Wendella Sightseeing Boats, Chicago

While many Chicago cruise lines are corporately owned and designed with lavish amenities like on-board meals and in-house DJs, this cruise line offers a refreshingly simple, non-corporate and decidedly "unslick" presentation. Family-owned since 1935, the captain and narrator offer interesting tidbits on the city with dry one-liners. These low-key and no-frills cruises are an entertaining alternative to their competitors. Several different tours are available, and the boats offer partial cover. Cash only.