Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Announces Expansion

Growing tourism in Chicago has led to expansion plans for Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.

The newest addition to its custom luxury fleet will be Chicago’s Emerald Lady, a 250-passenger vessel set to arrive in May 2020.

U.S.-made steel vessel is being constructed by Burger Boat Company and will provide an additional 100 seats for the 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m departures of the Chicago Architecture Foundation Center (CAFC) River Cruise.

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises will also be able to expand its Twilight Cruise, which will now include departures every summer Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Additional tour times will be available throughout the 2020 cruise season.

“With over 58 million people visiting Chicago last year, it’s important for us to grow with our city to ensure we’re providing the best possible experience for Chicagoland residents and tourists,” said Holly Agra, CEO and president of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. “Chicago’s Emerald Lady will help us meet the popular demand for the CAFC River Cruise now and will help provide more guests with our luxury private charter experience in the years ahead.”

Chicago’s First Lady Cruises is committed to connecting tourists to Chicago’s rich architectural history and the arrival of Chicago’s Emerald Lady will expand ticket inventory by up to 30 percent. Chicago’s Emerald Lady is a sister ship to Chicago’s Classic Lady and Chicago’s Leading Lady, and the seventh vessel to join Chicago’s First Lady Cruises’ fleet of passenger yachts.

The CAFC River Cruise season will launch in March 2020. Chicago’s Emerald Lady will be available for private charters beginning in 2021.