Cruise Vacations From Chicago

American Canadian Caribbean Line

• American Canadian Caribbean Line specializes in small-ship cruises to areas that large vessels cannot reach. The company describes an experience akin to "private yacht vacations of a bygone era." Many of their cruises are in the Midwest, including a Lake Michigan trip that leaves from Chicago's historic Navy Pier. The trip has a six-night itinerary, with three stops in Michigan (Holland, Manistee and Mackinac Island) and two stops in Wisconsin (Sturgeon Bay and Milwaukee). It is available several times throughout the year aboard the company's Grande Mariner ship.

  The company also offers a Great American Waterways cruise with a 15-night itinerary. The trip includes several destinations, among them Mackinac Island, Cleveland, Buffalo and Rochester, New York. Other stops are along the historic Erie Canal. When accessible, guests are given tours of West Point Military Academy when the cruise is in New York.

  The company has a "bring your own bottle" liquor policy for guests. Fishing is allowed where legal when the boat is anchored. Chartered trips can be arranged for groups that use 10 or more cabins.

  American Canadian Caribbean Line, Inc.
  461 Water Street
  P.O. Box 368
  Warren, RI 02885
  800-556-7450
  accl-smallships.com

Windy City Sailing

• Windy City Sailing specializes in small charters for one to six passengers aboard luxury yachts. Among its offerings is a bed-and-breakfast service that gives passengers views of the Chicago skyline and the opportunity to watch Navy Pier fireworks from the water. The overnight trip is designed for couples. The yacht features a kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a DVD player. The packages that include fireworks are available from Memorial Day to mid-September. The boat departs from Monroe Harbor.

  Windy City Sailing
  3623 North Leavitt St.
  Chicago, IL 60618
  www.windycitysailing.com
  773-868-0096

Tall Ship Windy

• Most of the Tall Ship Windy excursions are day trips, but the company does offer private overnight charters for up to 36 people. The ship, a four-mast schooner reminiscent of old trading boats, departs from Navy Pier. It has three decks, four marine toilets and two showers. There are 12 cabins, including one in a dunk bed style. Popular uses for the overnight trips are educational outings and corporate team-building exercises.

  Lakeshore Sail Charters LLC
  401 East Illinois St., Suite 332
  Chicago IL 60611
  312-404-5800
  lakeshoresail.com