Testimonials
MERCY HOME FOR BOYS & GIRLS “On behalf of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, I am writing to offer our full support and recommendation for Anita Dee Charters. For more than 10 years, the wonderful team at the Anita Dee II has hosted our Mercy Day event, an annual event that recognizes and celebrates the hard work of the 250+ people that work at Mercy Home and dedicate their lives to our life-saving mission. As a non-profit organization that provides a safe home for abused and neglected youth, this is an incredibly important day to honor those who work tirelessly all year long to support the young people entrusted to our care. The Anita Dee team has always provided top-notch hospitality and a friendly, inviting atmosphere. They have always been incredibly kind and accommodating to the needs of our large group of co- workers. Our annual cruise is a long-standing, beloved tradition that our co-workers look forward to every year – we truly can’t imagine our Mercy Day celebration anywhere else! We are so thankful to the Anita Dee team for all they have done for us over the years. We hope that their continued generosity to our organization and many others will allow them to maintain their current harbor location.”
Rachel Twarog
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
8/20/25
Community Enrichment Programs“On behalf of Chicago Children’s Charities (CCC), I am writing to express our full support and recommendation for Anita Dee Charters as they seek to maintain their current harbor location. Over the past two years, CCC has hosted two major fundraising events aboard the Anita Dee II vessel. These events have raised approximately $30,000 in total, with 100 percent of proceeds going directly to support education and community enrichment programs for at-risk children in Chicago. These outcomes are a direct reflection of the professionalism, convenience, and overall experience provided by Anita Dee Charters. The Anita Dee team delivers top-tier service at every step. Their staff is organized, friendly, and extremely accommodating. From early planning to night-of logistics, they make hosting an event effortless. The atmosphere on board the Anita Dee II is elevated yet welcoming, giving our guests a unique and memorable experience that keeps them engaged and inspired by our mission. Anita Dee Charters has become more than just a venue for CCC. They are a true partner in our fundraising efforts and community impact.”
Sam Mather
Chicago Children’s Charities
8/20/25
Free Faith & Community Focused Activities“On behalf of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Young Adult League, I am writing to express our full support and recommendation for Anita Dee Charters. Since 2017, our organization has hosted an annual boat cruise event that began on the Anita Dee I and is now aboard the Anita Dee II vessel. The funds raised by this event fuel our operation for the following year. As a non-profit religious organization, we turn the profit here into affordable and free faith and community focused activities open to all Orthodox Young Adults age 18-35. Anita Dee’s hospitality and flexibility have been true blessings to our organization, and it directly reflects their professionalism, convenience, and overall experience. The Anita Dee team delivers top-tier service at every step. Their staff is organized, friendly, and extremely accommodating. From early planning to night-of logistics, they make hosting an event effortless. Throughout our long partnership, the Anita Dee team has been consistently spectacular. Our cruise organizers change every year and despite these changes, their communication has always been quick, consistent, prepared and informative with each change. The vessel’s location is also a major asset. Our attendees come from the greater Chicago area and beyond, even seeing visitors from Minneapolis, Indianapolis, New York and California. The central location makes the harbor easily accessible by car, public transit, and foot traffic. This convenience has been instrumental in driving strong attendance, which is critical for a nonprofit like ours. Anita Dee Charters is a true partner that works hand-in-hand with us every year forging a path to success. Losing access to their current harbor location would severely hamper our funding efforts and cause uncertainty in our yearly budget. We hope that they are able to maintain their docking location so that we can continue our partnership!”
Fr. Luke Melackrinos
Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Young Adult League
8/20/25
Annual Chicago Air and Water Show“On behalf of Belkin International, I am pleased to extend our wholehearted support and recommendation for Anita Dee Charters. Since becoming a client in 2004, we have continuously enjoyed hosting a major customer on the Anita Dee 2 yacht during the annual Chicago Air and Water Show. The Anita Dee team consistently delivers exemplary service. Their staff is not only organized and friendly, but also incredibly accommodating. From early planning stages to day-of logistics, they make hosting an event seamless. The atmosphere aboard the Anita Dee II is both sophisticated and inviting, providing our guests with a unique and memorable experience that aligns with our mission.”
Emily Cooke
Belkin International
8/20/25
Young Gaelic Association“As President of the Young Gaelic Association (YGA), I am writing to offer our enthusiastic support for Anita Dee Yacht Charters. YGA is a volunteer-led organization under the umbrella of Gaelic Park Charities, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Over the past two years, we have hosted two successful events aboard the Anita Dee I. The proceeds from these events have allowed us to support young adults battling cancer through our partnership with Weish4Ever, as well as assist a local family coping with the sudden loss of their husband/father, leaving them in a financial hardship. Our relationship with Anita Dee Yacht Charters goes beyond one of our typical event hosting interactions. Not only has the company consistently provided exceptional service, but as a resident of the neighborhood where the yachts are docked, I also value the presence of a local business that actively supports charitable causes. In addition to private events, Anita Dee Yacht Charters offers public sailings, giving our community a unique and affordable way to experience the city from the water. The crew prioritizes safety and professionalism at every turn. Convenient access by car, public transportation, and foot makes attending events seamless for our event guests.
