Chicago is all about Lake Michigan and its stunning skyline views. So why not combine the two and plan to hold your next Chicago corporate event on the water? From a private charter on an old-fashioned sailing ship to a dinner cruise on a sleek yacht complete with a dance floor, you’re sure to find the perfect Chicago boat cruise to host your next creative corporate event.
Chicago’s First Lady
You’ll have the pick of your own private yacht to host a party for 2-250 people on Chicago’s First Lady. Choose a Chicago River or Lake Michigan cruise (or both), where your guests can take in the amazing blue water views from the spacious open-air top deck or down below in a climate-controlled cabin with huge picture windows. Choose from one of Chicago’s First Lady’s preferred caterers to create a custom menu for your group.
City Experiences
City Experiences offers a wide range of packages built to take your group event to the next level. Choose from all-inclusive options that come with a dedicated captain, bar tenders, and event staff. Customize your food menu, bar offerings, and entertainment to suit your budget and event. City Experience boasts a diverse fleet of vessels, including the all-glass Odyssey Chicago River, the Spirit of Chicago, and other yachts with capacities ranging from 110 to almost 750.
Mercury, Chicago Skyline Cruiseline
Book your group for the Mercury’s Evening River & Lake Cruise and see the glittering night lights of the dazzling Chicago skyline. This 90-minute tour departs at sunset, so your party gets to see the city’s dramatic transformation from day to evening. The tour is accompanied by live commentary on Chicago’s storied history and everyone on board gets a fun light wand.
Anita Dee Yacht Charters
Plan an exclusive party on one of two elegant yachts that are docked at DuSable Harbor on the Chicago River. Anita Dee I can accommodate 135 guests, while Anita Dee II has a capacity of 400 people. You can chart your own course and choose from a preferred list of caterers and entertainment that ranges from a dance band to a live DJ. Bonus? You can arrange to board the ship directly from the dock at McCormick Place. Learn more about Anita Dee Yacht Charters.
Chicago Line Cruises
Take your next team-building activity out on the water with Chicago Line Cruises. Charter one of three vessels for groups of 20 – 170 and explore the city as you ply the waters of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Choose a caterer to provide anything from appetizers to a full meal and make your event even more special with a live jazz band or a docent who can provide colorful narration.
Seadog Cruises
For a high-energy corporate team-building event, charter a Seadog speedboat cruise. Take a leisurely cruise with a cocktail in hand along the Chicago River, then kick it into high gear on Lake Michigan, where the Seadog transforms into a thrill ride as it speeds along the waterfront. Groups can board at Navy Pier or Seadog’s remote Marina City dock.
Shoreline Sightseeing Company
In operation since 1939, Shoreline Sightseeing offers its elegant boats for charter for corporate events and cocktail parties, including the four-season Celebration. Vessels can accommodate 70 – 250 guests, and depart from Navy Pier. Your event can include a full-bar, a menu from a premier caterer and extras such as a live band or architecture tour guide. Or plan an outing on one of Shoreline’s many special event tours, including fireworks cruises on Wednesday and Saturday evenings during the summer.
Tall Ship Windy
Combine a history lesson with your chartered event aboard this traditional 148-foot-tall topsail schooner that was modeled after a Great Lakes trading ship. The cruise can include maritime storytelling about Lake Michigan’s notorious pirate history, along with live music. Food is typically set up buffet-style in the grand salon and a full bar is available. Tall Ship Windy shoves off from Navy Pier and can accommodate up to 150 guests.
Wendella Tours & Cruises
Choose from one of two Wendella vessels to host a chartered corporate outing or cocktail cruise (a water taxi is also available for group transportation). Board at one of Wendella’s many downtown docks on the Chicago River, then set out toward the cool blue waters of Lake Michigan to enjoy the spectacular skyline panorama. Wendella boats can accommodate 25-275 guests, with food provided by a preferred caterer or one of your choice.
