St. Johns Rivership Co.
by Jeannine Gage
When Michelle Wyatt bought the Barbara Lee (and its operating company, the St. Johns Rivership Co.) in 2023, she initially concentrated on making upgrades to the paddleboat.
Then Michelle created and opened a stylish event space known as The Sanford Galleon, located at the Sanford Marina overlooking Lake Monroe. Now, she is focusing on the rivership’s entertainment and is getting quite creative with the offerings.
“We get a lot of tourists who we only see once,” says Michelle, “but we are here first and foremost for the local community. So, we want to offer the community lots of different options and reasons to come back.”
One of the rivership’s new specialty events is the High Tea Cruise, a beautifully curated midday escape. On these excursions, guests enjoy a traditional tea service featuring a three-tiered tray filled with warm scones, savory sandwiches, sweet breads, handcrafted desserts, and a selection of 35 premium teas.
Every High Tea Cruise is themed – think Downton Abbey, the Jane Austen-era, and Beauty and the Beast. With affordable pricing and décor that transforms the ship into another world, these two-hour cruises make for an ideal girls’ day, birthday outing, or mother-daughter tradition.
“The historical nature of the boat makes the perfect setting for a traditional high tea,” says Michelle. “Both are reminiscent of days gone by.”
For those who love theatrical entertainment while sailing on the water, the rivership’s Theater on the River shows make for a laughter-filled afternoon or evening.
Enjoy Phantasmagoria’s fan favorite Barbara Lee Comedy Wedding or the new Mystery Murder Theater: Pirate Mayhem, produced by Emerald Productions. Theater on the River events are three-hour lunch or dinner cruises that run on two Sundays a month and on select Thursdays.
“Pirate Mayhem is a humorous murder mystery production,” says Michelle.
“Guests participate in solving the crime – it’s really fun.”
Other rivership events, including delightful princess teas, cater to families with children. Orlando Character Events brings beloved characters from Wicked and Disney films on board to perform and mingle with guests, creating a magical experience for kids.
For music lovers, Rocking on the River sailings on Friday nights deliver high-energy fun with tribute bands, food à la carte, and music-themed bingo.
Sip & Sail cruises are a delicious choice for wine connoisseurs. These leisurely sailings include a four-course meal with a wine tasting led by a certified sommelier.
“The rivership has always been a unique experience,” says Michelle. “Now we’re adding unique entertainment to raise it to a whole new level.”
To learn more about the many entertainment options available on the Barbara Lee, visit StJohnsRivershipCo.com.