When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Anita Dee Yacht Charters
Why Anita Dee Yacht Charters is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Anita Dee Yacht Charters offers an exclusive and luxurious way to explore Chicago’s iconic waterways and skyline. With two distinct yachts, Anita Dee I and Anita Dee II, the company caters to a wide array of events including weddings, family reunions, corporate gatherings, and grand celebrations. Anita Dee I is celebrated for its intimate and elegant atmosphere, featuring an open-air observation deck and a temperature-controlled enclosed salon, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views of the Chicago River and lakefront regardless of weather conditions. For larger events, Anita Dee II impresses with its capacity to host up to 400 guests, providing spacious and versatile indoor and outdoor decks that offer breathtaking panoramas of Chicago’s skyline and beyond. Guests aboard Anita Dee Yacht Charters benefit from over four decades of professional hospitality experience, delivering highly personalized service and attention to detail that ensure memorable experiences. Whether indulging in gourmet food, unique entertainment, or simply soaking in Chicago’s vibrant scenery from a lavish floating venue, this yacht charter is an exceptional spot for friends and family to gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories in a remarkable setting.
Here's what people think of Anita Dee Yacht Charters
As of recent, Anita Dee Yacht Charters holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1435 reviews.
Reviews from guests who have experienced Anita Dee Yacht Charters consistently highlight the company’s exceptional service, smooth communication, and the overall enjoyment of the cruise experience. Positive reviews praise the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, the elegance and comfort of both yachts, and the stunning vistas of Chicago’s skyline and riverfront offered during the cruises. Guests also appreciate the flexibility in customizing events concerning cruising routes, catering, bar packages, and entertainment options, allowing for personalized and private celebrations. The ability to exclusively occupy the yacht without sharing space with other parties is frequently mentioned as a major advantage, enhancing the privacy and exclusivity of events. On the other hand, some reviews point to occasional concerns such as pricing, limited availability on weekends, and logistical challenges related to event timing or capacity. However, these negative aspects appear less prominent compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback about the quality and uniqueness of the experience. Overall, guests recommend Anita Dee Yacht Charters for those seeking an elegant, memorable, and uniquely Chicagoan venue for private events and social gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Uhura Sasse
🌟 Unforgettable Wedding Aboard the Anita Dee! 🌟 Our wedding aboard the Anita Dee was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we stepped onto the yacht, we knew we were in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The vessel was elegant and spacious, perfectly accommodating our guests with ease and comfort. Every detail was thoughtfully arranged, allowing us to fully enjoy the celebration without a single worry. ✨ Highlights: Saying our vows with the Chicago skyline as our backdrop was absolutely surreal. Cruising along the Chicago River and out onto Lake Michigan gave us panoramic views of the city—especially stunning as the sun set and the lights began to twinkle. One of the most meaningful moments was jumping the broom on the deck, surrounded by love, laughter, and the shimmering water. It was powerful, symbolic, and deeply personal. The staff aboard the Anita Dee were exceptional—professional, warm, and attentive to every detail. Our guests were blown away by the experience, and we’ll forever cherish the memories of dancing under the stars with the city glowing behind us. If you're dreaming of a wedding that’s both luxurious and deeply memorable, the Anita Dee delivers in every way
Danita Smith
Great time at the all white party for sis’ 50th bday. Food wasn’t free and they served spaghetti- in our all white. DJ was cool - music on level two was way too loud. Nice yacht. Beautiful scenery. Restrooms stayed clean. Plenty of space. Areas to get away from loudness when needed. I recommend
steven leyva
Had the most exclusive and fun time here at the Anita Dee yacht and the skyline yacht cruises & Rockin Down the house charter the view of Chicago from the lake was very romantic. And out of this world packed with good music good people and even better drinks would recommend to anybody that would like to have a different experience in Chicago
Promise Milton
We bought a table for 10 to the Tipsy Leprechaun event on Skyline yacht cruises & Rockin down the House this past weekend for my birthday and the experience was so awesome! No wait in line , food was delicious, music was banging & everyone was so friendly! We traveled from Milwaukee and it was well worth it. We had a great time and my family and I will be back soon.
Tamara MaNais
Our family reunion on the Anita Dee was amazing! The captain and staff were very helpful and attentive. Our party of 65 ppl were very comfortable on the yacht. I would def book the Anita Dee again!
How to reach Anita Dee Yacht Charters
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Why Anita Dee Yacht Charters may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Anita Dee Yacht Charters with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a special outing at Anita Dee Yacht Charters promises an extraordinary blend of luxury, adventure, and breathtaking scenery that few venues can match. Imagine sharing the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River aboard a private yacht, surrounded by the iconic city skyline as your backdrop. The ambiance alone — elegant, private, and effortlessly charming — sets the tone for a memorable day or evening of connection and celebration. Whether it’s a casual get-together, a birthday, or a milestone event, being on the water naturally fosters a relaxed and festive atmosphere that encourages everyone to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Because the yacht is exclusively reserved for your group, you don’t share the experience with strangers; it’s your private floating venue where your friends can laugh freely, dance under the stars, or simply savor moments together without distraction. Add in attentive, professional staff dedicated to ensuring your experience is seamless and personalized, and you have a venue that elevates any social gathering to an unforgettable occasion. In short, Anita Dee Yacht Charters offers more than a party space—it offers an experience that will linger in your group’s collective memory for years.
What activities can you enjoy at Anita Dee Yacht Charters?