Anita Dee Charters is a valued partner in YGA’s mission to serve the community. Losing access to their current harbor would eliminate a dependable and meaningful resource—not only for our organization, but for many others that count on their services to host impactful events. We are grateful for the partnership and opportunities Anita Dee provides, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.”
Kathleen Giblin
President, Young Gaelic Association
7/19/25
Gabriel Environmental Services“Gabriel Environmental Services (Gabriel) is pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Anita Dee Charters.
Gabriel is an environmental consulting firm which works with a variety of clients to prevent pollution of our waterways (including the Chicago River and Lake Michigan) and clean up contaminated sites. Gabriel has been hosting customer appreciation cruises with Anita Dee Charters for more than ten years. From the initial reservations through our on-board experience, the entire Anita Dee team consistently delivers an exceptional experience. Their staff is not only friendly but also incredibly professional and efficient, making every aspect of the event seamless.
Our guests always have a wonderful time, largely thanks to the attentive and accommodating Anita Dee crew. Our annual cruise is the highlight of the summer for many of our clients.
We highly recommend Anita Dee Charters to anyone looking to host a memorable and impactful event.”
John Polich, P.E. President
Gabriel Environmental Services
7/1/25
CIMA“Chicago Interactive Marketing Association (CIMA) has been a welcome guest of Anita Dee Charters ten times over the past 20 years. Their staff has provided exceptional services for our professional networking group, leading to larger memberships in our mission to educate, entertain, and give back to the greater Chicago marketing industry.”
Gage Barry, President
Chicago Interactive Marketing Association
8/20/25
Departmental Retreat“On behalf of the Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern, I am writing to express our full support and recommendation for Anita Dee Charters. Over the past decade, we have hosted our departmental retreat aboard the Anita Dee I vessel. This is an opportunity for nearly 120 people who work in the Department to come and enjoy Chicago with their families. Events such as these allow us to understand one another, bond together, and more effectively work together. It is the highlight of the year for all involved.”
Maciej S. Lesniak
Northwestern Medicine
8/20/25
Annual Latin Dance“On behalf of Chicago Loves Bachata Events (CLB), I am pleased to offer our strongest support and recommendation for Anita Dee Yacht Charters. For the past four years, CLB has hosted annual Latin dance events aboard the Anita Dee II vessel. These events have become a highly anticipated and meaningful tradition for the Chicago Latin dance community. This success is due in large part to the exceptional service, convenience, and overall experience consistently provided by Anita Dee Charters Team. The Anita Dee team demonstrates professionalism and excellence at every level. Their staff is organized, welcoming, and consistently accommodating—from the initial planning stages through the execution of each event. Their attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction make the process seamless and stress-free. The ambiance aboard the Anita Dee II is both elegant and inviting, offering our guests a memorable experience that reflects and enhances our mission. Anita Dee Charters has grown to become more than just a venue provider—they are a trusted partner in supporting and promoting Latin dance culture in Chicago. We are proud to be in collaboration with Anita Dee Charters and deeply value their role in fostering vibrant community events in Chicago.”
Timothy Currier
Chicago Loves Bachata Events
8/20/25
Fundraising“I hope this message finds you well. My name is Defonda J. Louie, and I am the Fundraising Chairperson for the Nu Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. We are an esteemed organization dedicated to uplifting the community through service, mentorship, health awareness, and educational initiatives. I am writing to express our full support and recommendation for Anita Dee Charters. Over the past three years, Nu Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., has hosted three major fundraising events aboard the Anita Dee II. These events have raised approximately $26,000 in total profits, with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to support the Nu Pi Chapter’s Dr. Charles J. Kennedy and Floyd A. Eskridge Scholarship Fund, helping to uplift and invest in the next generation of scholars. Also the proceeds has help invest in community enrichment programs for at-risk children in the Chicagoland area and other chapter service programs. Because of the professionalism, convenience, and overall experience provided by the Anita Dee Charters, the Nu Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., has been able to meet its core principle of service in the community. Over the years of working with the Anita Dee Staff planning fundraising events, the Staff has been very organized, friendly, and extremely accommodating. The Anita Dee Staff delivers top-tier service from the early planning to day of logistics, making hosting an event effortless. The atmosphere on board the Anita Dee II is elevated welcoming, giving our guests a unique and memorable experience of breathtaking views of the beautiful Chicago Skyline that keeps them engaged and inspired to return to future events. Anita Dee Charters has become more than just a venue for Nu Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. They are a true partner in our fundraising efforts helping to impact the Chicagoland community.”
