Shoreline Sightseeing is celebrating its milestone 75th anniversary. Family-owned for three generations, the company currently operates the largest touring fleet on Chicago's lake and river. Even as it marks its 75th year, Shoreline is focusing on creating memorable future seasons with new tour features and new cruises.

Shoreline begins the 2014 season by expanding two of its best-known tours. The popular Architecture River Tour will now cruise the Chicago River for 75 minutes, allowing Shoreline's famed guides time to provide even more detail on the city's history and world-famous architecture. Shoreline recently added a new vessel specially designed to provide open views of the city's skyscrapers . Shoreline also opened a second dock to give passengers two departure options. Architecture River Tours now depart from both the Michigan Avenue Bridge at the Chicago River and from Gateway Park at Navy Pier.
Classic Lake Tours, the company's original panoramic lake tour, will now run 40 minutes. Passengers will enjoy a professionally guided tour of the entire Chicago lakefront as well as have more time to take in spectacular views of the city's skyline and landmarks.

Shoreline extended both cruises in response to customer requests. Shoreline co-owner and President Chip Collopy said passengers are more enthusiastic about Chicago than ever before. "Whether our guests are Chicago natives or national or international visitors, they find Chicago more beautiful and more impressive than they expected . They want to know as much as they can and see as much as possible on their lake and river tours and we are happy to oblige. Our guides are professionals who pride themselves on presenting the unique story of Chicago's history and architecture, so they are also looking forward to sharing more fascinating details on their tours." Many international visitors can enjoy Shoreline's Architecture Tour in their own languages thanks to Shoreline's Tour Translation App available on itunes in Spanish, German, French and Mandarin Chinese.

Fireworks displays are a summertime tradition in Chicago and Shoreline's Fireworks Tours will offer both a Chicago River combination Architecture Fireworks Tour and a Lake Fireworks Tour throughout the summer season. Shoreline runs additional cruises and adds departures during city festivals and for the July 4th holiday.

As for special event cruises, Shoreline has a roster of tours spring through fall, beginning with St. Patrick's Day Lunch Cruises in March. Shoreline teams with local craft brewers to offer Brew Cruises during the summer and with a local winemaker for Wine Tasting Cruises. New for 2014 will be a Cider Cruise to celebrate the fall harvest. The special events season closes with Oktoberfest Cruises featuring traditional German fare and beers.

Getting around Chicago is a fun experience on Shoreline's colorful Water Taxis. Shoreline now has a fleet of 10 taxis traveling the river and lake spring through fall. Begun in 1999, taxis connect major Chicago destinations from docks at Willis Tower/Union Station, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Navy Pier and the Museum Campus (home to the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium and walking distance to Soldier Field and Northerly Island). One-day taxi passes allow passengers hop-on/hop-off access to all docks.

Current Shoreline co-owners brothers Chip and Matt Collopy, are the third generation at the Shoreline helm. "Our great-uncle began Shoreline in 1939 with one boat giving Lake Michigan Tours," said Chip Collopy. "Our dad expanded the fleet over the years and we've grown up with the business. Along the way, we've seen Chicago become a world-class city and renowned travel destination. One of the most rewarding parts of our business is welcoming people to our tours and hearing the great compliments to our city. "

Shoreline's tour and taxi season runs spring through fall. "We are somewhat dependent on Chicago's weather, but if the weather allows, we will have tour boats in the water to accommodate our customers. We've run as early as February and as late as December." Shoreline's daily tour season will officially start April 1 with tour departures from approximately 10:00 a.m. daily. Shoreline also operates full-service charters on a variety of vessels including the climate-controlled Celebration.

Shoreline welcomes journalists and travel professionals on all its tours. Arrangements can be made for advance dates as well as for day-of tours if time and weather permit.

Travel professional rates are available for client groups or individuals. Please contact Amy Hartnett for all press arrangements and travel professional information at ah@shorelinesightseeing.com or at
312-373-7254.

Please see below for short description of Shoreline Tours

Summary: Shoreline Sightseeing Tour Roster for 2014

Architecture River Tour: Professionally guided 75-minute tour showcasing more than 40 Chicago landmarks along the Chicago River. Tours depart from two locations- the northeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge on the Chicago River level, and the southeast corner of Gateway Park at Navy Pier. Tours depart days from approximately 10:00 a.m. and evenings from dusk to approximately 9:30 p.m. April through October. Tours also run March and November, weather permitting.

Classic Lake Tours: Professionally guided 40-minute tour highlighting Chicago's history, landmarks and breathtaking skyline. Departs day and evening from Navy Pier daily from approximately 11:00 a.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day and afternoons in May and September.

Fireworks Tours Wednesdays and Saturdays beginning May 24th:
Architecture Fireworks Tours: Professionally-guided, 75-minute tours depart from the southwest corner of Gateway Park at Navy Pier and from the northeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9:15 p.m. on Saturdays. Includes dramatic nighttime architecture tour plus viewing of the Navy Pier fireworks from the mouth of the Chicago River.

Lake Fireworks Tours: Dramatic 60-minute tours depart from Navy Pier at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Tour travels the entire length of Chicago's famous lakefront and skyline, ending with lakeside viewing of the fireworks displays.

Water Taxis: Taxis run daily May through September from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with later service during special city events and festivals. Taxis also run weekends in the spring and fall. Taxi docks at Willis Tower/Union Station, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Navy Pier and the Museum Campus. Tickets: One-way, round trip and one-day passes available.
Special Event Cruises: Information will be posted to Shoreline's website when available.

Dock Location Maps:

Available at http://shorelinesightseeing.com/dockmap-and-boardinglocations/

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