The weather was wondrous. The food fabulous. The people ready to party. And party they did!

Last Tues June 29th The Local Tourist (TLT), JenChicago, and Social Sami hosted a “Tweetup with a Twist” on our Free Spirit luxury yacht.

Over 50 people enjoyed a scrumptious Middle Eastern buffet from Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen, decadently delish cupcakes from The Goddess & Grocer and icy cold drinks.

There was music and dancing and door prizes from places you’ve always wanted to go. And as the cruise ended, each guest left with an “OMG! Look what’s in here!” goody bag filled with coupons for Cubs tickets and pizza tours and restaurant specials and more.

If you missed it, you missed a great time on Lake Michigan. But we just might have another tweetup cruise before the summer ends. So you’ll get another chance. In the meantime, here’s a video from JenChicago.

Last post, we talked about how much better the weather has been this summer than last year.

This week, we’re happy to report that the number of charters is far better as well (although a little less rain would be fine!).

The economy is still far from strong, but we’re seeing a definite increase in the number of corporate charters. New companies as well as many returning clients are cruising with us, and Joe and I are happy to see old friends and meet new ones.

Our Free Spirit and Gypsy Spirit are also busy with far more private events than last year. Lots of parties are booked on weekends with graduation, birthdays, and wedding-related celebrations.

But we still have room for you and your friends! Including some Wednesday and Saturday nights that are open for Chicago fireworks cruises.

So if you’ve been thinking about how much fun it would be to be out on Lake Michigan watching our spectacular fireworks shows (it is!), now’s your chance. Call us to see what dates are open. And then you can send us a note like this:

“Hi Angela! Thanks again for last night. Everyone had a wonderful time!”
Best Regards,

Alexis Piscazzi
Administrative Assistant
Merge Healthcare Incorporated

Over the past two years, we’ve started doing a considerable amount of networking.

Off-season, of course. During season, we’re way too busy with Free Spirit Yacht Cruises charters to do much else (no, we’re not complaining about being busy!)

Lately, it’s become clear to us that networking goes far beyond simply meeting new people. It’s about making connections and building relationships….hopefully with people you’d like to work with in one way or another.

For example, we’re really excited about our upcoming Merlot and Massages cruise on May 18^th.  So are most of the people we’ve talked to who have signed up already.

But back to where I was heading about the networking…..the interesting part is that this cruise is the result of our getting out and meeting new people. It’s about connecting.

The massages are being offered by Lincoln Park Massage Spa, a fellow Lincoln Park Chamber member. The wines are courtesy of PRP Wines International, a company we met at a Navy Pier event. And our marketing person is also in LPCC. So if we hadn’t become active enough to actually get out and meet people, we might not be putting together this awesome event.

In case you missed the blog post or newsletter or Facebook post or tweet about the cruise, here’s info: Merlot & Massage Cruise.

Share your photos and stories with us on Facebook.  Then you receive a FREE box of your favorite kind of Fannie May Candies.  We know you like candy, because after most charters our candy dish is empty.

Here is our story from our First Annual Labor Day Fireworks Cruise on September 5th.

We had a blast! The weather cooperated…something we haven’t been able to say much this summer…and the fireworks were the usual fabulous!

Amazing that Joe and I have as much fun as you do on our yacht charters isn’t it. We can’t think of a better place to work! 

And we feel very blessed to have such wonderful clients. Like Joe and Marie, who were visiting Chicago for the first time. Here’s the feedback we got from them after the Labor Day Fireworks Cruise:

“Maria and I had a wonderful evening the other night and wanted to thank you and your husband Joe for your hospitality. It truly was a highlight of our trip in Chicago.  Thanks so much!” Joe Gagnon

No wonder Joe and I love what we do!