First Lady

First Lady: Chicago River and Lake Michigan cruises

First Lady is a fourth-generation family-owned company that operates sightseeing cruises and charter vessels on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The company presents itself as the official cruise line of the Chicago Architecture Center and offers on-board tours narrated by guides who recount the city's history while passengers take in the skyline.

A ninety-year history on the water

The company traces its origins to 1934, when Portuguese immigrant Art Agra, the family patriarch, launched the business with a first cruise along the lakefront. In 1950, river tours began, and in 1991 the First Lady was christened, described as Chicago's first elegant charter vessel. Two years later, in 1993, the company partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center to offer the city's first architecture river cruise.

Types of cruises and experiences

The cruise line's catalog includes several tour options:

• Architecture river cruise, with priority or general boarding.
• Sightseeing cruises on the river and lake, with family-friendly narration.
• Chicago By Night, an evening cruise on the river and lake.
• Howl-O-Ween canine cruise, with general boarding.
• Canine cruise and Creepy Cruise, seasonal themed offerings.

The announced 2026 cruising season runs from March 15 to November 22.

Private events and charters

The fleet is also available for private events, with capacity for groups of 2 to 250 people. Among the uses cited are outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions, networking events, private corporate events, birthdays, and custom charters. The company also offers a vintage yachting experience for six people. Cruises can take place on the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, or a combination of both.

Safety and sustainability

The company reports a safety record with no incidents and notes that all its vessels are regulated, authorized, and inspected annually by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), in addition to having passed stability tests. Captains and crew receive training and drills that, according to the company, exceed USCG standards, with additional daily training.

On environmental matters, First Lady presents itself as Chicago's first river tourism operator to offset 100% of its carbon emissions, in collaboration with Sustainable Travel International.

Awards and user ratings

The company credits Tripadvisor users with choosing its tour as the number 1 boat tour in the city, and mentions having been voted best experience in the United States and best outdoor tourist attraction. In 2024, it received the award for best boat tour in North America from USA Today 10Best for the second time.

Community commitment and partnerships

For 2026, the company states that its corporate social responsibility partner will be Center on Halsted, an organization that supports the LGBTQ+ community in the Chicago area and the Midwest and serves more than 40,000 people a year. Its partners include the Chicago Architecture Center, the Passenger Vessel Association, Choose Chicago, Meeting Planners International, The Magnificent Mile Association, the International Shipmasters Association, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Loyola Family Business Center, the U.S. Travel Association, the Near South Planning Board, the American Society of Association Executives, and the Chicago Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Location and contact

112 E. Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 · Phone: 847.358.1330 · Email: info@firstlady.com