Chicago's Newest River Tour Boat Christened
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Measuring 98 feet long and 34 feet wide, and with space for 299 passengers, Chicago's Leading Lady is the newest vessel on the Chicago River.
"It's the largest it our fleet," said Holly Agra, President, Chicago's First Lady Cruises.
Dozens dressed in their maritime best Monday to watch the traditional champagne crack across the bow.
"It's fabulous. It's something that we can enjoy for years to come," said passenger Judy Rice.
Bob Agra and his family have been showing people the beauty of the Windy City for 76 years.
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"My grandfather actually started at Navy Pier with speedboat rides in the mid-30s, and over the decades and the generations, the business has grown in size and complexity and Chicago's Leading Lady is the latest example of that growth," said Captain Bob Agra, co-owner, Chicago's First Lady Cruises.
The 98-ton vessel is similar to the design of her sister yachts -- Chicago's First Lady, Chicago's Little Lady, and Chicago's Fair Lady, all the reminiscent of the graceful 1920s wooden cruising yachts such as the presidential yacht Sequoia. The boat features an open air deck and a climate controlled main deck salon, full service bar, plus high tech entertainment options.
Holly Agra says a day on the boat takes people back to simpler times.
"We are trying to relive the more calmer days in Chicago where people came out to enjoy themselves and left their troubles behind," she said.
"Tourism is booming in Chicago," Holly Agra continued, "and the addition of the newest and largest member of the First Lady Cruises fleet is direct result of that."
Chicago's Leading Lady made its maiden voyage on July 1. It cruises the river through Thanksgiving.
