St. Johns Rivership Co.

Enjoy a unique and memorable Wedding on the Barbara-Lee, St. Johns Rivership Co., a 103-foot-long authentic Sternwheeler. Get married by the captain of the boat while cruising up the St. Johns River.

The onboard galley prepares mouthwatering cuisine and a full-service bar on both the first and second interior decks. The Barbara Lee has seating capacity for full table-service dining up to 190 guests.

While cruising the St Johns River take in the breathtaking views of the Florida manatees, river otters, waterfowl, blue herons, bald eagles, turtles and alligators.

The Rivership Barbara-Lee is an authentic sternwheeler that sails the St. Johns River.  The Barbara-Lee has had several owners since she was built, and has gone through one name change and docked in multiple locations throughout Florida.

The boat was built in 1986 by Patti Marine enterprises in Pensacola to provide dinner cruise service in Clearwater, Fl and adjacent areas. She was named Starlite Princess.
In 1995, Starlite Princess was moved from Hamlin’s Landing in Indian Rocks Beach to the Tampa Convention Center for local operation.
In 2009, Starlite Princess is documented to have operated in Daytona on the Halifax river from dockage at 721 Ballough Rd.
In 2012, Starlite Princess moved to the St. John’s Rivership company in Sanford with new ownership, upgrades and name changed to Barbara Lee.
In 2023, the boat was acquired by the Wyatt Family.  It has been extensively remodeled in 2024.

The ship measures 105 feet from stem-to-stern.  Featuring ornate wrought iron railings and wooden paddle wheels, the Barbara-Lee exudes the elegance of historical steamers on the St. Johns River.

The ship has five decks and can accommodate up to 176 guests, making it suitable for hosting events of varying sizes. All enclosed decks have climate control.

Main Deck
Seats 72 and features an elevated Main Stage, dance floor and well-stocked bar
Mezzanine Deck
Seats 40 and offers views of the paddlewheel and Main Stage
Second Floor Deck
Seats 64 and features its own dance floor with a “lookout” through to the Main Stage.
Paddle wheel Deck
A covered open-air deck overlooking the wheels allows you to stay out of the sun while enjoying unobstructed views of the river and its wildlife.
Observation Deck
The topmost, open-air deck featuring benches and the captain’s steering cabin

Today, the St. Johns Rivership Co. revives the traditions of historical sternwheelers and celebrates America’s great sternwheeler heritage.