There are times when it’s totally called for to pull out all the stops and sign yourself up for something amazing and worth celebrating. I have had quite a lackluster history when it comes to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Chicago. Too many times I’ve been frustrated with overpriced bar packages with watered down drinks and long lines to the restroom and overcrowded dance clubs that are so oversold, you literally don’t have enough room to dance past 10:30.
This year, I decided enough was enough and wanted to give something new a try…a sit down type affair that would guarantee me enough room to hold a fork, eat some good food and not have to wait in long lines for those unicorn type “all you can drink (if you can actually reach a bartender)” NYE shindigs. I reached out to Entertainment Cruises since I had read some good things about their various cruise packages and wanted to try and redeem my New Year’s Eve in Chicago.
We boarded the Odyssey at 8:30 and cruised until 1:30am and I can tell you, it was such a fun evening that midnight snuck up on us. I got to sit next to a couple who later got engaged, and we shared champagne. We had several courses- delicious seafood appetizers, salad, steak and lobster, and an array of delicious desserts at the dessert bar. Also, did I mention there was champagne? Yes. Yes there was.
The DJ did a great job of keeping everyone dancing throughout the evening, and yes, there was plenty of room to bust a move (which, as mentioned has not been the case on other venues in the past, I was happy). Our server, was fantastic and brought drinks to our table, (woo, no lines) though other people did saunter up to the bar from time to time.
The energy of the evening was great and the service was impeccable. If you’ve partied in a big city on a crazy night like NYE, you know what a struggle it can be when you’re fighting crowds to get served or find a place to hang out and enjoy a drink. The ship allowed us plenty of breathing room to dance, dine, drink and the atmosphere was energetic but still allowed for great conversation while noshing on some delicious food.
At midnight, we were all invited to the top deck of the ship and given noisemakers and hot cocoa to ring in the new year and watch the fireworks. I think there must have been 3 or 4 proposals while we were up there- it was the perfect spot and the perfect time to start your life together- cruising along the Chicago skyline, during fireworks on NYE…. seriously, what an unforgettable night!
Everyone was given an adorable bag of “Midnight Kisses” and hot cocoa- every detail was planned and it was a seamless evening from start to finish. I can honestly say it was one of the best evenings I’ve had in Chicago in a LONG time.
Literally, everything was taken care of on the cruise. From our drinks which were consistently topped off, to the restroom which had no lines (which we ladies can appreciate), the staff were all so helpful and timed the courses really well. Additionally, before the cruise, the team sent out an email to all attendees to help us be sure we knew exactly what to expect and how to ensure we found a cab on a very high volume evening on the way home.
Valid on bookings from January 5th to January 11th on any 2015 cruises, so hurry! Book your cruise on Odyssey, Spirit of Chicago, Mystic Blue online and or via phone at 888.957.2634.
Valentine’s Day cruises on Odyssey, Spirit of Chicago and Mystic Blue are 15% off using discount code VALENTINE from January 12th to January 31st.
Thank you to Odyssey Chicago for having me aboard your vessel for an amazing start to 2015! I will be back!
Girl you look STUNNING in that photo!
Thank you!
That looks like such a nice way to spend NYE! I have thought about doing something like that and never thought it would be worth the money! Thanks for sharing!
It’s definitely worth it!
How fun! I always want to go on those but my husband can’t do boats on big lakes like that.
Any chance you can go with a group of girlfriends for a ladies night? It’ll still be fun!
I just love booze cruises! We did a brunch cruise around NYC last May and had the best time! Sounds like a great way to ring in the New Year. 🙂
That sounds lovely, too!
I just LOVE booze cruises! My hubby and I did a brunch cruise last May and had the best time! Sounds like a great way to ring in the New Year!!
Looks like a great time! Love your pictures.
Thanks!
Oh my gosh, I wish I lived in Chicago!! I’ve actually never been, so maybe this is my year… 😉 Your review was awesome!! I would have never thought of a cruise for the New Year, how cool! Also, you do look great in that photo. New Facebook photo! 🙂
Thank you! You should definitely consider visiting Chicago – I put together a little travel guide for the winter a few posts ago that may give you some ideas.
That dinner looks AHmazing! And the “midnight kisses” is such a cute idea. I love it! Happy New Year!
It was! They really paid attention to the little details. Happy New Year!
This pretty much sounds like my perfect New Years Eve! It all looks incredible.
You should try a cruise next year!
This sounds so much more entertaining than being shoulder-to-shoulder with a bunch of strangers waiting for the orange to drop here in Bayfront Park in Miami. I’ll definitely keep this in mind for next year. Great pics, too!
Thanks! Being surrounded by so many people definitely isn’t that fun – it was great to have space to move around.
I live near Chicago and have not heard of Odyssey cruise. Looking at the pics and reading about your night makes me certain to book this for valentines day with my husband. I also want to keep this in mind for other occasions! In the suburbs it isn’t always easy to find a reason (or a place) to get dressed up and enjoy a classy, adult atmosphere. Thanks for your recommendation!
Awesome! If you do go for Valentine’s Day, be sure to let us know how it goes. It’s definitely a fun idea for a date night.
This sounds like so much fun! I think I’m going to see if there’s something similar in San Francisco!
I wouldn’t be surprised if there was!