free spirit yacht cruises

Special Event Venues , Water Venues

Free spirit yacht cruises.

Located in South Loop

• Share this post:

600 E. Waldron Dr., Chicago IL 60605

Get directions

• www.freespiritcruises.com
• (708) 361-2220

Free Spirit Yacht Cruises is home to the most inviting private yacht charters on Lake Michigan. Docked at Burnham Harbor, conveniently located just north of Lakeside Center McCormick Place, Free Spirit Yachts are the perfect venues for corporate entertaining, meetings, product launch events, escape the trade floor luncheons and more.

Our two yachts, the Gypsy Spirit (2-49 people) and the Free Spirit (up to 120 people) are designed for your guests’ relaxation and comfort. We’re not your typical yacht charter company. For example, in the Free Spirit salon, you’ll find comfortable, “sink into” leather sofas; the Gypsy Spirit has the ambiance that’s like being in a friend’s luxurious home. And we couple this with friendly professional service.

From start to finish, we’ll make planning your event easy and hassle free. You will have a wonderful time on your charter as you cruise Lake Michigan and enjoy our breathtaking Chicago skyline.

Special Features: Chicago River cruises available. Stereo-system with mobile device hook-up, XM Radio and a microphone. Entertainment available. Room Capacities: Gypsy Spirit (Mtg. 50, Banq. 50, Recpt. 50); Free Spirit (Mtg. 120, Banq. 120, Recpt. 120).

Motorcoach Parking On-site

Average Visit/Tour Length 3 hours

Minimum Group Number 2

Maximum Group Number 120

Miles from O'Hare Airport 22.0

Miles from Midway Airport 10.0

Miles from Navy Pier 3.5

Miles from McCormick Place 0.5

Miles from Downtown 2.0

American Express

Special Interest Tours Offered

Reservation Cancellation Policy Free Spirit Yacht Cruises requires 50% of the charter rate as a non-refundable deposit at the time of reservation to book a Charter and reserve a date and time.

Self-Parking Available On-site

Open Seasonally

Hours of Operation April - October, 7 days, 7:00am-11:00pm

Family-friendly

On-Site Catering

In-house/Exclusive Caterer(s)

Complete Buy-out Available

Max Capacity, Reception Style (Standing) 120

Max Capacity, Banquet Style (Seated) 120

Max Venue Capacity 120

Private Meeting Space Available

Private Dining Available

Explore all things to do

More Images

Featured in

Fourth of July in Chicago

Labor Day weekend in Chicago

Articles , Tours & attractions

Your guide to chicago lake and river cruises.

Outdoor meeting venues in Chicago

Out of the box venues

Explore hotels, flights, deals, and more

Plan your trip.

Chicago Newsletter

Stay in the know.

Visitors Guide

Start planning today.

Get the guide

Your Favorites

Quick access links.

This profile has not been claimed by the business owner or representative.

Claim this business to update business information, get appointment requests, engage visitors with web chat, and more!

Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

• Boat Dealers
• Chicago, IL

About this business

"Relaxing. Inviting. Comfortable. Fantastic. So much fun!" This is what we hear from clients who come back year after year and want you to feel as well. Free Spirit Yacht Cruises offers two luxuriously comfortable yachts for private yacht charters, one for smaller parties and meetings and one for larger groups. The Free Spirit Our spacious Free Spirit luxury yacht accommodates up to 120 people and is custom-designed for your relaxation and comfort, inside and out. The Gypsy Spirit Our Gypsy Spirit yacht is smaller and cozy, ...   read more

Location details

600 E Waldron Dr, Burnham Harbor, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States

• Birdeye (0)
• Facebook (54)
• Google (35)

Be the first to review

Sharing your experience helps others make the right decision when searching for a business like this.

Frequently asked questions about Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

How is free spirit yacht cruises rated.

Free Spirit Yacht Cruises has a 4.5 star rating with 89 reviews.  

