Take a leisurely cruise along beautiful Lake Michigan onboard this Formula Yacht which boasts a very roomy cabin and cockpit, with room for the whole family, and then some. Drop-anchor at the Navy Pier's Northside Playpen to enjoy the Chicago skyline with family and friends as you celebrate special life events, or simply treat yourself to a day on the water "just because" you deserve it.
Artesian Chocolate is remarkable for her size and comfort. Notably, the Formula Yacht has expansive single-level interior, as well as her wide roomy space at the helm with lounge seating and a sun pad on the bow for several guests. She is equipped with a full bathroom, kitchen size galley, refrigerator, microwave, coolers, fire extinguishers, first aid kit and other safety equipment, as well as USCG Type-1 life vests for all passengers. Has a bumping Audio Sound System you can plug into either via Bluetooth, AUX or USB. This vessel is perfect for your group of up to 12 guests to take a trip to the playpen (the hub of activity on the lakefront). For groups larger than 12, consider renting our luxury cruiser, or other size power boats in our fleet of 4 boats to accommodate up to 24 guests.
Location/Parking:
We are docked at 31st street harbor which is about a 10-minute taxi from downtown. There is paid parking available onsite, as well nearby, or hop a ride-share as a group.
Cruising Start Times:
We offer pleasure cruises in the daytime (10am); the evening (3pm); at night (8pm) for groups up to 12 passengers to the Playpen for party cruises, fireworks display, and/or up the riverwalk.
Chicago's city lights also boast a beautiful skyline to behold while celebrating your personal events as you cruise Lake Michigan's shoreline for Birthday Parties, Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Engagement Parties, Anniversary Cruises, Holidays, to Office Parties and more. You name the party, we'll name the boat, as we have other boats in our fleet to choose. If you have 13 or more guests, we would recommend our luxury yacht, or perhaps suggest doing simultaneous bookings for upwards of 24 guests where you can ride out to the playpen side by side, and we got you!
During the Summertime, every (Wednesday and Saturday) nights the City of Chicago presents a fantastic fireworks display at the heart of Navy Pier which is a sight to behold from the Lake. We offer Fireworks Party Cruises throughout Summer. Firework Cruises are a minimum of three hours in duration with a bit of a price increase.
BOOKING RATES:
Weekday $275/hr. Weekend $300/hr. (3hr-Cruises & Firework Cruises $350/hr). Holidays and Special Boating Days $300 addt'l added on top. Min-3hr bookings. Many clients book 4hrs +.
SPECIAL WATER EVENT CRUISES:
Memorial Day weekend, Juneteenth wknd, the July 4th Fireworks wknd Cruises, The Air & Water Show wknd, Labor Day wknd, Venetian Night, and The Chicago Scene Water Events (as there are 2 "Scene" events). These are major events with spectacular shows, and plenty of activity out on the water, thereby the slight fee increase for these special water event days that BOOK OUT FAST!
BOAT RENTAL ONLY vs CAPTAIN:
Ours is a BARE BOAT RENTAL COMPANY ONLY, called Chez Renee Voyage. Captains are not included in our company's quoted Prices herein. The Captains' fee is a separate transaction between renter and captain (this is a US Coast Guard Law), where you will hire the captain and pay them directly. You are welcome to hire your own licensed captain (with owner approval), or you may hire a captain who is familiar with our boats from a list we shall provide after you complete the reservation. Captains typically charge $85-$100 per hour, with customary gratuity, so budget for that cost separately from the boat rental fee.
FUEL/CLEANING SURCHARGE:
There is an additional fuel and cleaning surcharge you will be expected to pay directly to us the day before departure, (this fee, as well as the *Special Water Event Day Cruise* Fee listed up above to us directly). Fuel reimbursement will be $160 for our most popular itinerary to the playpen anchorage and back. Cleaning fee is $90 flat rate for any of the charter slots, for a combined total of $250, Lastly, if a river cruise you choose, $250 additional for the reasons of extra fuel usage.
If you have any questions, we can answer them through the Boatsetter messaging platform before paying. Simply press inquiry or book and we can take it from there.