Bro. Defonda J. Louie
Nu Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
8/20/25
Corporate Outing“I’m writing on behalf of Databricks to share some feedback about the Anita Dee charter services. We needed to host a corporate outing for 125 people. Unfortunately, we lost a cruise provider the week prior, and it looked like we would be stuck without a boat. Marc Barrile and his team came to the rescue with the Anita Dee II! Not only did they secure the boat for us at a very reasonable price, but they were also great to work with. The staff on board was super helpful, and the pier location was perfect, as it was just a five-minute walk to our dinner spot on the Riverwalk. Overall, the whole experience was a major success and I would highly recommend both the Anita Dee I and II to anyone in need of a boat charter.”
Jane Knynenburg
Databricks
8/20/25
Annual Navegantes Yacht Cruise“I’m writing this letter not just as the Co-Founder of the Executive Latino Council, but as someone who has seen first-hand the impact Anita Dee Yacht Charters has had on our organization and community. Since 2023, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting our annual Navegantes Yacht Cruise aboard the stunning Anita Dee II. What began as a simple event venue quickly became something much more, a partner in helping us bring people together, celebrate culture, and create truly unforgettable experiences on the water. The Anita Dee team has always gone above and beyond. Their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail are unmatched. Every time we step onto that yacht, we know we’re in good hands. From the layout of the decks to the coordination with catering and entertainment, they help us make magic happen, and they do it with grace and excellence. But what really sets Anita Dee apart is how much they care. They’re not just running a charter business, they’re creating memories, supporting local organizations like ours, and showcasing the very best of what Chicago’s lakefront has to offer. The views are breathtaking, yes, but it’s the people and the service that keep us coming back year after year. Chicago is better with Anita Dee in it and we, as a community, are better for having them as partners.”
Jose Alfredo Suarez
Executive Latino Council
8/5/25
Kappa Delta Sorority“I am pleased to state that Kappa Delta fully supports Anita Dee Yacht Charters. Every event that our sorority has held on board the Anita Dee has been an unforgettable experience. The team is highly professional and attentive, ensuring that every step, from planning through the event, is handled smoothly and efficiently. Their dedication to managing all the details makes the experience effortless and enjoyable. During our most recent charter, there was one particular instance that caught our attention. In an incredibly wonderful and surprising gesture that made the evening one to remember, the crew kindly extended our time out on the water so we could take in the lake’s fireworks. A highlight for many of our members and a memory we will all cherish is seeing the city light up while peacefully anchored on the water. They are an essential partner for our organization and countless others throughout the city because of their dedication to service, safety, and providing outstanding experiences. At Kappa Delta, Anita Dee Yacht Charters has grown to be a cherished part of our history. We hope to continue commemorating many more milestones with them in the future and fully support their continued operation at their current location.”
Smera Dwivedi
Kappa Delta Sorority, Northwestern University
8/20/25
Wedding“I am writing in strong support of Anita Dee Yacht Charters. On Saturday, October 5, 2024, my wife Evie and I celebrated one of the most important days of our lives—our wedding—aboard the Anita Dee I yacht. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. Chicago already held a special place in our hearts, as we’re deeply rooted in the community—I’m a lawyer at Sidley Austin LLP on Dearborn Street, and my wife teaches at Lincoln Park High School. But on that day, we fell even more in love with the city. From the moment we began planning the event, the Anita Dee team was responsive, thoughtful, and professional. They guided us through every step with clarity and flexibility, helping us navigate the logistics of hosting a large event on the water with confidence. We felt genuinely cared for throughout the process. The day itself was absolutely beautiful. The Anita Dee I was pristine and elegantly arranged, the staff was warm and attentive, and the service was top-notch. Our guests were treated to stunning views of the Chicago skyline as we cruised along the river and lake—a setting that truly made our celebration unforgettable. It was a one-of-a-kind experience that blended the best of Chicago’s architectural beauty with the intimacy of a private gathering. Perhaps most memorable was how much our family and friends enjoyed the event. Many of our guests had traveled from out of town and even from abroad, and for several, it was their first visit to Chicago. Thanks to Anita Dee, including its beautiful docking location, their impression of the city was overwhelmingly positive. They were amazed not only by the scenic cruise but by the caliber of service and the way it showcased the city’s charm. Months later, we still receive messages from guests raving about the experience. Anita Dee is a true Chicago gem. I hope that for many years to come, Evie and I, and countless others like us, can continue enjoying breathtaking experiences boarding Anita Dee yachts at DuSable Harbor.”
Maseeh Moradi
10/5/24
Summer Work“On behalf of Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, I am writing to express our full support and recommendation for Anita Dee Charters. Our company has held its summer work events on the Anita Dee for many years. The only gap was during Covid. We are thankful they are still around today. The service and safety the Anita Dee provides is second to none. The Anita Dee team delivers top-tier service at every step. Their staff is organized, friendly, and extremely accommodating. From early planning to night-of logistics, they make hosting an event effortless. The atmosphere on board the Anita Dee II is elevated yet welcoming, giving our guests a unique and memorable experience that keeps them engaged and inspired by our mission.”
