Sightseeing companies get set for summer's cruising season

The boating season is about to begin again.

The Wendella boats will start offering tours of the ChicagoRiver and Lake Michigan at 10 a.m. today at the northwest corner ofthe Michigan Avenue Bridge. Boat rides lasting 1 1/2 hours willleave at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:15, 3 and 7:30 p.m. every day.Tickets are $8; $7 for senior citizens and $4 for children. One-hourcruises will leave at 2:15 and 9 p.m. each day. Tickets are $6; $5for senior citizens and $3 for children.

Commuter service between the Michigan Avenue Bridge and theChicago & North Western Ry. and Union train stations will beginMonday. Boats will leave every 10 minutes between 7:45 and 8:45 a.m.and between 4:45 and 5:45 p.m. Tickets are $1.

On late Friday nights during prom season, Wendella will offerone-hour prom rides at 12:30 and 1:30 a.m. Tickets are $20 percouple.

For more information, call (312) 337-1446.

The Mercury Cruiseline, based at Michigan Avenue and lowerWacker Drive, will open its season April 26. Cruises lasting 1 1/2hours will leave at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and at 1:15, 3:15 and 7:30 p.m.every day. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children under 12.Call (312) 332-1368.

The National Heritage Corridor Cruise will leave at 9 a.m. May19 and return at 4 p.m. The 70-mile cruise will feature commentary byDavid Salzman, professor of urban geography at the University ofIllinois at Chicago. Tickets are $39.50 and include breakfast.Passengers should bring lunch and beverages. Call (312) 332-1368.