When is Free Spirit Yacht Cruises open?

Free Spirit Yacht Cruises is closed now. It will open on Monday at 9:00 a.m.  

Browse nearby

Need help contact us..

Speak with a specialist to learn how you can grow with Birdeye. We are reachable at [email protected]

Popular Automotive resources

Reputation management for automotive businesses.

Reputation management for automotive businesses spans various verticals, and this blog post gives you a comprehensive overview of what business owners must do.

13 automotive marketing strategies to rev up your success

Unlock success with 13 proven automotive marketing strategies to drive growth and elevate your automotive business

How auto dealerships can get more reviews

Simplify auto dealership success. Our guide shows how customer reviews drive growth—no marketing stress, just keys to thriving business. Let's get started!

Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

600 e. waldron dr. chicago, il 60605, google maps, p: 708-361-2220, free spirit yacht cruises is home to the one of the most inviting private yacht charters on lake michigan. offering two luxuriously comfortable yachts for private charters, one for smaller parties and meetings and one for larger groups. docked at burnham harbor, conveniently located just east of soldier field, free spirit yachts are the perfect venues for corporate entertaining, meetings, private events, weddings, or parties., free spirit menu & catering pricing, welcome aboard, whether celebrating a birthday or entertaining corporate clients, free spirit yacht’s personalize every detail of your event to provide an extraordinary experience you’ll never forget. soak in the magic of the chicago skyline. sip on refreshing cocktails and indulge in an array of delicious food. they are thrilled to have you on board, their spacious free spirit luxury yacht accommodates up to 120 people and is custom-designed for your relaxation and comfort, inside and out. free spirit is perfect for larger groups for business meetings, company outings, networking events, family celebrations, weddings or parties. whatever the occasion, it’s more memorable when it’s a boat, their yachts: the free spirit and the gypsy spirit, they are  docked at burnham harbor, right behind soldier field. a quick and convenient cab ride from downtown chicago or michigan avenue., their spacious free spirit luxury yacht accommodates up to 120 people. custom-designed for your relaxation and comfort, inside and out, you and your guests will enjoy our beautiful chicago skyline as you cruise on lake michigan., the gypsy spirit is smaller and cozy, but no less luxurious. the gypsy accommodates 2 – 49 passengers, offering multi-level entertaining with a salon, galley, and aft deck lounge area. you’ll relax on soft leather sofas and comfy chairs. almost like being in someone’s luxurious home, but on the water. the gypsy cruises the chicago river in addition to lake michigan., image gallery.

(847) 965-4094 9204 WAUKEGAN ROAD MORTON GROVE, IL 60053

Sustainability Meet Our Team Employment Opportunities

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on events, seasonal and holiday menus, and other exciting news from Catered by Design.

Email (required) *

Yes, I would like to receive emails from Catered by Design. (You can unsubscribe anytime)

© 2024 Catered by Design.

• Delivery & Seasonal Menus
• Full Service Menus

Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

708-361-2220

[email protected]

Burnham Harbor, Chicago, IL

Interested in chartering a yacht with us? Contact Free Spirit Cruises at 708-361-2220 or complete our online form. Let’s see how we can help you today!

Have A Question? Contact Us Today!

• TESTIMONIALS
• TERMS AND CONDITIONS
• PRIVACY POLICY

" * " indicates required fields

© 2024 Free Spirit Yacht Cruises. Designed By IMG

• Preferred Vendors
• Client Reviews
• Corporate Clients
• Gypsy Spirit
• Free Spirit
• CATERING & BAR MENU
• DEPARTURE LOCATION

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Mexican Riviera

Brighter than a supernova.

New Star Princess® Illuminates your journey, connecting you to the world

3rd and 4th Guests Sail Free

Now booking: 2026 europe voyages.

Bigger and Better than Ever ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎

Discover Nearby Cruises

Cruises Departing

Discover More

Experience the Ultimate Cruise Package at Sea

Drinks, wi-fi and more, princess® rewards visa® card.