JIMMY ANTONOPOULOS
GORDON REES SCULLY MANSUKHANI, LLP
8/20/25
Corporate Celebrations“On behalf of Grant Thornton, I am writing to express our full support and recommendation for Anita Dee Charters. We have had the pleasure of working with Anita Dee for many years – so many, in fact, that we’ve lost count. Their service has become a trusted and beloved venue for our firm’s corporate celebrations, offering a unique and memorable summertime experience that our interns and teams look forward to year after year. We wholeheartedly support Anita Dee Charters.”
Brittany Kmieciak
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC
8/20/25
Summer Outing“The Cardiac Care Unit at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital has been enjoying a summer outing with Anita Dee Yacht Charters for the past 5 years! This event is SO special for our hardworking nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, and CNAs. This event is the highlight of the year for our team! We greatly appreciate the ability to walk to the event from work and John and his team even accommodate a second pick up time for us to get staff after getting off their 7 pm shift at the hospital. John and his team are phenomenal to work with and are so accommodating of our needs. Their team is incredibly professional and show our team a safe and amazing time out on the river and lake. I am so grateful to work with John and the entire Anita Dee Team.”
The Cardiac Care Unit at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital
8/20/25
Exceptional Experience“The Chicago Bar Association has had the pleasure of hosting events with Anita Dee Yacht Charters, and our experiences have been nothing short of exceptional. From start to finish, the Anita Dee team consistently delivers top-tier service, making every aspect of our events seamless and memorable for our members and guests. It offers stunning views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan, creating an unmatched atmosphere for networking and celebration. Anita Dee has been an invaluable partner in helping us create unique, high-quality experiences for the Chicago legal community. We strongly support their efforts to remain at DuSable Harbor and look forward to continuing our relationship for years to come.”
Octavio Duran
Duran Law Offices
8/20/25
School End Celebration“For the past six years, the Anita Dee has been the highlight of our school’s end-of-year celebration. What started as a one-time idea quickly became an annual tradition our entire staff looks forward to. The experience is always seamless, elegant, and unforgettable. From the moment we board, we’re treated with warmth and professionalism by the crew. The yacht is always impeccably maintained—spacious, comfortable, and perfect for both relaxing and celebrating. Cruising along the Chicago skyline as the sun sets is nothing short of magical, and it’s the perfect way to reflect on the hard work of the year and celebrate together as a team.
The Anita Dee staff consistently goes above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly. Whether it’s coordinating catering, music, or helping with logistics, they make it easy for us to enjoy the evening stress-free. After six years, I can confidently say the Anita Dee is not just a venue—it’s a tradition that brings our staff closer and leaves lasting memories every single time.”
Chivon Ford, M.Ed
Chicago Bulls College Prep, a Noble School
8/20/25
Fundraiser “You guys knock it out of the park every single time. You should be so proud of the level of service you provide to your clients. From initial pitch, sell, planning, and executing-everything is flawless. At this point I feel like I am working with family. Colleen and Marc are two of my favorite people to work with, the bar staff is so friendly and accommodating, Captain Eric and the rest of the crew were always close by to help with questions, and everything in between was perfect. Beyond the customer service, the boat itself is gorgeous. I told my team; if we had no décor, no signage, nothing, we could still walk on that boat and it would look like we spent all day putting it together.”
Sarah K., Habitat for Humanity
8/19/16, AD II
Wedding Anniversary “Absolutely highest quality service and experience by the Anita Dee team! From the initial proposal request months in advance to the event date, Marc and Colleen are amazing. They went above and beyond to ensure all our special personalization was accommodated as well as provided wonderful suggestions to make the event even more special. The entire onboard staff was fabulous! They made all the guests feel comfortable and welcome throughout the cruise, truly made for a memorable event.”
Sharon G.
7/2/16, AD I
Social Event “We could not have been more happy with our experience with Anita Dee. From initial booking to the end of the cruise our experience was phenomenal. Leading up to the event working with Colleen was a joy. She was super helpful and responsive. On the day of the actual event the crew made the night run smoothly and were very helpful and always kept us in the loop on things when we asked questions. The boat fit our needs perfectly and everyone had a great time. This was our most successful year yet, and most fun which is 100% because we booked with Anita Dee II. We will be booking with you guys again! Thanks for everything.”
Anonymous
8/27/16, AD II
Corporate “The Anita Dee is a great venue for a client outing. This is our 2nd time on the boat and could not have had a better time. The boat is fantastic, clean, easy to access, and very well organized. The 2nd level bar was a great addition to the boat and makes for a great client outing. There is plenty of space outside and inside for guests to move around and the boat is big enough to make the trip along the river or lakefront extremely smooth and comfortable. Everything from booking thru the cruise, the staff make everything extremely easy. Druing the cruise the crew and staff do anything to make it a wonderful experience. We plan on booking the Anita Dee for events in the future.”
