My husband and I had our post-wedding reception on Valara and from beginning to end, it was the best choice we could have made. Neither of us wanted the night to feel like a standard wedding reception as they aren't our style, and because we are happiest on the water the yacht seemed like an ideal, less-stress way to celebrate the wedding with loved ones. The experience exceeded our expectations in every way. Mary was incredibly detail-oriented, professional, and great to work with from the beginning. Captain Val and crew were personable, professional, incredibly friendly, and accommodating. We lucked out and had beautiful weather, awesome views of the shore and skyline, ample drinks and food, and the crew took every possible responsibility out of our hands. A month and a half later, guests still comment on what a fun, neat experience the evening on Valara was, using words like "magical" to describe the night, and we are already plotting for a 5/10 year anniversary party someday! Thanks to Captain Val, Mary, and Valara VI crew for one of the most memorable nights of life. read more

See all

This may be a great cruise once you get it booked but I've left messages for several days seeking info. They are also one of the few that doesn't show online availability. I realize I'm looking last minute but there was absolutely no excuse for the lady on the phone to be so rude and condensending. Doesn't matter how big a group or how far in advance - I'll never contact them again. read more

We hosted a birthday party on this boat and really enjoyed our experience. The crew was professional and accommodating, and the space was ample enough to fit large groups both inside and outside. We were grateful to not have to worry about food or drinks for such a large party, as the Valara team takes care of all of that. Our guests really enjoyed themselves and thought the private boat party was such a unique idea. You can't beat being on the water with good food, drinks, music and company. Thank you to the Valara team! read more

Just had my 30th birthday on the Yacht with 50 friends, was everything that I hope for! Huge boat, couches, 2 floors, 2 bars and the food was good! We did the premium bar for 2.5 hours and the food (buffet style). The crew was extremely friendly, attentive and professional. There was NEVER a wait to get a drink (which was my biggest worry, usually "open bar" takes forever), bartenders were making us frozen margaritas, Pina Coladas etc... 10/10 will do this again. Legit might be an annual thing haha. read more

My (now hubby) and I were married on the Valara VI on July 19th of this year (2014) and the day was perfect. The entire process of working with Mary in setting a date through to the wedding has been some of the best service we have ever come across. Mary was on top of her communication from beginning to end and attentive to all of the details. I did not have to stress during the day as her and the entire staff were amazing and took care of every single person aboard the boat. I didn't know how to put the day in to words without sounding like I was just a bride gushing about my own wedding so I wanted to share part of an email I received from a close friend after the wedding: "...(my wife) was going on and on about how great the wedding was with the view of the skyline & fireworks, the food, bar service, dancing, Obie, and the vibe in the air. I think (her daughter) was feeling a little jealous and our friends with daughters getting married soon must have felt it too. I kind of sensed a feeling of, "oh great, now how is our kid's wedding going to measure up to that..." We were in no way trying to "out do" anyone and in fact, were trying to have an amazing day without breaking the bank...and that's exactly what we did. Also, without any stress (it really helps that where you would normally have to get multiple vendors you have it all on the boat). We didn't plan to get married on a boat and I couldn't tell you how I came across the Valara VI to begin with, but if you are reading this review, it is sincere and I wholeheartedly recommend this boat for any event. read more

After contacting many other yacht rental companies, I ended up going with Adventure Sea Tours and I am glad I did. I recently had my engagement party on the Valara and it could not have worked out better. Mary was beyond helpful and worked with me to ensure we had everything we wanted. The crew was attentive and ensured all my guests enjoyed themselves. I would highly recommend Mary and her team to anyone looking to book a yacht this summer read more

The Valara yacht was AMAZING! It was extremely spacious and held 149 people very comfortably! There were multiple lounges and 2 full bars aboard the yacht. Dealing with the staff at Adventure Sea Tours was great. The were EXTREMELY accommodating to our groups needs, the communication was prompt and precise and the service was excellent. The bartenders were knowledgeable and very friendly. We had to make several changes during our event due to the weather and wind conditions and the staff was very quick to help us out. Gaining access to the yacht was extremely easy and there were parking lots readily available surrounding the Harbor. Our event has been called "The party of the year"! People are still raving about it and asking if we will do another one! We owe it to the staff at Adventure Sea Tours. Thanks a bunch! We will be using your services again! read more

The Valara is a beautiful ship with a variety of spaces for a party up to 150, including several lounges and full hosting amenities. Excellent rates and service, and a great crew - cruising on the lake is a fantastic way to spend a summer evening in Chicago. read more