Anita Dee Yacht Charters provides a dynamic range of activities tailored to make any group meetup lively and engaging. As you cruise along Chicago’s picturesque waterways, guests can indulge in gourmet catering options that the team customizes to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that every bite complements the luxury of the surroundings. Whether it’s a sophisticated cocktail hour or a full-course meal, the culinary experience is incomparable. Entertainment on board can be arranged according to your group's interests, including music tailored to create the perfect mood—whether that’s upbeat dance tunes, smooth jazz, or something personal to your gathering. The staff offers attentive, friendly service to keep drinks flowing and the atmosphere relaxed. For groups interested in social interaction beyond dining and music, there is ample space for mingling, dancing, or even games like card tournaments or dance contests, which can add friendly competition and excitement to the cruise. Moreover, the stunning views of Chicago’s architectural highlights and the lake create a mesmerizing backdrop for photos, conversation, and moments of quiet appreciation. The versatility of the yacht ensures your party can balance activity with relaxation throughout the journey.
Why is Anita Dee Yacht Charters perfect for group meetups?
The essential quality that makes Anita Dee Yacht Charters perfect for group meetups is its exclusive, private nature. Unlike public venues, this charter guarantees your group has the vessel entirely to itself—whether the party consists of 25 or even up to 400 guests—which fosters intimacy and cohesion. The customizable nature of the experience means your group can tailor every detail, from the time of day you set sail to the cruising route, catering, and entertainment, creating an event as unique as your group. The professional crew’s expertise ensures smooth sailing and top-tier hospitality, allowing your group to focus on each other rather than logistics. Furthermore, the docking location at Chicago’s DuSable Harbor makes it easy for attendees to gather and access the yacht conveniently. The ambiance of a yacht—luxurious yet inviting, elegant yet comfortable—creates a sense of occasion that uplifts gatherings, whether for celebrating milestones, reunions, or just making new memories. Lastly, the backdrop of Chicago’s iconic skyline and waterways enriches every moment, offering an inspiring and beautiful setting that enhances the shared experience and strengthens bonds between friends and family.
How does the venue accommodate customizing your event?
Anita Dee Yacht Charters excels at customization, ensuring your event feels personal and perfectly suited to your group’s desires. From the initial planning phase, their team works closely with you to design all facets of your yacht charter: cruising routes can be selected to highlight your preferred scenic views, and charter times are flexible, accommodating daytime or evening events. Catering options are fully customizable, with menus crafted to match the tone of your event—be it elegant hors d'oeuvres for a cocktail gathering or hearty dinners for celebrations. The bar packages are similarly flexible, allowing guests to enjoy preferred beverages with attentive service throughout the cruise. Entertainment can be curated to fit your group’s style, from live music options or DJ sets to activities designed to engage everyone aboard. Moreover, Anita Dee Yacht Charters prides itself on providing exclusive use of the yacht, meaning no other parties will mix with your group, letting you create a highly personalized atmosphere free from distractions. This level of customization guarantees your meetup feels not just special, but uniquely yours, enhancing the pleasure and success of your event.
What makes the staff and service at Anita Dee Yacht Charters stand out?
The staff at Anita Dee Yacht Charters consistently receive praise for their professionalism, warmth, and attentiveness—key ingredients for any successful group event. From the moment you begin planning, the team is responsive and thoughtful, guiding you through the logistics of hosting a private event on the water with clarity and flexibility. Their approach blends expertise with genuine care, making guests feel supported and valued. During the event itself, the crew is skilled at managing the yacht smoothly and discreetly, ensuring everyone’s safety and comfort without interrupting the flow of the celebration. Attendants are friendly and efficient, quickly responding to requests and anticipating guests' needs, whether it’s refreshing the bar, adjusting music, or helping with seating arrangements. Many guests experience the staff as a seamless extension of the event, contributing to a relaxed yet polished atmosphere where everyone can focus on enjoying themselves. The consistent high quality of service transforms the charter from merely a venue into a fully curated experience that leaves guests impressed and eager to return.
What practical tips should groups consider when booking or attending?
To maximize your enjoyment at Anita Dee Yacht Charters, it’s wise to plan ahead and consider a few practical tips. Arriving early can help your group secure the best seating either inside the air-conditioned cabin or the open deck, which optimizes comfort and views. Given the outdoor nature of the yacht, it’s helpful to dress in layers and bring sun protection or light jackets depending on the season and time of day. Although the yacht offers excellent catering and bar service, budgeting appropriately for higher drink prices typical of upscale venues will avoid surprises. Consider discussing entertainment preferences during booking to ensure your group’s tastes are met, and inquire about options for interactive activities to keep everyone engaged. Be aware that the vessel operates on a schedule, and while occasionally departure times may be delayed slightly, the staff does their best to keep things punctual. Lastly, given the waterfront setting, be prepared for some natural elements such as insects, and plan accordingly with repellents if needed. These preparations will help your group focus on enjoying the unique luxury and camaraderie the yacht charter offers.
How does Anita Dee Yacht Charters support special occasions like weddings or reunions?
Anita Dee Yacht Charters is renowned for providing an exceptional venue for significant social events like weddings and reunions, combining elegance, exclusivity, and unbeatable scenery. The privacy of the yacht means your event feels intimate and custom, even with larger guest counts, ensuring your closest friends and family are comfortably accommodated without distraction from other parties. Wedding celebrations benefit from the romantic setting of cruising past Chicago’s illuminated skyline or gentle daylight reflections on the water, creating an unforgettable backdrop for photos and memories. The attentive service and customizable catering allow for personalized menus that cater to your guests’ needs, while professional staff handle all the details so hosts can fully enjoy the occasion. Reunions on the yacht offer a uniquely convivial space where friends and family can mingle freely, dance if they wish, and cherish the shared experience in a way traditional venues rarely provide. The overwhelmingly positive testimonials from past clients confirm that Anita Dee Yacht Charters elevates special occasions into milestone memories that guests treasure long after the event ends.