Jay P., XL Catlin
9/8/16, AD I
Corporate “World class customer experience! The 2 hours we spent on the Anita Dee I were spectacular. The views from the Chicago River and Lake Michigan were incredible! Really enjoyed the ease of doing business with you folks. We can’t wait until next year! One of our customers on the cruise summed it up best: “This is a home-run!”
Anonymous
6/21/16, AD I
College Formal “Anita Dee was great to work with, they really made sure that everything ran smoothly for the event. They are also very affordable compared to other charters in the area. The sales staff and event coordinator were in constant contact with us even for the smallest details. Anita Dee’s accommodations in addition to the enthusiasm of the staff really contributed to the success of my fraternity’s formal. I would contact them again for future events.”
Anonymous
5/6/16, AD I
Corporate “Your staff, from the Captain and First Mate to the Deckhands were all wonderful. They are friendly, fun, and professional! They accommodated changes in leaving the dock at a later time to accommodate some of our guests and were always easy to find and very helpful. Your bartenders were friendly, professional and made great drinks. Service was excellent and working with Colleen is always an absolute pleasure!”
Kelly S., Illinois Coal Association
8/8/16, AD II
Corporate “We had a great time on the boat. Our guests enjoyed it so much! It was also a great experience working with all of the people at Anita Dee. Marc is so efficient, direct and right on point. That’s the reason we chose the company in the first place. Colleen our event coordinator was very detailed. She made sure everything we requested was taken care of. Our captain and all staff on the boat were very friendly! I will be sure to choose Anita Dee for future events!”
Anonymous
9/10/16, AD I
Post Prom “The people were very understanding and helpful through the whole process. There was great communication between us. I never felt pressured or annoyed when talking to or emailing them. Overall a great service and company!”
Tara G., Whiting HS
5/1/16, AD I
Sangeet “The Anita Dee II was the perfect place for our Sangeet prior to our wedding! Everyone loved the event and it was definitely one of the highlights of our weekend. The staff made the entire experience seamless and everything was easy to arrange/set up.”
Vignesh P.
5/21/16, AD II
Corporate “Just wanted to let you know what a great time we had on the Anita Dee I on Friday! Your team was professional from start to finish and greatly efficient. I was told by my people that this was the best outing we ever had. A lot of credit goes to your team. Please extend my thanks to Colleen Chahbazi, Captain Ryan, and his entire crew.”
Anonymous
8/12/16, AD I
College Formal “Overall great company to work with. They provided a great night on the water throughout Chicago and we could not have had a better company to do it with. Extremely helpful and on top of things with planning which made it easier for us to have this event. Amazing time and I’d highly recommend them to others, thank you!”
Dominic S., DePaul Rowing Team
6/5/16, AD I
Corporate “This was our second year on the ADI and it suits our needs perfectly. The size, accommodations, staff, and attention to detail in ensuring our event met and exceeded all of our needs was incredible. You guys are truly a first class operation!”
Megan M., Hovey Energy
8/19/16, AD I
Graduation Party “All of the staff were very helpful and friendly! This was a great event-the boat staff and caterers were fabulous. Will recommend to friends!”
Amy R., Northwestern Medical
5/19/16, AD II
Corporate “We held a company celebration on the Anita Dee I. The captain and crew were attentive and accommodating and the vessel was perfect and clean. It could not have been better! We hope to be able to sail on the Anita Dee I again!”
Deborah D. Davis Staffing, Inc.
8/20/16, AD I
Corporate “Anita Dee was a great choice for our event, the team said it was the best outing yet! I knew that by choosing you everything would go smoothly and it went above and beyond!”
Anonymous
7/13/16, AD I
Birthday Party “The yacht was clean and inviting and everyone was simply awesome. I can’t say enough about how attentive and helpful the staff was. Everyone was willing to help and tailored our event around us. I was extremely pleased. I will definitely be doing business with Anita Dee again. I will also tell everyone I know that the experience was exceptional and they should use Anita Dee as well.”
Tiffany S.
9/23/16, AD I
Family Reunion “When we embarked on planning a family reunion event, we endeavored to host an experience for our guests. Anita Dee Yacht Charters brought that plan to life. At this time, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation for the event on July 18, 2015. The cruise was magical and enjoyed by all.
The committee wanted to be sure to express how grateful we are for the captain. As one member put it: “the captain was on point!” All of the assistance that was required was readily available. The captain and crew were extremely personable and accommodating. Access to everything was free and flowing. Most of all, a nice touch was added by offering complimentary wine to our guests upon boarding.
The experience we planned for was outstanding and left a lasting impression on the family for years to come! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Darrell M.
07/18/15, Anita Dee II
Bachelorette Party “I absolutely loved booking through Anita Dee for my bachelorette party! I found out about Anita Dee through Yelp and reached out. When pricing was too expensive, your director of sales reached out to make it work for my budget. This was huge and made our experience that much better. We had so much fun and my out of town guests absolutely LOVED the views of Chicago. We loved doing both the lake & river views and would recommend that to anyone considering. I would give this a 10 outta 10 :)”
Ashley S.
