Dining Cruise Experiences on St Johns River From Sanford Florida

The St. Johns River in Sanford, Florida, offers an enticing dining cruise experience aboard the Barbara-Lee. With a customizable four-course menu and scenic waterway views, the cruise provides an enjoyable outing for up to 176 guests. Whether celebrating a special occasion or seeking a unique dining adventure, this cruise’s accessibility and cash bar make it an appealing option for families and couples alike. But there’s more to discover about the journey itself and what makes it a memorable experience.

This experience made our article of Orlando’s 11 Best Dining Experiences.

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Key Points

The Barbara-Lee dining cruise offers a four-course meal experience on the St. Johns River, catering to up to 176 guests in Sanford, Florida.
The menu features eight entrees cooked to order, with dietary options and alcoholic beverages available for purchase by guests 21 and over.
The cruise provides wheelchair-accessible transportation, but some accessibility limitations exist, such as non-wheelchair-accessible restrooms and stair navigation required to access other decks.
Past guest reviews have been mixed, with positive feedback highlighting friendly staff and entertainment, while critiques focus on timing of cocktail service and food quality.
Guests can redeem their tickets at the St Johns Rivership Company meeting point and should arrive on time for the scheduled departure.

Overview of the Dining Cruise Experience

The St Johns River dining cruise experience takes place aboard the Barbara-Lee, a boat that can accommodate up to 176 travelers.

The St Johns River dining cruise experience takes place aboard the Barbara-Lee, a boat that can accommodate up to 176 travelers.

Located in Sanford, Florida, the cruise offers 3.5-star reviews from past guests. Priced from $74 per person, the experience allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can choose from 8 entrees cooked to order, with dietary options available. The four-course meal includes an appetizer, salad, rolls, main course, and dessert.

A cash bar offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for guests 21 and over.

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Dining Options Aboard the Barbara-Lee

Guests aboard the Barbara-Lee can choose from an array of dining options, including both lunch and dinner. The menu offers eight entrees cooked to order, catering to various dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian.

The meal is structured as a four-course experience, with an appetizer, salad, rolls, the main entree, and a dessert. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the cash bar, restricted to guests 21 and over, while non-alcoholic options like tea, coffee, and water are included.

The dining experience give you a well-rounded and customizable culinary journey on the St. Johns River.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Although the Barbara-Lee is largely accessible, with options for wheelchair-accessible transportation and infant seats, some accessibility limitations exist.

The restrooms aren’t wheelchair-accessible, and a raised threshold must be navigated to enter. Stair navigation is required to access levels other than the main deck.

Service animals are allowed, and the cruise is stroller-accessible. However, the restrooms’ lack of full accessibility may pose challenges for some guests.

The host emphasizes that they aim to accommodate guests’ needs to the best of their abilities, though certain physical constraints of the vessel can’t be fully overcome.

Guest Feedback and Host Responses

Diners have offered mixed reviews for the dining cruise experience on the St Johns River. Some praise the friendly staff and nice entertainment, while others critique the timing of cocktail service.

The host’s response emphasizes the food quantity and variety offered. Positive experiences, especially during special occasions like Thanksgiving, are highlighted.

Our diverse menu and generous portions create an unforgettable dining experience, especially during cherished occasions like Thanksgiving.

The reviews indicate a range of impressions, with some guests delighted by the ambiance and service, and others less satisfied with the food quality.

The host aims to address concerns and showcase the dining options available on the St Johns River cruise.

Exploring the St Johns River Waterway

The St Johns River, a remarkable waterway meandering through central Florida, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore its rich natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

This 310-mile-long river is home to a variety of ecosystems, including marshes, cypress swamps, and pine flatwoods, providing a habitat for numerous species of birds, fish, and other wildlife.

Travelers can enjoy the serene beauty of the river by participating in activities like kayaking, canoeing, or taking a scenic boat tour.

The river’s calm waters and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

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Celebrating Special Occasions on the Cruise

What better way to celebrate a special occasion than on a dining cruise along the serene St Johns River?

The Barbara-Lee cruise offers a unique and memorable setting for birthdays, anniversaries, or Thanksgiving gatherings. Guests can choose from 8 entrees and enjoy a four-course meal with appetizers, salads, rolls, and desserts.

Dietary restrictions are accommodated, and a cash bar provides options for adults. Though the reviews are mixed, the cruise’s positive experiences highlight the appeal of celebrating milestones on the water.

With a maximum capacity of 176 travelers, the cruise provides an intimate and scenic backdrop for any special event.

Meeting and Pickup Logistics

Where can guests meet for the dining cruise experience on the St Johns River? The meeting point is 433 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, USA, where the St Johns Rivership Company is located. This is also the end point where the cruise returns.

Guests can meet for the dining cruise experience on the St Johns River at 433 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford, FL 32771, USA.

Guests can redeem their tickets at the St Johns Rivership Company at the meeting address.
The cruise departs from and returns to this same location.
Transportation and infant seats are available for accessibility.
Guests should arrive on time, as the cruise will depart as scheduled.

Booking and Reservation Details

How can travelers book and reserve their dining cruise experience on the St Johns River?

Guests can reserve their tickets through the St Johns Rivership Company’s website or by calling their customer service number.

Bookings can be made up to 24 hours in advance, with free cancellation available up to a day before the cruise.

Payment can be made online or over the phone, with rates starting at $74 per person.

Customers should arrive at the meeting point on Palmetto Avenue in Sanford, Florida, at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to complete their check-in and boarding process.

The Sum Up

The dining cruise on the St. Johns River from Sanford, Florida, offers guests a memorable culinary experience while enjoying scenic views. With a customizable four-course meal, accessible options, and a cash bar, the cruise caters to diverse tastes and occasions, making it an enjoyable outing for families and couples alike. The Barbara-Lee’s 3.5-star reviews suggest a well-received dining adventure on the waterway.