See all

From start to finish everything was perfect! The crew was incredible, they were so accommodating not only to us, but to our guest. From the moment we stepped on board everything was taken care of. We just had to show up! (and say "I do"). We can't say enough about the food. It was delicious! From the appetizers to the cake! (and if I can add the Cake was scrumptious!) Everyone had plenty to eat and drink and nothing but good things to say about it all~ Saying "I do" in front of Buckingham Fountain was awesome! Seeing the skyline and Navy Pier under the full moon was breathtaking! Highly recommended! Thanks Captain Val and Crew! read more

I had contacted several yacht companies and Mary from Valara was the most helpful and worked with our budget. We used them for our office summer party (we had about 80 people). Our office had such a blast. We had a Hawaiian theme and they even created a special tropical drink for us. Food and drinks were great! Captain was friendly and everyone on their staff was helpful and went above and beyond for our group. I want to book again next summer! :) read more

I worked with Mary Antoniette for my yacht rental in Chicago/Lake Michigan. She was great and very easy to work with! The yacht was spacious and very nice and the staff on-board was also friendly and great at accommodating our party. I would definitely use them again for any future boat events/parties. And I would highly recommend them for anyone wanting to do a boat party on Lake Michigan. read more

I have booked the Valara twice during the past two years and each experience was excellent. Mary was extremely responsive during the pre-planning activities whenever I had extra questions and/or concerns. The crew was was professional, friendly and attentive - all of my guests (both times) commented on the great Valara staff. I'm looking forward to future excursions! read more

We really wanted to hold our wedding reception on Lake Michigan to see the Saturday night fireworks, but were having dinner at another venue. Mary from Adventure Sea Tours was very accommodating and allowed us to hold our reception with desserts, DJ, and dancing on board the Valara. Mary was very prompt and responsive to all of our questions, as well as worked with us to meet our additional requests. We were not able to see the yacht until after we had booked it, and were a little nervous about the smaller size of the dance floor. However, the night of the wedding it turned out there was plenty of room, with our guests using the dance floor the whole night. The crew was very helpful throughout the entire evening and very gracious. We loved every minute of the night! read more

Mary and the entire crew on the Valara yacht were a pleasure to work with. The crew went above and beyond to accommodate our group. I cannot remember anyone not having a good time! We had such a great time, that people still to this day are asking us to have another yacht party. That says a lot, doesn't it? The view of the Chicago Skyline that we saw from the Valara was breathtaking. Plenty of awesome picture moments. That coupled with the fun ambiance of the Valara as well as the people on board made our event a success. I can't wait to plan the next yacht party with Mary and Adventure Sea Tours again! read more

We had a Chicago Skyline Cruise for a party celebrating graduation from Northwestern University. Our event aboard the Valara VI was outstanding. Mary was absolutely thorough and professional in assisting the planning of the evening. The ship was comfortable and welcoming to our party of 60 people. The food was delicious and presented beautifully. The captain and the crew managed the entire cruise flawlessly and courteously. Truly, it was a magical evening. I would recommend Adventure Sea Tours, Inc. and the yacht Valara for anyone looking to plan something special with a unique venue. read more

If I could give more than five stars, I would. I booked the Valara with Adventure Sea Tours for my sister's bachelorette party, and it was absolutely phenomenal. Right off the bat, Mary made booking easy, and I did not have to worry about a thing. With 24 girls in tow, I was expecting things to be tricky, but my communication with her was always prompt and seamless. Mary was also extremely friendly and available whenever I needed her. The boat is beautiful and immaculately kept, and the photos do not do it justice. Captain Val and his crew were incredibly accommodating, flexible, and kind. Rubin (the bartender) even came out from behind the bar to serve us our drinks when we relocated downstairs. He also took awesome photos from on top of the yacht and forwarded them to me so I could send them to all the girls. The service was top notch, which can be hard to find when planning these types of events. Upon leaving I met Mary and told her I wished I had another occasion so I could book with them again! I definitely will if the opportunity presents itself in the future. Thank you, Adventure Sea Tours, for an amazing afternoon out on Lake Michigan! read more

A friend and I booked the Valara VI for my fiance and his friend's 30th birthday this past weekend and it was one of the best experiences on a boat I have ever had. The crew was extremely friendly, and helpful. Our party had about 55 people and we got the open bar package with premium liquor. Everyone was served promptly. We brought in pizzas from outside and the crew did an excellent job picking up plates and keeping the area nice and clean. They also helped cut and serve the cake that we had for the birthday. They were very laid back and attended to all of our needs. The boat itself was absolutely beautiful. I don't think I've ever been on a boat that has been this clean before. I have nothing, but positive things to say about the crew and the boat. I would highly recommend reserving your boat experience through Adventure Sea Tours. I know I certainly will be utilizing this company again in the future. Thanks for making my fiance's birthday so special! It was truly one to remember! read more