We have clients who book charters with us every year and usually choose one of our Chicago-themed menus.  But recently we’ve been receiving more calls asking if we do upscale menus as well.

So we wanted to let you know. Absolutely!

We offer luxe, fancy, upscale (call it what you will) customized menus and premium beverage service as well as more casual fare.

For example, one client chartered a cruise for 15 people with us earlier this month. Guests dined on a delectable Magnificent Mile Buffet, featuring grilled salmon with champagne sauce, beef tenderloin, baby vegetables, wild rice with sautéed mushrooms and more. And a premium bar.

Another client, in for a tradeshow at McCormick Place, wanted a more casual buffet for their 60 person Free Spirit charter in early June. They were entertaining clients from around the world, so what better fit for visitors to our windy (and wet!) city than the Hometown Chicago Dinner Buffet. This client customized it with jumbo shrimp trays and an assortment of desserts (including one called the “Deluxe Sweet Tooth Platter”).  And a premium bar.

Did they enjoy it? You bet!

Here’s a quote from a recent charter client:

“You and the entire crew did an UNBELIEVABLE job handling our Chemguard dinner charter event! I would not hesitate to recommend your charter service for any Chicago harbor function. A great time was had by everyone and I am sure this dinner cruise will be talked about for months to come!

My thanks again to all!”

John Vieweger

Vice President - Sales & Marketing

Chemguard

So whether you’re thinking of hosting a casual Chicago-themed party or an elegant, sophisticated dinner, Free Spirit Yacht Cruises can accommodate your every wish. 

Gotta run. I’m suddenly starving!

Warm wishes,

Angela

So far this year, Chicago has not been an ideal town for summer weddings.

The weather has not cooperated.Like the afternoon of June 11, 2009.

A young couple from England had booked their wedding aboard the Gypsy Spirit.  Months ago.  The plan was for their small wedding party to board at Burnham Harbor. Then we would cruise over to the Yacht Club to pick up the reverend. And the ceremony was to take place on deck with Buckingham Fountain in the background. A perfect plan for a perfect day.

Unfortunately, “plan” and “Chicago weather” were not on the same page.The day dawned cloudy, foggy, rainy and windy…. and chilly. Could have been the setting for a disaster wedding comedy.  You could almost see Sandra Bullock squeezing water out of her dripping veil.Everyone boarded the yacht as planned. But the picture in front of Buckingham Fountain was pretty gray and wet. And the sun never appeared.And the bride and groom? They held hands, kissed, drank champagne, danced and laughed. They just did it all inside in the Free Spirit’s cozy lounge rather than on deck.

Were they happy? You decide.

So if you’re planning a wedding and you want it to be on a luxury yacht on Lake Michigan, don’t despair. Not only will we make sure that your Free Spirit Yacht Cruises wedding is wonderful, we also host a myriad of other wedding-related parties.

Rehearsal dinners, showers, bachelorette parties. Whatever you’re celebrating, if you’re doing it on one of our yachts, it will be wonderful.  Captain Joe and I insist on it!

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, was the lucky winner of a private charter that we donated in the Concierge Preferred Show drawing. So on Sunday, June 7th, Theresa and 17 friends boarded the Free Spirit for a 3-hour cruise on Lake Michigan.

“One of the best nights I’ve had in Chicago - and my job is helping people have fun in this city - was aboard the Free Spirit.”

Guests dined on a delicious Taste of Chicago buffet from Taste America catering. Greek salad, chicken enchiladas, veggie stir-fry, Vienna hot dogs, Italian beef. Yum!

The cruise was part birthday party/part fundraiser for Theresa. She’s climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro this summer with Endure To Cure to raise money for pediatric cancer research. So she gave some spots on the cruise as a reward for donating on her birthday back in May. What a wonderful cause! And how great to have the Free Spirit cruise be used as part of her fundraising efforts.

“Joe and Angela and everyone aboard made sure it was a success.”

Sailing out of Burnham Harbor, guests had a perfect view of our gorgeous Chicago skyline. Theresa commented on the view as the yacht hugged the shore around Museum Campus and through Monroe Harbor. “You don’t see this view from the Navy Pier tours.”

As the sun was setting, David Kav, one of Theresa’s favorite singer-songwriters, broke out his guitar and serenaded guests in the cabin. And as a thank you to anyone who purchased one of his CDs, he donated the purchase price to Endure To Cure. 

“It was truly an amazing, memorable night!”

We’re so glad you and your guests enjoyed the cruise, Theresa. And we wish you much success in your climb up Kilimanjaro and your goal of raising $20,000 for pediatric cancer research.

If anyone would like to help Theresa reach her goal, please click here.

“The food was delicious, the staff was both courteous & attentive & Captain Joe expertly piloted the Free Spirit to some memorable vantage points!”