Earn 20,000 bonus points, that's $200 in onboard credit. Terms apply.

Get the new Princess® App

Download the brand new app and take your upcoming cruise to the next level.

Double the Cruise Credits. Double the Love.

Receive 2x Cruise Credits with the purchase of the Plus/Premier Package prior to sailing

† Subject to full  terms, restrictions, and conditions

Effective July 1st. Due to new regulations, prices now include all taxes and fees. Learn more

7 Best New Zealand Cruises for Every Type of Traveler

A New Zealand cruise is an ideal option for discovering the country, since most itineraries include stops to explore its world-famous natural splendor along with popular cities, such as Christchurch , Wellington and Auckland , giving you the best of both worlds.

Cruise options range from short four-day tasters to multi-week adventures that combine New Zealand with other destinations like Australia , various South Pacific islands and Southeast Asia . The growing popularity of New Zealand as a cruise destination has led to an increase in offerings from cruise lines , from mainstream to ultra-luxury, in recent years as well.

With so many itineraries and cruise lines available, choosing the right one to cruise to New Zealand can be difficult. To help you pick the New Zealand cruise for you, we have selected the top options based on your travel companions and personal interests.

Royal Caribbean: The Cruise Line for Families Planning to Cruise to New Zealand

Royal Caribbean is renowned for catering to families with children of all ages. With its multiple kids’ clubs, entertainment programs for teens, and a wide variety of family-friendly cabins and suites, Royal Caribbean is an excellent pick for those traveling with children to New Zealand (and other destinations).

But it’s not only about the onboard amenities. Royal Caribbean’s itineraries combine urban and nature-based ports, making them appealing to all ages and tastes. Beaches, fjords, mountains and cities are all included over a few days, catering equally to families craving some beach time, active travelers looking to hike and culture enthusiasts wanting to learn more about local art, history and music.

Our Pick : Currently, Royal Caribbean has Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas plying the waters Down Under. They are very similar in terms of features and amenities, but Quantum’s itineraries typically include additional and more varied ports.

Norwegian Cruise Line: A New Zealand Cruise for Solo Travelers

Staterooms are typically priced based on double occupancy, making cruising an unaffordable option for solo travelers . Norwegian was one of the first cruise lines to cater to those traveling by themselves, offering interior , oceanview and balcony cabins for one, cutting both costs and frustration.

Solo travelers also get free access to a private lounge where happy hours, activities and casual gatherings are hosted daily. It’s a great way to meet other passengers traveling solo, to make new friends and oftentimes, create groups with which to book shore excursions.

A New Zealand cruise with Norwegian will more often than not depart from Australia, where it will call at a couple of cities at least before making its way to Dunedin and then north along the New Zealand coast. Other itineraries will do the same route backwards, starting in Auckland.

Our Pick : Norwegian Spirit offers three solo cabin categories: inside, oceanview (with a porthole ) and balcony. All have the same amenities as a double-occupancy cabin in the same category, including a full bathroom, storage space and a desk. The ship was refurbished in 2022 and is in excellent shape, with modern decor and plenty of nice touches.

Silversea: A New Zealand Cruise for Couples Looking to Splurge

Silversea offers some of our favorite New Zealand cruises for those looking to spend some quality time with their significant other. Itineraries often combine New Zealand with Australia and other South Pacific destinations, and include multiple sea days , allowing for a more relaxed, immersive experience with unique shore excursions.

Days in port are longer than in mainstream cruise lines, with at least 10 hours docked and sometimes -- like in Picton and Napier -- up to 16 hours. Stops in Tasmania are typically overnights and include nighttime activities in Hobart .

Silversea is one of the few cruise lines that can truly claim to be in the high-end luxury category. Its vessels are elegant yet understated, catering to couples seeking a relaxing, upscale experience with outstanding service. All-inclusive rates cover world-class food and drinks in most onboard restaurants and bars, as well as gratuities, 24-hour room service and fitness classes.

