The Champagne Cruise - Making Memorable Moments

Reunite with friends, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or propose marriage. Chicago’s magnificent lakefront, Pinnacle’s splendid yachts and courteous licensed Captains provide the perfect environment for your special moments.

Private Champaign Cruises are offered on weekday evenings on one of our new Jeanneau 37 foot sailing yachts. These fine yachts accommodate up to six people from your party in comfortable surroundings. They are equipped and finished to the highest standards, with sleek hulls and topsides, richly appointed teak interiors, and advanced rigging and instrumentation. All carry furling mainsails and jibs, full wind instrumentation, and safety gear that exceeds USCG requirements.

Your personal yacht is boarded via tender at 7:30 PM in Monroe Harbor and returns to the harbor by 10:30 PM. Under sail, you witness the wonderful transformation of Chicago’s lakefront as the sun sets and the city lights emerge. On Wednesday evenings, fireworks launched from Navy Pier can be seen from your yacht with the magnificent Chicago skyline as a backdrop. You are welcome to bring food and drink, or the event may be catered as you wish.

A Memorable Story

One fellow took his unknowing parents, future in-law parents, and bride to be for a sail to view Chicago’s lakefront fireworks on a Pinnacle yacht. At the peak of the spectacular show - the sky lit with brilliant colors and echoing with heart-throbbing sound - he took her to the bow of the boat. He extracted from his pocket a beautiful diamond ring that reflected the colors of the fireworks in its cuts, making its appearance extraordinary. He had cleverly attached it to a small floating key ring so that it would not be lost at sea in their exuberance! He gave her the ring and proposed marriage. She accepted. He placed the ring on her finger and gently removed the flotation device. A long kiss ensued with the fireworks still exploding. Their parents watched from the cockpit. All had a wonderful celebration on the yacht afterward. Today, we are pleased to report that this couple now has their first child.

A Great Value

Pricing for the evening is $475 for up to six people, plus 8% city tax. This price includes use of a new, well equipped 37 foot Jeanneau yacht, insurance, licensed USCG Captain fees, tender passes and photography. Catering charges and entertainment (if any) are in addition and depend on the size of the group and the menu selected. Captains do not serve food or drink. The program is available on any weekday evenings except Fridays. Fireworks are displayed from Navy Pier on Wednesday evenings only. Reservations are required.