Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Sails By The WILLIS TOWER

CHICAGO July 20, 2009 – Cruising on the official Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) architecture river cruise just got more interesting with an incredible view of the new “Ledge” on the Willis Tower Skydeck.

“You can really see people up there; all from the vantage point of the river,” said Jason Neises, CAF VP of Tours. “The view of the “ledge” is an example of how the river cruise experience is always fresh because our docents keep up-to-date with new construction and include the news in their commentary.”

The official Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) architecture river cruise season runs through November but mid summer is really the best time to experience the fresh air and sights. The architecture river cruise is offered aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruises cruising yachts, with open-air decks as well as air conditioned interior seating. All CAF cruises depart from the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wacker Drive, just north of Millennium Park.

All CAF cruises depart from the lower level and southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. The staircase to the ticket window and dock is marked by a blue awning. The 2009 Tour Schedule runs through November 21. CAF sells advance tickets (online or by telephone) through TicketMaster. The print-at-home option allows quicker check-in for passengers at the dock. Tickets are $28/person (Mon-Fri) $32/person (Sat/Sun/Holidays) and are available at the Chicago’s First Lady ticket window at the dock or the CAF Shop, 224 S. Michigan Avenue. Individual tickets are available by phone at 1-800-982-2787, or online at www.ticketmaster.com/rivercruise. Special Group Rates/groups of 20 or more – 312-322 1131.

In addition to the cruise, monthly Willis Tower walking tours are given on the first Tuesday of the month at 12:15. For more information, see www.architecture.org or call 312 922 3432.

The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF):
CAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and design. The Chicago Architecture Foundation pursues this mission through architecture tours, exhibitions, panel discussions, and youth and adult education programs. Home to a permanent exhibition: CHICAGO YOU ARE HERE, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is located at 224 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60604. For further information visit www.architecture.org or call 312.922.3432.

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises:
The fleet of Chicago First Lady Cruises has been the official vessels for the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise since 1993, operating more than 1,600 tours annually to the general public with commentary provided by more than 100 CAF-certified volunteer docents during its May-November season. Chicago’s First Lady Cruises owns and operates four luxury yachts: Chicago’s First Lady, Chicago’s Little Lady, Chicago’s Fair Lady and Lady Grebe. All are available for private charter cruising each evening. As stewards of Chicago’s waterways, Chicago’s First Lady is dedicated to helping protect the environment.

July 20, 2009   Posted in: United States Central