to our small-ship intimacy and heartfelt service. See why our Great Lakes cruises are making headlines — and memories. Read the story.
Experience Chicago and the Great Lakes with Victory Cruise Lines
Experience the vibrant energy of Chicago with a stay in one of the city’s welcoming hotels. Bold, brazen and distinctly American, Chicago has personality to spare. From our embarkation point at Navy Pier to towering skyscrapers to regional cuisine and a quirky dialect, this city represents the heart and soul of the Midwest. Magnificent Mile is an adventure to remember, and the locals know the hidden mom-and-pop gems serving the best deep-dish pizza, Italian beef and signature Chicago dogs.
Great Lakes cruises offer a unique way to explore the beauty and charm of the North American Great Lakes region. These cruises typically traverse the interconnected waterways of the Great Lakes, including Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, as well as the St. Lawrence River and the Niagara River.
Activities on board may include lectures and presentations by experts on the history, geology, and ecology of the Great Lakes, as well as culinary experiences featuring regional cuisine and entertainment showcasing local music and arts.
Great Lakes Cruise Itineraries
- All 5 Great Lakes Cruise – 11 days
- Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Seaway – 13 days
- Great Lakes + Thunder Bay – 16 days
Want more information? Request a brochure. Ready to reserve your Great Lakes adventure of a lifetime? Contact Sunstone Tours & Cruises toll-free at 1-888-815-5428.
