SANFORD — While Central Florida is well known to tourists for its busy theme parks, so much of Florida’s appeal has traditionally been about something else entirely: nature.
Those who love exploring Florida’s beautiful and historic waterways beyond its pristine beaches have found plenty of natural beauty while sightseeing aboard the Barbara-Lee, the riverboat cruise ship operated by the St. Johns Rivership Co. in Sanford. The 3-hour cruise along the St. Johns River has become one of the most popular dining and entertainment events in Central Florida.
Now the cruises are finding new ways to entice people to go sailing with them, courtesy of a kitchen that’s branching out into new meals designed for all taste buds.
St. Johns Rivership Co. just announced t was expanding its cruise schedule starting in September, while adding new menu items and unique dining experiences this fall.
“Starting September 1, St. Johns Rivership Co. is offering a lunch and dinner option five days a week,” the popular riverboat company noted in a news release. “Sailing Wednesday through Sunday, the dining cruises will include a variety of food, entertainment, and sailing times.”
This is in addition to their regular dinner shows, music performances, and special events hosted regularly held on the Barbara-Lee.
What Are the New Dining Options on Barbara-Lee?
A new and expansive menu is already available for the upcoming hot-off-the-grill and fresh-from-the-oven dining opportunities that will be available on the Barbara-Lee this fall.
“These new options include a shortened Italian Buffet cruise on Wednesday and Thursday evenings as well as a continuation of our traditional full service lunch and dinners,” the cruise ship company noted. “Our traditional lunch and dinner menus have also gotten a refresh, offering guests a couple of new options as well as retaining our most popular items. Some of the new highlights include crab cakes, jambalaya, and vegan ravioli.”
The new menu has already been posted on the St. Johns Rivership website.
The sailing is done aboard the Rivership Barbara-Lee, a historic, authentic sternwheeler that sails the St. Johns River, the longest river in Florida at 310 miles long, and one that flows north and winds through or borders an impressive 12 counties The Barbara-Lee was built in 1986 by Patti Marine enterprises in Pensacola to provide dinner cruise service, and after finding a home in Clearwater and Daytona Beach, it moved to the St. Johns Rivership Co. in 2012.
The St. Johns River has been a popular destination for tourists for decades, thanks to it scenic beauty and wildlife, and the fact that the river is steeped in history, having hosted some of Florida’s earliest settlements. The Barbara-Lee takes passengers on a three hour cruise up and down the river, often twice a day.
What Other Events are Hosted on the Barbara-Lee?
Additional upcoming events will include High Tea Aboard the Barbara-Lee, offering patrons a choice of unlimited tea and a selection of culinary treats.
“High Tea is now offered twice per month! This month’s theme is Beauty & the Beast,” the company notes. “Each high tea includes a 2 hour cruise while enjoying a themed high tea experience with sandwiches, scones and sweets!
The company will also host Seafood & Jazz on Friday, Aug. 15, hosted at The Sanford Galleon, 541 N. Palmetto Ave. in Sanford.
“Join Angler’s Choice Seafood and Evolushon Band for an unforgettable evening of food and music at the Sanford Galleon, a one-of-a-kind, beautifully decorated waterfront venue on stunning Lake Monroe in Historic Downtown Sanford,” the company notes. “This is a land event, not a river cruise!”
Another river cruise opportunity is the upcoming show Lights Of The Lagoon, a dining cruise experience on Saturday, Aug. 24, featuring actors portraying fairy tale characters.
“Join Rapunzel and Flynn aboard the Barbara-Lee for an evening dining cruise! Fun for the whole family as guests are invited to join in the magic during an interactive lantern ceremony, making a wish and helping Rapunzel light up the night sky,” the company notes.
Where Can I Sail on the Barbara-Lee Cruise Ship?
The St. John Rivership Co. is at 433 N. Palmetto Ave., in downtown Sanford. To learn more or find the schedules for upcoming cruises, call 321.204.0274 or email the company at info@stjohnsrivershipco.com.
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright and author of the terrifying book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
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