Our Pick : The 596-passenger, 411-crew Silver Muse is hands down one of the best ultra-luxe ships around. All of its cabins are suites with balconies (except for a handful of oceanview units) that offer top-notch amenities, free butler service and wonderful bathrooms with full-sized bathtubs. Service is outstanding, as is the food.

Princess Cruises: The Best New Zealand Cruise for Those Looking to Learn About the Culture

Princess Cruises offers a unique opportunity to discover New Zealand with its "Across the Ditch" program. This immersive experience provides guests with interactive onboard and shore activities that showcase regional culture and cuisine, from wine tastings to traditional dance lessons and lectures.

While other cruise lines may offer a wide range of standard shore excursions, Princess passengers will be provided with a stellar list of authentic experiences, including Maori arts tours, bush and beach eco tours in Auckland, food-themed excursions with local chefs and haka lessons.

Our Pick : Of all the Princess ships offering New Zealand cruises, Discovery is our favorite. It’s comfortable, classy and more modern than the rest of the vessels.

Viking Ocean Cruises: A Cruise to New Zealand Only for Adults

Viking is one of the few cruise lines offering adult-only ships . Its vessels are modern, comfortable and all-inclusive, offering a fun, hassle-free experience to those looking to cruise to New Zealand only with passengers who are 18 and over -- and often older than 55.

While the focus is on the destination, these cruise ships also offer excellent amenities, from spas to planetariums, and a wide variety of included restaurants. All cabins have balconies, allowing for panoramic views even from entry-level staterooms.

Viking’s Down Under itineraries are longer than your standard New Zealand cruise, often spanning up to four weeks and combining ports like Wellington, Dunedin and Napier with Australia and Indonesia . They are smaller ships, which means they can call at ports or sail though areas that are off-limits to larger vessels, offering a unique experience.

Our Pick : Built in 2018, Viking Orion is a top-notch vessel with all the bells and whistles of larger luxury cruise ships, such as multiple specialty dining restaurants (all included in the rate), a fabulous spa, a well-equipped gym and a full entertainment program.

Azamara: The Best New Zealand Cruises for Those Seeking Personalized Service

Azamara is known for its small vessels offering longer itineraries that combine New Zealand and Australia and cover up to 12 ports in about 16 days. Shore excursions are an important part of the experience, with a huge offering that ranges from guided bush walks to tuk-tuk tours and racing yacht sailings. Free shuttle service is available if the port is far from the city center.

Passengers will typically embark in Melbourne and spend a few days cruising Australia before crossing to New Zealand. Azamara cruises call at all the top ports, as well as at those that larger vessels can’t access, offering a unique experience that is appealing even to those who have already been to the region.

These cruises are popular with passengers in their mid- to late 50s who value the cruise line’s destination offerings and friendly, personalized service over cutting-edge technologies and over-the-top amenities.

Our Pick : Azamara Pursuit is one of our favorite small cruise ships for longer itineraries, considering its mellow vibe, friendly service, comfortable cabins and solid dining options.

Seabourn: The Best Long Cruises to New Zealand and Beyond

Those looking to embark on a long journey can’t go wrong with Seabourn . While New Zealand itineraries start at 14 days in length, the cruise line specializes in big adventures spanning multiple weeks (or even months) and covering multiple countries along the way. Australia, Indonesia, the Pitcairn Islands , the Philippines , Chile , and Polynesia are only some of the destinations included.

One of the best itineraries goes from Los Angeles to Sydney by way of Hawaii , French Polynesia, Cook Islands, Niue and Tonga. It takes 46 days to cover the thousands of miles between the U.S. and Australia, and the experience is one not to be missed.

Seabourn ships are luxurious through and through, service is typically stellar and food is outstanding across the fleet. With semi-inclusive rates that cover all gratuities, most drinks, and self-service laundry, passengers can experience a hassle-free vacation of a lifetime.

