Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Agra.
Holly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Captain Bob Agra took over the management of his family’s river cruise business at the age of 18 years old upon the death of his father. We married when he was 21 and together we built a second tour river cruise business from the original company started by Bob’s grandfather in the 1930’s. Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, Mercury’s sister company, was born in 1991 with one custom designed vessel. Today has grown to five First Lady style yachts available for daytime tours and evening private parties. The business is staffed today by more than 120 full and part-time professionals who love showcasing Chicago’s skyline to residents and visitors to Chicago.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
All small businesses have challenges. That’s what makes being an entrepreneur so special-we meld the struggles with successes. Our industry is very competitive and highly regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard. We are very proud of our perfect safety record. In 2001 we relocated our docking facility after 68-years due to the Wacker Drive reconstruction project. It was a struggle to remind our customers to look for our business just one intersection to the east. Today that new location has blossomed into a beautiful dockside garden area and is an integral piece of the Chicago Riverwalk experience.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Chicago’s First Lady Cruises; Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiselines story. Tell us more about the business.
Our combined businesses strive to offer a Chicago cruise experience that is specialized for everyone. If you are visiting with your family and young children, our Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline provides a 90-minute tour of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan and features a unique ride through the Chicago River Lock. Our partnership with the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) enables us to provide a world-renowned tour of the Chicago River architecture.
Our cruises are the only ones on the river with CAF-certified volunteer docents describing over 53 significant buildings from the open-air upper decks of our Chicago’s First Lady vessels. During the evening hours our vessels are transformed into luxurious private party yachts featuring customized food and beverage options for convention and corporate entertaining, and family parties and unique weddings.
We are proud of our team, from those who maintain, pilot, coordinate and greet our customers to the more than 100 volunteer docents who give of their time and energy. We are most proud of our two sons and daughter-in-law who have grown to be the responsible 4th generation owners and are an integral part of our family business. The unique design and maintenance of our vessels, and our customer service style help to set us apart from others on the River. A portion of all ticket fees supports the great work of the Chicago Architecture Foundation as they strive to educate the public about why architectural design matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cruisechicago.com/
- Phone: 847.358.1330
- Email: chartersales@cruisechicago.com
- Instagram: @cflcruises
- Facebook: @cflcruises
- Twitter: @cflcruises
- Yelp: Chicago’s First Lady
- Other: https://www.mercurycruises.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
