Cruise Quest app screenshots
New
The Cruise Quest app is here.
Bar Bingo & Cruise Cameo · works offline!
// MENU
HomeCruise SearchShipsPortsBlog
Share
River Cruises - United StatesRiver Cruises - United States

Chicago Cruise Port

Chicago, Illinois
Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is a city located in LaSalle County, Illinois.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#66
of 71 ports in the River Cruises - United States
Today · high / low
87° / 46°
September normals
Chicago, Illinois cruise port
River Cruises - United States
Chicago, Illinois
// Chicago cruise port overview

The cruise port in Chicago,
explained

Lat: 41.9°NLong: 87.6°WTimezone: America/ChicagoINTN code: ORD

Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is a city located in LaSalle County, Illinois. It is situated on the banks of the Illinois River and is the county seat of LaSalle County.

The city is known for its rich history, which dates back to the early 1800s when it was founded by French explorers. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Illinois and Michigan Canal, the LaSalle County Historical Museum, and the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum.

The city is also home to a number of parks, including the Ottawa Park, the Ottawa Riverfront Park, and the Ottawa Riverwalk. The city is also home to a number of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great place to visit for a night out or a weekend getaway.

Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is a great place to visit for its rich history, attractions, and amenities.

Ships visiting
1 line
1 ships call at Chicago
Peak passenger day
110
cruise passengers ashore
Most ships dock at
8:00 AM
arrival for 100% of calls
// Departing soon

Upcoming cruises to Chicago

6 cruises stop here in Chicago during the next 12 months. These are the next ones to leave, by sail date.

Prices refreshed daily
SeaDream I
SeaDream I cruise ship
Aug 15, 2027Oceanview
Seadream Yachts

SeaDream I, 11-night cruise departing Aug 15, 2027

Aug 15, 2027 · 11 nights
from: Leith (edinburgh), Scotland
$1,534/ night
$16,870 total
SeaDream I
SeaDream I cruise ship
Aug 26, 2027Oceanview
Seadream Yachts

SeaDream I, 7-night cruise departing Aug 26, 2027

Aug 26, 2027 · 7 nights
from: Chicago, Illinois
$1,213/ night
$8,490 total
SeaDream II
SeaDream II cruise ship
May 20, 2028Oceanview
Seadream Yachts

SeaDream II, 7-night cruise departing May 20, 2028

May 20, 2028 · 7 nights
from: Portsmouth, England
$960/ night
$6,719 total
SeaDream II
SeaDream II cruise ship
May 27, 2028
Seadream Yachts

SeaDream II, 11-night cruise departing May 27, 2028

May 27, 2028 · 11 nights
from: Chicago, Illinois
SeaDream II
SeaDream II cruise ship
Aug 10, 2028
Seadream Yachts

SeaDream II, 11-night cruise departing Aug 10, 2028

Aug 10, 2028 · 11 nights
from: Bergen, Norway
SeaDream II
SeaDream II cruise ship
Aug 21, 2028
Seadream Yachts

SeaDream II, 7-night cruise departing Aug 21, 2028

Aug 21, 2028 · 7 nights
from: Chicago, Illinois
// Chicago Cruise Port location

Where is Chicago Cruise Port?

The Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port is located on the Illinois River in Ottawa, Illinois. It is about 80 miles southwest of Chicago and is easily accessible from Interstate 80. The port is located on the north side of the river, just off of Route 71. The port offers a variety of amenities, including a full-service marina, a restaurant, a gift shop, and a variety of other services. The port is also home to a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and sightseeing.

General location
River Cruises - United States
Coordinates
41.88°N, 87.63°W
Time zone
America/Chicago
Cruise port · 41.88°N, 87.63°W
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Chicago cruise port guide

What to do in Chicago

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Sightseeing

Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is a great place to explore and sightsee. From the iconic Willis Tower to the Navy Pier, there are plenty of attractions to explore. You can also take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, or take a tour of the city's many museums. There's something for everyone to enjoy in Chicago (Ottawa).