Our Pick : The 458-passenger Seabourn Quest is the ship to book for these adventures. It features a beautiful pool, a bar offering stunning views and multiple fabulous dining options. Even entry-level cabins are full-sized suites with separate bedrooms and living areas.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

Fourth of July in Door County: Here's when and where to watch the fireworks and celebrate

Six communities on the peninsula host fireworks shows july 3 and 4, along with the parades, music, food and fun to celebrate the holiday.

DOOR COUNTY - If it's the Fourth of July holiday in Door County, there must be fireworks.

And parades. And food (including strawberries, fish sandwiches, pancakes, burritos, barbeque and more). And live music. And a whole lot more fun activities.

Six communities on the Peninsula host fireworks shows Wednesday or Thursday, July 3 and 4, along with all the other festivities that go with celebrating the Independence Day holiday. Plus, there's another community celebratory fireworks show a week later, and people can watch that show from the water as well as from land. Here's your guide to Fourth of July celebrations in Door County.

The Peninsula's fireworks shows start Wednesday, July 3 with the only show in Southern Door, as the Maplewood Athletic Club sponsors its annual Fourth of July celebration.

The fireworks start at dusk (about 9:30 p.m.), and the athletic club will operate the concession stand throughout the evening. Parking, and the best viewing sites, are available at Baumann Ball Park next to Forestville Town Hall, 7705 County H, just west of Wisconsin 42. Rain date is July 4.

For more information, visit forestvilletown.wi.gov .

The Egg Harbor Business Association's annual Independence Day Celebration is so big, it stretches over two days, with music and fireworks July 3 and a parade July 4.

The festivities begin with food (brats, burgers, hot dogs, cheese curds, kettle corn and more) and refreshments starting at 4 p.m. July 3 at Harbor View Park, 7809 State 42, with popular local country band Modern Day Drifters on stage at the park at 5 p.m.

The day closes with what organizers have said for years is one of Wisconsin's most spectacular fireworks shows. It goes off over the harbor at dusk, and for the first time the fireworks will be shot from a barge in the harbor instead of the community beach, allowing the beach to stay open all day and likely making it a prime viewing spot.

July 4 sees the traditional parade at 1:30 p.m. through downtown Egg Harbor, heading south along State 42 from the north end of Church Street to County T. Members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band will not only be part of the parade but also perform the band's renowned Fifth Quarter routine in Harbor View Park after the parade. Food and refreshments again will be available in the park, starting at 11 a.m. and continuing after the parade.

Those who want to be in the parade can be in the parade – no registration is necessary. Participants simply need to be on the north end of Church Street by 12:30 p.m. to receive a copy of parade rules and line up.

For more information, call 920-868-3717 or visit eggharbordoorcounty.org .

To get even more into the patriotic spirit in Egg Harbor, Birch Creek Music Performance Center holds its traditional matinee concert, "A Birch Creek Symphonic Fourth," at 3 p.m. July 4 in the 500-seat Dutton Concert Barn on its campus, 3 miles east of the village on County E.

Classical music and patriotic tunes will be played in the program by the Symphony Session students in Birch Creek's summer music academy and the professional musicians from across the country who teach them during the day, this year featuring tenor vocalist and former Birch Creek student Jonathan Zeng. A pie and ice cream social precedes the concert at 2 p.m.

General admission tickets are $33 for adults, $10 students, free for ages 11 and younger. For tickets or more information, call 920-868-3763 or visit birchcreek.org .

Baileys Harbor

A parade, strawberries, pancakes, art, a farmers market and fireworks mark the Baileys Harbor Community Association's annual Fourth of July Celebration on July 4.

The traditional opening event for the festivities is the pancake breakfast served by the Baileys Harbor Fire Department from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the fire station, 2404 Park Road.

