About Us
Why We Are First
First Lady offers Chicago’s finest fleet of cruising vessels, accommodating groups ranging from 2 to 250. We’re one of the most unique Chicago private party locations for special events, outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions, networking events, private corporate events, birthday party cruises, chartered Chicago boat tours and much more. Whether you choose to cruise on the Chicago River, Lake Michigan or both, we promise your party will be a night to remember.
First Lady is the official cruise line of the Chicago Architecture Center and is proud to present the official Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard First Lady.
The One & Only
Explore Chicago’s epic skyline while our lively guides bring the city to life with stories of its rich history.
Our History
A fourth-generation family-owned and operated company, First Lady has been providing memorable cruises of the CHICAGO RIVER and LAKE MICHIGAN for 90 years.
1934
First Lakefront Cruise
Portuguese immigrant & family patriarch Art Agra starts the business.
1950
Chicago’s First River Tour
River-focused sightseeing cruises begin.
1991
The First Lady Arrives
The First Lady, Chicago’s first elegant charter vessel is christened.
1993
First Architecture Tour
First Lady partners with the Chicago Architecture Center to offer Chicago’s very first architecture river cruise.
2013
First in Environment
First Lady proudly becomes Chicago’s first tour boat operator to offset 100% of its carbon emissions.
2024
Voted First in the Nation
First Lady awarded Best Boat Tour in North America for the second time by USA Today 10Best.
Now
CHICAGO'S NO. CHOICE
Safety Comes First
The safety of our guests and crew is our number one priority. After more than 80 years providing memorable cruises of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan for millions of guests, we are proud to say we have a perfect safety record.
All of our vessels are regulated, licensed and inspected by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) every year, and have undergone stability testing to ensure our guests are safe on their waterway experience. Our captains and deckhands go through an extensive training and drilling program that goes above and beyond the standards set by the USCG. Because we are committed to continuing education, we provide extra training every day to our crew.
If you have any questions on our safety training protocols or additional concerns, please contact us at info@FirstLady.com.
Our Commitment
First Lady is deeply committed to bettering the city we love. We’re excited to support Center on Halsted as our 2026 corporate social responsibility partner. Trust and safety are part of our core values, and fostering them within our community is important. That is why aligning with the Center on Halsted makes sense, as inclusivity and well-being are values we share. Center on Halsted advances community and supports the health and well-being of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer individuals in Chicagoland and throughout the Midwest. Through programs, services, and events that meet people where they are at every stage of life, COH serves more than 40,000 individuals annually. We are proud to support organizations that reflect these values and contribute to positive change.