Chicago Event Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Is our deposit refundable? Can we bring our own decorations?
Is the ship private to just our party? What happens if there is bad weather?
Will my guests get seasick? Can we bring our own alcohol/liquor or food onboard?
Do you work with any hotels in the area for out of town guests? What if we have additional guests show up the day of the event?
How does the entertainment work? How does the boarding process work?
What do we tell our vendors about delivery? Can some of our group pre-board?

Is our deposit refundable?

  • Your deposit is non-refundable because securing the space takes away the ability for us to sell the space to another group. Back to top

Can we bring our own decorations?

  • Yes, but there are a few restrictions; you must have a private deck charter; no glitter, confetti or open flames are allowed. Votives and candles are allowed as long as the glass or container exceeds the height of the flame. You are more than welcome to bring your own flowers or purchase centerpieces through your event planner. All decorations must be removed immediately following the event. Any decorations left behind after the event will be discarded. While we are happy to help set up any simple decorations, excessive set up is subject to a fee. Back to top

Is the ship private to just our party?

  • All three dining vessels have four floors that consist of three dining rooms (various sizes) and an observation deck. It is most common to rent a private room since the private room sizes vary from a room that can hold up to 60 people with dancing to 330 people. This is similar to renting a ballroom at a hotel, where that space is private but the entire hotel is not. Contact your event planner for details on how to rent the entire ship. Back to top

What happens if there is bad weather?

  • Our ships were built for cruising on Lake Michigan. Rain does not affect our cruising schedule; however, high winds may have an effect. Back to top

Can we bring our own alcohol/liquor or food onboard?

  • No, as a condition of our liquor license and the Board of Health, we cannot permit any outside alcohol or food to be brought onboard and consumed. The exception would be a wedding cake since it is being delivered by a licensed bakery. Back to top

Will my guests get seasick?

  • Seasickness is very uncommon on our vessels since they were built for this type of cruising. Back to top

Do you work with any hotels in the area for out of town guests?

  • We do work with many hotels in the area and will provide you with a list of options. They do offer great incentives for our guests. Back to top

What if we have additional guests show up the day of our event?

  • If more guests show up than anticipated, we will allow them onboard provided there is availability. If guests are added at the pier, they are not subject to any previous discounts given to your group and must pay in full at the ticket booth prior to boarding with a credit or debit card only. The final guest count and balance are due one month prior to the event date. Back to top

How does the boarding process work?

  • Tickets are an essential part of our boarding process. Every guest must have a ticket in order to board our vessels. Tickets can be picked up at the ticket booth the day of the event by a designated member of your group to be handed out. Tickets may be printed and given to you prior to the event, however, a ticket release form must be signed and lost tickets must be repurchased at the full rate. A registration table can be made available for your party where tickets to board can be distributed. Back to top

How does the entertainment work?

  • All of our cruises include either live or DJ entertainment. If you are chartering a deck or the entire ship, you will be able to fill out a questionnaire and work with our entertainment department on your specific requests and needs. Back to top

What do we tell our vendors about delivery?

  • The delivery time must be coordinated between your Coordinator or Account Manager and the vendor directly to ensure safe and timely delivery as the boat is not always at the dock. Back to top

Can some of our group pre-board?

  • It is based on the availability of the ship. Back to top