More food can be found at the annual Strawberry Fest sponsored by the Baileys Harbor Women's Club. With strawberries, shortcake and strawberry ice cream sundaes for sale, it starts at 10 a.m. in Town Hall, 2392 County F, and runs until 2 p.m. or the berries are gone. Proceeds from the event, which the club has held every year since 1968, go to college scholarships for graduating high school students who live in Baileys Harbor.

Food vendors will be open at 9 a.m. in the parking lot at Town Hall and the beer tent also opens at 9 a.m. in Kendall Park.

Also at Town Hall, but outside on the lawn, an arts and crafts fair will be held starting at 9 a.m., along with face painting for the children.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. heading along State 57 through the community. Among the performers in the parade will be 132D Army Band from the Wisconsin National Guard.

After the parade, at about 11 a.m., classic rock band Glas Hamr performs in Kendall Park until 4 p.m.

Following all these activities, fireworks will light the skies over Anclam Park on the Lake Michigan shore at dusk. Watchers aren't allowed on the park beach during the fireworks – it's a fallout zone for the aerial explosives – but the show will be easily visible throughout the harbor.

With the highway being closed for the parade and the expected crowds during the day, the community is offering shuttle buses from Recreation Park to Town Hall between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

For more information, call 920-839-2366 or visit baileysharbor.com .

Sturgeon Bay

Destination Sturgeon Bay brings the music, food, refreshments and fireworks with its annual "Sturgeon Bay Celebrates the Fourth of July!" July 4 along the waterfront at Sunset Park, 737 N. Third Ave.

Food and beverages are served starting at 5 p.m., with a variety of food trucks and vendors such as The Dough Shoppe, Steel Belly BBQ, The Dog House, Aurora Burrito, Cowboy Kettle Korn LLC and Jolly Street Pizza Truck. Destination Sturgeon Bay will also sell Culver’s custard and an assortment of beverages. Those attending can get into the spirit with red, white and blue glow sticks that will be available.

Live music is provided by popular blues band Cathy Grier and the Troublemakers, taking the stage at 6 p.m. and performing until the fireworks begin at dusk (between 9 and 9:30). Viewing points can be found all around the water.

For more information, call 920-743-6246 or visit sturgeonbay.net .

Fourth of July festivities at the tip of the Peninsula take place from 5 to 10 p.m. July 4 at the town park. Live music will be played and food and beverages will be for sale, and there's a whitefish sandwich fry fundraiser for Death's Door Maritime Museum, the Gills Rock satellite site of the Door County Maritime Museum that focuses on the Peninsula's commercial fishing traditions. The traditional boat parade in the bay starts about an hour before dusk (around 7:30 p.m.), with fireworks starting at dusk.

For more information, call 920-854-5448 or visit doorcountynorth.org .

Washington Island

For those taking a ferry ride off the tip of Peninsula, Washington Island's fireworks show starts around 8:30 p.m. July 4 at the Washington Island Ball Park on Main Road. They're sponsored by the Washington Island Fire Department, and firefighters will "pass the boot" around for donations to offset the cost.

Before lighting up the night, a children's parade will take place. Kids can line up at Legion Hall at about 7 p.m. and walk, ride, skate or whatever from the hall to the Ball Park in time for the fireworks.

For more information, call 920-847-2179 or visit washingtonisland.com ; for ferry information to get to and from the Island, call 920-847-2546 or visit wisferry.com .

The Sister Bay Advancement Association has for several years held its annual Freedom Fest party and fireworks show a Saturday or two after the Fourth and does so again with fireworks at dusk July 13 at Marina Park. For more information, call 920-854-3230 or visit sisterbay.com .

Watching fireworks from the water

Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tours and Fish Creek Scenic Boat Tours have offered special cruises to various fireworks shows off the Door County shore for a number of years.

This year's July 3 and 4 cruises are sold out for both companies, but Sister Bay Scenic Boat Tours has space as of June 25 for its July 13 cruise to the Freedom Fest fireworks in Sister Bay. This cruise, aboard a double-decker boat with bathrooms, full accessibility, snacks and a nonalcoholic bar, departs at 8:30 p.m. from the company's dock at Sister Bay Marina. Tickets are $42.