06/20/15, Anita Dee I
Class Party “The entire staff (event coordinator, sales rep) and crew was extremely friendly, helpful, and professional. We chose Anita Dee for their competitive prices but there was definitely no compromises in the quality of the services we received. My emails and questions were answered quickly and I was definitely impressed with their attention to detail. Despite less than optimal weather the night of our event, all of the guests had a great time…tons of compliments! The crew and bar staff were a pleasure to work with. It was one of the best class parties we have had in the last few years and definitely something we would do again. I would highly recommend Anita Dee!”
Sarah C. , Loyola School of Medicine
06/26/15, Anita Dee I
Corporate “Our experience was top notch. After a long day of meetings this was a great way for our folks to enjoy the beautiful sites of the city. The weather was perfect and a great time was had by all. I hired Jerry the Docent to do an architectural tour. He is very knowledgeable and added a fun and educational spin to our event. The caterers were great to work with as well. In addition to perfect weather, the evening was topped by a beautiful sunset. Thank you for making the event so special.”
07/28/15, Anita Dee I
Sorority Outing “Anita Dee is a wonderful company that I would not hesitate to work with again. After having tried to work with nearly 5 other companies, I finally found Anita Dee. From the first phone call to the trip itself, the entire staff was wonderful and made my experience a breeze. The time, size and price were all just right and on the day of, the event went without a hitch. What I loved was that the sales representative and event coordinator explained everything in depth so I was left with no questions. Having never rented a private charter before, I was worried I wouldn’t know what to do but the Anita Dee staff ensured that planning the trip ran smoothly. On the day of our trip, the Captain and Crew were really fun and easy to work with. Everything was efficient and thorough. My group was impressed and pleased! We will absolutely sail with Anita Dee in the future.”
Chloe L., Delta Zeta Sorority DePaul University
09/27/15, Anita Dee I
Corporate “Everyone was incredibly kind. I loved working with everyone! Cpt. Ryan was super and Chris and Steve were holding things down on the deck, very thoughtful and ready to do whatever was needed to have a blast. Samm and Greg were awesome behind the bar! So grateful for them all. We would absolutely have our next boat trip on the Anita Dee I!”
Abby P., Red Frog Events
9/1/15, Anita Dee I
Corporate “The staff were very friendly and accommodating, making every effort to provide an enjoyable experience. A member of the crew graciously played DJ via a Pandora station. The Frank Sinatra/Brat Pack station was well received!
I would like to point out the assistance of Marc Barrile, our sales representative. I had initial concerns that 3 hours on the lake would seem long. Marc cleverly suggested that we have 2 hours on the lake and a final hour back at dock. This agenda worked out perfectly. Those that wanted to disembark could do so, while others could remain onboard for the final hour. A thanks also goes to Colleen Chahbazi for all her help in day to day logistics leading up to the event.
Lastly, the great majority of our guests were in attendance at a conference at McCormick Place. Rather than having my guests find means to get to the yacht’s home dock, or contracting a shuttle, the option of boarding at McCormick Place was well worth the extra expense.”
Kim R., FireHost
4/14/15, Anita Dee II
Corporate “Everyone did an excellent job, was very professional. Our group of 60 had a great time, staff was always available checking to make sure everything was OK. The catering service prepared a very nice meal, with lots of variety and food was excellent. Everyone enjoyed seeing the city from both the Lake side and thru the canals. View at night with all of the city lights was very impressive, exceeded everyone’s expectations. Job well done.”
Larry C., NAALBF
4/22/15, AD I
School Outing “Your staff were amazing, kind, helpful, and beyond courteous. This was the perfect event. Thank you for all of your help in making it happen. We look forward to coming back.”
Hana B.
5/27/15, Anita Dee II
School Staff Outing “The food provided by the catering service was delicious. The staff provided by the caterer was great as well. Everyone was very helpful, friendly and very professional. The sales representative was very attentive to our needs during the preparation process and strived to accommodate all of our requests. I look forward to planning another outing with the staff at Roosevelt School in the upcoming 2015-2016 school year. Thank you for working with us and making sure that our experience is a memorable one. We appreciate your service!”
Roosevelt School
6/5/15, Anita Dee I
Social Event “Thanks for everything! We had a fantastic time! Your crew was wonderful and so very helpful. The boat was beautiful and everything was perfect. And my husband was completely surprised! Be sure I will recommend your company to any and all. Thank you so very much for helping me pull off an amazing night full of beautiful memories.”
Corporate Event “We have held an event aboard the Anita Dee II the last four of six years. Every staff member is courteous and helpful. After departing, we needed to return to the dock to pick up some additional guests. The captain Eric, was able to return to dock, pick up the guests then proceed with the evening. All of the ships crew and bar staff were outstanding.”
