Book Your Trip
Get out here! Life is too short to stay on shore.
HOW IT WORKS
Book Direct and Skip the Platform Fee
We all love Boatsetter and GetMyBoat. They provide a necessary service. But you’re already here, so skip the platforms (and their 10% markup) and book directly with a trusted operator.
We have a flexible cancellation policy which you can review in our terms of service.
Pick Your Date and Times
You choose from a variety of available dates, times and trip durations to suit your needs. We even offer a 2-hour cruise, which is rare in Chicago.
Pay the Deposit
Don’t worry. The 15% deposit is payable via Credit Card and completely refundable up until a week before your scheduled trip.
Pay the Balance
A week prior to the trip date, we will submit an invoice. We can accept payment via Credit Card, Zelle, Venmo, etc.
Important Details
Charter Vessel Information
- Loretta is chartered as a USCG UPV (Un-inspected Passenger Vessel), not a bareboat rental.
- A UPV is held to a higher safety standard than a bareboat rental, with requirements for additional safety equipment, training and documentation.
- A UPV is limited to carrying six passengers in addition to her crew.
Weather Contingencies
- Lake Michigan behaves like an inland sea.
- In the case of inclement weather (high winds, sustained waves over three feet, heavy rain, lightning, etc.) the Captain will make a judgement call about whether or not it is safe to leave the dock.
- If cancelled due to weather, we will reschedule the trip for another day and time.
Hourly Rates
- The base rate for Loretta is $300 per hour, which includes the USCG Master Captain and crew.
- Rates are higher on weekends, holidays and special events, based on increased demand.
- Unlike a bareboat rental, you don’t need to hire a captain from a list to operate the vessel for you (or pay for them in addition to the cost of the rental).
More
- The shortest cruise that we offer is a 2-hour trip, which is perfect for taking in the skyline from the lake.
- If you’re interested in a cruise on the Chicago River, you need to book at least a 3-hour trip.
- There is a minimum fuel charge of $100, which is based on $50 per hour or running time. Time spent on anchor does not count toward your fuel charge.
Need More Information?
If you have questions, or you’re looking for something that isn’t available through the online booking interface, it never hurts to inquire with us directly.