Reservations are strongly recommended and guests should consider bringing a jacket for the nighttime chill. For reservations or more information, call 920-421-4444 or visit doorcountyboats.com and click on "Specialty Cruises" under the "Boat Tours" tab. For more information on the Fish Creek tour company, call 920-421-4442 or visit doorcountybywater.com .

C ontact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or  [email protected].

MORE:  This year's Miss Door County made local history at the Miss Wisconsin pageant

MORE:   'More than a pretty picture book' looks at Door Peninsula's overlooked people, places

MORE:   A dispute between Egg Harbor and a popular restaurant has just been settled by the Wisconsin Supreme Court

FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS:  Check out our website

Santa Clara, CA | Feb 3-4

Santa Clara Convention Center

5001 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Hilton Santa Clara

4949 Great America Parkway

Santa Clara, California 95054 USA 

SPECTATOR ADMISSION Info

Single day on-site cash admission passes are $20. Children 3 and under are free. Livestream passes are available for $19.99. There is a $2.50 ticketing charge for pre-sale and credit card transactions on-site.

Presale Tickets: Presale begins 1 month prior to the event. All orders must be picked up by the purchaser at the Pre-Sale table at the venue on Feb. 3/4, 2024. ID required for pickup.

Note: Presale ends the night prior to competition. All remaining ticket sales will be on-site at the venue.

All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges or name transfers.

Event Policies

Please click below to review our Waiver Declaration and Photo & Video Policies that are in effect at this event.

MORE events In Your region

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Alternative to Huge Cruises? 3 Masts, 28 Sails and Wind Power.

We checked out the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit on a Mediterranean cruise. In this era of gargantuan ships, its elegant clipper design, wooden decks and relatively small size stands out.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

From the bridge of the three-masted windjammer, the Sea Cloud Spirit , the captain called out the words we’d all been waiting for.

“Let’s set the sails!” he cried, after turning off the engines, while maneuvering to maintain an optimum angle for his 18 deckhands to climb into the shrouds and unfurl the ship’s 44,132 square feet of sails by hand.

Like acrobats, the crew scurried up the masts to the upper topgallant sails that rose nearly 200 feet above us. The ship’s captain, Vukota Stojanovic, later insisted that none of it was for show. “Whenever there is an opportunity to sail, we sail,” he said.

For the next hour, the crew hauled the ropes until the 28 sails were billowing in the wind, propelling the 452-foot-long ship — the world’s largest passenger sailing vessel on which the sails are raised by hand — toward its first port of call, Portofino, Italy.

At a time when cruise lines are packing their ever-more-gargantuan ships with water parks and basketball courts, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit, with its old-fashioned clipper design and wooden decks, stands out. It is the newest ship from the Hamburg-based Sea Cloud Cruises , and while it is the company’s biggest, Sea Cloud said it wanted to leave space for passengers to connect to the surrounding elements.

“Wherever you are on the ship, it feels like you are sitting on the water,” said Amelia Dominick, 71, a retired real estate agent from Cologne, Germany, who was on her third cruise onboard the Sea Cloud Spirit.

I had arrived for a four-night “taster sailing” from Nice, France, to the Ligurian region of Italy, designed to entice passengers to sign up for a longer cruise. Here’s what I found.

The ship and cabins

The Spirit has many comforts and luxuries, including a fitness center, library, hair salon and a spa with a Finnish sauna that overlooks the sea. The deck layouts are spacious, with nooks carved out for privacy and relaxation.

Sixty-nine spacious cabins have windows that open onto the sea. My room, a junior suite on the third deck, had two large arched windows, mahogany tables, a balcony and a comfortable couch and armchair. The marble bathroom was lavish, with a gold-plated sink and large jetted bathtub.