Tony M., Champion Packaging
10/24/15, AD II
Formal “Overall, the event was exactly what I was hoping for. Even days after the event, I had classmates telling me how fun the yacht cruise was. Definitely recommend Anita Dee to the incoming 4th year medical school class at Midwestern University for their graduation week!”
Jessica C.
5/19/14, Anita Dee II
Corporate “We had a wonderful time aboard the Anita Dee! The Staff & Crew was extremely attentive, courteous and accommodating during set up and throughout the duration of the event. We could not have been happier with our experience!”
Anonymous
7/15/16, AD II
Corporate “Our staff enjoyed the experience the Anita Dee II had to offer. It was great that we could have our awards ceremony on the 2nd level then use the observation deck. There was plenty of room on both levels for our ENTIRE team of 120 to be on the same deck at the same time. A very nice experience. Hopefully we will “sail” again on the Anita Dee II next year. It was an impressive corporate event.”
Anonymous
8/10/16, AD II
“The overall experience aboard the Anita Dee II exceed my expectation and my guest. The staff was very respectful, helpful and most of all responding to any needs that was ask from me or my guest. I applaud the professionalism actions the staff manage to handle a guest of 300 plus partying drinking people in a respectable manner. The Anita Dee II should be proud to have employees that work so hard and pride them selves to serve their guest with a (smile). The staff customer service skills were excellent. Again the Captain,Mate and the deckhands made my party an success and I would like to thank each and every one aboard. I would definite share my experience with my family,friends and co-workers to use your charter lines for their events in the future.”
Satisfied customer
Rickey R.Robinson
“Anita Dee Yacht Charters is an exceptional choice for corporate event planning in the Chicago area. The entire staff is totally devoted to delivering the highest quality gala and cruise. Winpak Portion Packaging celebrated the opening of its third manufacturing facility in North America with an Open House in Sauk Village, Illinois in September 2012. Customers and executives arrived from throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe for this important event. It was essential that every detail be perfect. The culmination of this milestone day was a dinner cruise aboard the Anita Dee II…and what a spectacular event it was…high end, classy, and above all, fun! From my first contact I knew that I had found the perfect partner to ensure this event would be first class. The staff made certain that the evening was orchestrated perfectly and our customers and employees praised the evening as the finest corporate event that they could remember attending. The Anita Dee team worked with me every step of the way and their advice and recommendations were invaluable. I highly recommend Anita Dee Yacht Charters for any social event you are planning…personal or corporate. It will be outstanding in every way!!”
Diane Terroni
Winpak Portion Packaging, Inc.
Newtown, Pennsylvania
“Anita Dee Yacht Charters has been a valued partner of CBS Radio for two years now. We have worked together to create a Gameday cruise for our White Sox Radio clients and also for our Bears Radio clients. Those cruises went so smoothly, and were so highly appreciated by the people who were on them, that the Anita Dee Tailgate Cruises then came to life! Each home game that the Bears play, Anita Dee is hosting an upscale, once in a lifetime cruise for diehard Bears fans. I have worked very closely with the Anita Dee team to bring these cruises to life and I have to say that they are AWESOME to work with! They are devoted to delivering the best possible event and they are committed to following through on the execution in order to do so. They are always open to new ideas and they run a smooth event come show time! It’s evident in the first minutes of working with Anita Dee that the entire staff is behind everything they do, thus creating an environment for the people on board to enjoy reaping the benefits. I recommend Anita Dee to my colleagues, my family and also ALL of my clients for events and sightseeing opportunities. I feel lucky to have developed a business relationship as well as a friendship with the Anita Dee Family!”
Ashley Strid
CBS Radio Account Executive
WEDDING TESTIMONIALS
“We were blown away by the customer service of the Anita Dee staff. From Colleen responding so quickly to every email and providing us with whatever we needed to the First Mate clearing the downstairs for the Bride to walk through and updating us on every move the boat was making, everything went perfectly! The whole night was smooth sailing (literally and figuratively) and our guests were stunned by the views of the city. We are still receiving messages about how this wedding was the best wedding they’ve ever been to. My aunt says it ranked up there with her trip to the Grand Canyon, that’s how incredible the views were. We couldn’t have picked a better weekend and better company to work with. Unlike so many other weddings where people say it was a whirlwind and they can’t remember what happened this night is still fresh in our minds and will be for many years to come.”
Alex & Jake
9/3/16, AD I
Wedding “I held my wedding reception on the Anita Dee II on June 27, 2015. My fiance and I looked at many different venues in both Michigan and in Chicago and could not be happier that we chose the Anita Dee II for our reception venue.
The Anita Dee Staff are wonderful. We first met the director of Marketing/Business Development back in September to discuss using the yacht as our wedding ceremony and reception venue. Marc was wonderful. He made sure that this venue would be perfect for what I wanted without pressuring me into a contract. I really liked this as many other venues tried to pressure me into signing a contract the day that I toured the venue. Marc held my date and made sure that I had time to make sure this was the perfect location for our venue. Marc was also very responsive to all of my questions and concerns. Marc provided me with a list of preferred vendors to use on the yacht and ALL of the recommendations were great. I liked that I did not have to use these vendors. However, almost all of my vendors were from the preferred vendor list provided by the Anita Dee II.