Theme 2

Dining

Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal. From classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza to fine dining experiences, there is something for everyone. There are also plenty of ethnic restaurants to explore, from Mexican to Italian to Asian. Whether you're looking for a casual bite or a special occasion dinner, you'll find it in Chicago (Ottawa).

Theme 3

Shopping

Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is a great place to shop! With a variety of stores and boutiques, you can find something for everyone. From the Magnificent Mile to the State Street shopping district, you can find designer labels, unique souvenirs, and more. There are also plenty of malls and outlet stores to explore for a great shopping experience.

Chicago cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
M
Marseilles State Park Beach (illustrative photo)

Marseilles State Park Beach

Marseilles State Park Beach is a great beach located near the Ottawa, Illinois cruise port. It is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The beach is surrounded by lush green trees and is a great place to take in the stunning views of the Illinois River. There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The beach also has a playground and picnic area, making it a great spot for families.

B
Buffalo Rock State Park Beach (illustrative photo)

Buffalo Rock State Park Beach

Buffalo Rock State Park Beach is a popular beach located near the Ottawa, Illinois cruise port. It is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The beach is surrounded by beautiful sandstone bluffs and is a great place to take in the stunning views of the Illinois River. There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The beach also has a playground and picnic area, making it a great spot for families.

S
Starved Rock State Park Beach (illustrative photo)

Starved Rock State Park Beach

Starved Rock State Park Beach is a popular beach located near the Ottawa, Illinois cruise port. It is a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The beach is surrounded by beautiful sandstone bluffs and is a great place to take in the stunning views of the Illinois River. There are also plenty of trails for hiking and biking, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

// Chicago fun facts

The City of Big Shoulders

Chicago is often referred to as the 'City of Big Shoulders' due to its strong industrial heritage. The city was once home to some of the largest steel mills in the world, and its skyline is still dominated by the towering skyscrapers of the Loop. The city's nickname is a reminder of its hardworking spirit and its commitment to progress.

The Home of the Blues

Chicago is known as the birthplace of the blues. The city's vibrant music scene has produced some of the most influential blues musicians in history, including Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Buddy Guy. The city is also home to the world-famous Chicago Blues Festival, which is held every summer.

The Windy City

Chicago is often referred to as the 'Windy City' due to the strong winds that blow through the city. This nickname was first used in the late 19th century by a New York journalist who was referring to the city's long-winded politicians. The city's nickname has since become a symbol of its spirit and resilience.

Chicago cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
T
The Ottawa Farmers Market (illustrative photo)

The Ottawa Farmers Market

The Ottawa Farmers Market is a great shopping option near the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port. It offers a variety of locally-grown produce, as well as handmade crafts and souvenirs. You can find everything from homemade jams and jellies to handmade jewelry and pottery. The market also has a variety of food vendors, so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop. It's a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.

T
The Ottawa Antique Mall (illustrative photo)

The Ottawa Antique Mall

The Ottawa Antique Mall is a great place to find unique souvenirs near the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port. It offers a wide selection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items. You can find everything from vintage clothing to antique furniture. The mall also has a cafe, so you can grab a snack while you browse the selection. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home with you.

T
The Ottawa Mall (illustrative photo)

The Ottawa Mall

The Ottawa Mall is a great shopping option near the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port. It offers a variety of stores, including clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. The mall also has a food court, so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop. It's a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.

