In the Spotlight: St. Johns Rivership Co.

Where: Sanford, Florida (North Orlando)
Style: Historic paddlewheel riverboat
Tea Selection: 35 bagged teas
Teatimes: Themed monthly teas
Reservations: Ticket purchase required
Contact: Purchase tickets here, 321-320-8466
Cost: $45 Adult; $20 (ages 4 to 14); Free (ages 3 and under) – includes two-hour cruise

Prices and teatimes are subject to change. Please see our Florida afternoon tea directory for the latest details.

Originally built in 1986, the Barbara-Lee “recalls the elegance of the steamers that once plied the St. Johns River between Jacksonville and Sanford, Florida” [St. Johns Rivership Co. website]. When Michelle Wyatt bought this dining cruise business in 2023, she says she fell in love with the ship’s wooden paddle wheel and ornate wrought iron railings. As she brainstormed for the ship’s calendar of events, she asked herself what people would enjoy doing that would tie in with the historical theme of the ship. Married to a British man, she didn’t have to look far for inspiration. So in August 2024, she launched the first of her tea cruises. At first, hurricane season dampened attendence, but what started as one tea cruise per month soon grew to two. Now she is considering adding a third day, as these events have begun selling out.

Afternoon Tea on the River

The Barbara-Lee can accommodate up to 100 guests for afternoon tea on three enclosed, climate-controlled decks.

We are impressed by the affordability of these afternoon teas, which include bottomless teas and unlimited finger sandwiches. This would be a great value anywhere, but on the Barbara-Lee, a two-hour cruise is also part of your ticket purchase.

Afternoon tea guests have riverside views

Each month, tables are decorated to reflect the new theme, often with custom placemats designed in-house, a themed centerpiece, and matching linens.

Table settings for last year’s Jane Austen 250th Birthday Tea, where a guest said, “I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate Jane’s birthday.”

Teas, Sandwiches, Scones and Sweets

A varied tea list includes caffeinated and caffeine-free options for all tastes.

Each guest orders their chosen tea, and may also try as many teas as they like throughout the course of the affair. If you like pairing different flavors with each course, you are welcome to do so!

The ship’s galley prepares the menu above for all teas, plating scones separately (served with cream and jam) and filling the tiered tray with freshly made sandwiches and mini pastries.

Dressing for the Occasion

Regencycore (dressing in the style of the Regency era) has had a major boost in popularity since 2020, when Netflix released the first Bridgerton series.

While guests are invited to dress casually for tea on the Barbara-Lee, or embrace the theme, as they prefer, more and more are choosing the latter. Owner Michelle reports that their most popular themes are the ones where adults feel comfortable coming in costume, “Easily, 15 to 25 percent of our guests are dressed up at each event.” For their Witches’ Brew Tea, they welcomed “a million witches on board.” Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, Jane Austen and British Royalty themes are also very popular with historical societies and cosplay groups that enjoy coming in period dress. A local historical costume group, Dapper Orlando, volunteered to be part of the ship’s entertainment team, walking around in full costume to greet guests, in character.