News Summary
Jacksonville has officially docked the luxury yacht Royal Princess, capable of accommodating 180 passengers for public and private charters. Docked at 1501 Riverplace Boulevard, the yacht’s first maiden voyage is set for September 14. Owners Lezlee and Capt. Rob Bellanich aim to reinvigorate Jacksonville’s waterfront with active waterways, paralleling urban centers like New York and Miami. They hope this luxury yacht will enhance Jacksonville’s appeal, attract visitors, and foster a vibrant community centered around the St. Johns River.
Jacksonville Welcomes Luxury Yacht Royal Princess for Public and Private Charters
A 180-passenger luxury event yacht named Royal Princess has officially made Jacksonville its permanent dock, offering both public and private charters. This announcement was made by the yacht’s owners, Lezlee and Capt. Rob Bellanich, whose company, Jax Yacht Charter, is based in the vibrant city.
Location and Availability
The Royal Princess is now docked at 1501 Riverplace Boulevard, Unit Dock on the Southbank, directly in front of Chart House. This strategic location is anticipated to attract both locals and tourists eager to experience the beauty of the St. Johns River aboard the luxurious yacht. The first maiden voyage is scheduled for September 14, with public cruise dates for the month of October expected to be announced shortly thereafter.
Background of the Owners
The Bellanich family previously operated the Royal Princess in New York, but decided to make a temporary move to Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision was partly influenced by the health challenges faced by Rob Bellanich, who suffered from an autoimmune disease that resulted in liver failure. September 10 marks a significant milestone for the family, celebrating the fifth anniversary of Rob Bellanich’s liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic from an anonymous donor.
Vision for Jacksonville’s Waterfront
Lezlee Bellanich expressed a strong desire to reinvigorate the downtown Jacksonville waterfront. She emphasized the importance of having active waterways to ensure a vibrant community, drawing parallels to renowned cities such as New York, Chicago, Newport, Rhode Island, and Miami. The Bellanichs envision a flourishing ‘riviera’ in downtown Jacksonville, which aligns with Lezlee’s sentiments regarding the aesthetic charm of the St. Johns River, highlighting daily dolphin and manatee sightings.
Future Prospects for Jacksonville’s Yachting Scene
In welcoming additional yachts to the Jacksonville area, Lezlee believes that their presence can further enhance the city’s waterfront appeal and attract more visitors. The Bellanichs hope to contribute to a more vibrant and engaging waterfront environment that captures the essence of important urban centers across the country.
Booking and Information
For those interested in chartering the Royal Princess, whether for public excursions or private events, further details are available through Jax Yacht Charter. This development marks an exciting new chapter for both the yacht and the Jacksonville community, fostering a connection between residents, visitors, and the beautiful waterways that the city has to offer.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News4Jax: Luxury Yacht Royal Princess Docked in Jacksonville
- Wikipedia: Yacht
- Travel Age West: Cruise Homeports in the Eastern US
- Google Search: Luxury Event Yacht
- News4Jax: Watch Live News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter Boat
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