Guests, Jim & Cheryl Tepper, after one of our 2008 Cruises

We agree!  Captain Joe knows just where to stop for the best fireworks viewing on Lake Michigan. He’s been doing it for almost 19 years so he’s got it down pat.

Want to see how good he is? Get a group together and take advantage of our June Summer Fireworks Specials.

Wednesday nights only* 

3-Hour Cruise

7:00p - 10:00p

(Fireworks at 9:30p)

Scrumptious Full Buffet + Beer, Wine & Soda Bar

Private Groups Only ~ 25 person minimum up to 120

What’s so special?

A private charter with this menu on one of our luxury yachts runs $72 - 96 per person (price based on number of guests). 

June Special: only $60 per person

So round up 25 of your favorite people (or more) and call us at 708.361.2220 to check dates.

 *Based on availability.

Not available on Saturday Night Fireworks Charters

About the Weather….

As native Chicagoans, we’re used to crazy weather. We deal with it regularly (ever been through one of our winters!)

But the past few weeks have been rainier than usual. That generally brings up a few questions about what we do when the weather is less than “cruise perfect”.  What do we do when it rains and we’ve got a charter? Fair question.

Fortunately, our two yachts are inviting and comfortable. If the skies are gray and drizzly,  guests are inside in a cozy, comfy lounge, relaxing on leather sofas until it clears.

And actually, some of our most fun charters have been during less than ideal weather when everyone gathered inside, eating and chatting and just hanging out with friends.

About the Weather Forecasts

Always a caveat in Chicago! But we need to mention it.

When it’s raining in the northern suburbs, that doesn’t mean it’s raining at Burnham Harbor. In a city the size of Chicago, It might look cloudy at the western end of the city while the sun is shining downtown.  So don’t let the weather forecast ruin your plans on Lake Michigan. 

Can you believe it’s almost Memorial Day? Neither can we. 

It falls on May 23^rd this year…early, but not too early for us. We’re celebrating with an open fireworks cruise on our gorgeous, newly renovated Free Spirit luxury yacht.

Call some friends. Bring your best buddy (wife, husband, boyfriend). And come watch a spectacular Chicago fireworks display aboard one of Lake Michigan’s most comfortable and inviting yachts. Did we mention a scrumptious buffet dinner with beer, wine & soda bar? See ya there.

Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday, May 23rd ~ 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Boarding at 7:30pm ~ Free Spirit leaves the dock at 8:00pm

3-Hour Cruise

Beer, Wine & Soda Bar Bountiful Buffet
  $60.00 per person
  For more info or to sign up, click here.

Sunday, May 10th turned out to be a little cooler than we would’ve liked.  But it was sunny and beautiful for our Mother’s Day Lake Michigan cruise on the Gypsy Spirit,

Here are some moms and their families enjoying the afternoon.

In response to calls from customers who are feeling left out about Mother’s Day, we are opening up the Mother’s Day Cruise to anyone who has (or had) a mother.

Just because your mom doesn’t live in Chicago and you can’t be with her on Mother’s Day, why should you be excluded from a beautiful afternoon cruise on Lake Michigan?

And the forecast for Sunday is looking fabulous!

So join us for a 3-hour cruise on the luxurious, newly-renovated Free Spirit this Sunday, May 10^th.  And come hungry.  We’re serving a yummy buffet brunch.

Sunday, noon-3pm.

Boarding at 11:30a.m.

Burnham Harbor

Scrumptious Buffet Brunch.

Mimosa’s, Bloody Mary’s, Beer, Wine & Soda

Only $60 per person.

Hosted by Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

and where will you take her this Mother’s Day?

At last! Beautiful weather has hit Chicago.

And the forecast for Mother’s Day? Sunny and warm. Perfect for an afternoon aboard the Free Spirit luxury yacht, cruising Lake Michigan.

This year, treat your mom to a special Mother’s Day. Take her on a Mother’s Day Cruise on the Free Spirit.  Guaranteed to make this a day she’ll remember.

Join us for a 3-hour cruise. Sunday, May 10th noon-3pm. We board at 11:30am.

Kick back and relax and enjoy Mimosa’s, Bloody Mary’s, Beer, Wine & Soda and a Scrumptious Buffet Brunch. Only $60 per person.  Hosted by Free Spirit Yacht Cruises   

Mother’s Day is next Sunday, May 10^th, 2009.

What are YOU doing for your mother this year? How about something really special!

This year, take MOM on a Mother’s Day Cruise aboard the Free Spirit luxury yacht.  She’ll talk about it for years to come (and so will you!).

Enjoy a 3-hour cruise on beautiful Lake Michigan!

Sunday, May 10^th noon-3pm, boarding at 11:30am

Mimosa’s, Bloody Mary’s, Beer, Wine & Soda

and a Scrumptious Buffet Brunch

Only $60 per person — so you can bring Dad too!

This will fill up fast so don’t wait too long to sign up.