During my wedding planning process, I decided to just have my reception on the yacht and have my wedding in a nearby church as this was important to my family. The Anita Dee staff made this change very easy. As my wedding approached, I was contacted by my event coordinator from the yacht, Colleen. Colleen was AMAZING! She answered all of my questions and allowed me to the yacht numerous times prior to the wedding to go over the details of my wedding. On the day of the wedding she was right there making sure everything was perfect and did EVERYTHING that was asked of her. Whether it was for the yacht to change course or to assist me in the bridal suite, she was right there making sure things were perfect.
I would HIGHLY recommend the Anita Dee II for a wedding or any other type of event. The yacht is beautiful and the staff are great!”
Brandi M.
6/27/15, Anita Dee II
“The Anita Dee II is by far the best yacht to rent for any event. My wife and I had such an incredible experience working with the staff throughout the whole process. They may not be the cheapest on the lake but they are the BEST! Working with Marc and Colleen truly shows why they’re the best. Having their recommendations from the initial set up all the way thru the event made our wedding incredible. Every one of our guests raved about how awesome the night was and how great the catering from Beyond Events and the whole experience was.”
Chris M.
7/9/16, AD II
“We had a magical Saturday evening wedding on an amazing yacht with a beautiful sunset, gorgeous views of the city most haven’t seen that way before, spectacular fireworks display and some of the best crew possible. Colleen and (captain) Eric were both great. Colleen was so helpful returning emails and answering any and all questions we had leading up to the day of. She is just the best at what she does!! So much appreciation goes to her. The bartenders were fantastic and friendly. So many guests said this was the best wedding they had ever been to, and genuinely meant it! If you want to have an evening of fun that no one will ever forget (or top), this is your venue!
Anonymous
7/16/16, AD II
“From the consultation on, Anita Dee has always felt like the right choice for us and on our wedding day these feelings were beyond confirmed.
More than just being a unique and special idea for a wedding, Anita Dee yacht was truly a dream realized and all thanks to a coordinated and expert staff. Every bit of care was taken to insure our comfort and give us, the couple, the forefront of customizing our wedding. Even our furbaby was allowed aboard for the wedding day!
Many thanks to Anita Dee for the wedding we’ve always dreamed of and that everyone should have!”
Val & Saied
7/30/16, AD I
“I had my wedding aboard the Anita Dee II yacht this past Saturday, 9/3/16. My guests can not stop complimenting my wedding. The weather was beautiful and the fireworks at the end put the icing on the cake. The staff was great and easy to work with. Our event coordinator was super helpful. I don’t even know what we would do without her. The bustles on my dress broke and she searched the entire boat for safety pins which she found! It allowed me to continue having fun and not worry about holding my dress. All together everyone had a blast and my guests will cherish this event for a long time!”
Jodie R.
9/3/16, AD II
Wedding Reception “Your staff did an excellent job with my wedding reception. Very friendly staff, very quick response to my questions ahead of time. The ship looked wonderful, and the staff did a very nice job directing my guests on board ahead of my arrival. Very attentive Sales Rep, Event Coordinator, Ship’s Crew, and Bar Staff. I could not have had any better service.”
Matthew C.
4/18/15, Anita Dee I
Wedding “I would like to extend my gratitude for the excellent job you and your staff did at our daughter’s wedding this past Saturday. During the afternoon and extending into Sunday, I received numerous comments praising the professionalism of your staff and the quality of your service. The captain did an excellent job with the ceremony and went above and beyond in meeting with Shawn and Ashley on Sunday to finalize the wedding papers. I could not be happier with the outcome of this special day. Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!”
Michael C.
5/31/14, Anita Dee II
Wedding “This was a unique and fun venue that our guests loved! My daughter’s ceremony and reception were held on the Anita Dee II and we have had so many positive comments from everyone. Working with Colleen was wonderful and the staff were all very professional. We had a evening wedding and I was concerned because there was an afternoon wedding. However, the turnover was smooth. We were also very fortunate to have wonderful weather and Sat night fireworks which made the evening very special. For a relaxing and unique summer wedding this is certainly a venue to consider.”
Kathy W.
6/22/13, Anita Dee II
“I wanted to thank you all for the wonderful experience we had aboard the Anita Dee II for our Wedding Reception. Everything was more wonderful than we could have imagined. You were so helpful throughout the entire process, answering all my questions quickly and with so much patience! Being allowed to visit the bridge was a special treat for my husband and I as we met on a ship and had some of our first conversations on the bridge. You’re entire crew took such wonderful care of us, our families, and all of our guests. We are so happy we had our reception aboard the Anita Dee and hope to see you all again soon!”
Mr. & Mrs. Colin Little