// Chicago Cruise Port Terminals

Which Chicago cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in Chicago
Pier 1 of 3

Burnham Harbor Cruise Terminal

1300 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Burnham Harbor Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is the third largest cruise port in the city, and offers a variety of cruises to destinations around the world. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop. It is also home to a variety of entertainment options, including live music, movies, and more.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Burnham Harbor Cruise Terminal)
Pier 2 of 3

Navy Pier Cruise Terminal

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Navy Pier Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is the main cruise port for the city, and offers a variety of cruises to destinations around the world. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop. It is also home to a variety of entertainment options, including live music, movies, and more.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Navy Pier Cruise Terminal)
Pier 3 of 3

Ogden Slip Cruise Terminal

1000 E Ogden Slip, Chicago, IL 60607

Ogden Slip Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, on the shore of Lake Michigan. It is the second largest cruise port in the city, and offers a variety of cruises to destinations around the world. The terminal is equipped with modern amenities, including a full-service restaurant, a bar, and a gift shop. It is also home to a variety of entertainment options, including live music, movies, and more.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Ogden Slip Cruise Terminal)
Wi-Fi

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available at the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port.

Safety

The Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port is generally considered to be a safe port. The port is well-maintained and monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement. The port also has a security team on-site to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Port address

1000 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL 61350

Chicago cruise port car rental
Enterprise Rent-A-CarHertzAvisBudgetNational Car Rental

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Chicago Cruise Port Weather

River Cruises - United States·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Chicago
66°
Avg · °F
Warm, occasional showers
High
87°F
Low
46°F
Rain
3.4 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Chicago

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Chicago cruise ship schedule

Chicago Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Chicago today, Thursday, September 17, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

Schedule updated

// Keep exploring

Popular ports in the River Cruises - United States

Other ports cruisers visit most in the River Cruises - United States.

// Questions

Chicago cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Chicago.

Where is Chicago cruise port located?

Chicago, Illinois cruise port is located in River Cruises - United States. The Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port is located on the Illinois River in Ottawa, Illinois. It is about 80 miles southwest of Chicago and is easily accessible from Interstate 80. The port is located on the north side of the river, just off of Route 71. The port offers a variety of amenities, including a full-service marina, a restaurant, a gift shop, and a variety of other services. The port is also home to a variety of recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, and sightseeing.

Is Chicago a good cruise port to visit?

No, Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is not a good cruise port. The closest cruise port to Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is the Port of Chicago, located in Chicago, Illinois.

How safe is Chicago cruise port for passengers?

Chicago cruise port has a safety score of 6.0 out of 10, ranking #66 of 71 ports in River Cruises - United States. The Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port is generally considered to be a safe port. The port is well-maintained and monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement. The port also has a security team on-site to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

What is the weather like at Chicago cruise port in September?

In September, Chicago cruise port has average high temperatures of 87°F (31°C) and average lows of 46°F (8°C).

What are the top things to do at Chicago cruise port?

Chicago cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Sightseeing, Dining, Shopping. Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is known for its variety of activities and attractions. From outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing, to cultural attractions like museums, galleries, and theaters, there is something for everyone. The city also offers a variety of shopping and dining experiences, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Ottawa Blues Festival and the Ottawa International Film Festival. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois is a great destination for anyone looking for a unique and exciting experience.

Can I rent a car at Chicago cruise port?

1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers a wide selection of rental cars near the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port. They have a variety of vehicles to choose from, including economy, luxury, and SUV options. They also offer special discounts for cruise passengers.2. Hertz: Hertz offers car rental services near the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV options. They also offer special discounts for cruise passengers.3. Avis: Avis offers car rental services near the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV options. They also offer special discounts for cruise passengers.4. Budget: Budget offers car rental services near the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV options. They also offer special discounts for cruise passengers.5. National Car Rental: National Car Rental offers car rental services near the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port. They have a wide selection of vehicles, including economy, luxury, and SUV options. They also offer special discounts for cruise passengers.

What is the WiFi situation at Chicago cruise port?

Unfortunately, there is no public wifi access available at the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port.

Where is the cruise terminal at Chicago cruise port?

The address of the Chicago (Ottawa), Illinois cruise port is:1000 Canal Street, Ottawa, IL 61350

What is the Chicago Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Chicago today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Chicago on any past or future date.

Sign up or
Sign in

Save your cruise, track reviews for your cabin, set cruise price drop alerts, & more with an account.

No password needed · Sign-in code sent