April 2026

We Are Adding a New Boat to Our Fleet!

All of us at Lake Geneva Cruise Line are excited to announce that we are adding a new boat to our classic fleet! Launching this summer, this new boat, name to be determined, will be used for private charters and on an all-new Shoreline Architectural Tour.  

NEW BOAT DETAILS

  • Capacity: 125+ Passengers
  • Dining Capacity: 60+ Passengers
  • Width: 19 feet
  • Length: 65 feet
  • Three levels: First & second for passengers, top deck for pilot house
  • Enclosed passenger decks
  • Open-air bow on the upper deck with partial hard canopy

“We are looking to create a new experience, different from the rest of the fleet,” said Bill Gage, Jr., third-generation owner of Gage Marine Corporation and Lake Geneva Cruise Line. “This new boat will have a warmer atmosphere, Art Deco accents, nickel and chrome fittings and fixtures instead of traditional brass. Every element of the design is intentional to enhance the customer experience.” 

OUR NEW NAME!

We are excited and proud to announce the winning name for the newest addition to its fleet is the Majestic.

Ultimately, Majestic is such a strong name with ties to two of our company’s previous excursion boats and many other great memories around the lake. We felt it was time to carry that tradition into the future. 

The contest generated an impressive range of submissions that reflected both the character of Lake Geneva and the creativity of the community. Entries drew inspiration from Lake Geneva’s rich history, grand lakeside estates, and iconic landmarks, including the Riviera, while others celebrated America’s upcoming 250th anniversary through patriotic themes of liberty, freedom, and Americana. Many participants embraced classic maritime traditions and elegant names featuring Genevieve and Queen, while others honored the lake’s Indigenous heritage and local legends. From timeless and sophisticated to playful and unexpected, the submissions showcased the many ways residents and visitors connect with Lake Geneva and its stories. The breadth and thoughtfulness of the entries made the final selection both exciting and challenging for the review committee. The winning entry was selected following a review process that considered creativity, relevance to Lake Geneva, and alignment with the Cruise Line’s history and values. 

Selected from over 2,000 submissions received during the Cruise Line’s community-wide naming contest, the name was submitted by fourteen people, who will each be invited to the Launch Party for the new boat. The official winner of the naming contest is Danny Hecko, who submitted the first entry of Majestic in the contest. The new vessel will officially join the fleet later this season, carrying on Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s tradition of creating memorable experiences on the water for over 150 years. 

Photo Credit: Larry Larkin, “Full Speed Ahead”

THE WINNING ENTRIES

The below people all submitted the name Majestic:

Danny Hecko
Amy Peterson
Russ Moritz
Wendy Russell
Dan Green
Kenneth Schooley
Rob Tschurtz
Lisa Pavett
Christopher Baumbach
Douglas Clements
Wesley Cornue
Hannah Green
Mia Hoover
Dan Wieber

“We were overwhelmed by the creativity and enthusiasm shown by our community throughout this contest,” said FJ Frazier, Chief Operating Officer of Gage Marine Corporation.  

The Majestic, built in 1891 for the Congress Club, was a steam yacht added to the Lake Geneva Steamer Line fleet in 1894 and used to transport area visitors and locals around the lake until 1920. In 1925, the Whileaway was renamed as the Majestic and added to the excursion boat company where it carried passengers until 1947.* Interestingly, the new Majestic’s dimensions are very close to the original Majestic. 

“As a family business with roots on Lake Geneva dating back generations, it’s incredibly meaningful to see the community become part of this tradition,” said Bill Gage, third-generation owner of Gage Marine Corporation. “Having recently celebrated our company’s 150th anniversary, we wanted this boat to reflect both the legacy we’ve built and our commitment to the future. Our core values center on our customers, colleagues, and community, and this new vessel embodies all three, from the name that was inspired by our community, to the investment we’re making in our customers’ experience, and finally to the craftsmanship of our team in its development.” 

As a special thank you to participants, the first 75 individuals who submitted name suggestions have been selected to receive an exclusive invitation for themselves and a guest to attend the new boat’s official launch celebration. Those invitees are being contacted directly by Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Details regarding the launch event will be shared at a later date. 

This new boat represents Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s continued investment in providing exceptional public tours and private charters on Lake Geneva while preserving the traditions and stories that have made the Cruise Line a cherished destination for generations. 

NAMING CONTEST DETAILS

But adding a new boat to an over 150-year-old fleet isn’t the only exciting news. What’s a brand-new boat without a brand-new name? Lake Geneva Cruise Line is asking customers and community members to help them name this new boat!

Name submissions are closed as of May 15, 2026.

Names will be reviewed by a Gage Marine Corporation committee consisting of employees of various business divisions.  

The first 75 entries will be invited, along with a guest, to the boat launch event for the maiden voyage this summer!

The winner, the person whose name is chosen for the new boat, and their guest will also receive an invitation to the launch party! But that’s not all. They will also receive a $250 PIER 290 restaurant gift card, a complimentary Lake Life Season Pass for Lake Geneva Cruise Line, and a Gage gift basket from the Lake Life Store. 

Name submissions will be collected online only through May 15, 2026. The name will be selected and the winner announced on May 29, 2026. The launching celebration date will be announced later this year. 

May 29 Update:

We want to sincerely thank everyone who participated in our naming contest for our new boat! The response was incredible, and honestly, a little overwhelming in the best way possible. With more than 2,000 submissions to review, we’ve decided to extend the announcement date to Wednesday, July 1, as we carefully deliberate and choose the perfect name for the newest member of our time-honored fleet.

Thank you again for your enthusiasm, creativity, and patience throughout this process. We can’t wait to share the final name with you soon!

* Reference: “Full Speed Ahead,” Larry Larkin