The elegant interior design is inspired by the original Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the American heiress of the General Foods Corporation, with glossy wooden panels and gold trimmings. The Sea Cloud was the largest private sailing yacht in the world before Post handed it over to the U.S. Navy for use as a weather-reporting vessel during World War II. The four-mast, 64-passenger ship has since been restored to its former glory and will sail across the Aegean and Adriatic this summer.

The experience felt authentic — even before the sails were set — with a detailed safety drill. On most cruises, the drill entails a safety video and signing in at an assembly point. But here, passengers put on their life jackets and walked through emergency scenarios that included rationing food supplies and fishing from the lifeboat.

Each day, the sails were set, even during heavy rain and wind speeds over 30 knots. Guests wanting to participate in the rigging are usually invited to do so, but the weather conditions made it too risky for this sailing.

“It was amazing to watch the work go into putting the sails up and down and to experience the wind power pulling the ship so fast without the engines,” said Malte Rahnenfuehrer, a 50-year-old psychologist from Zurich, who was traveling with his partner and two children.

The captain

It is rare for cruise passengers to see the ship’s captain after the initial welcome drinks or gala dinner. But Capt. Vukota Stojanovic was omnipresent throughout the cruise, from setting sails to lifeguarding to mingling with guests.

Originally from Montenegro, Captain Stojanovic piloted container ships for years. When he was asked to consider helming the original Sea Cloud nearly 10 years ago, he hesitated because he had no experience sailing. Even after he learned the ropes — and there are 340 ropes (known as running rigging) on the vessel — he was unsure. “I grew to love the sailings, the boats, the crew the lifestyle, but I still felt I belonged on container ships,” he said. “It would be a big adjustment, especially because I would have to shave every day,” he joked.

Eventually, he accepted the opportunity and worked tirelessly to learn how to sail and operate the ship. Today, he keeps an “open bridge” policy, allowing passengers to visit the control room, even when he is wrestling with the wind.

“The crew and the passengers are all part of the experience, and I like to meet people and receive their feedback,” Captain Stojanovic said.

Environment

Sea Cloud Cruises aspires to take a “gentle” approach, using wind power to drive its ships wherever possible, even if that means changing course for optimal weather conditions. When sailing is not possible, the Spirit has two diesel-electric engines that run on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel. The company is also working with ports that have shore power capabilities to plug into the local electric power.

Onboard, there is an emphasis on reusable bottles and paper straws, and crew members separate solid waste to be compacted and removed when in port.

Excursions and Activities

We made stops in Portofino, San Remo, Italy, and St.-Tropez, France, anchoring offshore and getting to land by tender — a contrast to the big cruise ships with their loud horns and thick plumes of exhaust spewing from their funnels.

For passengers wanting to take a dip (there is no pool), the crew marked an area in the water with floats and an inflatable slide. The water was frigid, but many passengers took the plunge from the swimming deck. Guests could also take “Zodiac Safaris” around the ship to get views of the vessel from the water.

Excursions ranged from food and wine tours to e-biking and beach trips. In Portofino, passengers were free to explore the sights independently, including the Castello Brown Fortress and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo rock. There was ample time to eat meals on shore as the ship did not depart until 11 p.m. Over the summer, the Sea Cloud Spirit will sail to Spain, Portugal, France and the Azores, among other destinations. On Nov. 11, she will depart for St. Maarten in the Caribbean for the winter.

Wherever the vessel goes, said Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruise for North America, the company tries to “stay away from the crowds and ports where big cruise ships spit out 6,000 passengers.”

Summer prices, which include food and beverages, range from $3,995 for a four-night sailing in a superior cabin to $9,420 for a veranda suite. Seven-night sailings cost between $6,995 and $16,495.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

Come Sail Away

Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

 Cruise Ship Surprises: Here are five unexpected features on ships , some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

 Icon of the Seas: Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . The most surprising thing she found? Some actual peace and quiet .

Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’:  People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise  into  “cast members”  overnight.

Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .