Frequently Asked Questions
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All reservations submitted through the “book now” link are considered requests only. Once your request is submitted, a Yacht Charter Agreement will be sent via email and/or text for your review and signature. A payment link will be issued after the signed agreement is received.
Please include any inquiries or special requests in the comments section of the booking form. A team member will contact you within 24 hours to complete your reservation.
You are also welcome to email us anytime at info@lakeviewcharters.com.
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You will receive an invoice via email once your booking request and Yacht Charter Agreement has been reviewed and signed. To complete your booking, we must receive a signed Charter Agreement and your payment in full (or deposit if >14 days prior to reservation).
We accept electronic payments via Zelle, as well as all major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and AfterPay. Credit card and AfterPay payments are subject to processing fees.
Prior to departure, a team member must be presented with a photo ID that matches the name on the credit card used for the purchase.
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In accordance with US Coast Guard regulations, a maximum of 12 passengers are permitted on the yacht during your charter. This does not include the captain and crew.
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Once your booking is confirmed, we will provide you with a list of qualified Captains whose services you will book directly. If you are unable to secure a Captain from the provided list, we will identify one for you.
Please note that Captains are independent contractors hired at the Charterer's discretion. Captains are neither affiliated with Lakeview Charters, LLC nor employed by the company.
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The typical Captain rate ranges from $125 to $150 per hour. It is customary to tip the Captain/ crew 18- 20% of the total charter cost.
Please note that Captains are independent contractors hired at the Charterer's discretion. Captains are neither affiliated with Lakeview Charters, LLC nor employed by the company.
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We are located in Downtown Chicago, IL. The pick-up location and directions will be provided once your reservation is confirmed.
Please arrive to the specified location at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. A crew member will meet your entire group and escort you to the yacht.
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We strongly advise taking a rideshare to the marina, as there is no guest parking available on-site.
Further parking options will be provided once your booking is confirmed.
For more information regarding parking and rates, please visit the Chicago harbors website: https://www.chicagoharbors.info/harbors/
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We suggest that your group arrives at least 20 to 30 minutes before departure. Please notify us of any delays immediately via phone or email.
At the Charterer's request, we will delay departure for late arrivals; however, your charter time will be proportionally reduced. Your charter will NOT be prorated, discounted, or reimbursed due to tardiness.
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You are welcome to bring food and beverages onboard. We are BYOB friendly. Please be aware that a $500 cash security deposit is required to cover incidentals and cleaning costs if the yacht is not cleaned at the conclusion of your charter. The security deposit will be collected prior to departure and returned at the conclusion of the charter, minus any cleaning fees or damages.
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Although we are unable to provide direct food and beverage catering to clients, we can provide recommendations for third-party chefs and vendors. Please contact us for further details.
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Yes, we have a full refrigerator for your use onboard.
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Please bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a bathing suit and towel (if you plan to swim), food and/or beverages, and a phone charger.
On night charters or days with moderate temperatures, please bring a sweater, blanket, and/or a light jacket.
If you have any known allergies or medical requirements (i.e. motion sickness), please bring spare medications in the event of an emergency. A first-aid kit will be available onboard if needed.
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Yes, we welcome passengers of all ages. Please inform us if any infants or children will be onboard so that we can ensure we have the correct size life vests.
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Yes, we can accommodate your request for a Chicago River charter. Please be aware that all vessels must enter and exit through the Chicago Locks, which can take up to one hour per direction during peak traffic (weekends). This will add additional time to your charter, so the captain and crew must plan accordingly. The additional time required to enter and exit the locks will increase your hourly yacht rental and captain rates proportionally.