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NEWS
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Judi McCullough: press relations, 847-491-9608 cell: 847-271-3181 judi2720@aol.com
Sarah Munley (312-373-7256) sm@shorelinesightseeing.com
Chip Collopy (312-222-9326) cec@shorelinesightseeing.com
April 20, 2009
CHICAGO’S SHORELINE SIGHTSEEING
CELEBRATES 70TH ANNIVERSARY
Chicago, IL: Shoreline Sightseeing, Chicago’s largest and most diverse boat touring company, is celebrating their 70th season with an expanded schedule of daily Architecture Cruises and Skyline Boat Tours plus Sunset and Fireworks Cruises. Their colorful Water Taxis now offer both morning and afternoon commuter service and daily visitor service.
Family owned and operated since 1939, Shoreline began with one boat giving Lake Michigan Tours. Its fleet now includes nine major touring vessels and ten water taxis. Their Chicago River Architecture Cruises run daily through November and Lake Michigan Skyline Boat Tours daily October. Visitor Water Taxis operate daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends in the fall. Shoreline’s Sunset Cruises and combination Architecture / Fireworks Cruises operate mid-June to
mid-August. The latter is offered on Wednesday and Saturday evenings to see both Chicago’s famous architectural landmarks plus the Navy Pier Fireworks displays. Shoreline also continues to offer their regular Fireworks Cruises on Wednesday and Saturday evenings as well as for all Chicago holidays and special events.
Co-owners Chip and Matt Collopy represent the third generation to head Shoreline Sightseeing. “Our family is proud to have been part of Chicago’s touring scene for seventy years”, said Collopy. “We’ve expanded our tour products and our fleet, always keeping our well-known red, white and blue color scheme. For 2009, we’ve also expanded our daily service to give our customers a variety of options so they can enjoy our tours at a time that will fit their busy schedules.”
A Shoreline Sightseeing Cruise is a summer tradition with generations of Chicagoans as well as a highlight for visitors. “We welcome families who come year after year as well as visitors from around U.S. and abroad,” noted Collopy. “Over the years, we’ve had visitors from just about every country in the world. It’s always a pleasure to welcome them to Chicago and to know that our great city is recognized as a truly world-class touring destination.”
Schedules and Locations
Shoreline Architecture Cruises depart daily from Ogden Slip at Navy Pier beginning at 10:00 am on weekends, 11:30 am on weekdays in April and May and 10:00 am daily with a total of 15 departure times June through September. Cruises continue on a reduced schedule through the fall until November 30th, weather permitting. Professional guides are both knowledgeable and entertaining as they recount the dramatic story of Chicago’s amazing rise after the Great Fire of 1871 to become the birthplace of the skyscraper and the home of modern American Architecture. The cruise highlights over 40 famous buildings as it winds its way along the Chicago River.
Shoreline’s regular Lake Michigan Skyline Boat Tours depart from two docks at Navy Pier and encompass the entire panorama of Chicago’s famous lakefront. Daily service begins at 10:30 am with up to 20 daily cruises in the summer season. Cruises continue on a reduced schedule through the fall until October 31st. Cruises also include a narration on Chicago’s vivid history and famous landmarks.
Shoreline’s 45-minute Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise leaves Navy Pier approximately one-half hour prior to sunset to capture the full panorama of the setting sun against the city’s spectacular skyline. The tour also includes Shoreline’s professional narration on the city’s history and landmarks. Sunset Cruises operate daily June 13th through August 15th.
Shoreline Fireworks Cruises depart Navy Pier on Wednesdays at 9:30 pm and Saturdays at 10:15 pm for a dramatic nighttime Lake Michigan Cruise and viewing of the dazzling Navy Pier fireworks displays. Fireworks Cruises operate from Memorial Day to Labor Day with additional cruises for special events including July 3rd and 4th and Venetian Night.
Shoreline’s 75-minute combination Architecture / Fireworks Cruise leaves from Ogden Slip at Navy Pier on Wednesdays at 8:30 pm and on Saturdays at 9:15 pm. Tours feature a dramatic nighttime Architecture Cruise led by one of the company’s professional docents plus a ring-side seat for viewing the Navy Pier fireworks from Shoreline’s Ogden Slip dock. Architecture /Fireworks Cruises operate June 13th through August 15th.
Shoreline’s Water Taxis provide fast, convenient and fun transportation on two routes: the Chicago River Taxis runs between Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue Bridge and Sears Tower (to be renames Willis Tower later this summer). The Harbor Water Taxis run from Navy Pier across Lake Michigan to the Museum Campus, home of the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum and Adler Planetarium.
Visitor Water Taxis run daily from 10:00 to 6:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day with weekend service continuing in September and October. Shoreline commuter water taxis run between Sears Tower and the Michigan Avenue Bridge Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 9:30 am and in the evening from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm with service May through October.
Call 312-222-9328 for additional information, group rates and private charters. Or visit the Shoreline web site at www.shorelinesightseeing.com , for complete information on all services and special cruises and to purchase advance tickets online with no additional fee.