Maritime Day Luncheon Cruise following Blessing of Fleet Ceremony

We are delighted to share that on May 22 we will be hosting an exclusive Maritime Day Luncheon Cruise in partnership with event sponsor City Cruises.

The two-hour cruise will commence following a Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at Navy Pier, with attendees then embarking on the Chicago Elite for an afternoon of fine company, superb views, and a few drinks in the late spring sunshine.

The event, with lunch included, costs $80 for members, and we have also made this cruise available to non-members for $100.

You may also wish to join CPC for $150, which immediately entitles you to the discounted member rate on this and future events.

This was a super event last year, and we look forward to welcoming members, sponsors, and new faces. We’re expecting a strong turnout from across the industry – so don’t miss this opportunity to connect with maritime leaders.

Schedule for the day (subject to change):

12.30-1,30: Ceremony at the Captain at the Helm statue

1.30- 2 pm: Boarding the Chicago Elite vessel

2:30 pm: Cruise begins

4:30 pm: Cruise finishes. Optional post-event drinks nearby (at own expense)

Location: Navy Pier and aboard the Chicago Elite vessel

Ticket Options:

CPC Member – $80

Non-Member – $100

New Member + Cruise – $150

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Interested in raising your company’s visibility? Event and speaking sponsorships are available from $500 to $1,000. Contact us to learn more.

The event will form part of Chicago’s annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, which marks the beginning of Chicago’s boating season. The blessing is a centuries-old tradition and will see about a dozen boats gather, including vessels from U.S. Coast Guard, Chicago Police Marine Unit, Chicago Fire Department Marine Unit, vessels from Chicago’s popular tour boat community as well as members of the International Shipmasters Association Lodge #3.

A wreath in honor of fallen seafarers will be blessed and laid upon the waters adjacent to Navy Pier.

National Maritime Day is a U.S. federal observance held annually on May 22 to honor the Merchant Marine, maritime industry, and the people who serve at sea, recognizing their vital role in the nation’s economy, defense, and history.

The day was created by the U.S. Congress on May 20, 1933 to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship — the American S.S. Savannah — which departed Savannah, Georgia, in 1819. This historic crossing marked the beginning of American maritime excellence and the rise of the Merchant Marine as a critical national asset.

During World War II, over 250,000 American merchant mariners served, with more than 6,700 losing their lives, hundreds detained as prisoners of war, and hundreds of U.S. merchant ships sunk or damaged. Their service was essential to sustaining the war effort, delivering troops, weapons, and supplies.

National Maritime Day is both a celebration and a commemoration:

• Celebration: Recognizes the contributions of seafarers, shipbuilders, port workers, and others in the maritime industry to the U.S. economy, trade, and national security
• Commemoration: Honors the sacrifices of merchant mariners, especially those who served in wartime The White House.

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